Tape vs Mono Shade Net: How to Choose

When buying shade net for a project or a repeat supply contract, “tape” and “mono” describe the yarn construction, not a complete product specification. Two nets with the same construction can differ in shade percentage, GSM, dimensions and quoted price. Compare actual product options against the same application before deciding which construction to order.

What do the three construction names mean?

Tape × Tape: flat tape yarn is used in both yarn directions.
Mono × Mono: monofilament yarn is used in both directions.
Mono × Tape: the net combines monofilament and flat tape yarn.

The names describe construction only. They do not, on their own, establish a particular shade percentage, strength, service life or price. Sunsafe has separate pages for Tape × Tape, Mono × Mono and Mono × Tape. Confirm the available specification for the product you are considering.

Start with the job the net must do

Tell the supplier whether the net is for an open field, nursery, greenhouse, commercial covering or another use. State the coverage area, installation arrangement and local conditions. If the requirement comes from a customer or project drawing, share that specification rather than relying on a construction name alone.

For crop use, specify the intended light-management objective and any shade percentage already established by the grower or consultant. Shade percentage should be selected for the crop, season and local growing conditions; a yarn label is not a substitute for that decision.

Pro Tip Choose a construction against the application and required specification, not its name alone.

Compare construction options on the same basis

Ask for a written option for each available construction that meets the job. Compare:

Shade: Nominal shade percentage and, if available, how it was measured and its tolerance
Material and construction: HDPE specification and whether the net is tape × tape, mono × mono or mono × tape
Mass and dimensions: GSM, width, roll length and the area each quoted unit covers
Strength, where relevant: Available test results for the exact product, rather than an assumption based on yarn type
Supply: Colour, finishing, packing format, quantity and delivery destination
Commercial terms: Quoted unit, total delivered cost and timeline for the stated specification

This gives a dealer or project buyer a more useful comparison than choosing by product name or shade percentage alone. If one quotation is per kilogram and another is per roll, calculate the coverage and compare the delivered cost on an equivalent basis. Our shade-net price guide explains other cost factors.

Pro Tip Compare construction, shade percentage, GSM, dimensions and finishing on the same basis.

When might each construction be considered?

Tape × Tape is one option to request when the project needs a specified shade level and the buyer wants to compare commercially available constructions within a budget. Check the offered GSM, dimensions and quoted price for the required variant.

Mono × Mono is worth evaluating when the project specification calls for monofilament construction or when the buyer wants to compare documented strength and handling requirements. Request the relevant product data; the yarn name alone cannot establish how the net will perform at the site.

Mono × Tape is an option when a mixed-yarn construction is acceptable and the buyer wants to compare its coverage, handling and quoted terms with the other two. It is not automatically a midpoint in strength, shade or price.

The available shade percentages, widths and GSM values may differ by construction. Ask the supplier to confirm that the option being compared is actually available for the required order quantity.

A practical buying example

Suppose two suppliers offer “50% green shade net,” but one quotes tape × tape in a wider roll while the other quotes mono × tape in a narrower roll. Their prices per roll cannot be compared directly. Request the construction, GSM, width and length for each; calculate the area covered; then compare delivered cost and any relevant test evidence. If a particular construction is required by the project, check that requirement before treating the offers as alternatives.

Questions to send with your enquiry

Which constructions are available for my required shade percentage, width, colour and quantity?
What are the GSM and roll length for each option?
What strength or other test information is available for the proposed product, if my project needs it?
Does the quotation identify the construction and all agreed specifications?
How do the delivered costs compare for the same covered area and packing requirement?

Pro Tip Confirm the selected construction and commercial terms in writing before placing a repeat or bulk order.

Compare options with Sunsafe Agrotextiles

Sunsafe Agrotextiles manufactures tape × tape, mono × mono and mono × tape shade nets. Share your application, required coverage, shade specification, dimensions, quantity and delivery location. The team can confirm available options and prepare a quotation for the specification you agree on.

Tape × tape, mono × mono and mono × tape are distinct constructions. Tell us the application, shade requirement, dimensions and quantity, and our team can confirm which options are available for discussion.

— Sunsafe Team