---
type: "fabric"
name: "Shade Cloth"
slug: "shade-cloth"
fabric_family: "laminate_coated"
construction: "laminated"
subtype: "laminated"
typical_fibers:
  - "Polyethylene"
weight_gsm: "120–300 g/m²"
price_tier: 2
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shade-cloth"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:26:08.470092+00:00"
---

# Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is a durable, laminated fabric made from polyethylene, designed to provide shade and reduce UV exposure while allowing air circulation.

- **Fabric Family**: Laminate Coated
- **Construction**: Laminated
- **Subtype**: laminated
- **Typical Fibers**: Polyethylene
- **Weight**: 120–300 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.3–1 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$ (2 of 5)

## About Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is constructed through a lamination process that combines layers of polyethylene fibers, resulting in a lightweight yet robust material. It is commonly used in agricultural and horticultural applications to protect plants from excessive sunlight while promoting air flow. The fabric's UV resistance and breathability make it ideal for outdoor use, and it is available in various shading percentages to meet specific needs.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 10
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 5

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 0%
- **Weft Stretch**: 0%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 10 CFM
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0
- **UPF Rating**: 50

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- UV Protection
- Breathable
- Tear Resistant
- Lightweight

## Common Finishes

- UV Resistant Coating
- Water Repellent Finish

## Common Applications

- Agricultural Shade Structures
- Greenhouses
- Patio Covers
- Carports
- Temporary Shelters

## Common Uses in Detail

### Agricultural Shade Structures

Stretched over crop rows or nursery beds, this laminated polyethylene fabric filters intense sunlight and blocks harmful UV rays while still permitting airflow, protecting delicate plants from heat stress without trapping moisture that could encourage disease.

### Patio & Carport Covers

Suspended as an overhead panel above outdoor living areas or vehicles, it delivers reliable sun protection and reduces surface temperatures significantly. Its durable, weather-resistant construction withstands prolonged outdoor exposure without fraying, fading, or losing structural integrity.

### Temporary Shelter Construction

Used at outdoor events, construction sites, and disaster-relief installations, it forms quick, lightweight shelters that shield occupants from direct sun. Its flexibility, ease of installation, and resistance to tearing make it a practical solution for rapidly deployed temporary structures.

## Care Instructions

Shade cloth can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals to maintain UV resistance.

- Washing Machine Safe
- Do Not Bleach
- Do Not Tumble Dry

## Additional Information

Shade cloth is often categorized by its shading percentage, ranging from 30% to 90%, allowing users to select the appropriate level of shade for their specific applications.

- **Regional Names**: Shade fabric, Shade netting
- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Turkey
- **Testing Standards**: ASTM D5034 (Tear Strength), ASTM D751 (Water Resistance), AATCC 183 (Colorfastness to Light)

## Fibers in This Fabric

- Polyethylene

## Similar Fabrics

- [Lining Taffeta](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/lining-taffeta.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Bonded Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bonded-fabric.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Conveyor Base Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/conveyor-base-fabric.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Felt-Backed Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/felt-backed-fabric.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Filter Cloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/filter-cloth.md) — Laminate Coated

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shade-cloth) — HTML version of this page.*