If my area is 12x26 will the 16x20 provide enough shade?

With information provided it is impossible to give you an answer. It all depends on where you want the shaded area in relation to sun location. For example early in the morning the sun is rising from the east therefore there will be shade on the west side of the sun shade, in the afternoon it will be the opposite (shaded area in the east). It also depends on how high your shade is located from the floor, the higher the less shaded area under the sun sail. At noon since the sun at 12:00 o'clock PM., you get maximum shade under the sun sail. The shade under the sun sail is in relation to the angle of the sun in relation to 12:00 o'clock PM. or perpendicular to the floor. If you hold an object (card board box, piece of plywood, etc) at different timed during the day, you can see how the shaded area moves in relation to the sun location. Hope this helps some, you can also hang a bed sheet to get an idea of the shade under the sun sail at different times.

I have an area 18x23 to cover. Given the allowance for the ropes and stretching, what size rectangular sail should I get?

It all depends on where you want the shaded area in relation to sun location. For example early in the morning the sun is rising from the east therefore there will be shade on the west side of the sun shade, in the afternoon it will be the opposite (shaded area in the east). It also depends on how high your shade is located from the floor, the higher the less shaded area under the sun sail. At noon since the sun at 12:00 o'clock PM., you get maximum shade under the sun sail. The shade under the sun sail is in relation to the angle of the sun in relation to 12:00 o'clock PM. or perpendicular to the floor. If you hold an object (card board box, piece of plywood, etc) at different timed during the day, you can see how the shaded area moves in relation to the sun location. Hope this helps some, you can also hang a bed sheet to get an idea of the shade under the sun sail at different times.

How high does it need to be? Trying to cover a patio 20 x 23

I don't think there is a "need", obviously you need to be able to walk under it. I would think as high as possible. I used 12 foot 6x6 as corners, and sank them 3 feet into the ground. 2 sides are attached at the top, 2 are2.5 feet lower. My 6 foot son can walk under without a problem. Hope this helps.

Can I put this over a gas fire pit?

As long as the distance between the sail and table top gas fire pit is 4 feet or greater, you shouldn't have a problem, normally gas fire pits are controlled heat, so the heat doesn't fly more to 1-2 feet, I took my table top unit off otherwise I would have shared a picture. But if you go to reviews, I have pictures of the overall installation for this product and you can get an idea. My unit was installed at 100 inches a little over 8 feet on one side and 90 inches on the other side and a few inches under 8 feet for a gradual slope. The distance between my table top unit and the sail was approximately 4 1/2 feet when I measured.

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Reviews

M**A

So Worth It

I’m back 5 years later to purchase another sun/shade. The first one weathered 5 years in the Pacific Northwest’s epic wind and rain 9 months a year. This sun/shade is so durable, and the color stayed vibrant. So worth it.

13.04.2025

M**H

Good idea and product.

Super impressed after a few months outside in the FL elements.

26.04.2025

A**A

Quality and Price Hit the Mark - Do your homework

Okay , where to begin. First and foremost READ THE DIRECTIONS AND ALL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION. I read many reviews before buying this and if most people would have just taken the time to read they could've saved themselves a ton of heartache and time!! Ordered the 16'x20' May of 2021 and used it for one summer so far. The shade coverage was enough for a rectangle table and 6 chairs, 5 piece rattan outdoor furniture set, a cooler table, an extra- large deck box and still had PLENTY of space to walk freely between them!!! We took it down in October 2021 for the season and saw that there was a tear along one of the seams. We contacted Amazon and they replaced the product immediately. We did purchase the 5 year extended warranty for this item and I HIGHLY suggest you do the same because it just makes sense! Pay the extra $13 and know that for at least 5 years you will have a product that you can enjoy for several seasons. We did not have to make a claim for the replacement because it was still covered under the manufacturers warranty.Things to KNOW and SUGGESTIONS:- the item was exact color and size that was pictured (note: the dimensions are from D ring to D ring, it is not perfectly square and it's not designed to be. The sides arc in some and this allows you to get the shade taut).- It is great relief from the sun but it is in no way water-resistant, a light mist will soak anything underneath it.- If there is heavy rain it will pool in the center and sag, so make sure to put it at a slight angle downward on one side to allow the water to run off.- Use at a minimum 4x4 10 foot posts (bigger diameter would be better) for larger sun shades to support the tension and decrease the chances of the post bowing. We attached the sail to the eaves and then 2 posts on the opposite side. We buried and cemented and the posts 1/3 in the ground.- Get quality turnbuckles, carabiners, and thick wire, etc. to attach the shade. Do not use the flimsy rope that comes with it if you expect the shade sail to be taut and not droop. You may have to tighten throughout the season depending on the wind/weather it sustains and how much it naturally stretches.- When tightening the sail be sure to tighten corners that are diagonal from one another so it will tighten evenly. If you start in one corner and move in a square you will hate everything about this item because it will ALWAYS be uneven and droopy.- I suggest using rivets to reinforce the seams (or a big needle and string).- WATCH VIDEOS on the different ways to set up the shade sail to make assembly as simple as possible, you will be grateful you did.Overall the item was what I expected and as long as you take care of it and do your research assembly will be pretty simple. I would but this again!

28.01.2022

G**M

Shade

Good colorful shade

29.04.2025

A**R

Work as intended would purchase again

Bought these to stretch over pool to provide a little shade. They work quite well, but the durability can be seen to diminish as they are out in the central florida sun most days. Will probably need to replace after 3-4 years....but in the meantime, they work great for sun protection, color is good. We have them mounted on ropes with clips and boat cleat tie-downs to hold up over pool. We have to take them down during hurricane season, but they are easily stored.

21.02.2025

D**N

Perfect...ABSOLUTELY NO COMPLAINTS

The media could not be loaded. PERFECT!!! even better than I expected. I previously had been using a gazebo tent but the weight of the snow Tore it down.This is MUCH BETTER, because I can remove it in 5 minutes if snow is predicted.Now I can enjoy my patio/garden to the fullest!It's very sturdy, SUN, and wind resistant. I would definitely recommend this product.

29.03.2025

B**S

Shade cloth

Color not what I thought it would be

22.04.2025

T**M

Nice

Nice product

17.03.2025

AsterOutdoor Shade Sail Rectangle

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