How to choose your cantilever parasol?
To make an informed choice, it’s important to take time considering several factors before purchasing a cantilever parasol.
Choosing the fabric of the cantilever parasol
The fabric of a cantilever parasol determines its quality and durability. When choosing the fabric, several factors should be considered.
- Shape: Round, square, rectangular – several shapes are available to suit all preferences and needs.
- Fabric : the parasol fabric can be made from acrylic or polyester. Acrylic is dyed throughout and is of higher quality, offering a better resistance against sunrays.This material is therefore a bit more expensive. Polyester fabric, on the other hand, offers great value for money.
- Weight: The thicker the fabric, the better its sun protection quality. The weight of parasols can range from 150 to 500 g/m².
- UV Protection: The maximum protection for a cantilever parasol is UPF 50+. Between 30 and 50, the protection is considered moderate, and below 30, very poor.
Choosing the right size cantilever parasol for your needs
Choosing the right size cantilever parasol is essential to combine comfort and aesthetic appeal in your outdoor space. The ideal size mainly depends on the area to be shaded and the layout of your furniture. For a table of 2 to 4 people, a 2x3 cantilever parasol may suffice, while a table for 6 to 8 people will require at least a 3x3 model. If you want to cover a garden lounge set or a large area, opt for a parasol of 3.5 meters or more, such as a 3x4 or 4m cantilever parasol. Also, consider the height and tilt for better sun protection at any time of the day.
Ease of use
Choosing a parasol that is easy to use and has a simple opening mechanism is an important criteria. The most common opening system is the push-pull system, which allows you to open the parasol like an umbrella.
Three options are available for the cantilever parasol: it can be foldable, tiltable, and rotatable. Foldable means that the fabric can be closed, making it easy to store. With the tilting pole feature, you can adjust the shaded area according to your needs. This is very practical, especially when the sun is low and you want protection. Finally, rotating cantilever parasols can easily be turned 360° to provide effective protection no matter the hour of the day.
The parasol pole
Most parasols have an aluminium pole as this material is sturdy and rustproof, making it ideal for cantilever parasols that are often wide. Wooden poles are also available for those who prefer more bohemian and warm models. However, wooden poles require more maintenance and are more fragile than aluminium poles.If you want the aesthetic of wood with the practicality of aluminium, we also offer aluminium poles with a wood-like finish, which are very trendy.
Wind resistance
If you live in a windy area, opt for a parasol with good wind resistance. A lighter structure will be more sensitive to the wind than a heavier, sturdier parasol. The ribs that are placed under the structure of the parasol also determine how well it holds up in the wind.For better wind resistance, they should be flexible and ideally made of fiberglass for greater flexibility.