Ditch Moldy Shade Sails: Home Depot's Durable Alternative Protects Your Patio From Rain

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That sleek shade sail you installed is starting to look a little saggy ... and moldy. Sure, it's great when skies are sunny, but it can't seem to hold up when skies are gray and rainy. To avoid a side of mold with that grilled burger (and to keep the outdoor vibes going even when the rain rolls in), you simply need an upgrade. Home Depot offers the COLOURTREE Waterproof Shade Sail that's made from durable 220 GSM HDPE fabric that shouldn't mold or mildew — reviewers describe it as similar to a high-quality patio umbrella. It's also designed to resist tears, fading, and drying out to help it last longer.

Since the shade is designed to be waterproof, rain won't drip through to your patio, so you can keep you and your furniture dry. That makes it's an ideal option if you live in a particularly rainy climate. It's also designed for 95% UV blockage, which could help keep you cooler and free of sunburns while you're outdoors. The patio cover measures 14 feet by 14 feet, so the shade sail should mostly cover the average outdoor patio space. You can also choose a smaller 9 ½-foot by 9 ½-foot version. At just under $60 at the time of writing, this option is more affordable than many patio cover ideas. 

The product sits at a 4.5-star rating with 150 reviews, with many people praising the durability of the fabric itself and the reinforced stitching. It comes in eight color options, including neutrals like beige and gray or more colorful options. And Home Depot does price match, so check the price on the COLOURTREE patio cover before making your purchase to get the lowest price possible.

The COLOURTREE Shade Sail works as part of a budget-friendly DIY to turn your patio into a shady paradise, especially if you have a small outdoor space. If you want to cover a larger area, install two or more of the shade sails to get full coverage. Keep in mind that while the cloth does have stainless steel D-rings on the corners, it doesn't include the actual hardware installation kit — you'll need to buy that separately. 

Some reviewers also note that while the cloth does keep water from seeping through, the water will pool if you don't install the shade sail properly — some struggled even with a sloped installation. In fact, it's recommended to install all shade cloths at an angle to help rainwater roll off easily. You typically want to aim for a difference of at least 16 to 20 inches from the highest to the lowest point on your cover. Since waterproof sails like the COLOURTREE product need a more noticeable slope than breathable fabrics, though, you may want to shoot for a higher lift and an angle closer to 20 degrees.

Another concern that some purchasers had was the effect of wind on the waterproof fabric. It's designed to keep water from passing through, but that means wind also won't pass through the way it does with a breathable shade sail. Many users discuss the need for secure anchor points, and while you might choose the COLOURTREE option if you live in a rainy climate, you may want to reconsider if you also get heavy winds regularly.