Choosing the correct size of a shade sail can be frightening: Learn how to do it

how to choose the correct size for your shade sail

Choosing the correct size of a wing can be frightening for those who are faced with this choice for the first time, but thanks to this guide everything will be easier.

Let's start with a general concept: sails need to be anchored in every corner . Between the anchor point and the stainless steel ring placed on the corner of the sail we must place a means of tension that allows the sail to be taut.

The minimum size of the tensioning means is 35 cm and this is also the recommended size: the closer the sail is to the pole or wall, the more stable it will be. There must be a meter between the sail and the anchor at most. We must therefore remain within a minimum tolerance of 70 centimeters and a maximum of 2 meters.

Therefore, from the available area we must always remove AT LEAST 70 centimeters to calculate the size of the perfect sail for us

Some examples:

TOTAL AREA 5.20 X 4.80 = maximum size of the sail 4.50 x 4.10
we can choose whether to make a tailor-made sail of this size or whether to buy a standard 4x4

TOTAL AREA 6.70 X 5.20 = maximum size of the sail 6.00 x 4.50
we can choose whether to make a custom-made sail of this size or whether to buy a standard 6x4

TOTAL AREA 3.90 X 8.70 = maximum size of the sail 3.20 X 8.00
we can choose whether to make a tailor-made sail to best cover the 24 square meters or cover 18 by installing a 3 x 6 with which we are at the limit in how much we will have 1 meter of distance in the 6 meters side

Types of anchoring and relative dimensions

Since we have to give a good tension to the sail and that the quick release is always handy, we always recommend buying the Muscle x3 kits because with a single product we will have room for maneuver on the dimensions (the kit allows you to stay from 35 cm to the meter without the need for other accessories), multiplication of force (with only 15 kg applied to the top the sail will receive 45) and quick release.

Maanta recommends its Muscle x3 kit for professional anchoring.

The Muscle x3 system is already included with all Maanta poles and is available as wall kit with wall plate !

The simple kit equipped of classic tie rod is certainly valid but does not have a force multiplier and is adjustable from 30 to 40 centimeters, to add space you will need to add additional carabiners.

The nautical rope kit is certainly effective, the adjustment is dynamic up to one meter but there is no force multiplication or quick release.

Maanta shade sail poles

Measure and design the anchor using our shade poles.

Another topic we often talk about is our shade sail poles.

Our poles have been developed to allow multiple angles to hook into the front and rear lanes.

Alu-Simple is in painted aluminum , as this material flexes less than steel: the minor flexion will help the sail stay tighter, drain the water better, cut the wind better.

Ulisse is in elliptical steel : this shape was always chosen to have less flex and a more refined design.

The base of both is in sturdy galvanized steel with a thickness of 1 cm ! The base and stump alone weigh more than 10 kilos, just to give you an order of magnitude of the strength of the posts.

It is essential to have a good height difference between the sides , especially in waterproof sails.

Only thanks to the slope will the water flow correctly ! We recommend a minimum of 80 centimeters but the more we tilt the better, especially in the case of sails over 20 square meters!

Of incorrectly sized and flexible poles , the lack of slope and the lack of tension can lead to really unpleasant and dangerous situations, especially in waterproof sails where there is the possibility that form pockets of water of hundreds of liters and therefore kilos!

Example of installation with Maanta sails , not correctly tensioned and inclined, and NON Maanta poles :

The result after the first heavy rain is disastrous.

The photo you see below is explanatory and testifies to the resistance of our fabrics! The customer then chose to equip himself with Maanta kits thanks to which he was able to have a correct tension and important and independent inclinations with an incomparable aesthetic and functional effect !!!

Measure the overall dimensions of the anchors using Maanta poles

The space of the tensioning and fixing systems is entirely absorbed in case of inclination at 75 ° while we must take it into account in case in which we choose the 90° pole version or with wall collar .

If we decide to cover a total area of 4 m with a sail, we DO NOT HAVE to calculate the overall dimensions of the tie rod if we take the version of the poles with an inclination of 75°
Instead, we MUST calculate the presence of the tie rod and drill at 4.70 m in the case of a 90° pole or wall collar.

Free assistance in custom sail configuration!

We help you identify the best anchor points, ideal dimensions, and the most suitable fabric — offering practical advice to find the best solution for your outdoor space.

The Maanta technical team is here with expert, free guidance to support you every step of the way.

Size "under tension" and fabric elongation factor

When you choose a "Saill" or "Solaria" sail with standard sizes or when you configure it "made to measure", you will come across the term "size under tension".

What does this expression mean and what dare you have to consider when choosing and buying?

"Under tension" sizes
All the measurements you will find on our website refer to correctly tensioned sails:

standard sail sizes
the measurements that you will insert in the "made to measure" configurator

Our fabrics (like all technical fabrics) stretch slightly when placed under tension. The elongation takes place gradually in the first weeks.
The initial size of the sail that we will send you is slightly less than the "under tension" measurement.

“Your shade sail will reach its final size approx. 14-21 days after installation. "

The elongation of the fabrics
Like all solid materials, shade sail fabrics also stretch when subjected to traction forces.
This slight "elasticity" allows the fabrics to effectively combat the impact of gusts of wind, hail and rain without damaging yourself.

The ability to absorb these forces gives our sails a very high longevity and strength.
The elongation factor varies for our two fabrics:

Purishade® stretches by 1.5%-3.5% depending on the overall size of the shade sail (approx. 7-18 cm over 5 meters)
Meshnet® stretches by 4%-8% depending on the overall size of the shade sail (approx. 20-40 cm over 5 meters)

Maanta already predicts and compensates for the elongation factor. You won't have to worry about choosing a smaller sail.

Here is the example of a Solaria Waterproof sail in Purishade fabric with 5 x 5 m "under tension" size:
The new and never assembled 5 x 5 m sail initially measures 490 x 490 cm.
Later some days the fabric stretches by approx. 7-18 cm (ie approx. 1.5%-3.5% of the initial length depending on the overall size of the shade sail) and reaches the final "under tension" size of 500 x 500 cm.

I have just received my shade sail. How can I check if the sizes are correct?
All "under tension" sizes refer to the sizes that the sail will assume after approx. 14-21 days of installation.
If you take the measurements of the "untensioned" sail, spreading it on the floor, you will notice that it is slightly smaller than the "under tension" measurements declared on the product sheet or in the custom configurator.

Purishade® fabric sails will be 1.5%-3.5% smaller depending on the overall size of the shade sail, Meshnet breathable sails are 4%-8% smaller depending on the overall size of the shade sail.

When you assemble the sail and tension it, you will notice that the size of the sail increases due to the stretch of the fabric. The final measurements will be reached after approx. 2-3 weeks.

Do I have to compensate for the elongation factor by choosing a smaller sail?
Absolutely not. If you need a sail with a size of 500 x 500 cm you have to choose a 5 x 5 m sail.
If you want a rectangular "custom sail" with the measures 370 cm x 480 cm you can enter these measures in our configurator.
In both. cases we will send you a sail with the "final - under tension" sizes that correspond precisely to your expectations.

What size to choose according to the available space?