Parasol base: There are several types of parasol bases, the most common of which is plastic. Plastic bases are hollow and designed to be filled with water and sand to anchor the parasol. Other parasol bases may be made of materials like cast iron, concrete, granite or resin. The weight and sturdiness of the base is an important consideration, especially if your parasol is being used somewhere windy. The most effective bases have feet in the shape of an ‘X’, like a café table. These are anchored by weights or paving slabs, and work particularly well with large, upright parasols and cantilever designs. The problem is, that just because you’re in the shade, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The benefit of buying a set is that these items can be quite expensive when bought separately. Therefore, a set can help keep costs low. Furthermore, if you buy these items separately, you have to go to the extra effort of making sure they all fit your parasol correctly. In a set, compatibility is ensured. Opening system: Opening and closing the canopy should be easy, as the parasol’s push-up or pulley mechanism should do the hard work for you. However, if the canopy is large or you have reduced mobility, consider a winch with a crank handle.

Although not waterproof, this parasol is water resistant and protects from the odd drizzle – well suited to the British summertime when you’re never quite sure where the next shower will come from. Pole material: There are a range of pole materials from which to choose, including FSC wood, which is eco-friendly but needs to be treated every year; durable and rust-free aluminium, and steel, which is often powder-coated for scratch resistance. Whether you’re having a family gathering in the daytime, or friends over for an evening soiree, the Greenbay Cantilever Parasol with Solar LED Lights is the perfect accompaniment to the party – just as useful in the night-time as it is in the day, its 3 x 3 m canopy is fitted with 32 LED lights.Making sure that the cantilever parasol you are thinking about buying has UPF protection is important. It’s something to look out for especially if you sit outside a lot or have young children. Weather Resistant– Resistant to light rain and UV rays, this parasol will keep you protected all day long. Made from powder-coated aluminium, the frame is lightweight, rust-resistant and robust. Plus, with eight ribs to support the canopy itself, it’s strong too.

Ensure the frame is made from rust-resistant steel, and ideally look for a model with a water-resistant canopy . Although these parasols will predominantly be used during fair weather, sudden downpours are never off the cards! Air vents at the top help wind to flow through without lifting the umbrella; however, when there is a breeze the canopy can rotate, needing to be readjusted to keep it shading from the sun. When it comes to finding a parasol to fit your garden space, you have a couple of options. Most of the best cantilever parasols in this list are free standing. As a result, they take up some (but not much!) floor space. That said, there is another way: the Norfolk Leisure Cantilever Parasol attaches to the wall, thus taking up no floor at all. This is a great space-saving move if you’re a bit short on ground area. Crank Mechanism– Open and close the umbrella in seconds with the easy-to-turn handle located on the central pole. Whether it’s raining or 35°C blazing sun outside, Purple Leaf have created a garden parasol that will protect from both extremes. The 240 g polyester canopy is water repellent as well as UV resistant – water will run off instead of seeping through and the colour won’t fade over time.

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One thing to bear in mind is the size of the base with weights: at 100 x 100 cm it might be a little large for some spaces, especially if required to fit around patio furniture, so it’s worth taking measurements before purchasing, especially if you’re working with a smaller space. Adjustment options make a parasol so much more versatile, so it’s great to see that this one offers a few different variations. You can swivel the pole around to adjust the direction that the canopy points in, change the height of the umbrella, and alter the angle – there are levers in place that enable you to easily do all of this with one hand, and each adjustment takes just a second or two. In terms of the parasol itself, offering 360 ° rotation and various ‘tilt’ angles, it can be positioned as required – this offers you the flexibility to sit where you want, without the necessity of constantly moving to stay in the shade. Plus, it can sometimes be difficult to find complimentary items of the right size when sold separately, so it’s reassuring to know that the weights and cover will fit together from the get go, without wasting time shopping around. SOLAR LED LIGHTS: Powered by energy-efficient solar panels, no need for electricity, placed on the ribs to illuminate your garden beautifully at night with this large garden parasol.

For a garden parasol that will take you seamlessly from sunny days to balmy nights, the AIRWAVE Apollo 3m Cantilever Parasol is large and offers good protection. With illuminating LED lights on the inside, it’s also one of the best cantilever parasols you can buy for a bit of wow-factor! You’ll want to look for a model with UV protection, with a rating of at least UPF 30+. Consider a parasol that offers UPF 50+ if you want increased protection for your family . Most parasol canopies are made from heavyweight polyester, and you should aim for a polyester that is minimum 180 g/m ² . Providing general protection from the sun, this parasol doesn’t have a specific UPF rating; however, it creates standard shade coverage which can still reduce the heat felt from the sun’s rays. It’s also water resistant, so any passing showers will run off the waterproof 180 g polyester canopy without the necessity to dash inside. When buying a parasol, it’s necessary to consider how to protect it from the weather. This normally includes buying a cover, to protect your canopy from wind damage and fading; and some weights. These are added to the parasol base and stop it blowing over. Firstly, the basics: look out for a crank mechanism. This will make it easy to raise and lower your parasol. A smooth, robust mechanism will do wonders.It’s easy to assemble, with a manageable weight of 12.8 kg – the aluminium construction helps keep things light. The canopy itself is made from 180 g polyester fabric – this is both durable and long-lasting, able to stand up to frequent use as well as the elements. Perfect for homes, cafes, pubs, restaurants, this double canopy parasol is a must have for sheltering your outside space. It also adds a contemporary feel to any area thanks to the coloured finish and contrasting frame, allowing your guests to get together in true style. Features and Benefits EASY TO USE: Comes with the easy-to-turn crank system located on the side of the led parasol pole for easy opening and closing. 12 metal ribs connecting pole and garden shelter for added support