Waterproof
Water column well above 3000 mm
UPF 50+ UV protection
Maximum protection — highest achievable rating
Custom sizing available
Polyester & acrylic fully made to measure
Made in Belgium
In-house R&D team, handcrafted in Mouscron
Buying a waterproof shade sail: our tips and advice
When you want to buy a durable waterproof shade sail that can withstand Belgian weather, there are important factors to consider so you choose the right type.
Below you will find our most important tips and points of attention:
1. Fabric material and quality
The material determines the durability, appearance and lifespan of your shade sail. We offer three types, each optimal for a different use:
- Polyester (270 gr/m²) — for intensive and permanent use. Ideal for terraces, carports and fixed canopies.
- Acrylic / Sunbrella® (260 gr/m²) — luxurious appearance for semi-permanent use from spring through autumn.
- Olefin (240 gr/m²) — the best value for money for use from spring through summer.
All shade sails are finished with stainless steel 316 corner fittings, an internal steel cable and comply with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
2. Finishing of the shade sails
The corners of a shade sail largely determine its strength and lifespan. The tension of a tautly stretched sail converges at the corners — that is where wind load and the pulling force of the tensioning mechanism meet. Our shade sails are therefore reinforced in three ways:
- Triple corner reinforcement — the pulling force is better distributed and point load is reduced. This results in less stress on the corner and a significantly longer lifespan.
- Stainless steel 316 corner fittings with internal steel cable — in-house developed corner fittings in stainless steel with a stainless steel cable running from corner to corner for maximum tension and stability.
- Zigzag stitching with triple stitch — the combination of zigzag stitching, triple stitch and high-quality technical thread ensures increased elasticity, tensile strength and durability.
The result is a shade sail that remains tautly tensioned, even after prolonged exposure to wind and rain — year after year.
3. Ease of use of the waterproof shade sail
Thanks to smart tensioning systems, our waterproof shade sails are lightweight, easy to handle and quick to dismantle. In extreme weather conditions or during winter, you can simply remove the sail — and reinstall it later without complicated steps or the need for outside help.
A waterproof shade sail can be attached in several ways:
- Wall anchoring in stainless steel 316 — suitable for concrete and solid brick
- Aluminium poles — developed in-house, with internal pulley system or external tensioning
- Wooden robinia poles — for a natural appearance
- Combination of wall and poles
Find out everything about our poles or get in touch for personal advice.
4. Colourfastness
UV rays cause discolouration and brittleness over time. Colourfastness is expressed on a scale of 1 to 8, where 8 is the maximum achievable rating:
- Polyester: 8/8 — maximum colour fidelity
- Acrylic (Sunbrella®): 7/8 — excellent colour fidelity
- Olefin: 6/8 — very good colour fidelity
Our shade sails still look vibrant after years of intensive use.
5. Wind resistance
Our shade sails remain tautly tensioned, even at higher wind speeds. Lower-quality sails are prone to stretching and tearing — our finishing prevents this:
- Polyester: up to 80 km/h
- Acrylic (Sunbrella®): up to 80 km/h
- Olefin: up to 60 km/h
In severe weather, our shade sails can be removed quickly and easily —
without tools or outside assistance.
6. Waterproofing
Waterproofness is expressed in water column (mm). From 3000 mm onwards a shade sail is considered waterproof — our shade sails score considerably higher. They remain completely sealed even during prolonged and heavy rainfall, without any seeping through.
- Polyester: well above 3000 mm
- Acrylic (Sunbrella®): well above 3000 mm
- Olefin: above 3000 mm
Please note: allow a minimum slope of 20 to 25 cm per running metre to prevent water pockets from forming.
7. UV protection
A quality shade sail must protect against harmful UV rays. Always choose a shade sail with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50+ — this is the highest achievable rating.
A UPF of 50+ means the shade sail blocks all harmful UV rays. This allows you to enjoy the shade without any risk, even on the hottest summer days — completely safe for both children and adults.
All our waterproof shade sails come with a UPF of 50+ as standard.
Maintenance & lifespan
Maintenance and warranty of waterproof shade sails
Cleaning
One thorough cleaning per year — more frequently if installed under trees.
Always use a soft brush and a low-pressure sprayer.
Avoid hard brushes, pressure washers or aggressive chemicals.
Waterproofing treatment
Re-treat after every cleaning for maximum water and dirt repellency.
Use our professional in-house developed maintenance products, specifically formulated for technical outdoor fabrics. View all products.
Storage
Allow the shade sail to dry completely before storing.
Avoid storing wet for extended periods without ventilation.
With proper maintenance, our shade sails last up to 10 years.
Applications
What do you use a waterproof shade sail for?
Garden, terrace, swimming pool & pool house
A dry seating area and consistent shade throughout the season
Rooftop terrace
Wind-resistant where parasols fall short
Hospitality, beach bars & events
Professional protection in both sun and rain
Schools & playgrounds
Safe protection in open environments
Inner courtyard or patio
Dry and comfortable in an enclosed outdoor space
Coastal areas & windy locations
Maximum protection where the weather hits hardest
Which shade sail suits me?
| Feature | Polyester | Acrylic (Sunbrella®) | Olefin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyester | Acrylic (Sunbrella®) | Olefin |
| Water permeable | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| UPF | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
| Weight | 270 g/m² | 260 g/m² | 240 g/m² |
| Max. wind speed | 8 Beaufort | 7 Beaufort | 6 Beaufort |
| Lifespan | 10 years | 8 years | 5 years |
| Anti-mould | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Max. size | 49 m² | 35 m² | 16 m² |
| Custom sizing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
FAQ
The price of a shade sail ranges between € 35 and € 95 per m². The price depends primarily on the type of fabric, the finish and the intended use.
All our shade sails have a UPF of 50+ — the highest achievable rating. A UPF of 50+ means the shade sail blocks all harmful UV rays. You can therefore enjoy the shade beneath the sail in complete safety.
Yes — both our polyester and acrylic shade sails can be made fully to measure. Production takes approximately 15 working days. Read all about our custom shade sails here.
The delivery time is between 1 and 15 working days, depending on stock availability and custom sizing. If the shade sail is in stock, it can be dispatched as soon as the next working day. Custom shade sails are made entirely to your specifications and require a production time of approximately 15 working days.
A waterproof shade sail can be attached to a wall, to poles or a combination of both. Important: allow a minimum slope of 20 cm per running metre (from the highest to the lowest point) to prevent water pockets from forming. View our installation guide for full details.
A waterproof shade sail is ideal when you want complete protection against both sun and rain and wish to use your outdoor space as an additional living area. Typical applications include:
- Home terraces
- Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
- Hospitality terraces
- Events and temporary canopies
- Combination with glass walls or windbreaks
Our polyester and acrylic shade sails can withstand up to 8 Beaufort (80 km/h). The olefin shade sail can withstand up to 6 Beaufort (60 km/h). In severe weather we advise removing the shade sail. Thanks to our smart tensioning system, this can be done quickly — without tools or outside assistance.
Above & Beyond
Did you know ...?
Our shade sails were developed and tested by our own R&D team and are hand-stitched right here in Belgium?
All our shade sails have a UPF of 50+ — the highest achievable UV protection rating?
Our polyester shade sails have a lifespan of 10 years?
You can come and view our shade sails — and see how they are made — at our showroom in Mouscron (near Kortrijk)?
Can't make it to us? We'll send you free samples with additional information!
What is a shade sail?
A shade sail is a flexible and architectural form of sun and weather protection for outdoor spaces. Unlike parasols or traditional pergolas, a shade sail works without heavy structures or obstructive support points in the middle. This keeps your outdoor space open, light and spacious.
Thanks to technical tensioning and variable heights, a shade sail creates not only shade but also a dynamic and architectural effect that is difficult to achieve with traditional solutions.
- Free form without a fixed structure
- Large spans possible
- Clean, modern appearance
- Functional and aesthetic
Why choose a waterproof shade sail?
A waterproof shade sail offers more than sun protection alone. It ensures your outdoor space remains usable in changeable weather conditions, typical of the Belgian climate. With a waterproof shade sail from Above & Beyond, you choose a solution that:
- Lasts for years
- Withstands sun, rain and wind
- Is easy to install and remove
- Always looks taut and neat
- Creates more usable moments throughout the season
For the same covered surface area, a shade sail is often more affordable than permanent structures, without compromising on appearance or comfort. Thanks to its removable design, you can easily take the sail down in winter for maximum natural light — and reinstall it in just a few minutes in summer.
Various sizes, shapes and types
Shade sails are available in various shapes and configurations, tailored to your outdoor space. By playing with heights, angles and spans, you determine not only the shade but also the overall look and feel.
- Triangular
- Quadrilateral
- Free or asymmetric shapes
A custom shade sail
A custom shade sail delivers the best result, both technically and visually. Custom sizing is ideal for terraces, large surface areas or combinations with walls and poles.
- Shade sail fully tailored to your specific situation
- Optimal positioning of the anchor points
- Custom shape in keeping with the overall design
The advantages of a shade sail from Above & Beyond
Our shade sails stand out through their technical execution and level of finish. Every configuration is technically calculated for safety and durability.
- High-grade technical fabrics
- Well-engineered tensioning and fixing systems
- Durable materials (stainless steel, aluminium)
- Developed and produced in Belgium
Anchoring the shade sail
Depending on the situation, various fixing solutions are available.
Wall anchoring
The stainless steel wall anchor is ideal when you want to attach a shade sail to a facade or wall. Made from stainless steel 316, suitable for concrete and solid brick via chemical anchoring or concrete screws. Clean, discreet appearance.
Please note: freestanding garden walls are not suitable due to wind load.
Keder wall anchoring
The keder wall anchor is a unique system that creates a seamless and waterproof transition between the shade sail and the facade — with no gap, no rain ingress and a clean aesthetic finish. This system is technically and visually unique on the market.
Aluminium poles
Our in-house developed aluminium poles offer maximum flexibility and a modern appearance. Developed and produced in Belgium, with a characteristic angle of 80° or 90°.
- Unique internal rope and pulley system
- Sliding system for maximum flexibility
- Fixed height for simple or permanent constructions
Anchoring options: concrete with anchor plate, cast-in system, ballast block or ground screws for soft surfaces.
Wooden poles
Robinia wooden poles are an alternative for those who prefer a natural appearance. They fit perfectly in green or rural environments and can be technically adapted to the project.
What is a waterproof shade sail used for?
A waterproof shade sail is ideal when you want complete protection against both sun and rain and wish to use your outdoor space as an additional living area. You choose a waterproof shade sail when you want to stay dry in the rain, need full UV protection, prefer a clean closed appearance or want to use your outdoor space as an "outdoor room".
- Home terraces
- Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
- Hospitality terraces
- Events and temporary canopies
- Combinations with glass walls or windbreaks
How do you clean a shade sail?
A shade sail is easy to maintain. Follow these guidelines for maximum lifespan:
- One thorough cleaning per year — more frequently if installed under trees
- Never use aggressive detergents that could damage the coating
- Avoid pressure washers
- Always re-treat after cleaning for maximum water and dirt repellency
Use our professional maintenance products specifically suited for technical outdoor fabrics. This keeps your shade sail cleaner, waterproof and performing at its best for longer.