Shade Structures

Types of Commercial Shade Structures

Furniture Leisure provides several types of outdoor shade structures to match both residential and commercial spaces:

• Hip & Pyramid Multi-Column Shades
  Four- and six-post designs that deliver maximum coverage at the best cost-per-square-foot, ideal for playgrounds, courts, and pavilions.
• Cantilever Shade Structures
  Rear- or side-supported posts free up usable space, making these perfect for pool decks, bleachers, and walkways.
• Umbrella Shade Structures (Fixed)
  Large single- or dual-post shades that look like patio umbrellas but are permanently mounted and engineered for high wind resistance.
• Shade Sails & Multi-Sail Designs
  Architectural, overlapping sails add dynamic style while offering flexible coverage across irregular footprints.
• Metal Shade Structures
  Engineered from steel or aluminum, these robust structures provide durable, low-maintenance shade solutions for high-traffic areas such as stadiums, campuses, and public plazas.
• Playground Modular Shade Structures
  Custom-fitted canopies designed to integrate directly onto playground equipment, ensuring safe coverage while maintaining proper clearances for play.
• Pergolas
  Open-air frameworks that combine partial shade with architectural appeal, ideal for dining areas, courtyards, and outdoor lounges.
• Gazebos
  Freestanding roofed structures that create shaded gathering spaces with a classic aesthetic, perfect for parks, gardens, and community areas.

Benefits for Parks, Schools, and Public Spaces

UV Protection & Heat Reduction
Our high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabrics block up to 97% of harmful UV rays and can reduce felt temperatures by 20°F or more, keeping outdoor spaces safe and comfortable.

Visitor Comfort, Dwell Time, and ADA-Friendly Layouts
Strategic shade placement encourages longer stays, improves safety, and enhances accessibility with ADA-compliant pathways and layouts.

Materials & Engineering

Steel Frames, Powder Coat, and Fabric Specs
Every structure is built from commercial-grade steel with durable powder coating to resist rust and corrosion. UV-stabilized, fade-resistant fabrics are available in a variety of vibrant colors to match your site.

Wind Ratings, Snow Loads, and Coastal Considerations
Standard designs are engineered with wind ratings up to 93 mph, with higher ratings available for coastal or hurricane-prone areas. Optional snow-load designs are available for northern climates.

Shade Structure Maintenance

Proper maintenance keeps your shade structure looking its best and enhances its longevity by preventing deterioration. Do keep in mind basic maintenance steps to maximize the lifespan of your shade system:

• Clean fabric with mild soap and water. Use mildew remover for stubborn stains.
• Ensure drainage to prevent water pooling. Clear debris.
• Check for rust on frames. Touch up with paint as needed.
• Tighten hardware over time.
• Take down or secure shades in heavy winds, storms, or snow.

Shade Mounting Options: Embedded vs. Surface Mount

When selecting a commercial shade structure, choosing the right mounting option is just as important as the size and style of the canopy.

Embedding (In‐Ground Mount): A solid choice for smaller shade structures, an embedded column is set approximately 3 feet into a footer and surrounded by concrete. This method allows for quicker installation since the structure can be secured once the concrete cures. However, removal requires cutting the embedded column out.

Surface Mount (Base Plate): Ideal for larger or precisely positioned shade structures. In this setup, anchor bolts are embedded in the concrete footer first—then the column is bolted to that baseplate. It offers installation flexibility (allowing foundations to be prepared in advance) and easier removal—simply unbolt and lift away.

Check out the video below to understand the process of setting footers:

Trust Furniture Leisure for Your Shade Structure Needs

As a leading outdoor furniture provider for over 20 years, Furniture Leisure is committed to meeting both residential and commercial shade structure needs. Our extensive selection of quality shade options is focused on delivering long-lasting performance and complete customer satisfaction. This durable construction allows our shade structures to provide lasting performance and stand up to years of sun, rain, and wind, whereas many commercial shade structures from other providers lack this durability.

Furniture Leisure shade structures are fully customizable with many colors, sizes, mounting, and glide elbow options. Our team provides design expertise to help select the perfect shade style and size for any space, whether residential or commercial. We offer solutions to match your taste, budget, and shading needs. Contact us today to learn more.

FAQs: Sizing, Clearances & Compliance

Recommended Clearances for Playgrounds
Always allow a minimum of 3 feet from the top of the highest play element to the shade frame, 7 feet from elevated decks, and 6 feet between the structure and columns for safe use.

Choosing the Right Shade by Use Case
Match your structure to the site: hip and pyramid shades for large playgrounds, cantilevers for pool decks, umbrellas for seating areas, sails for architectural flair, modular shades for playsets, and pergolas or gazebos for park gathering spots.

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