The honest answer is: A custom-made shade sail has no meaningful unit price as long as the shape, dimensions, material, and features are not defined. Two sails with the same surface area can have different costs if one is rectangular and the other is manufactured as a free-form, or if additional features are required.
With UNICOVR, you do not need to send a non-binding request and wait for a flat-rate response. You select the shape, enter your dimensions, and add extras. The current total price is displayed directly in the configurator before you order.
These factors determine the cost of a custom shade sail
1. Area and side lengths
More material and longer edges to be processed increase the effort. However, the square footage alone does not fully explain the price, because geometry and workmanship also count.
2. Shape
Rectangles and squares can be described with clear side dimensions. Triangles and trapezoids require precise geometry; for free-forms, additional measurements and diagonals must be checked. The effort lies not only in the cutting but also in deriving a reproducible shape from the customer's data.
3. Material
A water-permeable HDPE sail fulfills a different task than waterproof polyester with a PU coating. Therefore, compare not only the price but also the intended function: airy shade or additional rain protection with a planned slope.
4. Mounting and equipment details
The number and position of connection points, reinforcements, and selected extras affect the final price. Do not simply order these features "just in case," but select them to match the planned construction.
5. Installation and on-site construction
The price of the sail is not automatically the price of the entire system. Wall mounts, posts, foundations, connecting elements, lifting technology, travel, structural testing, and installation can be additional line items. Installation by us is optional and can only be requested on a project-specific basis after assessment.
Why square meter prices can be misleading
A price per square meter seems comparable but often ignores assembly, edge processing, connection details, shipping, and surcharges for special shapes. Furthermore, it says nothing about whether the offered material is waterproof or water-permeable. Always check the complete shopping cart and the detailed description of services.
How to fairly compare two offers
- Identical shape and identical final dimensions of the sail
- Same material and verifiable material properties
- Same number and position of attachment points
- Comparable edge and corner processing
- Shipping, accessories, and any planning services included or shown separately
- Installation, foundations, and structural services clearly delineated
First attachment points, then ordering dimensions
An avoidable cost error occurs if the sail is ordered to be as large as the distance between the existing points. This leaves no room for tensioners, carabiners, or other connecting elements. In the worst case, the custom-made product will not fit into the intended opening. Therefore, read the article How to measure a shade sail correctly before entering your measurements.
Calculate the price directly on the UNICOVR website
Choose between rectangle or square, trapezoid, oblique or right-angled triangle, and free-form in the product selection. Enter the measurements and add the extras you actually need. Every change is taken into account in the displayed price. This way, you can see immediately which version fits your budget.
If you are still weighing the choice between a standard size and a custom-made product, also read Custom-made or standard-sized shade sail?.
Choose shape, size, and extras now and see the price transparently online.