What Percentage Do I Need? - Shade Cloth Store

The percentage listed on shade cloth refers to the percentage of sunlight and corresponding UV rays blocked. 60% shade blocks 60% of the sunlight.

The most common application for shade cloth is backyard shade – over a deck, gazebo or pergola. For this application, our most popular product is the 65% Ultra Tan. Also popular are the 60% green, 50% white and 80% black. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to consider the 87% green or 87% grey.

Other popular applications:

30% Shade Cloth – Great for pond netting and for keeping larger leaves out of swimming pools. For growers, 30% is perfect for protecting your geraniums and chrysanthemums.
40% Shade Cloth – Keep your veggies from burning with the 40%. Also great for lillies and bedding plants.
50% Shade Cloth – Use the white 50% for a cooling backyard shade. It hotter climates, one customer from Arizona quoted “Last year, despite the hottest summer on record, because of the white 50% cloth I was able to pick tomatoes, watermelons, chard, and lima beans all the way through to October.” The 50% black serves as a paintball barrier and also protects your ficus from the heat.
60% Shade Cloth – The 60% green is a popular choice for backyard shade. For growers 60% works well on orchids.
65% Ultra Tan Shade Cloth – The most popular choice for backyard shade. Neutral color combined with shade factor provides an awesome combination.
70% Shade Cloth – Used primarily for backyard shade and available in a variety of colors.
80% Shade Cloth – Maximum shade for high wind areas. Very popular choice for backyard shade – especially in hotter climates.
90% Shade Cloth – Also sold as Privacy Fence. Extremely popular with deer farmers and great for shading livestock.

Please note that while we try to provide you with precise panels, the acceptable tolerance in shade cloth is +/- 4″.

Please do not install shade cloth with excessive tension. Shade cloth is meant to rest on an existing structure. If you are searching for a product with tension, please Google Shade Sails.