DIY Making Strong 💪 & Cheap ($12) Summer Sun Shade ⛅️ Sail Pole

It only cost about $12 per pole for summer sun shade sail installation. I bought four items as follows:
1.Ten foot steel conduit pipe ($6)
2. Rubber door stopper ($0.79)
3. Screw eye ($0.66)
4. Five foot steel fence post ($4)
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#SailShadePole
#DIYShadePole
#SunShadeSail
BABOchon.com

[@babochon]

My sun shade sails were light weighted and a half inch steel conduit pipe was right for me. However, you can definitely choose a bigger size. Accordingly you can choose a bigger size of the rubber door stopper. There will be some difference in terms of price but I don't think it would be unreasonable.

[@jerryt3938]

What’s that other wire connected to pole to help support the resistance? Been looking for what I need. I’ve got some 10ft beams in wooden barrels with cement but they’re not strong enough to hold the tension

[@winstonsmiths2449]

NICE! I made several of these for my desert excursions a few years ago. Winds can get high so I used 1.5" and 1.25" (something like that). I cut them to 5' each with the smaller diameter poles slipped into the larger poles. They are strong enough to handle 30mph all day long. I used 1" poles at first but they get bent by higher the normal winds. I drilled holes about a foot apart on the inner pole and one hole at the top of the outer pole. I can increase the height of the poles at 1' increments. I slip a 3" I-screw through the holes in both poles and tighten with a wingnut. I made them shorter for portability and storage concerns. In the desert, regular tent stakes do not cut it, so I went to local hardware store and picked up 12" nails. I created "stops" made of old, thick plastic cutting board so the guy lines do not slip off. I use truckers hitches and/or 2-hole DIY tensioners to keep the lines taught. I use a 2lb hammer to drive the nails into hard/rocky dirt and I am done. Better than a pop up because it it easier to position for sun protection, the sides can be lowered all the way to the ground.

[@babochon]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom! This should help for people who live in the same type of zone of yours!

[@pedsnrse]

Can you please make a video on your process?

[@winstonsmiths2449]

@@pedsnrse Yes, but it may take a month or so. Sold my house and will be moving soon. I will check back here and leave a comment on where to view the video.

[@meleshalyles5550]

​@winstonsmiths2449 I would love to see how this is done too.

[@this_one_guy]

This guy burns 😉

[@esthererickson9723]

Nice.I was just outside digging through my chain link fence poles in preparation to use them to install mine. Thanks for the great ides. And for all those leaving snarky comments - didn't your momma teach you "If you don't have something nice to say keep your mouth shut?"

[@babochon]

Thank you so much. As I said, this might not work for everyone, but I wanted to share. Thank you for sticking up for me." :)

[@jennyg.9186]

Great job ! I purchased 2 10 foot flag poles for $3 each at a thrift store and attached them to my fence posts. Then used $6 of nylon rope to attach to the other side! I wish I had thought of door stops!

[@babochon]

Nice work! 😀

[@questionmark8504]

Thats exactly what I do, if something is too expensive, I always find a less expensive way to do it myself and save some cash, and many times I end up getting better cuality products for way cheaper!!! If you can do it go for it!!!!!

[@babochon]

Exactly! That's what I am hoping for other people. It may not be the perfect solution for everyone, but I do hope it inspires somehow. :)

[@questionmark8504]

@@babochon agreed, Good videos and very well explained! 👍

[@SXYKITTEN1974]

Thank you for this awesome easy to follow video. I’m redoing my posts, what my husband used the first time is beginning to bend. I hate it. Your video will enable me to do it myself. Lol super easy thank you!!

[@babochon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kbal]

Thank you for this! I was looking for an alternative to buying something pricey or using wood that would bow overtime and this looks perfect. I am contemplating using a wider conduit pipe and maybe a higher fence post because it looks like the average wind speed where I live is around 10mph but the record is about 28mph. However even with the wider/longer materials this is a great idea.

[@babochon]

Yes, try it. I installed mine last year. I don’t have lots of wind but I put it aside for sure when the weather forecast says about strong wind. It holds great. 👍

[@bluecatblu76]

Pure genius! Well done and thank you for sharing. ❤️😃😃😃

[@babochon]

You are so welcome!

[@ceebee3581]

Exactly what I needed: sturdy, simple, and inexpensive! Thanks for sharing!

[@babochon]

Now we are going to have summer again. They stand still strong!! 💪

[@hungbui8148]

Thanks for your video. I was going to make one for my pond. Yours simple and works and cheap.

[@babochon]

Glad I could help

[@Prosecute-fauci]

As long as you never get wind at your property you should be ok.

[@babochon]

When there is a strong wind forecast, I take it down.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

@@babochon that’s a pain in the neck. I built mine to withstand hell on earth. All of the up and down would have made the project too inconvenient due to the near constant winds in my area.

[@Imwright720]

I took 2 8’ fence posts that were 2 3/8” diameter. I cut off a 12” piece and split it down long ways then forced it inside the butt joint and welded it. I’ll bury it 4 feet and that leaves me a 11’ steel post sticking up. I plan on angling them away like I’ve seen on pro installation’s . Hopefully it will be strong enough. At least it won’t bow like wood posts and they are light

[@babochon]

Thanks for sharing!

[@phu185]

Love homegrown hacks. Thanks for sharing your method! Question: Did you do anything special to secure the rubber stopper inside the pipe?

[@babochon]

The video doesn't show it, but actually, using a mallet, I pushed it a little more into the pipes.

[@faithhopelove7777777]

Just what I was looking for! Simple & cheap! Thanks!

[@babochon]

Glad I could help!

[@pjrodriguez9755]

Can you tell me about putting the fence post into the ground? How deep you went, how it’s secured etc?

[@babochon]

Yes, I put the fence post about the half (2.5 out of 5 feet) into the ground. Also about 1 foot out of 10 foot conduit pipe was put into the ground to make it sturdy. Of course I have deck fence, but I didn't use any other thing to support the post. I have left the post since last summer and it is still holding just fine! No bend or no tilting. Hope this helps.

[@rabbitalfriedrich9802]

@@babochon Can you say a bit about how you put the conduit pipe in the ground? did you just mallet it in?

[@ggoebel6203]

I don’t think it really matters how deep you hammer it into the ground when it’s attached with zip ties 😂

[@kool-breeze9148]

I followed your creativity and made my poles too! Outstanding!

[@babochon]

👍👍👍

[@youarehere1251]

I would use adjustable galvanized clamps to replace plastic cable ties.

[@babochon]

😮

[@merrimattison4813]

How did you keep the rubber stopper in the pipe?

[@babochon]

Once you push them in, I don’t think they will pop out.

[@fyt00000]

Where to buy good sun screen sails? And where did you buy the other 4 items? Great idea, thanks!!! I need!

[@babochon]

I bought it at Amazon. And for the pole installation, I went to Menards.

[@daisygutierrez7704]

Hello which door stopper should I use ? Is it hollow in the middle? Certain measurement? Thank you

[@babochon]

Please watch 1:35. I bought the size #1. This one is a chunk of rubber. I did drill a hole to push the screw eye.

[@daisygutierrez7704]

Thank you

[@daisygutierrez7704]

Where can I find this rubber stoppers?

[@hunagirl6]

I made this and zip tied it to a T post to secure it. Now I’m concerned the metal post could be a lightening hazard. Any safety info for me anyone?

[@babochon]

From my research, it is a myth that lightening is attracted metal objects.

[@hunagirl6]

@@babochon That’s good to know. Thanks.

[@gwendolynmeredith5779]

Use pvc

[@ggoebel6203]

@@gwendolynmeredith5779😂

[@aguest526]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@babochon]

You bet!

[@becbaytx]

So…how’s it holding up??

[@babochon]

It has been a year. Of course, during the winter, I didn't have the shade sail up but it is holding up just fine. This is the photo I took last month: kzbin.info/door/E2U5q9keTtmpNoiuWuCRuAcommunity?lb=UgkxqoO1lmcrMQ84Y8A_nHp4rxAMqIdItkjU

[@d1a9m9i1lare]

Hello Babo, great video. I noticed you added a rope from the screw eye to a dome. Is this necessary for all cases?

[@babochon]

As I noted in other comments, you don’t have to do it. I did it for a aesthetic reason.

[@ncmor3678]

Those are 1/2" pipes, but the rubber stopper is 1"inch? how the heck did you fit that into the pipe?

[@babochon]

Please watch the video carefully. It is NOT 1 inch, BUT #1.

[@ncmor3678]

@@babochon Repurchased the #1 rubber stopper. lol

[@BirukeDerebe]

Wonderful Video! Thank you for posting

[@babochon]

😀

[@leebailey1220]

How many feet deep should I put my stakes? Thanks

[@babochon]

Probably 2.5 feet out of 5 feet. Till you feel it is very sturdy.

[@DrMarcos]

Thanks for saving me a couple hundred bucks! Well done!

[@babochon]

Glad I could help!

[@marilyngatson2289]

This is a great video and helps put so much. Do you have links for where you got the rubber door stopper? Thanks for great info. 👍

[@babochon]

I bought it at Menards. But I am sure you could get it from any local hardware stores.

[@Heisrisen37]

Thank you for sharing!

[@babochon]

No problem. I understand it couldn’t be for everyone, but I am enjoying it. Hope you also do it too! 😀

[@marcusaguirre7032]

Thanks i live in a rental where digging a hole and pouring concrete is not an option. Gonna try this out

[@babochon]

😀

[@gladysdocarmo7010]

Thank you so much!!! I love it

[@babochon]

I'm glad you like it

[@mattschatz4864]

Wow! Thanks for sharing! Which sun shade sails did you use? Or which brand? Trying to make some myself.

[@babochon]

Tried out the ones from Amazon. I have to agree that they don't have to be too expensive.

[@jcbrook9463]

This is great. Thanks.

[@babochon]

Great. It is not absolutely perfect but should give you some ideas.

[@jasongardner1910]

Are the poles in the ground

[@babochon]

Yes, I dug 1 or 2 feet under separately from the fence post.

[@lismitchell4216]

I think these look great.

[@babochon]

Yes, try it out! 😀

[@amberjay5361]

Thank you so much!

[@babochon]

Glad it helped!

[@LeeLeo-wp5dw]

We attempted this last weekend - worked ok but there is so much sagging, it’s driving me nuts! We haven’t tied any string / rope yet like you show. Is that the solution?

[@babochon]

Did you secure the fence post into the ground firmly? And yes, there is a little bit of wiggle room because the pipe could sway a bit. The string would help because it creates a tension against it, I believe.

[@LeeLeo-wp5dw]

@@babochon yes, fence posts are definitely in the ground firmly.

[@ncmor3678]

Then wouldn't that mean your shade is too large?

[@LeeLeo-wp5dw]

@@ncmor3678 no, once we tied string to it, everything tightened up!

[@Gixxr11]

Truckers hitch

[@ANGIEB52]

Looks really Nice, where were the sun shades purchased? Thx

[@babochon]

I got them from Amazon. Depending on materials, the price range varies.

[@ja.935g67]

Thanks for sharing!

[@babochon]

👍

[@Fulblade]

Great idea, nicely done

[@babochon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@leemiles9713]

Hello BABO What are the brackets called that are attached to the fence post? Your video is the simplest video I came across for the sun shade install. I purchased 3 sails months ago and also think the kits are extremely expensive. I appreciate your video!

[@babochon]

2:45 It is called "Zip Ties." Glad it was helpful

[@tanyawinn11]

What size rubber door stopper are you using? I can’t find those exact ones anywhere

[@babochon]

I am using #1. But, depending on the size of the steel pipe you are using, you could try others. Usually they have so many different sizes. I got it from Menards. Sometimes they call it “rubber stopper.”

[@heatherthyne2307]

Babochon, it looks like your posts are also supported by a guy wire? If so did you make an additional video to describe what materials you used to secure it?

[@babochon]

It is not a wire. I tried it for an aesthetic reason at first. Later I removed it. The steel pipe is sturdy alone. 😀

[@teresapotter2121]

Thank you ❤

[@babochon]

My pleasure!

[@camb3318]

Were the poles bending inwards? It looks like they are tied back or something if the sort? Please lmk! Great idea!

[@babochon]

Well, I tied cotton ropes for aesthetic reasons at first. Since the summer sails were so light, the poles didn’t bend at all.

[@leebailey1220]

What's the string for behind it? Is it necessary?

[@babochon]

No, I tried it for an aesthetic reason while it could also support tension. Later I removed it because the steel pipe was holding well.

[@barsixful]

How’s this go in a strong wind????……..

[@babochon]

Where do you live? When a storm is forecasted, I take down the shades.

[@janwilliams3545]

What are the wires/ ropes I see coming down from the top of each post??

[@babochon]

As I noted in the earlier comments, I did it for an aesthetic reason for architectural feel. Plus a little bit of support. I did it using a left over thin rope to pull the poles the other way.

[@janwilliams3545]

👍

[@anhnguyen-rm5es]

This didnt work for me. The stake bent when I tried to make the sail (12X12X12) stretched tight. It is ok if you let your sail shade sag.

[@babochon]

I see. As you can see it in the video, I didn't do it too tight because I didn't like it that way. :)

[@jackyou3145]

Do you get any real wind where you live? I’m in Chicago….

[@babochon]

"Real wind" ... Yeah, I hear you. If you are there, you may need something more sturdy (?).

[@bobbycrosby9765]

I have an old and rotting pergola that's too low and I've been thinking of replacing it with a shade sail. We get pretty gusty wind though - it sent an umbrella attached to a 90lb weight tumbling across our yard. It also flipped over our 150 lb gazebo that wasn't attached to the ground. So I'm not sure if this would be appropriate for our region.

[@babochon]

It is something to think about. You can definitely consider bigger pipes but the weight and the environment could affect your decision. I hear you. 👍

[@tanyawinn11]

Also what shade did you use? I don’t want to get something to heavy for the poles

[@babochon]

Yes, mine was pretty light. As long as it is not a real canvas type, you should be fine.

[@tanyawinn11]

@@babochon I bought everything exactly how you did yours but I’m still having trouble finding the stopper 😫 I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find it. Home Depot says they have it and when I go up there they say they don’t have it. That’s the only part I’m lacking. Frustrated to the max lol

[@daniellepiana]

Would you suggest using a turnbuckle instead of carabiner to hook the sails so that you can tighten them?

[@babochon]

The reason I used the rubber is that it is hard to connect the turnbuckle to the steel pole. Do you have any idea?

[@daniellepiana]

@@babochon Nope! And I didnt even think of that! Makes perfect sense haha! I am trying your method tomorrow so wish me luck!!

[@Ibcheech]

​@@daniellepiana how did it turn out? Is it pretty secure? I have all the pieces mentioned sitting in the garage

[@mmarisagunn3476]

hello, thank you for video ... where are the long ropes attached to? and with what? we are them opposite the shade, but they disappear out of the video ... thank you!!!

[@babochon]

It is the fence to the next door. Originally I did it for architectural aesthetics. But I realized it created some tensions not to be bent.

[@touemma2399]

Ohh, does the door stopper work well

[@babochon]

👍

[@MOOKY2GS]

What are the string attached to the pole for? Do I have to do that to keep the pole from falling?

[@babochon]

I don't think you need it as long as you secure the pole with the fence post well. Actually I did it for aesthetics. :)

[@leemiles9713]

@@babochon What kind of string did you use?

[@babochon]

@@leemiles9713 Oh, I used left-over cotton strings.

[@YourpainRx]

Looking for something more stronger. Thank you!

[@babochon]

As somebody mentioned it above, if you live in Chicago or somewhere with much wind, you may want to think about some other option too.

[@toninoel2122]

Where did you get the poles?

[@babochon]

I got them at Menards but you could find them practically at any hardware stores.

[@VanessaKittredge]

This is genius

[@babochon]

Glad it was helpful. 😀👍

[@godofrock]

Hillbilly engineering at its finest even has zip ties. Good for maybe 25mph. Thats the speed these sails will be moving away from the house in a storm. Area x wind force equals how fast it will tear this setup out.

[@babochon]

Well, if it is windy, more than 25 mph, I just put it aside. Don't want to see it torn apart for sure. Honestly the material is not canvas, I wouldn't dare to put it up during windy time.

[@xThatEvilGirlx]

How the heck did you get the rubber 1inch door stopper to fit into 1/2” pipe?! 😅

[@babochon]

If you look at the video again, it says #1, not 1 inch. 😁

[@shannonn2014]

How did you anchor it to the house? That’s what I’m struggling with.

[@babochon]

When you buy a summer shade, the anchors usually come with it.

[@derpherpp]

Link to your shade sail?

[@babochon]

I just don't want to advertise it here. If you search "summer shade sail" on Amazon, you will get many results. I got one of them. :)

[@SXYKITTEN1974]

I bought a Sun shade sail on Amazon from “Artpuch” store. They had great prices I originally ordered 10x16 it was too long, they refund fast and my replacement came the next day. If you have to delete this message it’s ok I understand . Trying to be helpful on your great video!

[@trent7645]

What is the rope coming from the pole

[@babochon]

The ropes are pulling the pipes against the direction of summer shade sail. I think they help but I don’t think you absolutely need them as long as you have secured the pipes with the fence posts on the ground well.

[@InfiniteMyriads]

How are the ropes secured at the other end? In the ground, I presume??

[@TheLastSpartan04]

Looks like your neighbor will be enjoying these sails when the next modest breeze blows this into their yard

[@babochon]

Well, except it never happened. Yes, I had that kind of concern at first. :)

[@beccilee9344]

If you are going to give sizes and measurements...get them right! the 1/4 eye hook does not fit the rebarb stake!

[@babochon]

Well, I don't understand your question. You should use a rubber door stopper to fit the eye screw into the conduit pipe. Does it make sense?

[@weaverdreams]

I don’t know where the door stopper came in. I have no idea how you made this but I don’t like all those extra ropes for aesthetic reasons

[@babochon]

😁

[@heatherthyne2307]

It's not a "door stopper" per se. Meaning it's not to keep a door open, those sit on the floor and are typically triangular in shape (lengthwise). It's a rubber "stopper." To plug up the inside of a pipe or bottle, etc.

[@cllistings5914]

…and tacky….guy wires….

[@babochon]

Meaning ... ???