FAQ

We have two great ways to cover your space:

Sheet – We use Monotec 370 shade cloth (370 g/m²), made in Australia for the Australasian market. Manufactured using advanced heat-setting processes and premium polymers with UV stabilisers, it offers excellent shape retention, long-term strength, and lasting visual appeal. Provides cool, ventilated cover that’s shower-resistant but not waterproof. No fall needed!

Frame – Every Kermit frame is built from high-tensile aluminium, 50% stronger than standard window joinery alloy. Made from 100% recycled aluminium, proudly sourced and manufactured in New Zealand, and assembled with stainless steel fasteners for long-lasting durability.

Corner Connections & Tensioners – Our patent-pending unique stainless-steel corner fittings lock into the aluminium frame and apply even push-tension across the cloth. Adjustable screw-in tensioners at each corner make installation simple and ensure the sheet stays tight, flat, and quiet for years.

DIY Made Simple (But Not Mandatory)
Kermit has been designed with DIY installation front of mind — along with quality and great pricing — so we’ve made everything as easy as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to install it yourself. What it does mean is that whether it’s your builder, cousin, neighbour, school committee — or you — the process is easier, faster, and with a lot less drama.

The sheet — in the colour of your choice — comes pre-prepared to slide straight into the channels in the beams. From there, just follow our step-by-step video instructions to fit the corners and apply tension with our simple, patent-pending push-frame technology.

We’ve kept the number of parts to a minimum and included all the structural fasteners you’ll need. So if you’re a confident DIYer — or have some handy mates — you’re good to go.

Shade First
Kermit is all about shade. We use premium Monotec 370 high-density polyethylene cloth that delivers excellent UV protection and natural ventilation. It’s shower-resistant but not fully waterproof — water will eventually pass through. And that’s intentional: no need for fall, gutters, or complicated water-management systems. Installation stays simple, clean, and cost-effective.

That said, if you install with a modest fall (around 5–10°), the fabric’s dense weave and tiny holes mean that, for all practical purposes, your sheet will act as a waterproof cover in the rain.

Kermit is proudly designed and made in New Zealand—specifically in New Plymouth.

Our recipe is simple: premium aluminium, high-quality sheet materials, and stainless steel fasteners.

Stronger by design:
Thanks to our clever tensioned sheet frame design, all the structural stress is contained within the frame itself—not transferred to your house or giant leaning posts.

That means a cleaner install, a sleeker look, and a structure that stands strong on its own.

Let’s be upfront — wind is the enemy of shelters. It’s the reason we set out to redesign traditional shade sails into something stronger, smarter, and far more reliable. But since we can’t ignore the “W word,” let’s talk about it!

There are several ways to securely connect your Kermit shelter to the ground. This step is critical for safety — shelters don’t usually fall down in storms, they fall up.

From day one, Kermit has been built to be strong yet lightweight, which makes proper anchoring especially important. Simply placing a shelter on a deck or patio and hoping it will stay put in high winds is dangerous. Without the right fixings, the whole structure can lift and blow away — putting your house, your property, and your family at risk.

That’s why we provide clear guidance on the best fixing methods for timber, concrete, and other surfaces. Done properly, your Kermit shelter will stay safe, secure, and reliable in all conditions.

Not sure what’s right for you? Ask us — or even better, have a quick chat with a builder mate!