Custom Shades-Vinyl and Canvas Solutions
Three reviewers name Bobby specifically for fabrication precision — and Steph for keeping the whole job on track.
That kind of role clarity in a small team usually means fewer things fall through the cracks, and the reviews bear that out — almost no one mentions delays, confusion, or having to chase up. The scope of work they handle is broader than many homeowners would expect from a shade sail company: marine upholstery, tonneau covers, and caravan awnings all appear in recent reviews, so if you have a canvas or vinyl job that sits outside the usual categories, it's worth asking whether they cover it. For any job involving post installation or concrete work (common on larger shade sails), confirm the full scope and timeline in your quote, as those stages involve additional trades.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (28 total)
“Cheapest is never the best but they were not far off”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 347 curtains & blindss in Cairns
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Custom Shades-Vinyl and Canvas Solutions
Steph, Bobby, and a wider crew run a canvas and vinyl fabrication workshop out of Portsmith that spans well beyond what the category name implies — shade sails are their most visible product, but the same team also custom-builds tonneau covers, boat cushions, marine vinyl clears, caravan awnings, and boat covers, often with innovations reviewers specifically call out (like custom storage solutions on marine clears). Within the team, Steph handles customer relations — booking, communication, and keeping clients updated through every stage — while Bobby is the detail-oriented fabricator who visits sites, assesses requirements, and produces the goods. Phil and Jason handle installation and on-site work, with Phil repeatedly praised for the quality of his fitting and Jason credited with the practical groundwork (including a vac truck for pool sail pole installation). What sets them apart is the willingness to take on complex, multi-trade jobs — one pool sail project involved concrete pole setting, sail installation, and equipment hire, all coordinated seamlessly. Reviews suggest their material choices reflect genuine expertise: one customer noted the team recommended aluminium posts and marine-grade hardware over cheaper alternatives, explaining the long-term cost difference rather than just upselling.
Best for: custom shade sail installations over pools requiring post and concrete work, marine and boat canvas fabrication, automotive canvas work like tonneau covers, and complex multi-stage canvas or vinyl projects where a coordinated team is needed.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Custom Shades-Vinyl and Canvas Solutions
What kinds of jobs does Custom Shades handle beyond shade sails?+
Quite a broad range of canvas and vinyl work — reviews mention tonneau covers for utes, boat covers, marine vinyl clears with custom storage solutions, boat cushions, caravan awnings, and lever umbrella repairs and waterproofing. If you have a canvas or vinyl fabrication need that doesn't fit neatly into a standard category, it's worth contacting them directly to check. The business name reflects this breadth — vinyl and canvas solutions, not just shade structures.
Does Custom Shades handle the full installation including posts and concrete work?+
Yes, based on multiple reviews. Larger shade sail jobs — particularly over pools — have included steel or aluminium post supply, concrete pole setting using a vac truck, and final sail installation, all coordinated through the same team. One review specifically noted the team recommended aluminium posts and marine-grade hardware for longevity, rather than standard fittings. Confirm the full scope in your quote so you know which trades are included.
How do customers describe the pricing?+
Reviews consistently describe pricing as competitive rather than the cheapest available — one customer put it directly as 'cheapest is never the best but they were not far off.' Several others mention the price as fair given the quality of materials and workmanship. No reviews raise concerns about unexpected costs or overcharging. For larger jobs involving posts and concrete, make sure your quote itemises all stages.
Who are the key people I'll be dealing with?+
Steph handles customer communication from first enquiry through to job completion and is mentioned by name in the majority of reviews — customers consistently praise her for keeping them informed and being easy to reach. Bobby is the fabricator and site assessor, praised for attention to detail and product knowledge. Phil handles installation and is specifically called out for quality workmanship, and Jason is mentioned for on-site groundwork including equipment operation.
How long does a typical shade sail job take from quote to installation?+
Based on reviews, turnaround times appear quick relative to expectations — one customer mentioned a quote and full installation completed within two days, and several others describe the timeframe as prompt and on schedule. Reviews don't give a single standard timeframe, which makes sense given job complexity varies significantly. Ask Steph for a realistic estimate at the quoting stage, especially if your job involves concrete work for posts.