87% Shade Cloth: Maximum Shade for Deep-Shade Plants and Structures
When to use 87%, which plants actually need it, structural applications, and color options
87% shade cloth is one of the heaviest HDPE knitted shade fabrics available — at Pro Fabric Supply it’s the deepest shade offered in a color (Forest Green and Steel Grey), with 90% available in black for even more block. It transmits only 13% of sunlight — the equivalent of deep shade under a dense forest canopy. This makes it the right choice for a narrow set of plant applications and a wide range of structural uses where maximum shade, UV protection, or wind reduction is needed.
What 87% Shade Cloth Does
The fabric blocks 87% of solar radiation, transmitting only 13% to what lies beneath. This is a very significant light reduction — on a bright summer day the interior underneath is noticeably dim, similar to being indoors near a window.
Temperature reduction underneath is typically 16–20°F compared to unshaded full sun — among the highest available from a single layer of knitted shade fabric without moving to double layers or solid covers.
Despite that density, the fabric still allows air and water to pass through its open mesh structure, which is a critical advantage over solid shade structures. Air circulation continues underneath, preventing the humid stagnant conditions that promote disease in plant collections.
Plants That Need 87% Shade
Very few plants actively require this much shade. Most shade-loving plants, including orchids and common ferns, grow better at 65%. Good candidates for the heaviest grade include:
- Certain deep-forest ferns: Asplenium (bird’s nest fern in full sun climates), Adiantum in very hot climates, Selaginella
- Moss culture: Many moss species grow best in very low light and high humidity; this density outdoors approximates moss’s preferred light environment
- Seed germination benches: Many seeds germinate in darkness or very low light; heavy shade cloth over germination benches creates appropriate conditions while still allowing some air movement
- Deep-shade tropical foliage: Certain forest-floor aroids — some anthuriums and philodendrons — tolerate the very low light beneath it
Important: Do not use 87% shade cloth for orchids unless you have confirmed that specific orchid prefers near-darkness. Most, including Phalaenopsis, will fail to bloom and decline at this level; 65% is the standard for Phalaenopsis, and 87% is simply too dark for virtually all commonly grown orchids.
Structural and Non-Plant Applications
The fabric has numerous uses beyond plant growing:
Shade house side walls
Shade houses are commonly constructed with a lighter shade cloth (50–65%) on the roof and heavier fabric (87%) on the side walls. The side wall fabric reduces wind penetration, limits rain driven at angles, and prevents light from entering horizontally during morning and afternoon hours when sun angle is low.
Privacy screening
On fences, pergolas, or balconies it creates significant visual privacy while allowing air circulation, and it is more durable and weather-resistant than most privacy screen products sold for residential fencing.
Vehicle and equipment protection
Draped over parked vehicles, boats, motorcycles, or outdoor equipment, the fabric blocks over 90% of UV radiation, dramatically reducing surface temperature and slowing UV degradation of paint, vinyl, rubber, and fabric components.
Desert and hot-climate outdoor living
In Phoenix, Las Vegas, or similar desert climates where 70% shade cloth still leaves outdoor seating areas uncomfortably hot on peak summer days, 87% creates the deepest comfortable shade possible from a single layer of breathable fabric.
87% vs. 65% Comparison
| Feature | 65% Shade Cloth | 87% Shade Cloth |
|---|---|---|
| Light transmitted | 35% | 13% |
| Temp reduction | 12–16°F | 16–20°F |
| Best for plants | Phalaenopsis, ferns, tropicals | Mosses, deep-shade ferns only |
| Orchid use | Standard for low-light orchids | Too dark for most orchids |
| Privacy screening | Partial privacy | Near-full visual privacy |
| Hot-climate seating | Deep shade | Maximum shade |
| Vehicle protection | Good UV reduction | Excellent UV reduction (>90%) |
Colors: Forest Green and Steel Grey
At 87%, Pro Fabric Supply offers two colors — both knitted, UV-stabilized, and cut to size:
- Forest Green: Traditional choice for shade houses and garden applications; blends with outdoor landscaping
- Steel Grey: Popular for contemporary outdoor structures, privacy screening, and commercial shade house construction
Both Forest Green and Steel Grey stay more comfortable to sit under than a solid black cloth would, since darker fabric absorbs more heat and radiates it toward people below. If you need an even deeper block and color isn’t a concern, 90% is available in black.
Shop 87% Shade Cloth at Pro Fabric Supply
HDPE knitted 87% shade cloth — Forest Green and Steel Grey — cut to size, won’t unravel, finished (taped & grommeted) or unfinished.
Shop Now ›Frequently Asked Questions
What is 87% shade cloth used for?
Deep-shade plants (mosses, Selaginella, certain ferns), shade house side walls, privacy screening on fences and pergolas, UV protection for vehicles and equipment, and maximum heat reduction in outdoor seating areas in desert climates.
What plants need 87% shade cloth?
Very few. Mosses, certain deep-forest ferns (Asplenium, Selaginella), seed germination benches, and some deep-forest aroids (anthuriums, philodendrons). Most orchids, including Phalaenopsis, grow better at 65% and will decline under 87% shade.
Is 87% shade cloth a solid wall for wind and rain?
No. Even at 87%, knitted HDPE fabric still allows air and water to pass through the open mesh. It significantly reduces wind speed and blocks most light-driven rain, but is not waterproof.
What is the difference between 87% and 65% shade cloth?
87% transmits 13% of light vs. 35% for 65%. The additional reduction significantly limits plant-usable light — most orchids and tropical foliage plants that do well at 65% will decline at the heavier grade. Use it for structural applications, privacy screening, or very specific deep-shade plant collections.
