How to Choose the Best Position for a Garden Parasol

Finding the best position for your garden parasol takes a bit of thought. The type of parasol you choose, together with the outdoor space you’re working with, are key factors in creating effective shade. In this blog we share our knowledge on how to choose the best position for a garden parasol. 

By the way, the terms garden ‘umbrella’ or ‘parasol’ mean the same thing, more or less. However, given that ‘parasol’ comes from the French words ‘parare’ and ‘sol’ to mean ‘shield from the sun’, that’s always going to be the word for us.

Which parasol is best for you?

First, which parasol is best for you? Cantilever parasol or table-based? The biggest factor here is whether you want to move your parasol. For example, is shading different parts of your garden important or do you plan to protect one area, such as dining and barbecuing on your patio? Also, don’t forget to take into account nearby trees, walls and fences. Take measurements so you can be sure your parasol will fit in the space you’ve identified.

Essentially, you’ve got a choice of two types of parasol: table or cantilever. They’re both great ways to protect you and your guests from the sun. They come in a range of colours, materials, functions and sizes so, it comes down to personal preferences plus these considerations:

Shade in different areas: table parasol

A table parasol, as the name suggests, can be located through a table, thereby shading both your guests and their food. The base of a table parasol, though weighted, is easier to move and position alongside a table or anywhere else in your garden. This parasol really works well located through a table: it shades the whole dining area, is less susceptible to wind and the base doesn’t intrude. Table parasols are also the least expensive choice.

Shade in one area: Cantilever Parasol

The cantilever parasol is best located in one place (including wall-mounted), tilting or rotating to create the shade as required. Also known as a ‘side post umbrella’ and ‘pool umbrella’, it has an off-set post so you get a lot of usable shade (as opposed to the table parasol, with its central post). The cantilever parasol can be moved (unless bolted down) but they are a bit unwieldy and sometimes will require two people. The bases themselves are weighted and can be extremely heavy for obvious reasons. Even when bolted down, the cantilever is sensitive to wind particularly when tilted because it acts like a sail.

Where’s the sun in your garden?

To create the right shade, you need to think about where the sun will fall in your garden and patio throughout the day. Do you have an east-facing garden that benefits from stunning sunrises, or will you be more delighted by sunsets coming from the west? Then, which part of the day do you most want shade: the bright morning, hot midday or early evening? A cantilever parasol with its tilt function will allow you to adjust to the position of the sun, particularly when it’s low on the horizon. The beauty of cantilever parasols is that many of them will tilt, raise and lower providing shade no matter where the sun is shining in your outdoor space.

Grass, patio or pool-side parasol?

So here are some final location tips to help you choose the best position for a garden parasol: 

Grass:

1. Make sure the ground is as even as possible so the parasol is stable

2. During really sunny weather, remember to move the parasol to different spots so your grass can recover

3. Check that fences and trees aren’t too close for the parasol canopy to open fully

Patio:

If you eat and entertain outside a lot in the warmer weather, then it makes perfect sense to locate a parasol permanently on the patio. Work out how many seats you’d like to shade so your parasol canopy is the right size.

Pool-side:

A rotating cantilever parasol is best for pool-side shade, as it keeps the space underneath the canopy completely clear. This includes the water and its harmful reflection of the sun’s rays.

Positioning your garden parasol for perfect shade

If you take care to choose the best position for a garden parasol, you’ll get the shade you want without constantly moving your furniture around. Just decide how much shade you want, and where you need it.

One last tip: don’t forget that the tilt function on your tilting cantilever parasol is a great way to get privacy because it blocks the onlooker’s line of sight.

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Have further questions about different types of garden tables we stock? Our friendly, knowledgeable team are always on hand to help, just give us a call or visit one of our showrooms in Wakefield or Newcastle.