Cantilever Fever

You want that glamorous umbrella or sleek tension sail, but you're squeezed for space - what do you do? Cantilevers to the rescue!

A cantilever is a rigid structural element anchored at only one end to provide the ultimate in support. With a free-hanging design, cantilevers appear to be suspended in mid air. These structures work by distributing weight among the supported and unsupported portion of the structure. Cantilever umbrellas, tension sails and awnings are perfect for narrow outdoor spaces.

   

When deciding what shading structure is best for your business or home, consider these different cantilever models. Unlike bulky umbrellas, TUUCI cantilever umbrellas upgrade your outdoor decor while maximizing space. Fusing function and design, these luxury shading structures instantly transform any space into a cozy oasis. 

About TUUCI Umbrellas: 
Manufactured in Miami, Florida, TUUCI is known for its sleek, contemporary commercial-grade designs. Depending on your needs, TUUCI has the right size, style and price point for you. The Ocean Master MAX line is the most popular for those seeking modern, high-wind umbrellas with a cantilever design. 

Sun Square Retractable Shade Sails:

Manufactured in Austria, the Sun Square is the ultimate in architectural state-of-the-art shade technology. These sails are created with an innovative wind-sensing motor that retracts when wind gusts reach 25 mph.

Custom Tension Sails:

Cantilever arms can also be used to maximize space usage. These structures provide support for the tension sails in a way that eliminates the need for a central unit. These tension sails can be fully customized to match the design of any outdoor space. ShadeFLA's tension sails can resist winds up to 82 mph. In addition to protecting guests from harmful UVA/UVB rays, tension sails add a one-of-a-kind, architectural element to any building or outdoor space.

Visit our website or call us at 305-759-7423 for more information! 

Luxury Outdoor Shade Design by ShadeFLA

	Contact us today to arrange a consultation Lifeguard stands designed by architect William Lane. ​​​​​​​All other shade structures designed and installed by ShadeFLA.

Top 6 Outdoor Holiday Entertaining Tips

Each family has their own winter holiday traditions, and depending on where you live, that may include an outdoor party. Hosting your guests in a backyard or local park allows adults to enjoy some sunshine and space and gives little ones a chance to run around and explore.

With the holidays just around the corner, ShadeFLA offers some tips for outdoor entertaining!

1) Check the weather regularly
This may seem like a no-brainer, but to host a successful outdoor gathering it is essential to know what weather to expect! Check often in the days leading up to the event to get a good idea of the temperature range and whether or not there will be a chance of rain. Make sure to have a backup plan, such as an alternative indoor venue, ready to go if need be. On the day of your event, be sure to check the radar frequently to get a feel for where the clouds and rain are heading.

Let's hope your weather doesn't look like this!

2) Offer guests spots to warm up or cool down
Here in Miami, we often have a warm holiday season, but depending on where you are, the temperatures may be cooler. Depending on the weather, make sure you have a warm-up or cool-down zone ready for your guests. If it's heat and humidity that you are dealing with, try setting up oscillating fans and outdoor misters, or create some shade with patio umbrellas or a tension sail. If the weather is on the chilly side, a small bonfire can be a huge hit! If you have heat lamps, place them strategically near comfy sofas, and provide plenty of pillows and blankets so guests can snuggle!

Cool down zone in the shade of tension sails

3) Decorate with candles for a bright holiday look
Whether in a menorah, advent wreath or centerpiece, candles create a festive ambiance and subtle glow to light your festivities. If wind, pets or small children threaten traditional flames, try flameless flickering pillars, which will last the whole night!

Nothing beats that candle-lit glow

4) Keep alcoholic beverages on a sturdy, out of reach table
Most holiday gatherings include pets or small children. To keep that eggnog and spiced punch safe and out of the mouths of little ones, designate a taller, sturdy table as the "bar." Set it apart from other food stations to prevent "traffic jams."

We love this DIY look

5) Let guests entertain themselves with a hot chocolate bar or cookie decorating station 
While you're busy greeting new arrivals and getting the food ready, keep your other guests busy with an interactive food station. Both kids and adults love adding toppings and mix-ins to hot chocolate or decorating sugar cookies. To keep things easy, pre-mix the hot chocolate in an insulated coffee dispenser and complete the bar with insulated cups or ceramic mugs, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, caramel syrup, and Reddi-Wip. Cookie decorating is is a pinch if pastry bags are pre-filled with colored frosting and you use sprinkles straight out of the jar.

Don't forget the marshmallows!

6) Use natural decorations for a rustic chic look
We love using seashells here in Florida, but there are so many other options depending on where you live! Pinecones, autumn leaves, small bundles of twigs, Christmas tree greenery, or smooth stones can all be used to set the scene at your table, buffet, or bar. For a glittery look, spray paint your decorations in silver or gold.

Pine cones and greenery add a classic festive touch

We hope you enjoy your outdoor celebrations this holiday season! What are some of your best tips?

ShadeFLA is a leader in shade design and outdoor living. We are proud to offer tension sails, patio umbrellas, cabanas, heat lamps, misting fans, retractable roofs and more!

Introducing Louvered Roofs - The Latest Shade Technology from ShadeFLA!

	Louvered roofs are made of angled slats that allow sunlight and air to pass through. The louver angle is fully adjustable from 0-170°.

	305-759-7423 Please note: ShadeFLA is also now offering the CEU HSW course "PAMA 101: Enhancing Your Design with Awnings and Canopies." Please call us at  305-759-7423  to arrange a session.

Tension Sails: Function Meets Eye-Catching Design

When it comes to shade, sun protection should be your #1 concern. But with a little planning and creativity, your shade structure can become an eye-catching architectural feature!

Shade fabric has been specially crafted to protect against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, resulting in a decrease in temperature of up to 10 degrees. The shade fabric is also breathable to prevent heat from being trapped underneath the structure. 

In addition to creating more inviting environments for people, tension sails can be used to keep pets cool and healthy! We recently installed a tension sail structure at the Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption Center. 

The 11-sail structure shades the puppy play area so that the dogs will not overheat during their daily exercise. 

Tension sails can also help shield buildings from harsh morning or evening sunlight, cooling the building and reducing energy bills!

In addition to being highly functional, tension sails can add an artistic element to your design. Different colors, shapes and angles make each tension shade structure unique.

ShadeFLA will walk you through the process from design to installation. Contact us to arrange a consultation! 

Happy Halloween!

	305-759-7423

Miami Voted One of America's Top Cities for Winter Travel

Travel + Leisure magazine recently ranked Miami #7 in the nation for winter travel! To no one's surprise, our year-round mild weather and dazzling beaches bring travelers back year after year. Besides the obvious reasons, Travel + Leisure mentions Miami's hospitality scene as a feature that draws visitors:

The Florida city has seen a major hotel and restaurant boom, thanks in part to the wizardry of Alan Faena.

The Faena Hotel turned heads upon its opening last year during Art Basel, a Miami tradition that has become a world-renowned art phenomenon. As Travel + Leisure notes:

In the first week of December, the city is completely and brilliantly consumed by Art Basel.

If you're planning on visiting Miami this December, Art Basel is certainly an event not to be missed. Hotels and resorts cater to Art Basel guests with design-forward architecture and glamorous pool parties. In keeping with Miami's pop art scene, Faena Hotel's Damien Hirst sculptures and a glitzy "cathedral" entryway set the bar high for luxury accommodation in South Florida.

At Faena's Pao restaurant, one can enjoy unique dishes such as pork adobo rice with green mango pico, or sea urchin with sweet corn pudding.

ShadeFLA is proud to have installed retractable screens at Pao. We have also installed Sun Squares and retractable roofs at other South Beach hotels such as The Betsy and Loews Miami Beach.