How to install shade cloth

How to install shade cloth

Nadine
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How to install shade cloth

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Project Overview

A shade cloth in the garden is a great to protect your plants from the summer heat. We’ll show you how to attach shade cloth to a frame over your garden beds.
Continue to step-by-step instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1 Attach fix strips to the top of the frame
2 Cut the end strips to size
3 Spread the shade cloth over the frame
4 Stretch the cloth over the fix strips and hammer them down
5 Work your way along the frame
6 Trim the edges

  • Step 1. Attach fix strips to the top of the frame

    Nail the fix strips to the top of the shade frame, making sure they’re not too close to the edge, so that you don’t split your timber. Make sure the nails on the strips are facing outwards. When you stretch the shade cloth over the frame, these will hold it in place. Use butt joins to make sure the fix strips are flush against each other. Continue this process all the way around the frame.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Person nailing fix strips to the of the shade frame

  • Step 2. Cut the end strips to size

    When you get to the ends, you’ll probably not have enough space left for a whole strip. Just use your tin snips to cut the strips to size.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Person cutting end strips to size

  • Step 3. Spread the shade cloth over the frame

    Roll out the shade cloth. Set up two ladders at one end. Stretch the cloth over the first end. Make sure its sitting evenly across the end with some excess on either side.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Person spreading shade cloth over the frame

  • Step 4. Stretch the cloth over the fix strips and hammer them down

    Put some tension on the cloth and stretch it sideways and lengthways to make sure it is nice and taught. The fix strips hooks should be pushing through. Nail them down with a hammer.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Person hammering down stretch cloth in fix strips

  • Step 5. Work your way along the frame

    Work your way from one end of the frame to the other along the length. Pull the shade cloth towards you and also lift it and bring it forward with you. This creates great tension at the back and keeps the cloth nice and tight. When you get to the ends, pull the shade tight lengthways and sideways, and nail them down.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Person stretching cloth over fix strips

  • Step 6. Trim the edges

    Trim the edges of the shade to the edges of the beams so you can’t see anything from the ground. Follow all the edges around making sure not to cut too close to your nails.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Person trimming edges of the shade

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • Hammer
  • Knife and scissors
  • Ladder
  • Tin snips

Materials

  • Nails
  • Shade cloth
  • Timber fasteners

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