Engineered shade structures

Hip shade structures.

Four-post steel frames with a pyramid fabric canopy — full coverage for playgrounds, picnic areas, pools and parking. Engineered for Arizona wind loads, fabricated to order, and installed turnkey across the Valley.

Get a shade quote or call (480) 399-7516

Blue fabric shade canopies on steel posts against a cloudy sky

Steel-frame shade canopies

Why a hip structure

Full coverage, clean lines.

Where a sail sculpts shade, a hip structure blankets a footprint. The steel frame carries the canopy on all four sides, so shade is even edge to edge and posts sit at the corners, out of the way of play equipment and tables.

Canopies are cut from breathable HDPE shade cloth that lets heat and wind escape, lowering the load on the frame compared with solid roofs.

Powder-coated steel frame; colors to match your site
Commercial 95 HDPE canopy in 22 colors
Engineered footings sized for your soil and wind speed
Single, multi-bay and cantilever options
Replacement canopies for existing frames

Shade umbrella structures

People walking a park path under a row of charcoal triangle shade sails on steel posts

Rooftop amenity deck with lounge seating under white shade sails and the downtown Phoenix skyline

Common questions

Hip structure FAQ.

What is a hip shade structure?

A hip structure is a four-post steel frame with a pyramid-shaped (hip roof) fabric canopy. It gives full, even coverage over a square or rectangular footprint and is the go-to for playgrounds, picnic areas, bus stops and parking.

What sizes are available?

Common footprints run from about 10′×10′ to 30′×30′ and larger rectangles; post heights are typically 8′, 10′ or 12′ to the eave. Every structure is engineered for its site, so we size it to your space.

Do hip structures need a permit?

Almost always, in most Valley cities, because they are permanent structures on concrete footings. We provide stamped engineering and handle the permit as part of a turnkey install.

Can the fabric be replaced later?

Yes. The canopy is a separate tensioned cover. Replacement canopies can be made to fit the existing frame — including frames we didn’t build, after we measure them.

Start a shade project

Price a hip structure.

Send the footprint you want covered, what’s underneath it, and the city. We’ll recommend a size, post height and color, and include engineering and permits in the quote.

Phone(480) 399-7516

Emailinfo@americanupholstery.us

Shop4970 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Get a shade quote