Cantilever - a parasol where the pole stands off to one side, and the canopy is suspended from a long beam. This frees up floor space and keeps the parasol’s support pole out of the way, so people can talk without an obstructive pole between them. However, cantilever parasols are more susceptible to falling down in high winds. If you need something larger still then it may be worth considering one of the best gazebos in our dedicated buyer's guide instead.

The UV protection offered by parasols can vary from non at all to 98% offered by the very best Swiss parasols from Glatz . If you have children then we recommend the highest UV protection. If there is a wind, we recommend that you take down the parasol and either use a dedicated cover or take it down completely. The best garden parasols you can buy in 2023 1. Vounot Cantilever Parasol: Best-value cantilever parasol 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.Even better, buy a specially designed cover to use when your umbrella goes into storage to give it the best possible protection. If all you want is a simple garden parasol to use with your outdoor table or cast a bit of shade when the sun is at its peak, then a basic patio umbrella generally makes the most affordable option. Of course, you might also use the opportunity to inject some style into the garden with stripes, tassels, and more! A parasol can further enhance your existing garden furniture by providing shelter from the rain and sun. With generous sizes available of almost 3m, and a wide choice of colours and styles, a Parasol can also revitalise a tired looking furniture set. My table doesn't have a Parasol Hole - What Can I Do?

Wooden poles offer a natural and elegant look, blending well with a quintessential English garden surroundings. However, they may require more maintenance and care to prevent weather damage. Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. A diameter of 2.5m is considered a decent size for a parasol, and many larger items will have a diameter of 3m. The ideal size of course depends on the shape and size of the outdoor space where you plan on placing your parasol. Naturally, larger parasols will need a larger base to keep them stable. Parasol comes in two sections which slot together for easy assembly. Simply slot the top pole into the bottom pole and away you go. Can also be easily disassembled to easily store away. Ventilation: If possible, choose a canopy with ventilation so as to help air move around on hot days, and to allow air to flow freely when it’s windy.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.

The UV protection rating is lower than the top choice on our list, offering a UV30+ rating rather than Kettler's 50+, and unlike the Kettler patio umbrella this option doesn't claim to be showerproof. No need to worry, as not all parasols are designed to go through a centre hole in a table. Cantilever canopies overhang the item which they are protecting, which also makes them suited to cover sun loungers and bistro sets. The Glendale Cantilever Parasol 2.7m is a popular choice, and proves a welcome addition to furniture sets across the United Kingdom. Does my Parasol need a Base? Shape: Available in a variety of shapes, rectangular parasols are the best option if you’re looking to create the largest area of shade, while square parasols cover a larger area than an octagonal version of the same size. Traditional parasols are the typical parasol you probably have pictured in your head, with a straight pole that often goes through a hole in the table. They are sturdier than their cantilever counterparts, so fare better when the weather takes a turn for the worse. There is a slight caveat with this superior sturdiness, however, as their adjustability tends to be quite limited.

Whether you want shade for your garden, patio or balcony, we’ve got you covered with our selection of the best parasols

Sail - a simple way to create shade in the garden by hanging a fabric sail from walls, poles, fences and trees. Great for small plots, but can become troublesome if not fastened properly. 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 canopy itself is water-resistant but offers a little less sun protection than the first choice on our list with a UV30+ rating. You also don't get the LED lights with this option, although with a significant cost saving we'd be happy to sacrifice the built-in option and consider some different outdoor lighting ideas instead.

A parasol base is not included, so you’ll need to buy one separately to keep the parasol weighted. The steel pole has a 38mm diameter and is compatible with most parasol bases. An air vent at the top of the canopy allows air to circulate more freely beneath it to keep you cool in humid weather. Plus, it helps to decrease the amount of uplift in breezy weather. Wall-mounted parasols do not require a base and take up less space, making them a great option for narrow balconies or patios. If you want your garden parasol to work a little harder than the average patio umbrella, then this option is equipped to deliver with 32 LED lights dotted along its spokes. Powered by a compact solar panel that screws into the top of the parasol pole, the gentle illumination is perfect for adding some magic to a balmy summer evening with a generous 6-8 hours worth of illumination on offer. Pole and ribs are made from durable aluminium which is lighter than steel to easily move around your garden. Rust-resistant with a powder-coating to protect from corrosion.This parasol doesn't disappoint in the daytime either, with a 2.7m canopy that offers UV50+ sun protection alongside a tilt mechanism to angle your shade and a crank handle for easy lifting and lowering of the parasol. We also like the addition of a sewn-on velcro fastening tie to keep the canopy neat when it's not in use. This can vary from set to set, but generally they are around 50mm in diameter. For example, the Rowlinson Plumley 6 Seater Set has a parasol hole of 5cm. This makes it perfect for a Glendale Aluminium Parasol which is in a choice of 3 different colours, including green to match the cushions!