Low Cost Shade Structure

This low cost shade structure for outdoor living around the home may be constructed using 80% green shade cloth, 85% black shade cloth or any color from the COOLTONE range.

Shade cloth: 10 ft (3m) Timber (SA Pine): Gum poles (green tanalith treated are recommended): Round poles: 6"8 ft x 7"8 ft (2 x 2,3m) (diameter 4 inch (100mm)) Wooden crosspieces: 1 x 10 ft (1 x 3m) (1"3 inches x 2"6 inches (38mm x 75mm)) (to be attached to the top of the round poles) 1 x 10 ft (1 x 3m) (9 inch x 1"57 inches (22mm x 40mm)) (to be attached to the wall)

Connectors and fasteners: Steel nails: 1 pkt of 70 (flathead galvanized nails are recommended) Wire staples: 1 pkt of 30 Steel screws: 2 x 3"6 inches (2 x 90mm) (for attaching the first wooden crosspiece to the roundpoles) 6 x 2"6 inches (6 x 65mm) with wall-plugs (for attaching the second wooden crosspiece to the wall) Wire: 83 ft x "-9 inches (25m x 2,5mm) steel wire Steel pegs: 4 (approximately 16 inches (400mm long)).

1. Measure an area approximately 9 ft (2,8m) deep (from the wall of the house) x 10 ft (3m) wide.

2. Dig two holes 12 inches (300mm) deep, for the round poles. Place the poles in the holes and refill with ground.

3. Tack the shade cloth to the first crosspiece with nails every 4 inches (100mm).

4. Drill two holes at each end of this crosspiece, wrap the shade cloth around it and attach to the top of the round poles using steel screws. Refer to the diagram.

5. Position two steel pegs at 4 ft (1m) on either side of each pole. Cut 4 pieces of wire x 20"8 ft (6,25m) (used double) and attach each one to the pegs and poles (using wire staples) as per the diagram. Hammer the pegs below ground level, then join the two ends of each piece together. Tension the wire very slightly, as shown in the diagram.

6. Tack the other end of the shade cloth to the second crosspiece with nails every 4 inches (100mm).

7. Position the crosspiece 10 ft (3m) above the ground against the wall and mark off six drill points, approximately every 22"4 inches (560mm). Drill and insert the wall plugs.

8. Wrap the shade cloth around the second crosspiece (as per the diagram) and attach to the wall using steel screws. Please note: if this is not possible, then adjust the positioning of your poles and attach the second crosspiece to the roof rafters, using screws.

9. Tension the support wires once again, as shown in the diagram.