REALLY durable tarp

If you don’t care what the neighbors say, just the standard blue construction tarp might work.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sigman-10-ft-x-12-ft-Blue-Tarp-BPF010012/203217263

Yeah I’d like something that looks nicer than that. Also I have pulled grommets out of blue tarps (or the heavier brown tarps) a few times.

Not sure, as I have never left any sort of shelter laying around long term in the sun. Is your 70d nylon or polyester. I went to HH website and noticed that they have several offerings in 70d polyester, but I wonder whether in the past they had nylon? I keep hearing that polyester is more UV resistant…

Good luck!

Look into tarps made from Sunbrella fabrics. Not cheap, but they last a really long time in continuous sunlight. Used for suspended sun shades, umbrellas, awnings, and more. Can grow algae/mold/whatever from accumulated dirt and debris, needs occasional cleaning.

Another possibility is the “marine canvas” used on boats for soft tops, sail covers, etc., often blue in color. Not a sailor, can’t help more than that.

— Rex

More options:

Shade cloths for sensitive plants, if you don’t need rain protection, e.g.:
https://www.homedepot.com/s/Shade%2520Cloths%2520with%2520grommets?NCNI-5

Or shade sails, some are waterproof, e.g.:
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Storage-Organization-Outdoor-Storage-Shade-Structures-Canopies-Shade-Sails/N-5yc1vZcc4r

Anything made from nylon rots quickly in full sun. I suspended outdoor lights over our yard with almost 300 feet of solid braid polypropylene rope between three trees and the house. Still going strong after 18 months.

— Rex

If water resistance is required, look for a marine upholsterer in your area to build something custom ($$) for you.  The material used for bimini tops and such is made to live in the sun (and salt).  It will also be fairly heavy.

If no water resistance required, the sun shades/sails Rex references work very well and pitch very tautly, and cheap too…<$60 for a 12’x12′.  I’ve seen these last many years setup permanently in the yard.

re: Blue tarps…Several issues using these in my experience.  They really don’t last more than a year before they start to come apart at the seams and/or grommets. Also, I’ve never seen anyone get a “good pitch” with one of these as they are not designed to pitched as a “backpacking tarp”, but rather draped over some type of structure.

Ok. I was already thinking about canvas like a wall tent but I had not thought about marine canvas. That is obviously a full sun application. Shade sails are a good idea too. I think I need something solid though because birds like to hang out above the hammock and it ruins the relaxing vibe if they poop on you while napping (it has happened).

Thank you for the suggestions.

edit: heck yeah, this looks like a good option. I’m pretty sure I can get a triangle to work in this installation. It’s cheap and available in different colors.

Was just going to send this link to a waterproof sun sail.  Looks like you already discovered them.  And your source has a much better price.

Check out some of the bushcraft websites. I think I recall Dave Canterbury recommending waxed cotton tarps also known as “oil cloth” from tentsmiths.com in his book Bushcraft 101.

JCH, I hadn’t noticed that one and my partner just stated a preference for a square shape hung with a ridgeline. I’m not sure it will tension as well that way but I’d like to keep her happy so that one might be a winner. Thanks for the link.

matthew k – the waterproof sun sails at HD are the same ColourTree brand as the link you posted, AND the prices on the ColourTree site are much better…but you probably already discovered that.

Yes and free shipping too! Colors and shapes are still being discussed but I think we will order one soon.

Thank you for looking out 🙂

My wife saw me looking at the colourtree website and now wants one over her plant patio :)

Nice. What color?

Corrugated steel roof will last your lifetime. Any fabric-even the good ones-will deteriorate in the AZ Sun. Wouldn’t be hard to pour some pad footings, 6×6 posts and make a shade structure.

matthew k – no decision yet.

brad w – That would certainly be more durable..it also would almost certainly be an unbearably loud drum in a rainstorm.

@JCH that’s called background noise. Puts you to sleep. Plus, what is that, 2 days out out of the year? ;)

HA!  I’m in N Central Florida. Rains at least 40% of the time. Raindrops the size of marbles. It’s L-O-U-D!