Here are the ten most important things to consider when choosing a parasol. Follow these points and you can be sure to find the right shade solution for your needs.
A parasol basically consists of:
- A base
- A pole and a crown
- A parasol canopy made of fabric
First, you need to find the right model of parasol, where the type of pole will determine the choice of base and parasol canopy (size, shape, fabric quality and colour).
Consider the following questions before choosing a parasol model:
1. How large is the area to be shaded?
This will help you choose the size of the parasol.
2. Is your garden round or rectangular?
The answer to this question will help you choose the shape of the parasol (round, square or rectangular). Ideally, the shape of the garden should be reflected in the parasol, thus mirroring the architecture.
3. Which colour suits my garden, house and surroundings?
For some models, the frame is available in different base colours and materials. Here, we recommend that you base your choice on the colour of the window frames so that the parasol fits in well with the overall architecture.
4. The next question is what will the parasol be shading?
Is it a table, a lounge set or a sun lounger? For tables and lounges, a parasol with a side pole is the perfect choice as it works without a central pole and therefore provides plenty of shade. However, if you want to shade sun loungers, a parasol with a centre pole is ideal, as it can be placed between two chairs and thus shade both.
5. The next question to ask yourself is what the ground is like where the parasol will stand.
This will give you information about the best way to secure your parasol. Is it a lawn? If so, it may be best to use a ground spike so that the parasol stands firmly in the ground.
6. Is the ground harder, tiled or concrete?
In that case, we recommend a parasol base or stand. However, you should consider whether the parasol will need to be moved around and, if so, make it easier for yourself by purchasing a rolling base. Not all parasols are suitable for all types of attachments, so it is important to consider this as well.
7. Do you get sun in the evening?
If so, it may be a good idea to buy a parasol that can be angled so that you can also get shade when the sun is low.
8. Does the parasol need to be adjustable according to the position of the sun, or does the sun always come from the same direction and is the parasol always used at the same time of day?
If you want to be able to adjust the parasol according to the sun, a side-pole parasol is a good choice, as it can be rotated 360 degrees around the pole.
9. Will the parasol be placed in a windy location?
In that case, choose a wind-stable centre or side parasol. This type of parasol is also ideal for roof terraces.
10. Will the parasol also serve as a privacy screen?
If so, choose a parasol with a side pole, as it can be angled but also positioned vertically.
There are often different fabric quality levels for parasol fabrics, and as a general rule, the higher the fabric quality, the less prone the fabric is to fading and the better its water repellency and robustness. If the parasol has good fabric quality, it also has good UV protection. However, parasols only protect against direct sunlight and not from UV rays reflected from the ground, house walls or water surfaces.
The last thing to consider in order to enjoy a nice parasol for a long time is to have a suitable cover or protective cover for the parasol. This helps protect it from dirt and sun bleaching when not in use. Covers also wear out from wind and weather and need to be replaced regularly. If you store your parasol in a protected, dry place during the winter, you will have a nice parasol that you can enjoy for many years to come.