Shade Cloth | Knitted UV-Stabilized Shade Fabric

Professional-grade knitted shade cloth in 30% to 90% percentages — black, green, and white — in commercial roll sizes. Finished or unfinished. Free shipping on all orders.

Knitted Shade Cloth in 30% to 90% Shade Percentages

We carry commercial-grade knitted shade cloth in seven shade percentages — from 30% up to 90% — in black, green, and white. All of our shade cloth is made from 100% UV-stabilized polyethylene with a lock stitch construction that won't unravel when cut, so you can size it exactly to your application without hemming. Available finished (fully taped edges with grommets every 2 feet) or unfinished (raw cut edges) in commercial roll sizes from 6' wide to 50' wide. Free shipping on all orders.

Shade Cloth Percentage Comparison Chart

Shade % Light Blocked Light Transmitted Best Applications Colors Available
30%Light 30% 70% Full-sun vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, mixed greenhouses in mild climates Black
40%Moderate 40% 60% Patios, pergolas, bedding plants, lilies, most vegetables Black
50%Popular 50% 50% Greenhouses, general garden use, outdoor living, orchids, bromeliads Black, White
60%Medium-Heavy 60% 40% Hot climates, cattleyas, calatheas, shade-preferring tropicals Black, Green
70%Heavy 70% 30% Ferns, orchids, philodendrons, dracenas, intensely hot outdoor spaces Black
80%Very Heavy 80% 20% Livestock shelters, dog kennels, nursery shade houses, desert climates Black
90%Maximum 90% 10% Privacy screening, maximum livestock heat protection, deer fencing Black

What Are You Shading?

🌿

Greenhouse & Nursery

Protect seedlings and shade-sensitive crops from heat stress. Heavier shade reduces temperatures and humidity stress during peak summer months.

Recommended: 30–60% depending on crop
🏠

Patio & Pergola

Create comfortable outdoor living spaces without blocking the view entirely. White or green cloth reflects more heat than black in hot climates.

Recommended: 40–60%
🐄

Livestock & Animals

Shade cattle, horses, poultry, and dogs from direct sun in paddocks, kennels, and outdoor shelters. Reduces heat stress and improves animal welfare.

Recommended: 80–90%
🌳

Orchids & Tropicals

Many orchids, ferns, and tropical plants need significant shade to thrive. Match the percentage to your specific genus and local sun intensity.

Recommended: 50–70%
🔒

Privacy & Screening

Use heavy shade cloth along fence lines, construction sites, and property borders as a wind break and visual screen.

Recommended: 80–90%
🚗

Vehicles & Parking

Carport and parking shade structures benefit from heavier cloth in hot climates to significantly reduce cabin temperatures.

Recommended: 50–70%

Not Sure What Percentage You Need?

Use our interactive selector below — answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you to the right shade cloth percentage for your application.

Shade Cloth Selector

Answer a few quick questions to find the right shade percentage for your project.

Step 1 of 3
What is your primary application?
Step 2 of 3
How intense is the sun in your area?
Step 3 of 3
Do you have a color preference?
Recommended for you

Shade Cloth FAQ

What does the shade cloth percentage mean? ⌄

The percentage refers to how much sunlight the fabric blocks. A 30% shade cloth blocks 30% of sunlight and allows 70% through. A 90% shade cloth blocks 90% and only lets 10% of light pass. Higher percentages mean more shade, less light transmission, and more heat reduction underneath.

What is knitted shade cloth and why does it matter? ⌄

Knitted shade cloth uses a lock stitch construction that won't unravel when cut with scissors. This means you can cut it to any custom size without needing to hem the edges. Woven shade cloth frays when cut and typically requires hemming. All of our shade cloth is knitted for easy customization in the field.

What is the difference between finished and unfinished? ⌄

Finished shade cloth has fully taped edges and grommets every two feet along the perimeter, making it ready to hang immediately with bungee cords, zip ties, or rope. Unfinished shade cloth has raw cut edges — it's typically used when you're cutting the cloth to a specific shape, building it into a frame, or ordering a large roll for resale or custom cutting.

What percentage shade cloth do I need for a greenhouse? ⌄

For most greenhouses, 30–50% is the right range. A 30–40% cloth works well for vegetables and mixed crops in moderate climates. A 50% cloth is a popular all-purpose choice. If you're in a very hot, sunny climate (desert Southwest, tropics) or growing shade-loving plants like orchids and ferns, step up to 60–70%.

Black vs. green vs. white shade cloth — which should I choose? ⌄

Black is the most common and absorbs heat, which can slightly warm the air beneath it. White shade cloth reflects light and heat, keeping the area underneath cooler — better for heat-sensitive plants and hot climates. Green blends naturally into garden and nursery settings and has similar heat properties to black. For patios and pergolas in hot climates, white or green is usually preferred.

How long does shade cloth last? ⌄

Our shade cloth is made from 100% UV-stabilized polyethylene, which resists breakdown from prolonged sun exposure. With normal use and proper off-season storage, it typically lasts 5–10 years. Roll it up and store it indoors during winter to maximize lifespan. Avoid leaving it crumpled or in contact with sharp edges that can cause tearing.

Why Buy from Pro Fabric Supply?

100% UV-StabilizedBuilt to last outdoors year-round — won't degrade or discolor from sun exposure.
Lock Stitch — Won't UnravelCut to any size with scissors. No hemming needed. Perfect for custom applications.
Free ShippingFree shipping on all orders including large commercial rolls.
7 Shade Levels In Stock30% through 90% in multiple widths — finished or unfinished to fit your project.