Frequently Asked Questions
(or Wicked Shade 101)
- These shades really are wicked, but how much do they cost?
A lot! No, seriously, this stuff is pretty spend-y. On average, our custom shade structures
run around $30 per square foot - sometimes less, sometimes more. To get a ‘ballpark’ idea of
how much your Wicked Shade will cost, measure out the square footage of the area you are trying
to shade, then multiply by $30. If you haven’t gone in to shock once you get the result, give us
a call! The $30/square foot ballpark includes design, engineering, fabrication and installation.
Once we have done a unique design for you, we can give you very specific costing.
- Wow! Why are they so expensive?
Wind baby, wind! Our structures are engineered to withstand 90 m.p.h. winds
(in some areas, even higher). This means that whatever we attach the sails to
has to be pretty freakin’ strong. Steel columns usually range from 6” in diameter
for smaller sails, to over 12“ in diameter for the larger sails. As you can imagine,
the footers for these big steel columns need to be quite massive as well. Smaller
sails will typically have footers that are 4’ X 4’ X 4’ with larger sail footers going
as large as 7’ X 7’ X 7’ and even bigger. When installed properly, these babies are
tensioned tight like a drum and they look awesome!
- How does these Wicked Shades do in high winds?
They do great! Didn’t you read FAQ #2?!
- Do you do residential projects?
No. Let us repeat - NO! We no longer design or install residential projects. However,
we will be happy to supply residential clients with custom fabricated sails. The cost
for just the sails ranges from $4 - 6$ per square foot depending on size. Once you have
your columns and/or wall brackets in place, give us a call with the point to point
measurements, and we’ll be happy to supply the sail.
- If you don’t do residential jobs anymore, why do you have
pictures of residential projects on your website?
Because it’s our website. If you don’t like it, go get your own shade website.
- How long does a wicked shade project take to install?
On average, 12 - 16 weeks. A typical project will go a little something like this:
Design phase 1-2 weeks
Engineering 2-3 weeks
Permitting 1-4 weeks
Column fabrication 2-3 weeks
Column installation 2-4 days
Sail fabrication 2-4 weeks
Sail installation 1 day
Inner-peace knowing we’ve just made
another small step towards saving
the planet from skin cancer, global
warming, and boredom with a really
beautiful, really Wicked Shade structure A lifetime!
- Are Wicked Shades waterproof?
Shade sails are made from porous high density polyethylene (HDPE) that is not waterproof.
They are meant for shade only.
- Can wicked shades bear snow loads?
No, sails need to come down during the winter months. Anything more than a few inches of
snow will stretch the fabric to the point that it becomes hard to re-tension.
- Are the sails easy to take down and re-install?
Yes! Just loosen the turnbuckles and undo the ‘D’ shackles. Fold the sail up neatly and store
in a cool, dry place. To install, attach each sail point with the turnbuckles all the way
extended (loose). Once each point is attached, start tightening the turnbuckles - it’s just
that easy (as long as you don’t fall off your ladder!). We do offer a takedown/install
service for clients who are afraid of heights.
- Why are you guys so unprofessional?
If by ”unprofessional” you mean we’re not boring, stuffy and lame, then we are guilty as charged! We offer a fun, hip, and innovative product that we have a blast designing and building. Our clients usually share our mindset. We will happily provide references for any of the projects shown on our website - just ask. We love what we do and we have great time doing it. However, If you are not diggin’ our vibe, then feel free to call any of our boring competitors!
- I am diggin’ your vibe - and I have a huge budget for shade -
how can I get some of these Wicked Shades?
Just give us a call @ 801.942.1835 - we’ll do the rest!
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