The choice between internal vs external greenhouse shade cloth comes down to one trade-off. External shade cools better, because it stops sunlight before it gets through the roof. Internal shade is easier to live with, because it is protected from weather and you can open or close it in seconds.
Many of our customers end up using a bit of both. This guide explains how each one works, what shade percentage to pick, and which options fit the greenhouses we sell.
โ Quick answer
- External shade cloth blocks heat outside the glazing, so it gives the most cooling.
- Internal shade cloth is easier to adjust, lasts longer out of the weather, and won't block roof vents.
- Hot, sunny climate? Start with external roof shade, or a strong internal shade plus good venting.
- Light that reaches your plants = 100% โ the shade %. A 63% cloth lets about 37% through.
- Most of the shade we carry is made for one greenhouse line, so match it to your model.
What does a greenhouse shade cloth do?
A greenhouse is built to trap light and heat. That is great in March. By July, it can cook your plants. Shade cloth cuts down the sunlight so the greenhouse stays cooler and leaves don't scorch.
A good shade setup helps you:
- Lower the temperature on hot, sunny days.
- Prevent leaf scorch on tender plants and seedlings.
- Slow water loss, so pots and beds dry out less fast.
- Keep sun-sensitive plants in place, instead of moving them somewhere else for summer.
- Add privacy, if your greenhouse sits close to the house or a neighbor.
Shade works best as part of a cooling plan. Vents and doors let the hot air out, and shade keeps some of the heat from coming in. Our vent positioning guide covers the airflow side.
What is an external greenhouse shade cloth?
External shade goes on the outside of the greenhouse, over the roof and sometimes the walls. Because it sits outside, sunlight is blocked before it passes through the glass or polycarbonate. Less heat gets in to begin with. That is why external shade usually cools the most.
Pros of external shade
- Stops heat before it enters, so it gives the strongest cooling.
- Leaves the inside of the greenhouse clear for hanging baskets and tall crops.
- Takes some direct sun off the glazing as well.
Cons of external shade
- It takes the wind, rain and sun, so it wears faster and must be tied down well.
- Fitting it or taking it off can mean a ladder and a second person.
- It can get in the way of roof vents and side windows if it is not designed around them.
- It covers up the look of the greenhouse.
One smart external option we carry is the Exaco wood slatted shade. It is made of Bengkirai hardwood slats that filter the sun while still letting light through. Brass clips and stainless steel bolts hold it in place. The "triple" section has a cut-out so a roof vent can still open.
โ ๏ธ Check your vents: on the Royal Victorian VI46, the full wood shade kit leaves two roof vents unable to open, according to the product page. In a hot climate, plan for a fan or other venting if you choose that kit.
What is an internal greenhouse shade cloth?
Internal shade hangs inside the greenhouse, a little below the roof or along the walls. The sunlight still passes through the glazing, so some heat is already inside. But the cloth keeps direct sun off your plants, and hot air can still rise and leave through the roof vents.
Pros of internal shade
- Protected from wind and rain, so it tends to last longer.
- Quick to open and close, often with a pull cord or by sliding it along.
- Doesn't block roof vents or automatic vent openers.
- Can shade just one bench or section for sun-sensitive plants.
Cons of internal shade
- Less cooling than external shade, because the heat is already inside.
- Takes up some space near the roof.
- Needs good venting above or around it so hot air can escape.
The MONT Greenhouse Shade Cloth is a good example. It is rated at 63% shade and runs on a commercial-grade wire system guaranteed for 7 years. It comes in 4-foot sections, so it works with the MONT watering system. Because it is inside, it does not get in the way of the MONT automatic vent openers. It is made in the USA.
For Royal Victorian owners, we carry Royal Victorian shade cloths. These are full-length cream polyester curtains sized for each model, with 60% shade. They have built-in loops, pull ribbons, and the hanging hardware. They also add privacy. The maker suggests putting them up during greenhouse assembly, since it is much easier then.
What about retractable roll-up shades?
Roll-up shades sit between the two. They work like a window blind. You pull them down on bright days and let them roll away when you want full light.
Our retractable roll-up shade curtains are made in Germany by Hoklartherm. They use a reflective aluminum weave that gives 60% shade. They mount on the roof or on a side wall, and one roof roll covers both roof slopes. They come in six widths from 39" to 98" and pull out up to 8 feet. The product page lists the exact sizes each Royal Victorian model needs.
Internal vs external shade cloth: side-by-side
Here is how the two compare on the points our customers ask about most.
| Question | Internal shade | External shade |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cool? | Good | Best |
| Blocks heat before it enters? | No | Yes |
| Weather wear | Low (protected inside) | Higher (sun, wind, rain) |
| Easy to open or close? | Yes, often in seconds | Usually harder; may need a ladder |
| Gets in the way of roof vents? | No | Can, unless built around them |
| Adds privacy? | Yes | Somewhat |
| Best for | Daily control, mild to warm summers | Very hot, sunny summers |
๐ก Our take: if your summers are long and very hot, external roof shade does the heavy lifting. If you want shade you can adjust every day, go internal or roll-up. Many growers use external shade on the roof and internal shade over one bench.
What shade percentage do I need?
Shade cloth is sold by the percent of sunlight it blocks. A higher number means more shade. The math is simple.
๐ Formula: how much light reaches your plants
Light through = 100% โ shade %
Two layers: light through = (1 โ shade A) ร (1 โ shade B)
Worked example 1: the MONT shade cloth is rated at 63%. So about 37% of the sunlight gets through to your plants.
Worked example 2: say you use 60% Royal Victorian curtains and a 60% roll-up shade over the same bench. Light through = 0.4 ร 0.4 = 0.16. That is about 84% shade, which is far too dark for most vegetables. Stacking adds up fast.
These are common starting points that many growers use. Your plants, your glazing and your sun all change the answer, so watch how plants respond.
- Fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers): a lighter shade, often around 30โ40%.
- Leafy greens and herbs in hot weather: often 40โ50%.
- Shade lovers (ferns, orchids, many houseplants): often 50% or more.
๐ฑ Watch your plants: long, stretched stems and pale leaves mean too much shade. Scorched or bleached spots mean too little. Adjust from there.
Which shade options fit my greenhouse?
Most of the shade products we carry are made for a specific greenhouse line. Here is a quick guide.
| Product | Type | Shade | Made for | Price guide* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MONT Shade Cloth | Internal | 63% | MONT 8-ft-wide models | ~$229.99 (8x8) to ~$449.99 (8x24) |
| Royal Victorian Shade Cloths | Internal curtains | 60% | Royal Victorian, Junior and Orangerie models | ~$379 to ~$1,399 |
| Retractable Roll-up Shades | Roll-up, roof or wall | 60% | Royal Victorian, Junior Victorian (sizes listed) | ~$499 to ~$1,049 per roll |
| Exaco Wood Slatted Shades | External roof | Slatted (not rated in %) | Victorian greenhouses and other styles | ~$250 single to ~$3,080 kit |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price.
๐ Owned a Solexx greenhouse? an older version of this article featured a Solexx shade cloth. Solexx is no longer made. If you are replacing a Solexx greenhouse, look at the MONT or Riga lines instead. Call us and we will help you plan the shade for your new model.
How much does greenhouse shading cost?
Cost depends on the type and the size of your greenhouse. Here is a simple way to estimate it.
๐ Formula: shade cost estimate
Total = (price per piece ร number of pieces) for each part you want to shade
Add the roof first. Add walls only if they face strong afternoon sun.
Worked example (estimate): you own a Royal Victorian VI36 and want to shade the roof. Here are three ways to do it, priced in October 2026:
- Internal curtains: one VI36 shade cloth set, about $759.
- Roll-up roof shades: the VI36 roof needs one 59" roll and two 78" rolls. That is about $824 + (2 ร $899) = about $2,622.
- Wood slatted external shade: the VI36 roof kit, about $3,080.
๐ About prices: manufacturers update their prices during the year, and we often run sales and promotions. The price on the product page is always the current one. Prices in this article are a guide from when we wrote it (October 2026), not a quote or guarantee. Found a lower price for the same model at an authorized retailer? We offer a Price Match Guarantee - please check the rules first. Call us and we will confirm today's price and any current deals.
How do you put up and use a shade cloth?
Every product has its own manual, so follow that first. These steps apply to most setups:
- Pick your type and percent using the sections above.
- Install during assembly if you can. Curtains and wire systems are much easier to fit before the greenhouse is full.
- Shade the roof first. That is where most of the sun comes in.
- Keep vents clear. Make sure roof vents and windows can still open fully.
- Put shade up as the weather warms and take it down as days get shorter, so plants get full light in the cool months.
- Clean it now and then. A gentle rinse keeps dust from blocking extra light.
๐ก Pair shade with airflow: shade cuts the heat coming in, but you still need to let hot air out. Open roof vents and doors, or add a fan. Our guide to cooling a greenhouse without electricity has more ideas. Shade also slows how fast pots dry out, so check our guide on how much water greenhouse plants need.
Looking for more ways to set up your greenhouse? See our list of greenhouse accessories you will love.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to put shade cloth inside or outside a greenhouse?
Outside gives the most cooling, because it blocks heat before it gets through the glazing. Inside is easier to adjust and lasts longer out of the weather. In very hot, sunny summers, outside roof shade usually wins.
What percentage shade cloth is best for a greenhouse?
It depends on your plants. Many growers start around 30โ40% for tomatoes and peppers and 40โ50% for leafy greens in hot weather. Shade-loving plants often like 50% or more. Our MONT cloth is 63%, and our Royal Victorian curtains and roll-up shades are 60%.
Does internal shade cloth reduce heat?
Yes, but less than external shade. It keeps direct sun off your plants, which lowers leaf temperature. Pair it with open roof vents so the heat that does get in can escape.
Can I leave shade cloth on all year?
It is usually best to take it down or roll it back in the cooler months. Plants need all the light they can get when days are short. Retractable roll-up shades make this easy.
Will shade cloth block my roof vents?
Internal shade and roll-up shades should not, if they are fitted correctly. Some external shades can. The wood slatted triple section has a cut-out for a roof vent, but the full VI46 kit leaves two vents closed.
Need help choosing shade for your greenhouse?
We are a small, woman-owned business in Georgia, and we answer every question personally. Tell us your greenhouse model, which way it faces, and what you grow. We will help you pick the right shade and confirm today's price and any current sale. Our greenhouses ship free to the continental US, and you can see our assembly crews page for independent installers (we are not affiliated with any crew).