Shade Sails LLC
Due to high
shipping cost, it is advisable to find a source of posts locally.
Some general guidlines of what we find works in most cirmcumstances is
discussed
below. This information is offered for budget purposes only. The
type, size of post, and footing details are best obtained using a
licensed engineer.. Engineering services are available for a fee
through us.. Provide a scale drawing or sketch of your project to get a
quote. Fees usually range from $800-$2500.
In general, for "Ready Made" sails, we
usually use 4" schedule 40 steel pipe (galvanized)
or wooden temporary power
poles (treated) that are 6" or larger. Steel posts can be
powder coated or
painted to help protect them and provide the desired color. Steel pipe
is usually found at a steel supply or pipe supply vendor. (Not
at Home Depot) If timber
posts are used, then we generally recommend temporary power poles with
a
preservative added to the wood. Don't use dimensional lumber as it is
not strong enough.
Plumb or
slightly
lean back the post and support it until the concrete has dried. If the
posts are taller than 12' or more than one sail is attached to the same
post then larger diameter posts are usually required and you should
have the job engineered. Larger
post should also be used with larger custom sails.
Install Eye nuts
with threaded rod through the
posts with the eyes pointed at the center
of the sail.
If you
need
to cut the steel pipe then we use either an angle grinder or
circular saw with a metal cutting blade.
Depending
on the height, posts are
usually embedded in a concrete
footing,
3 ft. to 6 ft. deep and 1 ft. to 1.5 ft. in diameter. (Generally a
third of the
total
length
of the post is embedded.... So for
example, a
10' high post should have about 5' in the
ground). If you skimp on depth the post will get pulled over.
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