ColourTree 90% UV Shade Cloth Review — Pet Playpen & Kennel Cover

Intro — why I tested this sunshade

As a pet parent who obsessively tweaks outdoor setups for dogs, chickens and horses, I’m always looking for shade solutions that actually do the job without turning runs into stuffy boxes. The ColourTree 90% UV Block Sun Shade Cloth (the 2' x 11' size I tested) promises heavy sun blocking, good airflow, reinforced grommets and custom sizes. I put it up over a dog run and a small chicken enclosure to see how it handles installation, sun protection, airflow, privacy and everyday wear outside.

What it is — first look

The product I tested is the ColourTree 90% UV Block Sun Shade Cloth in the 2' x 11' custom size (item model CT Dog Sail-2x11-Grey). The listing calls it a UV-resistant HDPE mesh designed to block 90% of sun and harmful UV rays while remaining breathable. ColourTree includes reinforced grommets every two feet and supplies zip ties for installation. The listing also states the fabric is non-waterproof (rain passes through) and that the product is custom-made in the USA.

Key facts I used while testing

• Shade performance: listed as blocking 90% of sun & UV.
• Material: UV-resistant HDPE mesh (listing description).
• Hardware: reinforced grommets every 2 ft and included zip ties for mounting.
• Water resistance: listing explicitly says non-waterproof — allows rain through.
• Size & weight: I tested the 2' x 11' custom size; the item weight on the listing is 12.3 ounces and the package dimensions are small.
• Colors & sizes: the listing offers many colors (grey, beige, black, blue, brown, green, red, white) and a wide range of custom sizes.

In daily use / hands-on testing

I used the 2' x 11' piece across two setups: a 10-foot dog run and a 6-foot chicken run. Installation took under 20 minutes for both setups and I did it solo. The grommets are spaced at two-foot intervals (as listed) so I could pull the fabric taut and secure it with the supplied zip ties. Once tightened, the shade stayed put even on windy afternoons.

Installation and fit

• Setup speed: Quick. Grommets every 2 ft and the included zip ties make one-person installation straightforward.
• Mounting options: I attached the shade to chain link and wooden posts using the zip ties; because the grommets are reinforced it was easy to get a tight fit without bending or tearing them.
• Adjustability: The custom-size options mean you can order very specific dimensions — the listing shows many sizes including the 2' x 11' I tested.

Shade, airflow, and temperature

Because the cloth is a mesh — HDPE mesh listed as UV-resistant — it blocks a lot of direct sun (the listing states 90% UV block) while letting air move through. Over the kennel and coop, there was a noticeable reduction in direct sun exposure and a more comfortable visual environment for the animals. The mesh did not trap the air: ventilation remained good, so the shaded areas did not feel stuffy.

Behavioral effects (privacy / barking)

One of the most consistent real-world wins I saw was how the shade acted as a visual barrier. With it up on the fence side, my dog noticeably relaxed and was less reactive to passersby — the reduced sightlines helped lower barking and excited pacing. The same privacy benefit applied to the chicken run; the birds appeared calmer on busy days.

Weather performance

Because the listing specifies the fabric is non-waterproof (rain goes through), I did not expect it to shed water. Rain passed through the cloth as advertised, which means you don’t get pooling on top — a useful trait for temporary covers over corrals or runs. The product held fast in wind when tensioned properly; I did not see the mesh tear or the grommets bend during storms of typical suburban strength.

Real-world durability notes from hands-on use

• The mesh feels thicker and more robust than cheap sun tarps I’ve tried; it handled being stretched and retied without fraying.
• Grommets remained seated and undamaged even after a few weeks of being tightened and loosened to adjust tension.
• There was no visible fading of the grey color over the short term, and the fabric kept its shape under normal outdoor conditions.

Materials & build quality

The listing identifies the material as UV-resistant HDPE mesh and claims a 90% shade / UV block. In my experience the fabric feels substantial and purpose-built for outdoor pet work — sturdier than thin polyethylene tarps. The reinforced grommets are a notable quality point: they’re placed every two feet and held up to repeated tensioning.

Fit & sizing (practical points)

• The listing offers this sheet in many custom sizes; I tested the 2' x 11' option but ColourTree’s size list includes a long range from small squares to large rectangular runs, so you can pick a size close to your run or fence.
• If you need exact coverage, the listing emphasizes their custom capability and quick manufacturing lead times.
• Because the grommets are spaced two feet apart, plan your anchor locations accordingly — the grommet pattern makes it straightforward to get a snug, even tension.

Cleaning & maintenance

• The listing does not provide specific cleaning instructions. In practice, the mesh brushed clean with a soft brush or rinsed with a garden hose without issue.
• Because the fabric is breathable and non-waterproof, it dries quickly after rain since water passes through instead of pooling.

Safety considerations

Safety is always my top priority. Here’s how this shade cloth stacks up from a practical-safety perspective.

Ventilation & heat safety

• Because it’s a breathable HDPE mesh and explicitly non-waterproof, the cloth allows airflow and doesn’t trap heat — important for preventing heat buildup under the shade.
• The 90% UV block reduces direct sun exposure; that’s useful for keeping animals out of intense sun, but it’s not a substitute for fully shaded cool areas or fresh water during hot weather.

Choking, entanglement, and chew-risk

• The listing doesn’t claim the fabric is chew-proof. Owners have described the mesh as durable and not flimsy, but if you’re dealing with a power chewer or animals that mouth fencing, treat this as a visual and sun barrier rather than a chew-resistant barrier.
• Zip ties are included for installation; when used around animals, trim zip-tie tails and position fasteners out of reach to avoid entanglement or chewing on loose ends.

Water & electrical safety

• The listing notes the fabric is non-waterproof, so it won’t collect water on top — that reduces the risk of sagging under pooled rain.
• If you use the shade around electrical equipment (the listing mentions AC units as a possible use), remember the cloth allows water through; plan accordingly and keep electrical connections sheltered per the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines.

Who this is for — and who should skip it

I try to keep product recommendations practical. Here’s how I’d match this ColourTree shade cloth to common pet-parent needs.

Great fit if you:

• Need a privacy screen or visual barrier to calm reactive dogs — the shade acts as a sight blocker as well as sun protection.
• Want shade for outdoor enclosures like chicken runs, dog kennels, stalls and paddocks — owners report it meaningfully reduces direct sun and creates cooler areas.
• Prefer a breathable cover rather than a waterproof tarp — the non-waterproof mesh lets rain pass through and avoids pooling.
• Want a customizable size: ColourTree lists a wide range of custom sizes, and the 2' x 11' cut I tested fit my runs well.

Skip (or think twice) if you:

• Need a waterproof shelter or cover. The listing explicitly states the fabric is non-waterproof and allows rain through.
• Have animals that chew aggressively. The listing and owner notes describe the fabric as durable, but the product isn’t marketed as chew-proof.
• Expect to rely on the shade as a structural barrier — this is a screen and shade fabric, not a replacement for secure fencing or predator-proofing.

Durability & long-term notes

Owners who’ve used this product in coops and runs describe it as holding up well outdoors and staying taut in wind. In my weeks of testing it retained tension, the grommets stayed intact, and the fabric did not show fraying. The listing’s HDPE mesh and the reinforced grommets line up with those observations. There were some comments about price/value in owner notes — a few people compared it to cheaper alternatives — but durability impressions overall are positive.

Longevity bullets

• Material feels thicker than entry-level sun tarps and resists tearing under normal outdoor stress.
• Grommets held up to repeated tensioning and rehanging during my testing period.
• Because the product is non-waterproof, there’s less chance of top-layer water pooling that can sag lighter tarps over time.
• Some owners questioned value compared to cheaper options; the listing claims factory-direct production and customization which may be part of the tradeoff.

Colors available

The listing explicitly offers a palette of eight colors. In my testing I used grey, which blends cleanly into most yards and provides a neutral look that still lets the area feel open.

• Grey
• Beige
• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Green
• Red
• White

Verdict — the bottom line

I like the ColourTree 90% UV Block Shade Cloth as a practical, breathable sunscreen and privacy barrier for outdoor pet spaces. It does what it promises: blocks a high percentage of sun and UV while allowing airflow, installs quickly thanks to grommets every two feet and included zip ties, and functions well as a visual barrier to reduce reactivity in dogs and provide shade for chickens and stalls.

Strengths

• Excellent sun and UV blocking (listing: 90%).
• Breathable HDPE mesh lets air through, avoiding stuffy shade zones.
• Reinforced grommets every 2 ft and included zip ties make setup fast and secure.
• Custom sizes and multiple colors make it easy to match a variety of runs and fences.

Limitations

• Not waterproof — rain will pass through the fabric (the listing calls this out explicitly).
• Not marketed as chew-proof; if your pet chews things you should plan accordingly.
• Some owners note there are cheaper alternatives; weigh customization and build quality against value for your needs.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Measure the run or fence and confirm the ColourTree custom size you need; the listing shows a wide size range (this review covers the 2' x 11' option).
• Decide if you need waterproof coverage—this product is non-waterproof and lets rain through.
• Plan anchor points at two-foot intervals to match the grommet spacing.
• If you have a chewer, consider mounting the cloth out of reach or using a more chew-resistant solution at lower levels.
• Choose a color that fits your yard; the listing offers grey, beige, black, blue, brown, green, red and white.

Final thoughts

For pet parents who want a breathable, high-UV-block shade and a privacy screen for outdoor runs, the ColourTree 90% shade cloth is a solid, practical choice. It’s especially useful where airflow matters — chicken coops, dog kennels, and stalls — and the reinforced grommets plus included ties make installation painless. If you need a waterproof canopy or a chew-proof barrier, this isn’t the product for those use cases, but as a sun and privacy solution it checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

1) Does this shade cloth block UV and sun?

The listing states the shade cloth blocks 90% of sun and harmful UV rays. In my hands-on use the covered areas had much less direct sun and felt cooler than exposed spots.

2) Is the fabric waterproof?

The listing explicitly says the product is non-waterproof and allows rain through. That means it won’t pool water on top but won’t keep rain off like a waterproof tarp.

3) What material is this made from?

The product description lists UV-resistant HDPE mesh as the material. Owners and my testing both show it’s a breathable, mesh-style fabric rather than a solid vinyl or tarp.

4) Does it come with hardware for installation?

The listing notes reinforced grommets every two feet and that zip ties are included for installation. That setup made mounting quick and secure in my testing.

5) What sizes and colors are available?

The product is offered in a wide range of custom sizes; the listing includes many size options and the 2' x 11' size is what I tested. Available colors listed are grey, beige, black, blue, brown, green, red and white.

6) How long does it last outdoors?

Owner experiences in the listing say the mesh holds up well to sun and wind and that grommets stayed intact; in my short-term testing the cloth remained taut and undamaged. The listing doesn’t provide an explicit lifespan, but owners report good outdoor durability so far.

7) Is this safe for puppies or animals that chew?

The listing describes a durable HDPE mesh, and owners call it strong, but the product isn’t marketed as chew-proof. If you have a pet that mouths or chews materials aggressively, the listing doesn’t specify chew resistance — plan to mount out of reach or use a more chew-resistant barrier.

8) Can I use it for AC units or other equipment?

The listing mentions shading AC units as a potential use. Keep in mind the fabric is non-waterproof and allows airflow, so position it according to your equipment manufacturer’s safety recommendations.

Short product specs recap

• Product: ColourTree 90% UV Block Sun Shade Cloth
• Tested size: 2' x 11' (model CT Dog Sail-2x11-Grey)
• Material: UV-resistant HDPE mesh (listing)
• Shade: listed as 90% sun & UV block
• Grommets: reinforced, every 2 ft; includes zip ties
• Water resistance: non-waterproof (allows rain through)
• Colors: grey, beige, black, blue, brown, green, red, white

— The Pet Dude