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Shade Sail Product Installation Resources

 

Our comprehensive library of installation resources contains videos and written instructions on how to install any of our products: from shade sails to shade structures, hip shade structures, and permanent umbrellas. Most of our standard products can be installed with the help of one or two handy individuals, but larger custom projects will most likely require the aid of a general contractor. Whether you’re installing the product yourself or have hired a contractor, it’s helpful to understand the steps involved in installation.

Choose a category below to see videos and instructions to ensure your installation goes as smooth and safe as possible.


How To Install Shade Structure Poles

How to Dig a Footing Hole


Digging a footing for a shade sail or shade structure pole or post is fairly straightforward; however, it is one of the most important elements of your structure. Do not guess or undersize this portion of your project. It is always better to overbuild your shade structure than underbuild. For a more detailed guide, click the step-by-step link below.

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How to Install an Anchor Bolt Cluster and Cage


Once your footing hole has been dug to the proper depth and width, you are ready to install your anchor bolt cluster and cage. The exact design and size will be determined by your engineering, if that is a service you have procured. Engineering is a service that Tenshon can perform if needed. For a detailed step-by-step guide, click the link below.

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How to Pour Concrete


There are a variety of ways to pour concrete, typically dictated by how you mix or buy it. Concrete can be purchased in bags from your local home improvement store, or in truck quantities from a concrete mix company. For the quantity needed, measure the size of your hole and use a concrete calculator to estimate bags or yards. For more information and a step-by-step guide, click the link below.

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How to Set the Shade Structure Pole


Setting a pole for a shade sail or shade structure can be quite easy with proper preparation. Watch the video to learn how to set your pole for an easier installation. For a detailed, step-by-step guide, click the link below.

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How to Level the Shade Structure Pole


The ease of leveling a pole is determined by how carefully you installed the anchor bolt cluster and poured the footing. The more level the cluster is prior to pole installation, the more level and plumb it will be after. Watch the video to learn how to properly level your pole. For a detailed guide, click the link below.

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How to Dry Pack a Shade Post Baseplate


Once your concrete has cured and your pole has been installed, it is time to dry pack (grout) under your baseplate. Use a non-shrinking construction grout. Watch the video to learn how to properly dry pack under your baseplate. For a detailed guide, click below.

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How to Install a Shade Sail

How to Install the Wire Cable for Turnbuckles or Pulleys


Most shade sails/structures are designed with a perimeter pocket for wire rope. This wire rope is critical for tensioning. Watch the video to learn how to install the perimeter wire rope. For a step-by-step guide, visit the link below.

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Greasing a Turnbuckle


The most common issue with turnbuckles is thread seizure from insufficient grease. Watch how to grease a turnbuckle properly. For a detailed guide, visit the link below.

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How to Attach a Turnbuckle


Attaching a turnbuckle is simple but must be done correctly to avoid install issues. Watch the video, then see the step-by-step guide below.

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Attaching the Shade Sail Using a Turnbuckle

Ensure perimeter wire rope and clamps are installed and turnbuckles attached to every corner. We’re producing a video for this step; use the detailed guide below in the meantime.

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How to Attach a Pulley


Pulleys are both installation tools and connection hardware. Watch how to attach them to each corner, then see the detailed guide below.

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Attaching the Shade Sail Using a Pulley

After installing the perimeter wire rope and pulleys on all corners, you’re ready to attach the shade fabric. Watch the video and see the step-by-step guide below.

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How to Use a Come Along for an Easy Shade Sail Install


A come-along (hand winch) is one of the most common tools for installing shade sails. Watch the video and see the detailed guide below.

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How to Install a Commercial Shade Sail

Assembling and Attaching a Commercial Bracket

Larger shades often require the durability and strength of a commercial bracket assembly. We run the wire rope through the pockets as part of our quality control to simplify your assembly. Watch how to assemble the bracket and connect it to your attachment point.


How to Use a Come Along for a Commercial Shade Sail Install


Using a come along during a commercial shade sail installation will make your job much easier. Watch the video, then use the guide below.

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How To Install a Roman

How to Grease a Turnbuckle


The most common issue with installing turnbuckles is having the threads seize during installation due to insufficient grease. Prep your turnbuckles first. For a more detailed guide, click the step-by-step link below.

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How to Put the Turnbuckle Through a Grommet


Romans will need turnbuckles inserted through the grommets of the last rib on one end. For more detail, click the step-by-step link below.

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How to Attach a Wire Rope to Turnbuckles


Each side of a Roman will need wire ropes running through the grommets to suspend the shade. For additional details, click the link below.

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How to Attach the Turnbuckle to a Roman Shade


After the turnbuckles and wire ropes have been added to each side, the Roman is ready to be attached to the structure. For details, click below.

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How to Attach the Roman Shade Non-Fixed End


With the fixed end installed, install the non-fixed end. Remove slack from the wire before anchoring so turnbuckles can tension efficiently. See the step-by-step guide below.

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How to Tighten the Turnbuckle


With slack removed and the non-fixed end secure, tighten the turnbuckles to set cable tension. Proper tension helps function and aesthetics. See the detailed guide below.

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