Cantilever parasols are growing in popularity, especially in outdoor spaces where aesthetics and functionality need to go hand in hand. Unlike traditional umbrellas, which feature a central pole, cantilever parasols use an offset pole design. This innovative feature allows the shade to extend over large areas without the pole getting in the way, providing more room to enjoy your space freely.
The key appeal of cantilever parasols lies in their ability to provide shade while keeping the surrounding space open. They are perfect for dining areas, garden furniture sets, or lounging spaces that would be obstructed by a central pole in traditional umbrellas. Additionally, many cantilever parasols offer features like tilt, rotation, and adjustable height, ensuring optimal sun protection throughout the day.
Key Benefits of Cantilever Parasols:
- Flexible Shade: The offset design provides maximum shade coverage with no central pole in the way.
- Stylish Aesthetic: These parasols have a sleek, modern design that adds an elegant touch to your garden or patio.
- Adjustability: Most cantilever parasols come with features that allow you to adjust the angle or rotate the canopy, ensuring you’re always protected from the sun.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials, these parasols are designed to withstand the elements for years of reliable service.
Now, let’s dive into the important aspects to consider when purchasing a cantilever parasol for your outdoor space.
Types of Cantilever Parasols
Cantilever parasols come in various styles and designs, each offering different features to suit various needs. Depending on your outdoor space and how you plan to use the parasol, the following options might be the best fit:
1. Fixed Cantilever Parasols
These parasols are designed to be stationary, offering reliable shade at a fixed angle. They are ideal for situations where the sun’s position remains relatively consistent throughout the day. Fixed cantilever parasols are typically simpler to operate and require less maintenance than their adjustable counterparts.
2. Rotating Cantilever Parasols
If you want more flexibility in adjusting the parasol’s position throughout the day, a rotating model is ideal. These parasols can rotate 360 degrees, ensuring you can follow the sun’s movement and adjust the shade accordingly. This type of parasol is perfect for larger outdoor spaces like gardens or patios where you want to maximise the shaded area.
3. Tilting Cantilever Parasols
Tilting cantilever parasols are an excellent choice if you need to adjust the angle of the canopy to block the sun at different times of the day. These parasols often feature a crank handle or lever that allows you to tilt the canopy at various angles. They are great for both sunny and slightly overcast conditions, providing protection when the sun is at an angle.
4. Combination Models
Many cantilever parasols come with a combination of tilting and rotating features. This allows you to adjust the angle and rotate the parasol to cover more areas, ensuring flexibility in your outdoor living space.
Size and Coverage
Choosing the right size parasol is critical for ensuring you get the perfect coverage for your outdoor area. Here’s a simple guide on how to determine the right size and coverage for your parasol:
Step 1: Measure the Area You Want to Cover
Start by measuring the area where you plan to install the parasol. If you’re shading a dining table or a seating area, ensure the parasol provides enough coverage without leaving gaps. For instance, if you’re shading a round dining table, the parasol’s canopy should extend about 50cm beyond the edges of the table.
Step 2: Consider the Number of People to Be Shaded
For smaller areas, such as a pair of sun loungers or a small patio table, a parasol with a diameter of 2.5m to 3m is sufficient. However, for larger spaces or if you plan to accommodate several people, you’ll need a larger parasol. A 4m parasol can cover larger groups, ensuring everyone stays cool and comfortable.
Step 3: Factor in the Type of Space
Consider the layout of your garden, terrace, or patio. If you’re covering a large dining area or multiple lounge chairs, a larger cantilever parasol will be necessary. Smaller spaces, such as balconies or patios with a single seating arrangement, can make do with a smaller parasol.
Recommended Sizes for Different Spaces:
| Outdoor Area Type | Recommended Parasol Size |
| Small Patio/ Balcony | 2.5m to 3m |
| Medium Patio/Garden | 3m to 3.5m |
| Large Patio/Garden | 3.5m to 4.5m |
If you’re still unsure about which size to go for, the Outsunny 3m Cantilever Parasol with Solar Lights is a great choice for medium-sized spaces. With its adjustable features and solar-powered lights, it’s ideal for both daytime sun protection and evening ambiance.
Weather and Durability
A cantilever parasol is an outdoor investment, and to ensure it lasts for years, you need to choose one made from durable, weather-resistant materials. The materials of the frame and canopy play a significant role in the parasol’s longevity and performance.
1. Frame Material
The frame supports the entire parasol, so it’s important to select a strong and durable material:
- Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to move. Aluminum frames are the most common for cantilever parasols and are ideal for areas with high humidity or saltwater exposure.
- Steel: Stronger and heavier than aluminum, steel frames are often used for larger parasols. While durable, steel may require periodic maintenance to prevent rusting, especially in coastal areas.
- Wood: Offers a natural, classic look. Wooden frames, such as those made from teak or eucalyptus, are aesthetically pleasing but require more maintenance, including regular treatments to protect the wood from weather damage.
2. Canopy Material
The canopy is exposed to the sun, rain, and wind, so it needs to be made from materials that are both weather-resistant and UV-protective:
- Polyester: Budget-friendly and offers good UV protection, but it can fade over time. Polyester is often treated to improve water resistance and durability.
- Acrylic: More expensive but offers superior UV protection and durability. Acrylic canopies resist fading and are easy to clean.
- Vinyl: Waterproof and highly durable, vinyl canopies are ideal for areas prone to rain. However, they may not provide as much breathability as polyester or acrylic.
Ease of Use
One of the main advantages of cantilever parasols is the ability to adjust the position of the canopy with ease. Whether you need to tilt the parasol for better shade or rotate it to follow the sun, ease of use is a key factor in selecting the right model.
1. Crank Handles and Winch Systems
Cantilever parasols often feature a crank handle or winch system that makes it easy to open and close the canopy. This mechanism is simple to operate and requires minimal effort, even for larger parasols.
2. Adjustable Tilt and Rotation
Some cantilever parasols offer adjustable tilt to provide shade at various angles throughout the day. 360° rotation is another great feature, allowing you to move the parasol to any position without having to move the base.
For instance, the Outsunny 3m LED Patio Banana Umbrella Cantilever Parasol comes with a 360° rotation feature and solar-powered LED lights, making it perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors well into the evening.
Stability and Safety
Ensuring your cantilever parasol is stable and secure is essential for safety. In windy conditions, an unstable parasol can easily tip over, causing damage to the frame or, worse, injury.
1. Base Material
The base is responsible for keeping your parasol upright, so choosing the right base material is key:
- Granite and Concrete: These are the heaviest and most stable materials, perfect for large cantilever parasols.
- Resin or Sand-Filled: These bases are lighter but can still provide decent stability when filled with sand or water.
2. Adding Weight for Extra Stability
In areas with high winds, it’s important to add extra weight to the base for additional security. Some parasols come with cross bases but require extra weights, like the Outsunny 3m Cantilever Parasol with Easy Lever, which includes a cross base but recommends adding 60kg of weight for optimal stability.
Design Choices
The design of your parasol is as important as its functionality. After all, it needs to blend in with your garden or patio décor while still offering the protection you need. Here’s how to choose a parasol that complements your outdoor space:
1. Shape
- Round: Ideal for small to medium-sized spaces, round parasols are the most common.
- Square/Rectangular: Better for larger outdoor spaces and more functional for covering multiple seating areas.
2. Colour
- Neutral tones like beige, grey, or taupe are versatile and can blend in with almost any garden décor.
- For a pop of colour, consider brighter shades such as red, green, or navy to create a statement piece in your outdoor space.
Adjustable Features: Maximising Sun Protection Throughout the Day
A good cantilever parasol should have adjustable features that allow you to block the sun at various angles. Features like tilt, rotation, and height adjustment make it easy to keep yourself shaded throughout the day.
Price vs. Quality
Cantilever parasols come in a wide range of prices, from affordable models to premium options with additional features like solar-powered lights or advanced tilting mechanisms. Generally, a good-quality parasol will cost between £100 to £500, with high-end models exceeding £1,000. The price is often influenced by the size, materials, and added features such as lighting and tilting options.
Accessories: Enhancing Your Cantilever Parasol Experience
To make the most of your cantilever parasol, consider adding accessories like protective covers, LED lights, and bases with extra weight. Some parasols, such as the Outsunny 3(m) LED Cantilever Parasol Outdoor Sun Umbrella, come with built-in solar-powered LED lights, which add both ambiance and functionality to your outdoor space. These lights are a great way to extend your outdoor time into the evening, without the need for external power sources.
1. Protective Covers
Protective covers are essential for extending the life of your parasol. When not in use, especially during the off-season, covering your parasol will protect it from harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and dirt. A high-quality cover will also prevent the canopy fabric from fading and protect the frame from corrosion, especially for models with metal frames.
For example, the Outsunny Cantilever Parasol comes with a silver-coated Oxford cover, which helps preserve the parasol during harsh weather conditions. If you purchase a parasol without a cover, it’s worth investing in one separately to ensure longevity and maintain the parasol’s appearance.
2. LED Lights
Adding LED lights to your parasol is a fantastic way to create an inviting atmosphere for evening relaxation. Many parasols, like the Outsunny 3(m) LED Cantilever Parasol, feature solar-powered LED strips that illuminate your garden beautifully at night. These lights are charged by the sun during the day, providing you with a sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solution. They help set the mood for outdoor parties or intimate gatherings, allowing you to enjoy your garden after dark without the need for electrical wiring.
LED lights are typically mounted on the ribs of the parasol, providing even illumination.
3. Base Weights
Stability is crucial for ensuring your parasol remains safe and secure, especially in windy conditions. While many cantilever parasols come with a cross base, additional base weights are necessary to anchor the parasol properly. These weights help prevent the parasol from tipping over when faced with gusty winds or during use in areas with frequent wind.
The Outsunny 3 x 3(m) Aluminum Sun Square Canopy comes with a cross base, but it recommends adding at least 60kg of weight for optimal stability. You can use sandbags or purchase specially designed weight sets that are compatible with your parasol.
Recommended Weight for Different Parasol Sizes:
| Parasol Size | Recommended Weight |
| 2.5m – 3m | 40kg – 60kg |
| 3m – 4m | 60kg – 80kg |
| 4m – 4.5m | 100kg – 130kg |
Adding extra weight will ensure that your cantilever parasol is safe and stable, even in windy conditions.
4. Custom Bases and Stands
For cantilever parasols that are used in different outdoor settings (such as poolsides or large patios), it might be beneficial to use a custom base that suits your needs. Some parasol models, like the Outsunny 3m Cantilever Parasol with 360 Degree Rotation, come with a cross base and offer the option to add different types of bases, like water-filled or sand-filled bases, for easy portability and enhanced stability.
Custom bases are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to tailor the support based on the parasol’s design and the type of surface you’re placing it on.
Maintenance and Care
Owning a cantilever parasol means that you should take steps to ensure it remains in optimal condition year-round. Regular maintenance and care will not only extend the lifespan of your parasol but also keep it functioning smoothly and looking great.
1. Regular Checks for Wear and Tear
Over time, exposure to the elements may cause wear and tear on both the frame and the canopy. Regularly inspect your parasol for any signs of damage, such as fraying of the fabric, rusting of the frame, or loosening of screws. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to prevent further damage.
2. Cleaning the Canopy
To maintain the quality and appearance of the canopy, it’s important to clean it regularly. Most parasol canopies are made from fabric like polyester, acrylic, or vinyl, which can be cleaned with mild soap and water. If your parasol has solar-powered lights, make sure to avoid getting the electrical parts wet during cleaning.
3. Storing Your Parasol Properly
During the off-season, it’s crucial to store your cantilever parasol in a dry, sheltered area to prevent exposure to harsh weather conditions. If possible, disassemble the parasol and store it indoors. If you need to keep it outdoors, make sure it’s covered with a protective cover to keep the elements at bay.
4. Replacing Parts
If any part of your cantilever parasol is damaged or showing signs of wear, such as broken ribs or a malfunctioning crank system, replace it promptly. Many parasol manufacturers, including Outsunny, offer spare parts for their products. Replacing worn parts early will keep your parasol working smoothly and prevent further damage.
Choosing the right cantilever parasol is an important decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including size, materials, functionality, and design. By understanding your needs and evaluating your outdoor space, you can select a parasol that will provide the perfect shade, enhance the aesthetics of your garden, and last for years to come.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the key features that suit your space and needs, you can confidently choose the perfect cantilever parasol to enhance your outdoor living experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use my cantilever parasol in windy conditions?
While cantilever parasols are designed to be stable, strong winds can still pose a risk. Ensure that your parasol is weighted adequately with a solid base or extra sandbags for stability. If the parasol features a 360-degree rotation function, make sure it is securely locked into place to prevent movement. Always bring your parasol inside or cover it when bad weather is expected, as even a well-weighted parasol may not be able to withstand extreme wind conditions.
2. How do I maintain the fabric of my cantilever parasol?
To maintain your parasol’s fabric, regularly clean it with mild soap and water to remove dirt and stains. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, as this can damage the fabric’s UV protection. If your parasol has LED lights, take care to keep the electrical parts dry during cleaning. Store the parasol with a protective cover during the off-season to prevent damage from rain, dust, or UV rays, extending its lifespan.
3. What should I do if the crank handle or rotation mechanism breaks?
If the crank handle or rotation mechanism of your cantilever parasol breaks, check if the parts are covered under warranty. Many manufacturers, such as Outsunny, offer replacement parts for their products. If the mechanism is repairable, consult the instruction manual for guidance or contact customer support. In cases where repairs are not possible, you may need to replace the damaged part to ensure the parasol continues to function properly.
4. Is it easy to adjust the angle or rotation of my cantilever parasol?
Yes, most cantilever parasols feature easy-to-use mechanisms such as a crank handle or lever system for quick adjustment of the canopy. Many models also offer 360-degree rotation and tilt features, allowing you to position the parasol to block the sun throughout the day. When choosing a parasol, look for one that offers smooth adjustment options, which will allow you to set the parasol to the most suitable position for maximum shade.
5. Can I leave my cantilever parasol outside during the winter?
It’s not recommended to leave your cantilever parasol outside during the winter months. The fabric and frame can be damaged by freezing temperatures and harsh weather. If you don’t have space to store the parasol indoors, use a protective cover to shield it from rain, snow, and wind. Disassembling the parasol and storing it in a dry place will help preserve the material and extend its lifespan.