Start with the area you want shaded
Mark parking bays, pool decks, walkways or seating areas on a plan. Identify the required clear height and any columns, doors, vehicle routes or landscaping that must remain accessible. The same canopy arrangement will not fit every site.
Compare the structure before the appearance
Cantilever parking canopies, tensile shade sails and steel-framed covers use different support arrangements. Consider where foundations can be placed and how the structure will connect to an existing building. For poolside areas, include maintenance routes and the desired coverage around the water.
Ask for the material specification
PVC-coated membranes, HDPE shade mesh and specialist fabrics have different properties. Ask for the manufacturer’s data, specified finish, maintenance instructions and applicable warranty. A shade material description alone does not establish waterproofing or a specific temperature reduction.
Make quotations comparable
Give each supplier the same drawings and scope. Clarify whether foundations, structural design, fabrication, membrane supply, protective coating, transport and installation are included. Price depends on these requirements; a generic per-square-metre rate may exclude important parts of the work.