Garden parasol guide
|
Throw up a stylish parasol and relax in the shade to create a chic outdoor oasis. Spring is here, then Summer will soon be upon us, and we want to go out into the garden and enjoy the sunshine (but not all of it). Maximise the use of your garden area with a garden parasol to stop the sun's rays from shining directly on you and potentially causing your skin damage. Of course, most good parasols for gardens have UV protection, fade-proof and corrosion resistance, but what else makes up the best garden parasol? |
|
What is a garden parasol? Patio umbrellas are an essential part of any outdoor décor and are among the best outdoor furniture accessories that complete your Patio. Having purchased a good umbrella can cause an unexpected shock. A quality outdoor umbrella can also help save time by allowing you to enjoy conversation with close friends rather than chasing umbrellas around the yard. There is a wide selection of sizes, types, weights, styles, and shapes.
|
 |
 |
Tips for choosing a parasol Parasols with round covers cover small spaces and are a perfect choice if used to provide privacy on the patio or balcony. Thanks to its sturdy poles, a rectangular canopy can better protect from winds. Parasols are a great decorative piece for your outdoor space, and they need to be matched with your patio or garden furnishings. In the summer, patios or outdoor spaces need to be designed for comfort and practicality. Why are parasols not suitable? There are unlimited choices for shade sail and pergola.
|
|
Garden umbrella pole height and diameter The pole height is vital in the selection because a parasol should stand high enough to function. It is recommended that you use parasols with fixed poles. These dimensions are also crucial for the stability of the parasol. This ranges between 38mm and 58mm, and your base should have a bigger diameter to fit the pole inside. Various parasols have reinforced poles with welded attachments in the the interior that increase strength and durability. |
 |
|
What are the benefits of a parasol? |
|
|
Parasols effectively block ultraviolet light and lower heat under a maximum of 15 degrees in a sunlit environment. It prevents sunlight from affecting the dining room table, and the fabric is waterproof and provides shade from the sweltering summer rains and heavy rain. |
|
|
Parasols are made up of |
|
|
The three separate sections of a parasol use different materials: the bases, the frames, and the canopy. Bases are concrete, granite, plastic, or steel frame with tile. Frames and poles are made of wood or metal. The canopy is typically made of polyester acetate, vinyl or thatches. The best solution will depend upon your budget and preferences. |
|
|
Canopy |
Base |
|
|
What type of parasols are there? |
|
When looking at parasols you should consider whether they're weather-resistant and sturdy and whether they should suit your requirements. There will be several choices depending upon the style, so this is a much simpler way to find parasols for outdoor furniture. The toughest part of choosing the perfect parasol is the decision to make the final selection. Here is an overview of the most popular types of parasols. |
 |
 |
 |
|
The upright parasol is one of the most common types of a parasol. Its made from a fixed straight pole with a mounted canopy which could be circular, square or round and inserts in to the base using a metal (sometimes wooden or another material). |
Tilting parasols Similar to an upright parasol though tilts so different angles can be achieved. Usually comes with a swivel joint to quickly move the parasol throughout the day as the sun changes position in the sky, providing all-day shade. |
Cantilever A cantilever parasol is different as it's mounted to the side of a table rather than supported in the centre. Steel spokes generally support the canopy for added stability. These types of parasols can usually be adjusted easily. |
|
Wall-mounted parasols It doesn't need a base to mount on walls. Depending upon how you install it, you will have no worries about it bending over or getting carried away. It's the best safe parasol for your patio. Usually, the parasol can last an entire lifetime due to its high resistance, which is perfect for almost any climate condition. They do not require much space and are easily stored next to your wall if no one uses them. They're ideal for people looking for easy, valuable solutions that won't take too much outdoor space.
|
Freestanding parasols This parasol is suitable for patios and garden use outdoors. It is attached to a base that may move between two points of view. This is not as strong as a wall-mounted system, so you might avoid leaving it in harsh temperatures or strong winds. Freestanding parasols are available depending on the size in which they are used. Typically the frames are made out of wood, aluminium or glass. They are usually the most expensive, but they also offer an exciting look, whereas fibreglass is the strongest.
|
|
What's the Density ( grams/m²) of the parasol? The measurement is grams per meter squared to determine how dense the material is. You'll find parasols of varying densities that provide different protection from direct sunlight. If you want to let more light penetrate, go for around 100, whereas for more protection, go for 200 plus. |
|
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of the parasol: |
|
low protection: 10 to 19; |
high protection: 20 to 29; |
very high protection: 30 to 49; |
maximum protection: 50+. |
|
Pole construction |
|
Parasols are often crafted of aluminium, steel, or wood. Almost all of them have merit and disadvantages that need to be considered. |
|
Aluminium pole Aluminium parasols weigh ten times lighter than steel or wood parasols. These are perfect to use in the summer when you want to move your umbrella around your house.
|
Wooden pole Wood poles are comparatively less robust than steel and aluminium poles, but their attractive natural appearance complements wood patio furniture perfectly.
|
Steel pole Steel parasols are of the strongest type and offer the highest stability. It is also lighter compared to wood or aluminium parasols.
|
|
How do I know what size parasol to buy? Dimensions are determined from the canopy length, not the poles height. Typically, the edges of the table should extend 50 cm across the table. A 2 meters long parasole provides an excellent seating position. For further detail on our size guidelines, please consult our Parasol size guide or see our index table for every product and its measurements.
|
|
Canopies |
|
The height of your umbrella should be measured before you buy it. Often canopied roofs are ideal for patios, but many are better for shading larger open spaces. |
|
Overhanging canopy Overhanging awnings offer optimum space-saving solutions. Its overhanging design makes it ideal to shade outdoor furniture, as well as sun lounges. The canopy is 1.5 metre in height and the umbrella has 3-metre height to fit your space.
|
7-metre Canopy The umbrella is 2.7 metres tall and ideal for use in large dining rooms or patios where up to 6-8 people sit. The size offers excellent protection when you sit on the couch.
|
2-metre Canopy A two-metre canopy parasol is a small size available. It is ideal for shading the smaller two seats of a table, and the smaller deck and patio areas with little room.
|
4-metre Canopy If your patio table has four seats and has an additional four seats if possible – 2.4 metres of canopy – the parasol should help you protect yourself against the sun.
|
|
Parasol accessories You can use your Garden parasol anytime and wherever you go. What do I want you guys to know? Make it a fully functional parasol that can also help protect you from freezing winters and light up at sunset. Some options can raise a price and even reach the price of a parasol. |
|
Garden umbrella pole height and diameter The pole height is important in the selection because a parasol should stand high enough to prevent anyone from sitting on it. It is recommended that you use parasols with fixed poles. These dimensions are also important for the stability of the parasol. This ranges between 38mm and 58mm, and your base should have a bigger diameter to fit the pole inside. Various parasols have reinforced poles with welded attachments in the interior that increase the strength and durability.
|
 |
 |
Air Ventilation Many Parasols have air ducts at the top that reduce winds and increase their strength. Ventilation also releases hot air, which helps keep the room cooler as the hot air that accumulates under the parasol will have someone to go and be released. The vents have two purposes; the main one is to vent wind plus heat from around the umbrella, and secondly, it can help keep your parasol grounded. Without vents, your parasol could become like a kite and be whisked into the air, so by choosing a parasol with air ventilation, you're getting a sturdier parasol.
|
|
Recommended base Choose an 11 kg base to put in a parasol with a table, or a 25 kg base when used without it. The latter is available in squares or circulars to complement your patio tables.
|
 |
 |
Parasol bases, fixation and anchoring A parasol base is the lower portion of which a parasol is inserted to remain upright to protect it against the wind. Depending on which model you select, garden umbrellas, centre poles and canopy come in various sizes and materials. It's a simple and easy choice whether you want sand or granite.
|
|
The parasol pole, frame and operating system The parasol pole and frame provide rigidity for the canopy when rolled and neatly extended. The poles can be central, supporting a structure in a lower position or lateral, retaining the frame above (cantilever). It's constructed with two spokes or rings which connect the pole with the hub of the pole. The wheel is rotated to the left in a computer system and then rolled out and lowered in order.
|
 |
 |
Parasol operating systems for opening and closing the canopy A parasol needs to operate correctly. Various systems differ according to manufacturers and designs. Some might include tilting functions, while some are simple. The four common ones have: Cable pull system The cable pull system parasol has a cable that hangs down, which is opened by pulling it. Slider system Slider systems use a handle that is pushed up and then fixed to position. Push-up with telescopic function Parasols with push-up telescopic function are easy to operate with spring-loaded action and a handle that can be used with just one hand Crank system with telescopic function Turn the crank, to open the parasol. These are generally more expensive; however, they are simple to use and offer large table clearance.
|