How to Order a Custom Product

Our Custom Sized Shade Products are made to fit your specifications exactly, eliminating the need to calculate attachment points on your own. With our custom products, you install your posts and other attachment points, take all of the measurements and Shade Sails Canada will make a custom-sized shade solution to fit that space exactly. These articles are written to help you plan and measure your next shade project.

Step 4 – Taking your measurements

 

Taking your measurements is one of the most important steps when ordering a custom shade sail. Before you begin, mark or label each surface with the letter that corresponds to each corner of your sail. Our printable cheat sheets (linked below) can help you determine which letters match each attachment point and which measurements you need to record.

 

1. Types of Measurements You’ll Need

Perimeter Measurements

These are the distances between each attachment point around the outer edge of your shade sail. Measurements must be taken clockwise—starting from a → b → c → d, and so on.

Diagonal Measurements

Diagonal measurements run across the inside of your shade sail, connecting specific attachment points. These help us ensure your sail has the correct panel shape and tension.

Post Height Measurements

Record the height of each attachment point.
For best tension and visual appeal, we recommend varying your post heights.

  • If your posts or structures sit on uneven ground, pick a consistent grade reference point and measure all heights from that same reference location.

 

2. Tips for Accurate Measurements

  • Precision is essential — even small discrepancies can affect tension and performance.

  • If your tape measure isn’t long enough, use a rope between points and then measure the rope.

  • Measurements must be taken from the eye of your hardware or exact marked location — not the post’s base or ground position.

Write each value on the cheat sheet, then proceed to Step 5 to submit your final measurements.

 

Printable Cheat Sheets

We’ve created easy-to-use printable cheat sheets to help you stay organized while taking measurements. Use these sheets to record:

  • All perimeter lengths

  • Diagonal measurements

  • Height values

  • Corner labels and reference points

Here are the sheets:
Triangle     4-point      5-point      6-point

 

Conclusion

Taking your measurements accurately ensures your custom shade sail fits perfectly, performs well, and lasts for years. Use the tips above, along with our cheat sheets, to stay organized and precise during the process. When you’re ready, move on to Step 5 to complete your submission and finalize your order. Properly taking your measurements is the key to a beautiful and functional installation.

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  • Step 1 – Plan out the area you want to shade

  • Step 2 – Install & mark your posts/structure

  • Step 3 – Install your attachment hardware (optional)

  • Step 5 – Submit your measurements

  • Step 6 – Our team will contact you

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