The best cantilever parasol for you is, of course, the one which will fit in the space you have available. 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. 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.

Double-sided Patio Umbrella Garden Parasol Outsunny 4.6m Double-sided Patio Umbrella Garden Parasol

The majority of the best cantilever parasols that I have reviewed in this list have a 3 m canopy. This is quite common, and is a generous size. It gives enough shade for several people to sit comfortably under. Of course, if you can angle the canopy, you can create a longer shadow and more shade, which is a plus. The Greenbay 3m Banana Parasol requires limited assembly and can easily be put up or down depending on the weather. It’s an inexpensive option that offers great value for money.The 2 x 2 m canopy also functions well in gardens that have a lot of trees, fences, or other obstacles. Standard parasol canopy size tends to be 3 m² +, which can be overbearing in gardens with limited space, but this Norfolk Leisure Cantilever Parasol is much more manageable. So, if you’re looking for an effective garden parasol which works well when up, but can also be easily stored, you should get yourself a cantilever parasol.

Outsunny 4.6 M Parasol | Robert Dyas

If your parasol comes with an empty plastic base, it can be filled with water or sand, depending on how heavy you want it to be. If you plan to relocate its position, water is recommended. Otherwise, for a better stability, it should be filled with sand, because sand it is heavier than water. Plastic parasol bases have the advantage of different weight possibilities, depending what you fill it with, better mobility and easier storage. Some of their cons ar that they coud be damaged easier and they have shorter life than the solid ones. 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. 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. For parasols 3m round and less, we would recommend a minimum weight of 50kg for the base if the parasol is free-standing and not through the table.Despite going through a sturdy table, you will however still require a base to provide the stability and maintain the position of the pole. When planning to buy a parasol base, consider how your parasol will be used. If your garden umbrella is going through the middle of a sturdy table, you can afford to go lighter on the umbrella base. The table will act as ballast and will provide stability too.

If you’re working from home, a cantilever parasol will let you take the office outside during summertime. The best cantilever parasols have adjustable angle mechanisms, offering shade from the sun no matter its position in the sky. These parasols will also keep you covered during weekend lunches, and protect the kids as they play outside. If colour schemes are important in your garden, or you’re looking for a garden parasol that will add a bit of variety to your landscape, the Costway Outdoor Cantilever Parasol comes in a range of attractive colours. It’s a great way to provide shade for your patio whilst also acting as a decorative feature (plus, did I mention it’s the best budget option?). When positioning the ground base, if you have parasols going next to each other, leave at least 20cm 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. Our mission at Shade Specialists is simple. Supply strong durable and well-designed parasols with robust and rugged parasol bases that will last for many years to come!