Alternatives to camo netting?

babysnakes · Post by **babysnakes** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:58 pm

We're doing a simple pvc arch shade structure that will be 36X20. All the camo netting I'm finding is pretty expensive. Are there other materials you have used with decent shade/air-flow properties?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 8:27 pm

Miniblinds?

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 8:54 pm

Aluminet can be far superior to netting for shade.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 8:57 pm

Isn't aluminet netting by definition?

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:01 pm

Crap, I don't know.

I'll have to look closely at the weave to determine that.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:22 pm

I believe aluminet, like most shade cloth from Home Depot et al, is *knit*, rather than *woven*.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 9:33 pm

You are probably right, it's makes perfect sence now that I ponder deeply on the topic.

I'll still look because there is nothing like personal confirmation.

That's also why I like mirrors a lot.

gidget · Post by **gidget** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 12:56 pm

Mesh tarp or gardening "shade cloth", blocks 70% of light and the wind goes right through it. You should be able to find it at a hardware or farm/garden supply store. It'll probably be in the neighborhood of $80 to cover your structure... good luck!

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 3:34 pm

Shade cloth comes in the woven and knit variety. Knit is far superior and holds up much better due to the flex that the knit gives the material. Knit is also sort of self healing as a small hole does not really get much bigger over time. 3 years ago I paid $300 for 2 20' X 40' pieces of 70% shade with binding around the edges. That was a have to have it now price. I would recommend getting grommets and possibly doubling up the binding for the edges. Factory edges don't have to be bound but cut edges definitely need to be bound to prevent raveling and subsequent mooping.
Shade cloth does catch wind but not as bad as tarps.

babysnakes · Post by **babysnakes** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 4:30 pm

Awesome. Thanks for the advice. I think getting knit shade cloth and grommeting it would make for a mean, secure tarp.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 11:24 pm

DPW uses rolls of woven geotextile for the shade they erect for the org theme camps.

The Cafe uses knit shade cloth tarps, hemmed and grommeted.

Deadliest Crotch Camp uses macrame netting with Japanese fish balls.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:48 am

It was discovered in the late Renaissance that burlap could be used to cover almost anything. Burlap, for your playa needs.

-A message from the International Burlap Industry Council

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 6:57 pm

There is solid Aluminet too.
Those holes let sun in too.

Silvicool is another shade material.

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:13 pm

this thread http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=29826 has some discussion of shade cloth resources.