From Unbearable To Unbelievable: How We Installed Shade Sails / Canopy On Our Platform Deck

Transforming Our Unbearable Platform Deck: Easy Installation of Amazing Shade Sails for All-Day Backyard Enjoyment. #woodworking #diy #deck
If you liked this video please give it a thumbs up 👍 and subscribe if you haven’t already.
TIMESTAMPS ⏱
0:00 Intro
0:17 Preparing The Flower Pots
0:31 Digging Hole For Post
0:49 Making Bracing
1:19 Setting The Post
3:04 Installing Hooks
3:28 Installing The Shade Sail
4:08 Planting Flowers
4:17 Final Shots
OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA
📘 Facebook Page- TheWillToMake
🐦 Twitter- / thewilltomake
📸 Instagram- / thewilltomake
📧 Email - [e-mail]
TOOLS / MATERIALS 🔨 (Affiliate Links)
Shade Sails - amzn.to/3fDv9Gk
Tape Measure - amzn.to/2OmNQ7L
Circular Saw - amzn.to/3tjgRjw
Speed Square - amzn.to/3tJ7sSf
Drill and Driver - amzn.to/3eAd6C5
Box Cutter - amzn.to/2Sp4J3m
Post Hole Digger - amzn.to/3fIY6k6
EQUIPMENT 💻 (Affiliate Links)
Camera (Canon Rebel T7) - amzn.to/3wgK7fh
Tripod (Sunpak) - amzn.to/37Ncvf7
Laptop (Microsoft Surface Pro 7) - amzn.to/3N0ANST
Mouse (Microsoft) - amzn.to/36urxWe
Microphone (Blue Yeti) - amzn.to/3IpFfa2
WHO AM I 👨‍💼
Hi I'm Ryan Willoughby, a KZbinr, a Maker, and U.S. Navy Avionics Tech. I make all types of videos showing how I build things from picnic table squirrel feeders, to a backyard deck. I also love to restore tools that help with these projects along the way.
GET IN TOUCH 📞
If you have any questions or need to get in touch the quickest way would be through my email ([e-mail]). Please let me know what I can help with.

[@jtnoodle]

Use pressure treated or cedar wood and coat the sunk portion with Henrys roofing tar. My old man was an old school carpenter and taught me. Even better, wrap the post in tar paper, staple in place AND coat with tar. It'll last many years will resist termites. But now they make composite material, so there's also that option.

[@dianaseverns7228]

Just a tip u can pour dry concrete in hole put water in hole mix it in hole n cover it with dirt the ground will harden the concrete. No mixing required

[@jasonhernandez6291]

Pls don't do that

[@Huidos001]

Diana please stick to the kitchen.

[@armando7257]

@@jasonhernandez6291no he’s right. That how the manufacturers suggest you do it. And it works

[@BillBard]

This is true for quick setting cement, the red bags from the same brand used in this video, but provide generally poor results if you use the slow curing one.

[@antonnyhabets7347]

Yeah but really? Why introduce a chance for it not to be mixed properly. Fuck me half arsed Clowns

[@ryanhawkins1235]

Great project idea. Old school post hole digger tip for you. My dad and both my grandpa's had tape or paint lines on their post hole diggers. Pre measure and mark depths such as 12" 18" 24" on you post hole digger and you can drop it in the hole, while it closed, and see how deep your hole is. It's faster than pulling out your tape all the time and sticking it in the hole. Just use your tape to double check the depth.

[@mattsimmons2448]

This is such a good idea, thanks

[@ryanhawkins1235]

@@mattsimmons2448 You are welcome. There is something to be said to the tricks the old dudes know and used.

[@texasgemtree]

The dirt at the top of the post hole and set around the post in the pot with plants will rot the post. The cement should go all the way to the top of the post hole, even or slightly higher than the lawn level and dirt should never be put against the wood. Wood nowadays lasts less time than the posts of years back. The more water contacting the buried post through the dirt contact makes your rot grow faster and can introduce termites into your wooden post if you are in a termite zone.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thanks for your input!

[@tomwillmore1740]

Tex gem is exactly right made this mistake when I put up gazebo for my Wisteria, some years ago. Now I have 2 post very compromised and 2 large, beautiful, vines over it all. Will take clever engineering to replace them.

[@valkyriesardo278]

Not so sure about that. The chemistry for treating exterior lumber has changed over the years. Some treatments are rated for contact with soil. I would avoid soil contact regardless for permanent structures. No wood is invulnerable.

[@texasgemtree]

@@valkyriesardo278 It is actually LESS effective now than previously. I was in the construction remodeling business and still have friends in the business. Manufacturers stopped using the more toxic treatment due to damages to humans and animals and making the environment more toxic. My friends say ground contact is a joke now. Be prepared for rot and repairs earlier rather than later. The life extension of the wood has decreased.

[@halfon005]

@@valkyriesardo278 agreed, but your name looks dang near invulnerable my friend

[@CWBush73]

Thanks, this seems more simple than what I was dreading on doing

[@maddiegreen4660]

Great video! Will definitely use this as a reference when we install our sun shades! This the perfect video because I will be needing to install posts in my yard as well :)

[@beachcomberocean4859]

I use shade sails in the summer here in Texas. I have cemented PVC pipe and threaded cap into the ground. The opening in the PVC is large enough to accommodate 2 3/8" galvanized fence posts 12 feet long. I attach the sail to the top of the fence posts into which I have installed eye bolts. When the season is over, i remove the sail and the galvanized posts. I screw PVC caps into the top of the buried pipe and allow the sun to warm my deck in winter months and also I don't have to look or avoid the posts for much of the year. This extends the life of the sail considerably as they are stored for several months.

[@TheWillToMake]

Yeah sounds like a great idea

[@joecisneros2214]

Could you add a video of this great idea

[@edwinahawkins3945]

I would love to see a video or images as well. I’ve scoured the internet for anyone using pvc pipe with cement to support a shade sail. I like your ode of a fence post. However, a visual would be helpful.

[@thomasarellano9279]

I always like temporary solutions like this please update us with a video of your set up if possible

[@nickg3241]

This is so cool! Thank you for the advice!

[@sherry-yq6ht]

this is more simple than other videos. thanks

[@TheBLizzieMac]

Love it! The deck is beautiful and I love the color.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!! I appreciate it

[@yovon91]

Looks lovely! I like it with the flowers in it!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!! Definitely the wife's idea for the pots lol

[@ADayWithMel]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing.😊 I've been looking for an inexpensive way to provide some shade to our back yard.

[@TheWillToMake]

You are very welcome, thank you!!

[@inspiringbuilds]

Nice transformation and great idea with the flowers pots. Keep up the great work as the goal is to inspire others to build something awesome! 👍🏼

[@TheWillToMake]

Absolutely, Thank you!!

[@flowergirl3438]

Looks good. You could always add hooks on those post and add hanging flower baskets for a little color.

[@redpacaderm]

Great idea with the pots around the post and the bracing.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you! It was the wife's idea

[@RockstahRolln]

LOVED this video!! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@lucyswannsunsafespace7313]

I personally have no use for the shade sail, BUT I LOVE this video because of the post leveling technique! My yard is terribly slanted toward the back, so no area is level and for a building/making novice such as myself, this trick is gold for me! Thanks a bunch! Now, I need to get the posts for a patio area and figuring out how to level the “floor” of the seating area. It’s so bad, I find it hard to stand out there, since it messes with my equilibrium. Any advice on this? 😂

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Nice job. A suggestion that works for me. Mark your depth measurement on the handles of the post hole deeper with painters tape or other tape. Makes it a little easier. Thanks for the video. Very informative and well explained. Thanks

[@zhivago1955]

Gonna try your method for above ground pool shade. THX 4 sharing your idea!

[@TheWillToMake]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@1001myplaylist]

It looks great!! Thank you for the inspiration!! I came here from the deck video. Great job!!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you so much!!

[@nicgrassman1444]

Great idea! Sun shades look great!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@traceyburris9930]

I absolutely love this. You did a great job it looks wonderful.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate it

[@emiliaescobar7652]

Great video!

[@lakeshorewoodturner5136]

Great idea. Looks cool.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@user-lr2gc6vp6s]

You are No1, all the best

[@bindiberry6280]

Tools are expansive!!!

[@syeedaharrington3357]

I really love this idea I can't wait to try it out

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!

[@nalvarado65]

Here's a couple pointers from experience. Make sure you leave plenty of room for your 4x4 posts to warp towards the shade sails. The tension will eventually bow them creating massive sag in the shade sails. I angled my 4x4 posts out and still had them bow to the point of having to replant them. No big deal but annoying. 4x4s may not be the best thing to hang shade sails on but they're cheap and in the evening while sitting under them the breeze makes them creak like a gallion. Pretty cool. My shade sails were for a graduation party and meant to be taken down after the season. They stayed up because we liked them. I was worried about inclement weather destroying them so i bought boat winches from amazon, installed them chest level, ran the winch strap through an I bolt at the top of the post, and connected the clips to the sails. When it looked like a storm was coming in they were down in 5 minutes. Up in five minutes when it passed. Why does no one else do this? These things seem to take a beating and are not complicated. My sails are triangular 25 x 25 ft and can be set up in a number of configurations and levels. Think about your post positions and be creative before you set them up. My neighbors compliment our yard. A yard that was to be a temporary party solution. Heres an edit; our posts are perfect for wireless cameras and solar lights . All in, i think the cost was under three hundred dollars. Ha.

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes those are some great pointers! Thank you very much. I love the idea of the boat winches!

[@joeearley3351]

Excellent idea and it's inexpensive and very effective.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@waynebritton6711]

Both great videos and great tips makes me want to do some decking out my living room window were I made some sofa pallets but I got loads of free slab’s least I can just put pallets on top

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate it.

[@RADIOACTIVEMASCULINITY]

Having a quick connect system would be a cool upgrade now that the rope lengths are figured out

[@TheWillToMake]

Absolutely, I was trying to decide on a way to do it but just decided to tie them this year just to be able to use them. Definitely going to do it though.

[@jjsiegal1]

Nice Work Friend.... Thanks for Sharing ~!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@wormbore]

Perfect video 👍😊

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Wow, nice space!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!! I appreciate it.

[@MikeB_2112]

I’ve been searching for this solution for a while that would be similar to my setup. This is almost the exact same way mine will be mounted. Thanks for the great detailed video!

[@TheWillToMake]

You are very welcome! I'm glad I could help

[@joyceleady3691]

Great Idea ! Looks really good.

[@bambangsugiyinogembil2942]

Saya dari indonesia ( bali) ingin belajar buat kanopy..Terimakasih

[@MissJnet]

Awesome.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@DaveLowe28]

Great install, I'm going to do similar but also fit cleat hooks under each eye hook so you can adjust the tension and position much easier.

[@TheWillToMake]

Yeah that's a great idea! I didn't even think of that.

[@Imwright720]

Awesome project. I’m doing the same except over a pool. I don’t want to deal with the eventual bow so I’m using steel. Since you puts pots around the posts and they need frequent watering you might want to seal the posts with tar or Redgard. Pressure treated isn’t what it used to be.

[@TheWillToMake]

Is the steel expensive? Or is it pretty cheap? Yeah thank you for the advice with the bottom of the post. It's something I really didn't even think about since they're pressure treated but will definitely do this year.

[@Imwright720]

@@TheWillToMake the steel is expensive. 280 a post for a 4x4x14’. It’s a pretty big span and will be under a heavy load especial during storms. I won’t ever have to replace them. I have 6x6 posts on my fence and they are twisting and bowing a little. They only have a gate hanging from them.

[@tamm3757]

Thank you.....giving me the idea now that i saw yours, hehe.

[@TheWillToMake]

You're very welcome!!

[@sunglee2048]

Interesting. I may have to give this a try.

[@anniewilson6737]

Love it

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@farmervee_yt]

Great job!

[@fastfireworks3177]

I think from beginning to end you did a great job. The only thing I probably would have did different was too treat the pallets against rot or put them on blocks to keep them off the ground 🤔

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much, and yes I totally agree

[@barbaraguzman2653]

Thank u very MUCH BROTHER

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@franky9868]

Great video! Just wondering if those posts are still sturdy enough. A lot of articles suggest to bury at least 40% height of the post. Is 2 ft deep hole enough for a 10ft post? Thank you

[@TheWillToMake]

I've had no issues so far but I can keep you updated. I've also seen too that it should be a 6x6 not a 4x4 like I have used here. But again I've had no bowing or anything yet.

[@charlenemabins7476]

👍 nice

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!! I appreciate it!!

[@MsCocoa75]

I love your idea 💡 I have a question will my flowers cause the post to rot?

[@240LTS]

... Good job on the filming and editing of the video! .

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@katsinnamon]

I love the idea

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you so much!!

[@pappydc12]

Looks great! Like the leveling technique. Note- personally I don't like music volume. Cut it 50%?

[@benklepacki8734]

Do the 4x4s seem to be holding in place well? I've seen many things saying to use 6x6s or metal posts. Wondering if they seem to be bending in after putting tension on the shades

[@TheWillToMake]

Nope, I've had no issues so far. But it's never bad to be to safe

[@nicklieder8149]

Trying to something similar, just wondering if your post have bent in with the tension on the sails? I want to attach to an existing fence of 4x4 s but not sure if it can take the tension u would apply to it. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks good vid!

[@TheWillToMake]

I haven't had any issues with them bowing yet, but I have had comments saying that they should be installed on 6x6s or metal post. But like I said I've had no issues yet.

[@genepanasenkostraightunfiltere]

Nice channel. Subscribed.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@tammyblanchette704]

My purpose in watching this video was to see how to tie the rope for the shade sail. So much for that! LOL!

[@TheWillToMake]

So sorry, yes I wish I would have showed more in detail of tying it up, but I just used bow line knots

[@manvo]

I'm curious how well this is holding up 3 years later. Are the 4x4's still holding strong or have they begun to bend under the tension?

[@TheWillToMake]

We have since moved so I'm not sure. But it was intended to be more of a temporary thing to last a year or 2 until wood prices came back down, since this was when wood prices were outrageous.

[@valkyriesardo278]

Your post bracing appeared too flexible so I am surprised you did not double check for level after adding the concrete mix and before allowing it to set.

[@Amanda-Lee33]

I love your video because its not all the hype an upsell of products so hard to find a step by step quick vid so Thanks for that. Do they need slack for wind or tightlined? I'm researching but I want it to be waterproof all I see is Sun are they waterproof?

[@Amanda-Lee33]

Oh the planters great idea

[@TheWillToMake]

No they don't need slack for wind because it will just blow right through it, and no they are not waterproof, they are mostly just for the sun. And thank you so much!!

[@Amanda-Lee33]

@@TheWillToMake Thank you

[@Jay-od3fh]

Good thing your contractor sent out a beefy helper!

[@FraGGer224]

the type of knot used would be super helpful

[@jojo21609]

I love this idea so much. How has this held up with the weather? I live in coastal Texas and am looking for removable shade solutions when storms roll in from the Gulf. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@TheWillToMake]

They've held up great, they allow all the rain through and also the wind so they don't rip itself down

[@jojo21609]

@@TheWillToMake Thank you for responding! I purchased one for our yard. I hope it works out as well as yours does!

[@MrEdgarh1971]

It won’t be loose due not having a angle on the pole? When you tensión the sail.

[@TheWillToMake]

You can definitely add turnbuckles which you could tighten, but I just held them tight while I tied them and it works great.

[@audreyspell2901]

How has it held up being only 2ft deep? We are about to build something similar but with 6x6 posts.

[@TheWillToMake]

It's held up very well and have had no issues.

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

Any info you can provide about the shading material,that’s what I need,brand style bought at etc etc etc THANKS

[@TheWillToMake]

I don't know any of it off the top of my head but I do have a link in my description. That should all be on there.

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

@@TheWillToMake OK TYVM

[@Tmbrwlf32]

“Level” is a term used only for the horizontal axis. “Plumb” is what should be used for the vertical axis.

[@justinae1658]

When's your next project going to be posted??? I need my fix!

[@TheWillToMake]

Im in the process of editing one and just recorded for a second video today.

[@TheWillToMake]

Im in the process of editing one and just recorded for a second video today.

[@nickswinehart3343]

I'm thinking about something similar, but I'd like the sails to be easily brought down and put back up, maybe with a somewhat stretchy cord and carabiners or something. See any harm in that?

[@TheWillToMake]

I don't know if I would use stretchy cord, but you could probably use a carabineer and a turnbuckle. You could easily loosen the turnbuckle and unclip the carabineer

[@jameemaree4602]

Curious how this handled rain? I’m in IL so we get huge rains at times. 😢 I want to do same idea, but haven’t bc of worrying about rain lol

[@lollipupke4212]

Looks great. But hope the sunshade let the water trough? Wen it rain.

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes it does, these sunshades have held up pretty well.

[@jasonhernandez6291]

Im kinda suprises that the bag didnt fill that hole of 2 ft.. i did my fence post at 2 1/2 ft it could be that the hole was a but bigger or u used a 50lb bag

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

It looks like your sails are smaller in dimension from the pole distances to allow for rope that supports them, am I correct. Trying to find the correct dimensions for my wood posts which are 5'×15' in distance. Thx!

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes the shade sail I used recommends leaving 1.5 to 2 feet of space between the Shade sail and the pole.

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

@@TheWillToMake Perfect. Thank you!

[@christineribone9351]

That's a cost effective.shade provider. Easy installation. Didn't like the planter pot idea.

[@michaelrostis160]

Could you do this with 4x4 post mounted on to a patio with 4x4 post bases?

[@TheWillToMake]

I'm actually not sure on that, you may need to do more research on that. I would just be worried about how much the Shade sails pull on the post sideways, putting a ton of stress on your hardware.

[@RM.-_-.]

Wonder how them post holding up now with all that water and moister from the dirt on wood.. lmao

[@gustavoguerrero944]

How do they hold up against rain? Does the rain water collect in the tarp? Wanting to do the same

[@TheWillToMake]

They allow the water through so they don't puddle up

[@davidcervantes8738]

Just wondering why not use quick setting concrete mix for the post?

[@TheWillToMake]

Honestly, just because this stuff was about $2 cheaper, and I love saving anywhere I can. Also I didn't mind waiting for them to set.

[@davidcervantes8738]

@@TheWillToMake makes sense thank you for responding great video !!!

[@TheWillToMake]

@@davidcervantes8738 Absolutely, thank you so much!!

[@cwr8618]

@@TheWillToMake minus the wood / screws used to hold level all night

[@maxinelinley1450]

Is it so the post slop down for the rain to go

[@triforsquad856]

your pole will rote overtime due to humidity

[@krisannekey3218]

I'm not sure I want to actually set posts in the ground. Do you think a 4x4 in a 5 gallon bucket with concrete could withstand the wind and not tip over?

[@TheWillToMake]

I think I would depend on how tall your post is and how far up the shade is.

[@sakinah194]

Hi, what screws & size did you use to go into the siding of your house?

[@TheWillToMake]

They were 4in eye bolts

[@degibson84]

@@TheWillToMake right into the siding? How did you know where to run them in at

[@doge8676]

Can you paint the wood? And what can be added to the wood so it doesn’t rot?

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes the wood can be painted, and a lot of people have been recommending putting some kind of tar on the bottom where the wood is in contact with the soil.

[@fernandorama7374]

What brand shade sail did you use? My sail sags and it looks horrible.

[@TheWillToMake]

I have a link in the description of the exact ones I used

[@fernandorama7374]

@@TheWillToMake thank you. Great video 👍🏻

[@wyattkoppy4000]

how the hell do those stay tight? mine pull the post to the point im worried they going to break

[@debbierogers7828]

how do they hold up in wind? Do they make a lot of noise, like tarp flapping?

[@TheWillToMake]

They hold up very well in wind and no, as long as they are tight there won't be any noise like a tarp flapping.

[@debbierogers7828]

Thanks so much. I think I'll do this!

[@TheWillToMake]

No problem!

[@chrishershey5033]

Did you sink those hooks into the trusses, or just into the sheathing?

[@TheWillToMake]

We're I sunk them in we have a second floor starting so it went through the sheathing into the frame of the house

[@DeviantInc]

At the house is that wood you screwed into or siding? I have siding all the way up

[@TheWillToMake]

Where I screwed into is where our second floor starts so it screwed through the siding into wood

[@DeviantInc]

@@TheWillToMake thanks for the fast reply. I got 2 screens a couple of months ago. I'll take another look at my house thanks again

[@TheWillToMake]

No problem!

[@jennycarpenter3745]

What about when it rains, does water get trapped and make it bow?

[@TheWillToMake]

No the water will run right through them

[@lot5953]

The posts will get rotten?

[@wakenmake924]

👍

[@hersmith4929]

Hey, I’m a beginner and I know the post is 4x4, but long is it? Also, when you’re slanting the shade. How high did you hag it on your house vs the pole. Thanks

[@hersmith4929]

Hang*

[@TheWillToMake]

They were 10 feet long but I've been told that a 6x6 would be best and the angle doesn't matter as long as it is angled. I just put mine right under where the next level of our house started.

[@gryder_ofc]

Which size sail did you buy ?

[@TheWillToMake]

These were 8x10 but they come in all different dimensions. I have a link to them in my description.

[@gryder_ofc]

@@TheWillToMake thank you!

[@hassancharania5636]

Are you in texas?? Can you please help me

[@TheWillToMake]

I am not, I'm in Virginia but how can I help?

[@GeorgeSpencer985]

If you’re going to go through the work and make those poles like that why don’t you just put a roof on top of it and forget about those flimsy sails?

[@TheWillToMake]

Money

[@jackhammer3625]

Mixing stick 😅😅😅

[@joeyp4196]

Do u need a permit to do this?

[@valkyriesardo278]

I like the idea of potted plants at the base of the posts. However your pots are too dinky in scale for that post dimension. A larger size of pot or a grouping of pots would be more visually appealing.

[@rswow]

Music off please.

[@MrYety-sk1cv]

Hey, why didn't you give one big shade sail, but two? secondly, why didn't you provide metal pins, e.g. 1 meter long, that can be driven or concreted into the ground? If something happens to the beam, you just replace it and not destroy the foundation...

[@jessisdad]

But what's up with that deck?

[@TheWillToMake]

I've got another video on how I did the deck if your interested in that.

[@StuartLowPhotography]

I mean this in the nicest way possible, but you really haven't done this properly. Shade sail posts need to be set at a 10 degree opposing angle becausewood under tension (ie - accelerated by the wind) will bow the posts inwards and, the compost you put around the posts will rot the posts and weaken them quicker.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you for your opinion!