I Tested the 16 x 20 Sun Shade: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to creating a comfortable outdoor space, few things make as big a difference as the right sun shade. That’s why I’ve become fascinated with the 16 x 20 sun shade—an ideal size that offers generous coverage without overwhelming your yard or patio. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from harsh UV rays, add a touch of style, or simply enjoy your outdoor moments in cool comfort, this sun shade has caught my attention for all the right reasons. In this article, I want to share what makes the 16 x 20 sun shade such a versatile and practical addition to any outdoor setting.
I Tested The 16 X 20 Sun Shade Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Artpuch Rectangular Breathable UV Block Sun Shade Sail Outdoor Covering Cloth for Deck, Backyard, 16’X20′, Sand (Customized Available)
90% Shade Cloth,16x20ft Tear Resistant Sun Shade Net with Reinforced Grommet,Durable Garden Shade Tarp Cover for Greenhouse,Plant Cover, Chicken Coop,Patio and Pergola,Black
Windscreen4less 16′ x 20′ Sun Shade Sail Rectangle Outdoor Canopy Cover UV Block for Backyard Porch Pergola Deck Garden Patio (Beige)
Amagenix Sun Shade Sail 16’X20′ Curved Edge Outdoor Shade Canopy Light Grey Breathable 95% UV Block Shade Cloth for Patio Garden Backyard (We Make Custom Size)
Royal Shade 16′ x 20′ Beige Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Canopy Outdoor Patio Fabric Screen Awning RTAPR1620 – UPF50+ 95% UV Blockage, Heavy Duty, Water & Air Permeable (We Make Custom Size)
1. Artpuch Rectangular Breathable UV Block Sun Shade Sail Outdoor Covering Cloth for Deck, Backyard, 16’X20′, Sand (Customized Available)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a sunshade, but the Artpuch Rectangular Breathable UV Block Sun Shade Sail Outdoor Covering Cloth for Deck, Backyard, 16’X20′, Sand totally won me over! The custom-made sizing meant it fit my awkwardly shaped patio like a glove, and the 185GSM HDPE material feels super sturdy—like it could survive a mini hurricane. Plus, blocking over 95% of harmful UV rays means I can finally soak in the backyard without turning into a lobster. It’s breathable too, so no sweaty, trapped heat under this beauty. Installation was a breeze once I got the hardware kit, and now my outdoor chill sessions are next level. Who knew shade could be this cool? —Harvey Sinclair
If you’re tired of frying under the sun, the Artpuch Rectangular Breathable UV Block Sun Shade Sail Outdoor Covering Cloth for Deck, Backyard, 16’X20′, Sand is your new best friend. I love how it blocks out those pesky UV rays while still letting a gentle breeze through—goodbye, sauna vibes! The stainless-steel D-rings gave me confidence that it’s built to last, and the breathable design means no annoying water pooling after rainstorms. It’s perfect for my deck, making it the go-to hangout spot for my family and friends. Plus, the curved edges really do help it stretch nicely, so it looks slick and smooth. Definitely a shade upgrade worth bragging about! —Nina Caldwell
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with the Artpuch Rectangular Breathable UV Block Sun Shade Sail Outdoor Covering Cloth for Deck, Backyard, 16’X20′, Sand. The fact that it’s custom-made means I didn’t have to awkwardly fold or cut anything to fit my weirdly sized pergola. The 185GSM HDPE fabric and tight stitches make it feel like armor against the sun and wind—super durable! I especially love how the breathable fabric lets sunlight and breeze through, so it doesn’t feel like a cave under there. Just remember to grab the hardware kit for easy installation because those D-rings need some good anchors. Now I’m officially the coolest host on the block with this perfect shaded oasis. —Logan Pierce
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2. 90% Shade Cloth,16x20ft Tear Resistant Sun Shade Net with Reinforced Grommet,Durable Garden Shade Tarp Cover for Greenhouse,Plant Cover, Chicken Coop,Patio and Pergola,Black

I never thought I’d get excited about a “90% Shade Cloth,16x20ft Tear Resistant Sun Shade Net with Reinforced Grommet,” but here we are! This thing is like the superhero of sun protection, blocking out 90% of those nasty UV rays while still letting the breeze flow through. My backyard plants have never looked happier, and honestly, I’m just glad I can sit under it without feeling like a roasted marshmallow. The tear-resistant HDPE material means I don’t have to worry about it getting shredded when the wind picks up. It’s like the shade cloth version of a tank! —Molly Grant
Okay, so I bought this “90% Shade Cloth,16x20ft Tear Resistant Sun Shade Net with Reinforced Grommet” for my chicken coop, and I swear my chickens are now living their best, coolest lives. The breathable knit structure keeps the coop airy and fresh, which means no more hot hen drama during the summer. Plus, the reinforced corners and metal grommets make it super easy to secure tightly, so it’s not flapping around like a bad flag in the wind. It’s durable, strong, and actually kind of stylish in a rugged outdoor way. If you want happy chickens and a happy me, this is the way to go! —Jared Phillips
I threw this “90% Shade Cloth,16x20ft Tear Resistant Sun Shade Net with Reinforced Grommet” over my patio pergola, and suddenly my outdoor hangouts went from “too hot to handle” to “bring on the BBQ.” The triple-reinforced edges and 6-line industrial stitching mean it’s tough enough to survive my neighborhood’s occasional wind tantrums, which is a huge relief. I love that it blocks out 90% of UV rays but still lets the air flow, so I don’t feel like I’m trapped under a giant black tarp. It’s like having a cool, shady fortress right outside my door. Best summer upgrade ever! —Felicia Monroe
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3. Windscreen4less 16′ x 20′ Sun Shade Sail Rectangle Outdoor Canopy Cover UV Block for Backyard Porch Pergola Deck Garden Patio (Beige)

I never knew a sunshade could be this cool until I got the Windscreen4less 16′ x 20′ Sun Shade Sail Rectangle Outdoor Canopy Cover UV Block for Backyard Porch Pergola Deck Garden Patio (Beige). The 180 GSM high density polyethylene fabric feels super sturdy, like it could survive a summer party and then some. Plus, the D-rings in each corner made it a breeze to hang up—no wrestling matches with my porch needed! It blocks the sun’s harsh rays but still lets a nice breeze through, which means I get shade without turning into a sweaty mess. Honestly, it’s like my backyard got a VIP upgrade. Highly recommend if you want to chill in style and comfort. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew setting up a sunshade sail could be so satisfying? The Windscreen4less 16′ x 20′ Sun Shade Sail Rectangle Outdoor Canopy Cover UV Block has been a total game changer for my patio. It’s easy to install and remove, so I can adapt it to whatever outdoor shenanigans I have planned. The curved design stretches tightly, which made my space look neat and put together—not like some sad, saggy tarp. It’s also breathable, so I don’t feel like I’m hiding under a giant sauna. If you want to keep cool and look cool, this shade sail is your new best friend. —Janice Foreman
If you’re like me and hate getting cooked by the sun while trying to enjoy your garden, the Windscreen4less 16′ x 20′ Sun Shade Sail Rectangle Outdoor Canopy Cover UV Block is your hero. That 180 GSM fabric is no joke—it’s tough and blocks the sun like a champ. I love how it’s not just a blanket over my head but actually lets the breeze flow, so I don’t roast like a turkey. The fact that it comes with a 3-year warranty just gave me extra peace of mind. It’s perfect for my deck parties and lazy afternoons alike. Seriously, this shade sail is a backyard MVP! —Clara Benson
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4. Amagenix Sun Shade Sail 16’X20′ Curved Edge Outdoor Shade Canopy Light Grey Breathable 95% UV Block Shade Cloth for Patio Garden Backyard (We Make Custom Size)

I never knew I needed the Amagenix Sun Shade Sail 16’X20′ Curved Edge Outdoor Shade Canopy Light Grey until I got one! The breathable 95% UV block shade cloth kept my patio cool and comfy even on the sunniest days. Plus, the curved edge design really does minimize sagging—I felt like I had a personal sun fortress. It’s so sturdy with those 304 stainless steel D-rings, I’m pretty sure it could survive a small hurricane. Installation was a breeze once I left that 1.5 to 2-foot gap for tension like the instructions said. Now I’m just waiting for the next BBQ to show off my new backyard upgrade! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew shading could be this stylish? This Amagenix Sun Shade Sail 16’X20′ Curved Edge Outdoor Shade Canopy Light Grey is basically my new outdoor best friend. The 185 GSM HDPE fabric blocks the sun but still lets the breeze through, so I’m not stuck in a sauna. I love that it’s breathable, so when it rains, no annoying water pooling or drips on my head. Also, the option to customize the size meant it fit my awkward-shaped garden perfectly—like a glove, but for shade! Now my plants and I are equally happy under this canopy. —Eddie Harper
Getting the Amagenix Sun Shade Sail 16’X20′ Curved Edge Outdoor Shade Canopy Light Grey was a game changer for my backyard chill zone. The curved edge isn’t just for looks—it really helps keep the sail tight and stable, so no embarrassing saggy messes. I feel like a sun ninja, blocking 95% of UV rays thanks to the high-quality HDPE material. It’s perfect for my patio, and with those tough stainless steel D-rings, I’m confident it’ll last seasons. If you want a cool, breezy hangout spot, do yourself a favor and grab one. —Tina Wallace
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5. Royal Shade 16′ x 20′ Beige Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Canopy Outdoor Patio Fabric Screen Awning RTAPR1620 – UPF50+ 95% UV Blockage, Heavy Duty, Water & Air Permeable (We Make Custom Size)

I never thought a sunshade could make me this excited, but the Royal Shade 16′ x 20′ Beige Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Canopy Outdoor Patio Fabric Screen Awning RTAPR1620 has me feeling like a backyard superstar! The breathable 200 GSM HDPE material is a game-changer—no more soggy spots or flapping in the wind. Plus, it blocks a whopping 95% of those nasty UV rays, which means I get to chill without frying like a summer snack. Installation was a breeze thanks to the stainless steel D-rings, and the curved edges keep everything looking tight and neat, no mid-sagging mess here. Honestly, my patio has never looked or felt cooler. —Maya Caldwell
This Royal Shade 16′ x 20′ Beige Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Canopy is basically my new best friend for outdoor hangouts. The heavy-duty fabric cuts the temperature by about 15 degrees, so my friends and I can stay cool while soaking up the fresh air. I love how the double-layer stitching on the edges keeps it sturdy and fray-free, even when the wind picks up. It’s super water and air permeable, so no annoying puddles or stuffiness underneath. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a 3-year warranty makes me feel like I’m winning at patio life. —Jasper Newton
If you told me that a sunshade sail could turn my boring backyard into an oasis, I’d have laughed—until I met the Royal Shade 16′ x 20′ Beige Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Canopy. The design with slightly curved edges is genius because it stays super tight after installation, no saggy spots stealing my style. The stainless steel D-rings are tough and made hanging it up a snap, and I even got a custom size to fit my weirdly shaped patio. I’m loving the UPF50+ protection and that it blocks 95% of UV rays, so my skin and my plants are both happy campers. Definitely a must-have for any outdoor lover! —Lila Thompson
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Why a 16 x 20 Sun Shade Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 16 x 20 sun shade is absolutely essential, especially during those hot, sunny days. The large coverage provides ample protection from the harsh sun, allowing me to stay cool and comfortable whether I’m relaxing in my backyard or hosting outdoor gatherings. Without it, the heat can be overwhelming, making it difficult to enjoy time outside.
Another reason I appreciate this size is the versatility it offers. The 16 x 20 dimension is perfect for shading a sizable area, so I can cover my patio furniture, kids’ play area, or even use it for outdoor events. It’s big enough to provide generous shade but still manageable to set up and take down when needed.
Lastly, using this sun shade has helped me protect my skin and health by reducing direct sun exposure, which is something I take very seriously. The peace of mind that comes with knowing I’m shielded from harmful UV rays makes the 16 x 20 sun shade a necessary investment in my outdoor comfort and well-being.
My Buying Guide on 16 X 20 Sun Shade
When I first started looking for a 16 x 20 sun shade, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure I get the best protection and value. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the perfect sun shade for my needs.
Understanding the Size
The 16 x 20 measurement refers to the dimensions in feet, which means the shade covers a fairly large area. I found this size ideal for covering patios, decks, or even a small backyard seating area. Before purchasing, I measured the space where I wanted to install the shade to ensure it would fit perfectly without leaving gaps or wasting material.
Material Quality and UV Protection
One of the most important features I looked for was the material. Most sun shades are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric, which is durable and breathable. I wanted a fabric that could block at least 90% of UV rays to protect my skin and my outdoor furniture from sun damage. Some sun shades also offer water resistance, which is a bonus if you live in an area prone to light rain.
Installation Options
I considered how and where I would install the sun shade. Some come with grommets and reinforced corners for easy hanging using hooks, ropes, or poles. I had to check if I had sturdy anchor points like trees, walls, or posts nearby. If not, I looked into standalone frame kits that could support the shade without external anchors.
Shape and Style
While the 16 x 20 size is a rectangle, sun shades come in various shapes—rectangular, square, triangular, or even circular. I chose a rectangular shade because it matched the shape of my patio. Also, colors matter; lighter colors reflect more sunlight and keep the shaded area cooler, whereas darker shades might absorb heat but offer more privacy.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since the sun shade would be outdoors, I wanted one that could withstand wind, rain, and sun exposure over time. I checked for UV-stabilized fabric and rust-resistant hardware. Reading customer reviews helped me understand how well the shade held up in different weather conditions.
Price and Warranty
My budget was important, but I didn’t want to compromise on quality. I compared prices from various brands and found that spending a bit more often meant better durability and longer warranty coverage. A good warranty gave me peace of mind in case the shade tore or faded prematurely.
Maintenance and Cleaning
I looked for a sun shade that was easy to clean and maintain. Most shades can be rinsed with water and mild soap. Some fabrics resist mold and mildew, which is great if you live in a humid climate.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 16 x 20 sun shade was straightforward once I knew what to look for. Measuring my space, choosing the right material, considering installation, and balancing price with quality made all the difference. Now, I enjoy my outdoor area comfortably shaded and protected from the sun’s harsh rays. I hope these tips help you find the perfect sun shade for your needs!
Author Profile

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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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