Our Journey
Over 20 years ago, we started in a small workshop, passionately crafting what would become the world's best shade sails.
With a strong DIY spirit, we dedicated countless hours to perfecting our designs and patterns. As we expanded our production capabilities, we remained committed to thinking big while staying small, ensuring personal attention to every detail.
Having installed thousands of sails ourselves, we transferred our wealth of hands-on experience into this self-service portal, guaranteeing that your custom-made sail will fit perfectly.
We created the Shade Space website specifically for DIY homeowners and landscapers, providing you with a convenient platform to easily design and order high-quality, custom-made shade sails.
Our mission is to make it possible for DIY enthusiasts to order a custom sail and empower you to install it like a professional.
Our purpose-built workshop allows us to produce your shade sails faster than anyone else! Passionate about home renovations and landscaping, we also love the manufacturing process, ensuring that each sail meets our exacting standards, delivered as ordered and on time.
At Shade Space, our focus is on helping you create cool spaces with the world's best, expertly crafted shade sails. Enjoy the confidence that comes from years of expertise and a dedication to exceptional service, knowing that you have the tools and support to achieve professional results on your own, in your space.
Our History
1944
Where it all began
S. R. Suckling became known for his expertise in the canvas and textile industry, as he worked his way up to factory foreman at the canvas shop he worked at in 1944. These were war years and his specialised skills were deemed essential, so he was exempted from active service to focus on critical home duties, including the production of army tents.
1964
Learnt the trade
Having spent 22 years working in this industry and learning the tent making trade, it was time to starte out on his own. Establishing S R Suckling Canvas Goods & Manufacturing he continued producing outdoor textile products.
1976
Perfecting the art
The business was then passed on to the next generation and manufacturing steadily
grew into a range of outdoor canvas products
1997
The first shade sails
The brand name Shade Systems was introduced and a lot of time and resource was put into developing shade sails and canopies. The demand for shelter at schools increased, to protect the children from the elements, so we rose to the challenge.
2001
We focused on shade
We set-up a purpose made factory for shade production in the small rural town of Dargaville, near the top of New Zealand. Moving into this new facility in 2002 it catapulted us to new heights with the ability to handle fabric, pattern it, cut and sew it faster than anyone else!
2009
Exporting globally
This was a significant year for both the domestic and international market. While we constructed our first full size basketball court canopy at a school in Auckland, another team opened an export division following the demand from shade installers across USA, Europe, UK and Australia.
2019
Expanding the capacity
With rapid growth we soon needed a larger workshop, this time we built a 32,000 sqf loft, customised for lean production. As well as a larger workshop, warehouse and office we’ve also expanded the passionate team that is behind our world-class product
2024
Enabling DIY'ers
Having installed thousands of sails ourselves all around New Zealand, we transferred our wealth of hands-on experience into this self-service portal. This platform empowers DIY homeowners and landscapers worldwide to easily design and order high-quality, custom-made shade sails.
I find dealing with Shade Space excellent quick turnaround time, for quotes and deliveries and good backup service. Have never had any product problems and feel very comfortable selling the products!
— Henk | Canvas Concepts