30% Shade Cloth Applications: Perfect for tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, beans, melons (in hot climates), strawberries, young seedlings during hardening off, propagation houses, and protecting transplants from transplant shock. This light shade prevents sun scald while maintaining high light levels for optimal growth.

50% Shade Cloth Applications: Ideal for lettuce, leafy greens, herbs (basil, coriander, parsley), ferns, orchids, native Australian plants, nursery container stock, outdoor entertaining areas, pergolas, and carports. This balanced option is the most versatile, suitable for 70% of horticultural applications in Australian conditions.

70% Shade Cloth Applications: Best for livestock (horses, cattle, sheep) providing cool shelter, chicken coops and animal pens, shade-loving plants (maidenhair ferns, impatiens), tropical plants, storage areas, machinery protection, privacy screening, and windbreaks. Also excellent for orchards (cherries, stone fruit) during extreme heat events to prevent sunburn on fruit.

General Rule: If plants naturally grow in full sun outdoors, use 30%. If they prefer partial shade or filtered light, use 50%. For deep shade plants or non-plant applications, use 70%. Consider your climate—hotter regions benefit from higher percentages.

Our shade cloth is manufactured from knitted HDPE (high-density polyethylene) in various weights to suit different applications. Our premium pre-made 50% shade cloth features heavy-duty 180gsm construction, making it significantly heavier and more durable than standard 90-120gsm woven options. The knitted construction means if the cloth is cut or snagged, it won't unravel or fray—it simply creates a small hole that won't expand. This is a major advantage over woven shade cloth which can unravel completely.

The fabric features UV stabilisation technology throughout the material (not just surface coating), providing genuine 5+ year lifespan in full Australian sun. It maintains flexibility in cold weather and doesn't become brittle with age. The knitted structure allows excellent airflow while blocking harmful UV rays, and it's more wind-permeable than solid materials, reducing wind load on structures.

Our pre-made options include reinforced hemmed edges and rust-proof aluminium grommets every 1 metre, allowing easy installation with ropes, cable ties, or shade cloth fixing clips. The reinforced hem prevents edge fraying and provides strong attachment points. Available in white (reflects heat, stays cooler, brighter appearance) and Australian-made quality you can trust.

Pre-Made Shade Cloth with Grommets: Measure your area and select the closest pre-made size (we offer sizes from 1.83m x 1.83m up to 6m x 10m). Install using the grommets spaced every 1 metre—thread rope, bungee cords, or cable ties through grommets and secure to posts, frames, or existing structures. The reinforced edges handle tension well, but avoid over-tightening which can cause sagging in hot weather as the material expands.

Shade Cloth Rolls: Available in 1.83m, 3.66m, and 5m widths by various lengths. Measure your structure, add 10-15cm overlap on all sides for securing. Cut with scissors or sharp knife (won't fray). Secure edges every 30-50cm using shade cloth fixing clips, cable ties, or by wrapping edges around battens and screwing down. For large installations, use tensioning wire or pipe frames to prevent sagging.

Installation Tips: Install on a cool day or early morning—shade cloth expands in heat and contracts in cold. Leave slight slack (5-10cm sag per 3m span) to accommodate temperature changes. Orient grommets towards attachment points for even weight distribution. For pergolas and patios, angle slightly (5-10°) for water runoff. Use stainless steel or galvanised fixings to prevent rust staining.

Horticultural Applications: Greenhouse shading (install over or inside structures to control temperature), nursery benches and shade houses, vegetable gardens in hot climates, protecting fruit trees from sunburn, hardening off seedlings, orchid and fern growing, native plant propagation, and extending the growing season by preventing heat stress that causes bolting in lettuce, herbs, and brassicas.

Livestock & Agricultural: Livestock shelters and paddock shade (proven to improve animal welfare and productivity), dairy cattle cooling (increases milk production in summer), poultry housing and free-range areas, fish pond shading (reduces water temperature and algae growth), and protecting stored hay, machinery, and equipment from UV degradation and weather damage.

Residential & Commercial: Pergolas, verandahs, and patios for outdoor living, carport and vehicle protection, pool shading (reduces water evaporation and chemical usage), playground equipment, privacy screening and windbreaks, balcony and apartment gardens, and creating comfortable outdoor dining areas for cafes and restaurants.

Key Benefits: Reduces water requirements by 30-40% through reduced evaporation, prevents sunburn and heat stress on plants and animals, extends harvest periods by keeping crops cooler, improves outdoor space comfort for people, and protects equipment and stored materials from UV damage. UV-stabilised for Australian conditions with 5+ year lifespan.

Shade cloth requires minimal maintenance but regular care extends its lifespan significantly. Cleaning: Hose down with water 1-2 times per year to remove dust and debris that can reduce effectiveness. For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush with mild soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry. Never use high-pressure washers which can damage the knit structure or remove UV stabilisation.

Inspection & Repairs: Check attachment points every 3-6 months for wear, especially after storms or high winds. Replace worn cable ties or ropes before they fail. Small holes or tears can be repaired by stitching with UV-resistant thread or using shade cloth repair patches. For larger damage, consider replacing that section. The knitted construction prevents unravelling, so small damage won't spread.

Seasonal Storage: If using temporarily, remove before winter in areas with heavy snow to prevent weight damage. Clean and dry thoroughly before folding loosely and storing in a dry, rodent-free area. Properly stored shade cloth can last 8-12 years. Expected lifespan with permanent outdoor installation is 5-7 years in full sun, longer in partially shaded locations. Signs of deterioration include brittleness, significant fading, or reduced strength. White shade cloth may discolour slightly over time but this doesn't affect performance.