Attaching shade cloth: step-by-step plan and tips

Want to attach your shade cloth, but not sure how? In collaboration with Ellie from @thuisbijmij we have put together a step-by-step plan with useful tips! Hanging up your shade cloth is a piece of cake when combined with the Livn fasteners. Whether you have a rectangle, square or triangle shade cloth.

Step 1: Decide where you want to hang the shade cloth

Want to shade your garden table or create a shaded area to relax in? Taking into account the shape of the shade cloth, pick a nice spot in your outdoor space. Keep in mind that the cloth never hangs tightly against the wall. There is always some space between the fastening plates and the shade cloth. So the total distance you need from point A to point B is greater than just the length or width of the cloth.

Step 2: Plot the attachment points

Have you found the perfect spot for your shade cloth? Great! Now let's get to work on plotting the attachment points. When doing this, always work precisely from the centre of the cloth. With a rectangular or square shade cloth, it is important that the ends of the cloth line up straight with each other. This also applies to triangular shade cloths: two ends line up exactly with each other and the third point is exactly in the middle of them. This is essential in order to properly smooth and tighten the fabric at a later stage.

Tip: Check carefully whether there are enough solid places to attach the fastening plates or create them yourself (read more in step 3). A rectangular or square shade cloth is fastened at 4 points, a triangular shade cloth at 3 points.

Step 3: Screw on the fastening plates

You can attach the fastening plates to e.g. a brick wall or a pergola. As long as it offers sufficient strength. Even when there is unexpectedly strong wind or rain.

Missing a solid spot? Then solve it by securing separate posts in the ground. You do this by making holes with an auger and then sinking the square posts deep enough into these. Note: do you want to stain the posts so that they stay beautiful for a long time? For convenience, do this before the posts go into the ground.

Have the locations for the fastening plates been determined? Then secure each plate with four screws.

Step 4: Attach the shade cloth to the fastening plates

Connect the cloth to the fastening plates from step 3 by using the two tensioners and carabiners from the fastening kit. A carabiner or tensioner is then attached to each end of the cloth. Note: have you chosen a triangle shade cloth? Then the fastening kit includes only one carabiner and two tensioners. If you need to cover a longer distance, you can use rope as an extension. At Livn, this is included as standard with the shade cloth.

Step 5: Stretch the shade cloth until you are satisfied

Use the two tensioners to properly tension the shade cloth fabric. By turning the tensioner, you can tighten or loosen the fabric as desired.

Tip: Opting for a water-repellent shade cloth? Then let the cloth slope at an angle of about 30° and make sure it is taut. The tighter the fabric is stretched, the better any rainwater can run off it. For Livn, this applies to the waterproof Como and Livigno line. Instead, are you going for a wind and water-permeable Livn Iseo shade cloth? Then the cloth doesn’t need to be sloped.

Ellie (@thuisbijmij): “The shade cloth is easy to hang and we enjoy it immensely! We always have it up outside. Except when strong winds are expected, then we remove it as a precaution.” – Ellie chose the Livn shade cloth Livigno oxford 3x4m natural..

In short: get to work if you still want to enjoy your DIY shaded area in the garden or on your terrace this summer. Don't have a shade cloth yet? View all Livn shade cloths and fasteners here..