The Shade to Order Difference:

The goal: “To supply practical, aesthetically and architecturally pleasing structures that last for decades.”

Difference 1: Experience & Knowledge

Literally hundreds of domestic and international projects give us an un-paralleled experience level in the industry. Our knowledge can only be described as extensive and is truly global. It covers all aspects of tension membranes, from design & engineering, footings, structural steel, hardware, to fabric types (everything and anything you could ever want to know about different fabrics), patterning & analysis, fabrication, right up to final installations and methods. The customer, architect and builder all benefit from our involvement in hundreds of successful projects in all states of Australia and many countries overseas. We have a lot to bring to the table!

Difference 2: Perfected Techniques

Membrane structures are a highly specialised form of building. Woven knitted shade cloth shade sails are a completely different product and not considered a true tension membrane structure. Too often the assumption is made that this form of building is “simple”. This mistake is made as most aspects of fabric structures are completed off site (great news for the customer as site disturbance is minimised) The reality is there are many detailed processes, components, methods, software packages and manufacturing techniques associated with a fabric tension membrane structure.

Careful design & engineering is also a vital process that is essential to a successful outcome. We have seen many come unstuck underestimating just how specialised tension membrane structures can be.

Prospective customers need to know: it is vital to engage a company that has the knowledge and resources to execute a project with a successful outcome. Researching previous projects, their website, references and even factory inspections are good ways of ascertaining a companies’ true ability to provide the service you need. Over the years and through our experience with all types, sizes and styles of fabric structures we have perfected the best way to approach each and every aspect of any tension membrane structure.

From consultation and point of sale, to design & engineering, to manufacturing and installation we are there to offer expertise. Our vast knowledge in the industry is also passed on to many other fabric suppliers and manufacturers as we service their needs to supply the market with fabric structures. We have the experience, know-how and ability to ensure the success of every project.

Difference 3: Quality & Longevity

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” – Benjamin Franklin The real differences are evident over time. To design, manufacture and install a decent product costs a certain amount of money. We refuse to sacrifice on quality and manufacture using nothing but the best to produce membrane structures that have stood the test of time.

Difference 4: Design & Engineering

The latest software, innovative techniques and skilled experienced staff combine to produce award winning structures. Our methods are proven time and time again.

With a combined industry experience of over 60 years – our design team is an elite and highly capable tool at your service. We can help you visualise the proposed structure and design in the space with rendered images.

Analysis Patterning Design Concepts & Rendered Images.

Difference 5: Fittings & Hardware

We use extremely heavy duty, custom machined & fabricated fittings to suit the specific application. Marine grade stainless steel or hot dipped galvanised treated steel. We use proven methods and custom machining to ensure performance and quality. Treated with the best corrosive protection to ensure decades of performance. The size and type of hardware is the easiest to spot the difference between a correctly designed and manufactured shade structure and a poorly under-engineered structure. Fabric structures under the correct high levels of prestress require large, extremely heavy duty clamping plates and tensioning devices.

Difference 6: Fabric Manufacturing

Any tension membrane structure is only as good as its weakest link. The smartest thing a prospective buyer of a shade structure can do is insist that the fabric is made with absolutely no stitching. Stitching is a big mistake with a true fabric tension structure, regardless of the type. Any puncturing of the fabric surface will ultimately shorten its life as it allows for the ingress of dirt and eventually mildew to penetrate the fabric cloth. This will destroy the fabric and lead to failure in a less than ideal time frame.

The stitching will almost certainly be the first thing to fail over time, rendering the whole shade structure useless and a waste of money. High Frequency welding is the smart alternative. Industry standard welding using high frequency radio waves bonds the fabric to itself with comparable strength at all points – meaning no weak points.





Shade to Order owns and operates 3 large high frequency welding machines – we do not stitch fabrics. We use a light table and automated vacuum plotter/cutter to ensure the highest accuracy and quality.

Difference 7: Ownership

We are 100% Australian owned and operated, employing Australian staff. Our structural steelwork is fabricated in Australia, from Australian steel. Wherever possible we use all Australian materials and products in our structures. This means profits stay in this wonderful country of ours!

Difference 8: Award winners

We are multiple international award winners. Practical and visually striking: we have mastered the art! For any more information feel free to contact us today. www.shadetoorder.com mail@shadetoorder.com Ph: +61 (0)2 4942 5793