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COMMERCIAL CANOPY DESIGN: 8 THINGS YOU CAN GET PERSONALISED

What are some things you can personalise if you are looking for a good commercial canopy design? Continue reading to learn more.


On top of providing shelter and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shade sails can really enhance the aesthetics of your commercial outdoor space, making it more pleasant and enjoyable for customers. 


Whether you have a restaurant with a garden, a hotel with an outdoor dining area, or a golf business, giving clients the opportunity to spend more time outside and enjoy your establishments can lead to increased satisfaction – and of course, revenue.


Personalising your shade sail to not only fit the shape and size of your outdoor space, but also your brand aesthetics, is key for maximising the use of the outdoor area. But what are some of the aspects that you can customise?

In this article, we will tell you how you can personalise your commercial canopy design, and what are the benefits of doing so. So, let’s get right into it:


What are the benefits of personalised commercial canopy design?

From branding opportunities to increased aesthetics, let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of getting custom shade sails for your commercial outdoor setting:


Improved customer comfort 

By ensuring the perfect custom fit for your shaded area, you can create a more comfortable and pleasant environment for your customers. 


This is particularly important during the hotter seasons as it allows people to spend more time outdoors without being exposed to harsh sunlight.


Branding opportunities 

As we will discuss in the next section, personalising your commercial canopy design is a great way to leverage branding opportunities. 


You can display your logo, colours, as well as corporate elements, increasing brand awareness and ensuring that you are staying on top-of-mind for customers and passersby.


Unique outdoor atmosphere

The versatility that shade sail customisation offers allows you to create unique and innovative outdoor spaces which add to the overall aesthetics and atmosphere of your business.


This versatility enables you to tailor the environment to suit your specific needs and vision.


Customer attraction and retention 

An inviting outdoor space with custom shade sails can attract more customers and encourage them to stay longer. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and retention, as people appreciate businesses that prioritise their comfort.


According to a study, 41% of people value the atmosphere and ambience of a commercial space, even putting it ahead of location and staff friendliness. 


According to another study, “Atmosphere is important because it influences repurchase behaviour and the cognitive, emotional and psychological status of the customer”.


Promotional opportunities 

Beyond branding, commercial canopy design offers opportunities for promotions and messages. You can use the space to advertise special events, promotions, or any messages you want to communicate to your customers.


Tailored functionality

Depending on your business needs, you can customise the functionality of shade sails. This includes adjusting the angle, height, and layout to provide optimal shade, airflow, and comfort for your customers.


Since shade sails are not permanent structures, they can also be taken down and put back up as needed, which gives you even further flexibility in functionality. 


Commercial canopy design: 7 thing you can get personalised


1. Size and shape

One of the most important things you can personalise when it comes to commercial canopy design is the size and shape of your shade sail. This is essential because in a lot of cases, store-bought options won’t be able to provide a perfect coverage for your outdoor setting – especially if it has an irregular shape or size.


On another hand, when the shade sail fits perfectly, you can ensure optimal shade and shelter for your customers – and give your outdoor area a more polished look.


When it comes to the shape of your shade sail, you can choose between:

– Rectangular shapes

– Custom shapes


You can also opt for a modular design that allows for easy adjustments or additions. This is particularly useful if your outdoor space undergoes changes or expansions, providing flexibility in adapting the shade sail configuration.

If you are not sure how to determine the size and shape of your area, check our article on how to measure for a shade sail


2. Type of shade sail

Another aspect that you can personalise for your commercial canopy design is the type of shade sail, which you can choose based on your needs and preferences.


The most common types of shade sails include:


Flat shade sails – constructed from one piece of strong, resilient fabric cut in a single plane without folds or curvatures. They are tensioned to create a flat surface. 


Hypar shade sails – four-sided sails made up of a flexible fabric, with a curved top edge. They come with varying attachment elevations to create a three-dimensional shape.


Conic shade sails – characterised by its cone-like shape, this type of shade sail is tensioned between multiple anchor points, and it’s great for smaller areas.

Choosing the right type of shade sail involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences – including the shape and layout of the outdoor space, your aesthetic preferences, the weather conditions, as well as your functioning requirements.


3. Colour scheme 

Personalising your commercial canopy design by colour is a great way to enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space and align it with your brand identity or aesthetic preferences.


For example, if visibility is crucial for your business, choose vibrant and attention-grabbing colours that make your outdoor space easily noticeable. This is particularly effective for businesses located in high-traffic areas.


As a rule of thumb, choose colours that reflect your brand’s identity. Incorporate your brand’s primary colours or a combination of colours that represent your business. This creates a cohesive and branded look for your outdoor space.


4. Fabrics 

Fabrics are another thing that you can get personalised for your commercial canopy design – something that isn’t possible if you are opting for store-bought options.


Make sure to choose high-quality fabrics that are not only visually appealing to the outdoor space, but also provide proper UV protection as well as enhance the longevity of your shade sail. 


Premium fabrics often come with high UV protection to shield against harmful ultraviolet rays, blocking up to 98% of them. Look for materials with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, ensuring that the fabric effectively blocks the sun’s rays.


Choose durable fabrics that can withstand outdoor elements, including wind, rain, and exposure to sunlight. Look for materials that are resistant to fading, tearing, and degradation over time.


5. Logo & promotional elements

Did you know that you can also add your logo and other promotional elements to your commercial canopy design? This is an effective way to promote brand recognition and visibility – and make sure that you are placing your logo strategically so that it’s easily seen.


Common locations include the centre, corners, or along the edges. Choose a placement that maximises visibility and complements the overall design.


If applicable, consider incorporating branded messages, taglines, or promotional content alongside your logo. This adds depth to the branding and can convey specific messages to your audience.


6. Edge design

Another thing you can personalise in your commercial canopy design is the edge design of the shade sail. This could involve adding decorative trims, scalloped edges, or other design details to enhance the overall aesthetics, and contribute to the functionality of the shade sail.


Straight edges are the simplest and most common edge design for shade sails.


They provide a clean and modern look, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor settings.


On another hand, curved or scalloped edges add a decorative and softer touch to the sail. This design choice can contribute to a more visually interesting and dynamic appearance. 


You can also opt for reinforced edges, which means adding extra layers of reinforcement along the perimeter of the shade sail. 


This enhances durability and helps prevent fraying or wear along the edges over time.


7. Installation configuration 

The installation configuration of a shade sail plays a crucial role in determining its functionality and visual impact within an outdoor space. As a business, you can strategically plan the placement and arrangement of shade sails to optimise coverage, aesthetics, and overall effectiveness. 


This means deciding on the height, angle, and layout of your shade sail. The height of installation is important for providing adequate clearance and creating an open feel beneath the sails. 


Adjusting the angle of the shade sails can influence the amount of shade provided, especially during different times of the day. 


Careful consideration of the layout, whether installing multiple sails in a grid pattern or creating a more dynamic arrangement, contributes to the overall visual appeal and coverage of the outdoor space.


8. Weather-resistant features

When it comes to personalising your commercial canopy design, another thing to consider are the features that you may need according to the weather. 


For example, if your business operates in an area with a lot of rain, you can opt for a waterproof shade sail – water-resistant fabrics provide protection from light rain, while waterproof fabrics are designed to repel water, preventing it from permeating the fabric and causing damage.


A lot of commercial-grade shade sails are also designed to be more durable and resistant to wind  – this may include reinforced edges, aerodynamic shapes, or tensioning systems that help the sail withstand moderate to strong winds without excessive strain.


FAQ

What material options are available for custom shade sails?

Custom shade sails offer a range of material options to suit diverse needs. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabrics provide durability and UV resistance, while PVC-coated polyester ensures waterproofing. 


Is it possible to add my logo or branding to the shade sail?

Yes, custom shade sails often offer the option to incorporate logos and branding. Providers utilise advanced printing techniques, allowing businesses to seamlessly integrate their logos onto the fabric. 


This personalised touch not only provides shade but also serves as a prominent and branded outdoor display, enhancing visibility and reinforcing the business’s identity within the space.


What installation options are available for custom shade sails?

Custom shade sails offer versatile installation options tailored to individual preferences. Mounting choices include wall attachments, steel or wooden posts, or existing structures. Professional installation services ensure precise fitting and secure anchoring. 


The flexibility in installation allows individuals to adapt the shade sail to their specific outdoor space, accommodating various layouts and design preferences.

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