Shade Cloth
Grommeted Panel
The edges of these panels are sewn with heavy-duty reinforcing tape. Brass grommets are installed on approx. 2' centers around the perimeter. Often includes a seam where two pieces of shade have been sewn together. Durable, easy to install with ropes, bungees or wire. Most durable solution for smaller areas where shade will be suspended between four points. Grommeted panels are sold in pre-cut sizes or can be ordered in any custom size.
Precut Panel
A raw piece of shade fabric where edges of panel are not reinforced with any tape or grommets. Would not typically have a seam but may have a raw (cut) edge. Can be installed with wiggle wire, shade cloth clips or wooden lath. Precut Panels are sold in pre-cut sizes or can be ordered in any custom size.
Bulk
Sold in factory widths by the linear foot. Would only rarely have a seam and sides typically include a factory finished (uncut) edge. Most cost effective solution for large quantities of shade fabric.
Choosing the Right Shade Cloth: Tape Knit, Mono Knit, and Woven Options
Not all shade cloth is created equal. Whether you're growing crops, building a greenhouse, or setting up a wind barrier, choosing the right type of shade cloth can make all the difference in durability, airflow, and protection. In this guide, we break down the three main types—woven, mono/knit, and tape/knit—so you can select the best option for your climate, growing environment, and budget. From commercial installations to backyard gardens, there’s a shade cloth that fits your needs.
Tape Knit Shade Cloth
Tape knit shade cloth, made from polyethylene, is a versatile and affordable option ideal for hobby growers, smaller commercial setups, retail spaces, or quick coverage of outdoor crops and greenhouses. It has a soft, cloth-like feel and is gentle enough to drag over greenhouse poly film without causing damage.
While tape knit can be installed permanently and withstands years of sun exposure, it’s less durable in extreme climates. In high heat or wind-prone areas, a stronger net like mono knit is recommended. This material stretches significantly, so allow for flexibility in measurements when ordering.
Key Features:
- Soft, cloth-like feel; safe for poly film contact
- Great for hobbyists, small growers, and short-term coverage
- Lock-stitch design resists unraveling
- Permanent installation possible with proper care
- Less suited for high wind or extreme heat
- Not as durable as mono or woven options
- Significant stretch (up to 1’ depending on shade percentage)
- Factory seams may exist in stock widths (e.g., 12’ wide may have a 6’ joint)
- Exact measurements can be challenging due to stretch—allow tolerance, especially on custom sizes
Mono Knit Shade Nets
Mono knit shade cloths are made from monofilament fibers in a lock-stitch pattern, which prevents unraveling and provides a long-lasting solution for both flat structures and curved frameworks like hoops or tunnels. These nets offer excellent airflow and durability, making them a premium option for commercial growers, nurseries, and greenhouses. While they have minimal stretch, they offer more breathability than woven shade cloths.
Mono knit nets are especially effective in high heat and high wind zones, where both temperature and environmental stress require strong, breathable materials. They’re also used successfully in wind fence applications.
Key Features:
- Lock-stitch design prevents unraveling
- Withstands extreme temperatures and wind
- Common in commercial growing and nursery operations
- Can be used over hoops, tunnels, and greenhouses
- Offers greater airflow than woven shade cloth
- Minimal stretch for easier installation
- Also suitable for use as wind fencing
- Any width can be made without compromising net strength
Woven Shade Nets
Woven shade cloths, made from polypropylene, are known for their exceptional strength and durability, making them a top choice for commercial growing environments and high-stress applications. These nets are ideal for flat-roof structures where tensioning the net trampoline-tight is required. Once installed with tape and grommets, woven nets will not stretch and will hold their shape in all weather conditions. They are especially well-suited for hot climates and windy environments.
Woven nets are also frequently used in wind fence applications due to their resilience. To maximize cost-efficiency and longevity, it’s best to design your structure using the stock widths available.
Key Features:
- Extremely durable in the hottest U.S. climates
- Most common choice for commercial flat-roof structures
- Normally finished with tape and grommets to prevent unraveling
- No stretch after installation—excellent for taut applications
- Superior performance in windy conditions when flapping against support structures
- Commonly used as commercial wind fencing
Plant Shade Cloth
You can't control how hot it is outside - but you can control how much heat gets inside a greenhouse. Shade cloths let you control temperatures and sun exposure so plants have the best conditions to grow. With many shade cloth densities and colors, Greenhouse Megastore has the right fabric to turn any structure into a gardening oasis.
Stay Cool with Sun Shade Fabric
Greenhouse shade cloth is made for growers of all experience levels. It's easy to use, affordable and proven to be effective. Furthermore, you can use sun shade material for patios, pergolas, garages, car windshields and other situations where you need to keep things cool.
Browse shade cloths in densities ranging from 20% to 90%. This refers to what percentage of sunlight the fabric blocks; click on a fabric to see what plants respond well to it. Darker colors absorb more UV rays while lighter colors are better for deflecting heat.
You can purchase shade cloth in pre-cut finished panels, bulk rolls or custom-cut unfinished panels depending on your project and budget. Do you need shade cloth for gardens or to protect camping areas? Use overhead sun shades in square and triangular shapes. Don't forget the installation hardware - we carry clips, hooks, fasteners, grommets, lacing cords and more to set up the cloth however you like.
Discounted Shade Cloth and Hardware
Our shade cloth store is where professionals and DIYers shop when they need cool deals on high-quality supplies. Contact Greenhouse Megastore Monday through Friday to speak to a sales associate if you need knowledgeable shade fabric advice.
