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In ancient Egypt, fabric was stretched between posts to create an area where people could take shade. Shade sails based on this principle and tensioned with anchors high above the ground remain very popular. Shade sails can be purchased ready-made. They also can be custom-ordered. A wide variety of designs exists.
  
The area to be covered in shade helps determine what size of sail shade works best. Small sail shades can measure less than 10 feet across. Large sail shades can span about 15 feet by 24 feet. A good plan is to measure the ground where shade is desired, lay an outline with string or rope and look at the area from all possible perspectives.
    
The path of the sun and its direction during the hottest months are factors to consider for decisions about size. Anchor points, roof lines, the proximity to power lines, outdoor grills, trees and seasonal wind and weather conditions also help determine the appropriate size. Making a drawing to scale and manipulating the scaled-to-size shade sail can help with planning for size.
  
Also as part of plans, be sure to understand any applicable regulations for setbacks and homeowners association rules.
     
Most shade sails for home use are rectangular, triangular or a combination of both. Often, triangular shade sails are used as accents in a home garden. Rectangular shades are popular for covering larger areas such as patios. Combinations of the two shapes, especially when they overlap, can lend a sense of drama and style to an outdoor area. When shade sails have a twisted look, it is not just for visual effect. The twist can add strength and stability.
   
When one sail shade corner is fixed in position higher than another, two things happen. The look is more sculptured and the fabric is sloped, ensuring that water and leaves can shed and not pool.
  
•Planning shade sail design means planning for support even in the worst of weather. Since a shade sail can put strain on its attachment points, consulting a builder or an engineer can ensure that the building can withstand the strain. The strength and ability of posts to resist warping and rotting should be considered since maintaining tension is crucial to the shade sail's ability to endure weather.
   
The way to determine fixing points where shade sails are attached is to draw straight lines through the corners along the sail's angle. In other words, the continuation of the sail's lines provides the fixing points. This way, the sail can be stretched, rather than "bunched."
  
Many shade sails are constructed of a woven mesh. Some shade sail fabrics can block out 95 percent of potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. For full water resistance, a single, uncut, unstitched piece of PVC vinyl material sheds rain. Marine canvas is another choice that shades completely and sheds water.
  
Read more: Ideas for Shade Sail Plans | eHow.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_6309114_ideas-shade-sail-plans.html#ixzz10QdufoxM