Size a rectangle shade sail by the distance between the fixing points, not by a room plan. The Instahut option on this page is a 3x8m waterproof rectangle shade sail. The Wallaroo option is a 280gsm grey rectangle sail at 5x8m. Use 3x8m when the posts or walls are about three metres apart across the short side and about eight metres along the long side. Use 5x8m when that short side is about five metres. A shade sail must be tensioned inside those points, so the cloth does not fill the whole post-to-post rectangle. Confirm the live width, length, and fixing list on each product page. This page is not a pop-up gazebo guide.
Last updated: 2026-10-01 (Australia/Sydney). Written by Darrah Opens.
See: Instahut Rectangle Shade Sail Canopy 3x8m; Wallaroo Rectangle Shade Sail Canopy 5x8m Grey.
Browse: Instahut Rectangle Shade Sails Australia; Awnings Umbrellas Gazebos Shade Sails.
Who this Australian guide is for
For courtyards where the choice is the Instahut 3x8m rectangle shade sail or the Wallaroo 5x8m grey rectangle shade sail.
Quick answer for AU buyers
Measure between the fixing points. Use 3x8m for a short side of about three metres, and 5x8m for a short side of about five metres. The cloth sits inside the posts, so it does not cover the full post-to-post rectangle.
Entity notes
This guide covers the Instahut rectangle shade sail canopy 3x8m and the Wallaroo rectangle shade sail canopy 5x8m grey. Pop-up gazebo pages stay out of this guide.
Fixings and corner tension
Check how many corners the sail has and whether the mounting hardware is in the box. The comparison points already named for these sails are post spacing, corner tension, and the UV cloth rating. Read those on the product page rather than guessing a claim that is not repeated there.
| Check | Why it matters | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Short side | About 3m for the Instahut sail, about 5m for the Wallaroo sail | Each product page |
| Long side | About 8m on both of these listings | Each product page |
| Fixings | The sail is tensioned inside the posts | The fixing list on the product page |
What to check before you buy
- Measure the distance between the fixing points.
- Open the 3x8m Instahut page and the 5x8m Wallaroo page.
- Confirm width, length, and the fixing list. Do not measure a hallway or a kitchen.
Strong sun is relevant to a shade sail. Hallway traffic, 240V electrician steps, steam, and indoor furniture cleaning are not.
Shop these shade sails: Instahut Rectangle Shade Sails Australia; Awnings Umbrellas Gazebos Shade Sails.
FAQs
What size rectangle shade sail should I choose?
Use 3x8m when the short side between fixing points is about three metres. Use 5x8m when that short side is about five metres. Confirm the live size on the product page.
Does the cloth fill the whole post-to-post space?
No. A shade sail is tensioned inside the fixing points, so the cloth does not fill the whole rectangle.
Do I need an electrician or plumber?
No. This page is about a shade sail, not a hardwired light or a plumbed fixture.
How do these two compare?
Both are rectangle shade sails with a long side of about eight metres. The Instahut option is 3x8m. The Wallaroo option is the grey 5x8m sail.
How does AU shipping usually work from Darrah Opens?
Check the product page and checkout for current dispatch notes for your postcode. This guide does not state delivery times.
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