Custom size outdoor knitted shade fabric provides sun protection as pergola patio cover, shade canopy, playground shading, shade netting, sun screen, shade tarp, lanai cover, shade sail, paintball netting, water treatment plant algae control, privacy screen or windscreen

- automatic custom quotes and shade panel ordering with the form below -

Up close, you can see through any density/color of shade cloth, but as you move farther away (20 plus feet) and at an angle, it becomes much more difficult to see objects on the other side clearly.   The image above is looking out through our 70% black knit (above the stunt dog).   Mind you, the intense backlighting with sunny day, super white snow foreground exaggerates the clarity, but this 70% black knit is a good compromise between preserving view from inside and creating a sense of privacy from outside.   Looking in from across the yard about 20 feet away, the view is very nearly opaque, as shown below.   Refraction off glass is a good part of the effect, but the key is lack of back lighting.   At night with a light behind you (back lit), the shade material would naturally provide much less privacy.   Direct natural light can overpower, washing interior rooms with glare on a sunny winter day.   Knitted shade material drapes, sheer or curtain are an easy way to control the indoor environment passively.   The shade netting catches a large percentage of direct solar gain, dissipating the heat, and stratifying the energy to best radiant benefit (always hottest around material).

Our built-tough commercial grade knitted shadecloth panels carry a one year manufacturer's replacement warranty against material defects.   You should expect at least 3 years of service (permanent installation in harsh desert climate) - ten years or more when only installed seasonally or in a more temperate climate.   Keeping the panel tight is the key - wind damage from rubbing against the structure and whipping in the wind is more relevant than sun damage.   Wind can whip a loose shade canopy or paintball netting, causing damage - that's why we install grommets on one foot centers.   Shade panels are typically laced to the structure: tie rope or galvanized cable to one corner of the structure, run it through a grommet, around the trellis or pipe frame, back through the next grommet, and back around the frame ... all the way to the corner, where you pull it tight and tie it off.   Your local hardware store will stock ± 3/16 inch galvanized cable, eyelet bolts, cable clamps and turnbuckles to tension it.   If you use rope, we suggest army surplus parachute cord, polypropylene or similar UV resistant product.   We do not sell any rope, cable, or turnbuckles since these supplies are common to any local hardware store.

Terms of Service, Measurement Tolerances, and Specification Disclaimers: Should you not have ordered a custom panel in the past, please be aware of the following trade-standard non-valid reasons to warrant requesting return, refund, remake or repair of any shade panel purchased. There is no up-down, right-left, top-bottom or front-back to a panel. The only dimension of note is Width and Length as shown on the automated quoting form and your automated email receipt afterwards. The finish Length will be as per the measurement specified on order (spec). The only time to expect deviation in finish meaurement is when Width spec is identical to one of our stock material widths of 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26 and 32 foot. Finish width will then be two to three inches less than spec to folding of material edge into sewn taped hem (5' 9-10", 7' 9-10", 9' 9-10", 11' 9-10", 19' 9-10", etc). ALL other times, the size panel you request is the size panel we ship. We have always done our best for very satisfied clients over the years, but due to the very nature of working with knitted shade nettings, exact measurements are not guaranteed (warranted). Should the error be in excess of four inches (as measured across the taped hem), we will have the unit picked up for inspection. At no charge to you, we will either refund in full, once inspected, or remake the panel at our option. Just email and we will have it picked up by UPS within a day or two. This four inch tolerance is the trade standard for refund/remake and the only guarantee provided. Hem tape webbing color is black only (no other option) and grommets are number four (1/2 inch) brass only (no options). We start at one corner and then proceed punching them in around/along all four sides in-turn. Grommets on one side of panel are unlikely to line up with grommets on the opposite side. Exact one foot on-center grommet spacing and/or placement is not warranted. Any size shade panel may have a factory knitted seam splice without notice in advance. While quite unlikely in a panel twelve foot or less in width, all panels over twelve foot wide will most likely have knitted factory seam splice from manufacture on dual looms. It is important to note that this is not a weak sewn seam where two separate panels are sewn together. We do not sew panels together to get larger sizes, but the dual loom production process does present a visible knitted splice. This knitted splice on larger panels is not a weakness, only aesthetic, and is not valid grounds for requesting a refund or remake. The white color knitted shade material can sometimes arrive with patches of orange discoloration spotting as a result of the manufacturing process. This discoloration will dissipate after installation in the sunlight - no need to worry. Shade material may always be slightly wrinkled from roll or shipping and knit appearance can vary from sample swatches presented and may also vary between various stock widths. Minor flaws in knit appearance, stitching, and snags are not a structural panel failure problem, only aesthetic. Shade material is lockstitch knitted to prevent unraveling, so the material around any flaw takes up the stress. Longevity is the same regardless of aesthetic appearance flaws in the knit panel. You can use needle and thread to pull small flaws together and Super-Glue, if you wish to improve the aesthetic, but we do not consider it a defect unless it affects panel performance. Special fire resistant certified shade materials are not available. Shade material is black knitted polyolefin, high density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) specially treated for durability and UV resistance. Click here for the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on our knitted shade. Click here for the engineering specifications of our knitted shade material.

- automatic custom quotes and shade panel ordering with the form below -

A MYTH ABOUT SHADE FACTOR / DENSITY / SUN BLOCKAGE Shade factor is a rating of knit density - the percentage of sun blockage, as measured with a spectrometer. A 50% shade factor White blocks 50% of direct sunlight - a 60% Green blocks 60% sunlight - a 70% Black density blocks 70%. There is a myth circulating that a lower percentage white shade material would have the same cooling effect as a higher density green or black. This is absolutely false. Lighter colors relect more ambient light underneath (make a patio brighter) but ambient light does not translate into heat, not like direct solar gain (the amount of light passing through the fabric). Darker colors absorb rather than reflect light/heat, but the material is much too light weight to RETAIN excess heat/energy. At less than 1/2 ounce per square foot, there is not enough thermal mass to store a large amount of radiant heat/energy. Heat is quickly dissipated by cooler air moving up, through the open netting - even 90% density has ~1.5mm holes. A solid roof or canvas tarp would function differently, but with an open netting like shade material, lighter colors of less density are not functionally any "cooler" than a darker color with a higher shade factor rating.

BLACK, GREEN 60% & WHITE 50% knits in 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26, & 32 foot stock widths

Eight foot width not available in 30% or 40% Black, Green 60% and no 8, 10 or 32 foot White 50%

choice of six sun shade factors in black: 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 & 90%  knit densities to meet your needs

price varies with shade factor: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 & 28 cents per square foot (before automated discount)

double layer panels  - fabric can be folded over for a heavy-duty two-layer shade cover ($30 handling fee)

30 cents per foot  -  we can slit a larger panel down to make a smaller, custom width shade cover

30 cents per foot  -  black reinforcing tape webbing is sewn along 1-1/4 inch hem to resist damage

25 cents per foot  -  #4 brass grommets 1/2" diameter holes are punched every foot around all four sides

FREE shipping - panels under 700 square feet before cutting include $30 handling fee

Commercial discounts apply to material on larger panels: 1000 sq ft discount is 10%, 1750 sq ft is 15%, 2500 - 20%, 4000 - 25% 6000 - 30%, 8000 - 35%, 10,000 - 40%, 12,000 - 45%, and 15,000+ is 50% Discounts are per panel, not cumulative. If you need more than five large panels (each over 1000 sq ft), please e-mail natural@colorado.net for a personal quote. click here for discounted remnants, returns, and wrinkled roll ends Panel options: black taped, reinforced sewn hem and heavy duty brass grommets every foot grommeted panels have double corners (pictured at left) for maximum strength #4 brass grommets are 1 inch outside diameter with a 1/2 inch hole and are installed over a reinforced sewn webbing ("taped") hem

- automatic custom quotes and shade panel ordering with the form below -

Pictured below are the seven black knitted, lockstitched shade nettings in 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% shade factors (sun block density).   We do our best to represent the knit density properly, but actual size of openings, style, and appearance of knit is always subject to change without notice.   In practice, even the 90% is relatively open for air movement, with ~1.5mm holes throughout its dense fabric-like knit.   Hot climate residential and commercial patios always install 80% or 90% black knit to drop the temperature (and light) underneath as much as possible.   You still get lots of natural light in from the sides, so it is not too dark, much like having large windows on the sides.   The only reason to install 70% or lower knit is to ensure ample heat gain in the curb spring and fall months, where blocking 80% might make the patio a little too cool.   It is common to have two shade panels - one for peak summer months and one for when things cool down a bit and functionally, black is the preferred color for a patio.   Excess ambient light bouncing off a white panel adds heat gain and makes it much more of an active area.   Patios are a place of relaxation and the black color absorbs more ambient light (not reflecting it), dilating your pupils, and generally creating a much calmer atmosphere.   Heated air readily passes through any knit density, so the question of black absorbing more heat and radiating it back onto you is largely irrelevant to your comfort level underneath.   Below 70% shade factor, the knit is much more open, more of a "netting".   Above 70%, the material is dense enough to be considered a fabric/cloth (90% has holes ~1.5mm).   The white 50, green 60 and black 70 percent shade factors are very nearly the same knit pattern.   The darker black absorbs more light, allowing only 30 percent to pass through.   Green 60% knit is a compromise between blocking heat gain while still allowing 40% sunlight to pass through for plant growth.   White 50% knit is an excellent agricultural product, reflecting maximum ambient light underneath, while allowing only 50% of direct sunlight to pass through from above.   Any of the materials can be ordered as a double layer panel, where fabric is folded over for a heavy-duty two-layer panel.

Generally, the following shade factors are used (see sample swatches below)

Pergola patio cover: 70 up to 90 percent depending upon level of heat reduction desired

Water treatment plant algae control & chlorine contact channel: 90 percent blockage

Greenhouse cover: 30 up to 60 percent shade factor based on plant lighting needs

Koi pond leaf netting: 30 percent, unless you wish to also lower water temperature

Wind screen tarp: 70, 80 or 90 percent depending on level of privacy & wind block

Bug netting curtain: 70 percent is tight enough for larger insects, 80% for smaller

Spider diaper: 70% under dock roof keeps spiders out (movement scares them?)

Privacy fence: standing very close, you can see through even 90 percent density

Paintball netting: 50 percent and above will stop paintballs from passing through

Swimming pool leaf cover: 30 percent will keep leaves out, 40 or 50% for needles

Three color choices in larger panels and/or with custom hem and grommet: Black 30% to 90% sun blockage, a 50% only White and a 60% only Green. You can order a double layer panel for nearly twice the sun blockage. A double layer white 50% or green 60% is going to have an effective shade factor of better than 80%. White and green have agriculture in mind, not aesthetics, so they are not available in any higher shade factor, sorry. White 50% knit is used by greenhouses, allowing 50% available sunlight through for growth and reflecting all available ambient light underneath, back onto plants. Green 60% knit is popular with landscape architects, allowing 40% sunlight through, maintaining outdoor plants & ponds and cooling patios while blending into background.

Let us craft you a custom size black (30% to 90%), green 60% or white 50% knitted pergola shade panel or paintball netting with black taped, reinforced edges and large (1/2 inch diameter hole) brass grommets every foot!   If you need a unique width, we'll be happy to cut a panel down to your specifications.   We can fold the fabric over for a heavy-duty double layer panel - the automated form below is easy to use for an instant quote.   Shade material is knitted polyolefin, high density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) specially treated for durability and UV resistance.   Click here for the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on our knitted shade.   The 80% and 90% materials stretch VERY little, so there is no need to plan for that.   Our knitted shade materials are pre-treated to stop shrinking from happening in the hot sun.   There is no test to determine actual shrinkage, but in practice it is limited to 1%-3% and typically offset by the amount of stretch in the material.   While the fabric might stretch a bit, it will shrink a bit too, so there is normally a net-zero change when installed under tension properly.   All woven or knitted shade fabrics will allow water to pass through, but as you progress up to 90% density, some rain will run off the edge when installed on a steep slope.   The material will slow the rain down, but it will eventually pass through ... this is key with a shade panel versus solid tarp choice: these knit panels will let the heated air pass back up through.   Shade panels may not stop the rain, but they do a much better job of keeping an area cooler and fresher.

The size shade panel you request, is the FINISH size - we cut down from a larger panel, as per your finish dimension ordered.   The ONLY time to anticipate a variance is when you order a single layer panel of standard width: 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26 and 32 feet wide.   Then the finish Width after reinforcing tape and hem is usually 2-3 inches less, i.e.: 5' 9-10", 7' 9-10", 9' 9-10", 11' 9-10", 19' 9-10", etc.   ALL other times, the finish size panel you request the size we ship (within stated tolerances possible working with knitted materials).   Eight foot width is not available in 30% or 40% Black and Green 60% knit.   White 50% does not come in 8, 10 or 32 foot stock widths.   Price varies with shade factor (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90%) and your desire for reinforced hem (black color only) tape webbing and brass grommets.   Discounts for larger volume orders are automatically calculated by the ordering form below: 1000 sq ft discount is 10%, 1750 sq ft is 15%, 2500 - 20%, 4000 - 25%, 6000 - 30%, 8000 - 35%, 10,000 - 40%, 12,000 - 45%, and 15,000+ square feet is discounted 50% by the automatic quoting and ordering form.   Please note that discounts are per panel, not cumulative.  Production lead time to make your panel is +/- 7 business days this time of year and then it ships free via UPS Ground with automatic email tracking notification.

larger panels typically add grommeted pinch pleats - see below form

Automatic quoting and ordering form - you DO NOT have to enter any credit card information to get a quote here - upon request, you are transfered to Verisign™ secured server for MC/VISA payment this form is not part of any shopping cart - you quote and then purchase one size panel at a time discount automatically calculated - JavaScript must be enabled on your browser to run program Black 30% to 90%, Green 60% and White 50% in stock 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26 and 32 foot widths 8 foot width is not available in 30% or 40% Black and Green 60% - White 50% is not stocked in 8, 10 or 32 foot * production lead time to make your panel is +/- 7 business days this time of year * FREE SHIPPING with tracking information automatically emailed after your order leaves the factory sorry ... no expedited orders and no APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Mexico or Canada Quantity:      Feet Inches (whole inches only - no fractions) Width Length Please select the level of shading for your custom panel. Drop down list selections are the ONLY materials available: Check here to install black reinforcing tape and hem the perimeter of your panel Check here to install black tape brass grommets every foot with double corners Check here for a double layer panel where we fold fabric over for two layers   Grommeted Pinch Pleats:  evenly spaced on panel   Width Length Colorado shipments only check here to add 2.9% sales tax (all other states, no tax) Total cost of panel(s) with FREE SHIPPING via UPS Ground (UPS Freight on large orders) ($75 minimum per panel) Quantity and description of your custom shade tarp(s) * production lead time to make your panel is +/- 7 business days this time of year * this form is not part of any shopping cart - you can only purchase one size panel at a time JavaScript must be enabled on your browser to run this program and get pricing once your order enters production system, it can not be cancelled or returned we are aware of unique "Invalid Merchant" browser error - please email for invoice if you have problem

add grommeted pinch pleats or pockets for $1.25 per foot

Grommeted pinch pleats "GPP" are often added on commercial panels longer/wider than 20 feet. A "pinch" pleat/fold is made in middle of panel, covered with reinforced webbing ("taped") and then hemmed and grommeted every foot just like the perimeter edge. Finished GPP are about 1-1/4 inch top to bottom with a #4 brass grommet every foot (grommet has a 1/2 inch inside diameter hole opening). This additional lashing (tying to structure) point eliminates lofting (rising in the wind) on longer panels. Movement and abrasion against the structure are what eventually causes material failure - keeping a panel taut is key to longevity. "Pockets" are also available, where we fold the material over and sew an "open hem" into a side to allow insertion of a pipe or cable. Please note that open hem pockets are simply folded over and stitched. It is not possible to create pockets with reinforced hem tape webbing and it is not possible to overlap pockets and/or GPP in middle of panel. Custom work is only available with materials shown above. We do not provide any hem and grommet work with the saddle tan, smoke blue, brick red, and chocolate color materials.

Open end pockets are special order only and cost the same as normal rectangle plus $1.25 per foot for the pockets. For a quote, email us with an 8-1/2" by 11" boldly labeled drawing in feet and inches natural@colorado.net or fax 720-293-1705. Be sure to make the lines and numbers VERY bold and specify the shade factor desired along with postioning of the open end pockets and their inside net width (flat measurement, not diameter). Round up to the nearest inch and note that we always do our very best to be precise, but we do replace custom panels for free with less than four inch accuracy mistake since knitted materials are inherently difficult to work with.

image above is a grommeted pinch pleat (GPP) reinforced hem with brass grommets every foot across width or length in center of panel

rectangles are purchased with the automatic quoting and ordering form above
odd shape custom panels are available - email sketch for a quote

As shown below, we can create just about any odd shaped sun screen tarp, lanai, trellis or pergola patio cover.   We can also create double layer panels for very heavy duty action and/or desire for a higher shade factor white or green knit panel.   Folded over once, a double layer white or green panel would have an effective shade factor of 85 to 90%.   We do not stock 32 foot widths in the white 50%, so there are limitations (all widths in green).   Email natural@colorado.net (or fax 720-293-1705) with an 8-1/2" by 11" boldly labeled drawing with feet and inches (i.e.: 8' 4" not 100 inches) of each side.   Be sure to make the lines and numbers VERY bold and specify the shade factor desired along with postioning of any GPP and inside net width (flat measurement, not diameter) of any pocket.   Round off to the nearest inch and note that we always do our very best to be precise, but we do not warrant odd shape custom panels since knitted materials are inherently difficult to work with.   Please note that custom work is only available with materials shown above.   We do not provide any hem and grommet work with the saddle tan, smoke blue, brick red, and chocolate color materials.   We do not accept credit card payment for very odd-shaped sun screen covers (anything with more than two angled corners or cutouts).   Payment via cashier's check or money order is required for very odd shaped custom shade panels.   As per the project example below, many commercial installers specify their panels up to a foot smaller than the trellis overall (trampoline style).   This "trampoline" effect (lacing with a gap around the perimeter) allows you to install very taut and keep it that way, with room to adjust as need be.

Wind can whip a loose lanai cover or shade canopy, causing damage.   That's why we install grommets on one foot centers with double grommeted corners standard at no extra charge.   The more evenly stretched and supported, the stronger the panel and structure it is attached to.   Shade panels are typically laced to a frame: tie rope or galvanized cable to one corner, run it through a grommet, around the trellis or pipe frame, back through the next grommet, and back around the structure ... all the way to the corner, where you pull it tight and secure (often with a turnbuckle to tighten as need be).   We do not sell the pipe, rope, or cable, as these items are commonly available at any building supply center.   The installation below is a classic example of lacing a shade canopy onto a metal pipe framework.

Please note that we do not sell shade structures, just shade panels
rather than retail flimsy shade structure kits (and they are all flimsy)
we suggest hiring a local plumber or welder to construct a galvanized frame
- ten foot is a common pipe length for basing the structure grid upon -

Larger shade panels are typically installed over trellis frames, utilizing multiple "bays" to lend even more support to the shade netting when spanning greater widths and lengths.   The standard specification is for a series of ten, twelve, or twenty foot wide panels versus a single large one.   Weight of the material is not an engineering issue (less than 1/2 ounce per square foot), but sail effect can be great in a heavy wind.   The material will handle the wind fine ... the structure needs to be solid and secure, though.   The additional lacing offered by a series of smaller width panels creates a much stronger structure and keeps the panels from lofting (sailing) in the wind.   Depending upon bay/stall size (span of pipe), 1-1/2" to 2" diameter schedule 40 galvanized pipe should be ample.   Any local plumbing supply store will have everything you need - and be able to thread the straight pipe sections for you.   Avoid using plastic PVC pipe as it gets brittle in the sun and 'off-gasses'.

Once the structure is in place, lace the panels to it with a good quality UV resistant polypropylene rope or better yet, parachute cord for a tight fit. Parachute cord has a silk outer sleeve for extra UV protection and is available at any Army Surplus store. Avoid bungee cords, bungee balls, cotton, and nylon as they degrade in the sun and weather much faster. As a general rule of thumb, any supple cordage (versus stiff) will have much better longevity.

angle iron bracing is often used to construct engineered commercial shade trellis structures
this is 20 foot wide 60% Green knit - a second structure attaches for a 40 foot overall bay depth
80% or 90% black knit is always recommended to drop heat, but this client desired better lighting

Free air conditioning! Sun screen nettings are perfect for cooling the south side of your home and shading a porch or patio. Create much cooler 'micro-climates' along south facing walls and over decks and playgrounds by lowering radiant heat gain (sunlight). Protect children by preventing sun burns without need for heavy lotions - shade direct sunlight for more comfort.

Pictured above, courtesy of a client in Canon City, is one of our 90 percent black knit panels over a wood frame pergola.   Shade canopies, pergola or lanai covers not only provide sun screening to block excess solar heat gain, they create very favorable micro-climates next to structure.   The effect is under-rated ... outside ambient climate/temperature can be dropped more than fifteen degrees with effective shading and ventilation.   The secret is shade netting allows heated, rising air to pass through its open knit.   Even at the highest density, shade fabric does not trap heat like a rainproof tarp, metal roof, or plastic pergola patio cover.

click here for discounted remnants, returns, and wrinkled roll ends

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TheNaturalHome.com 0186 CR 1400 Silverthorne, CO 80498 phone: 800-563-9720 local: 970-262-6727 fax: 720-293-1705 natural@colorado.net OFFICE HOURS ARE AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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The use of this internet site and purchase of Architerra Enterprises, Inc. (d.b.a. TheNaturalHome.com) products and services are governed by this Terms of Service Agreement and Disclaimer.   By using this internet site, you acknowledge that you have read this Terms of Service Agreement and Disclaimer and that you accept and will be bound by the terms thereof.   Custom size outdoor knitted shade fabric (shadecloth) provides sun protection as shade canopy, pergola patio cover, playground shading, sun screen, shade netting, shade tarp, paintball netting, shade sail, lanai cover or windscreen.
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