In smaller gardens with less space available, having a parasol with a large footprint can be really limiting. That’s why the Norfolk Leisure Wall Mounted Parasol is a great choice for small spaces; with no base or pole to get in the way, this parasol neatly mounts on any wall, ingeniously providing shade without taking up floor space. Plus, it can sometimes be difficult to find complimentary items of the right size when sold separately, so it’s reassuring to know that the weights and cover will fit together from the get go, without wasting time shopping around. 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.

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. Providing general protection from the sun, this parasol doesn’t have a specific UPF rating; however, it creates standard shade coverage which can still reduce the heat felt from the sun’s rays. It’s also water resistant, so any passing showers will run off the waterproof 180 g polyester canopy without the necessity to dash inside.One other thing to be aware of is how much space the base with weights attached will take up – it measures over 1 m across, so it’s worth being sure that you have the room to accommodate this. Although not waterproof, this parasol is water resistant and protects from the odd drizzle – well suited to the British summertime when you’re never quite sure where the next shower will come from. Plus, during the day, this delux cantilever parasol is equally useful; it’s lightweight and easy to adjust so you can sit in a shady spot no matter where the sun is. The large canopy can tilt and rotate around the pole, providing good coverage.

Anything of a nature that for hygiene or associated health and safety - this includes the Outdoor Spas, Mattresses and Divan Sets 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. It’s one of the best cantilever parasols for those on a budget, coming up a lot cheaper than the majority of garden parasols out there. It may not be quite as sturdy as some, but it’s good value for the price. 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. These items can be bought separately, or, if you buy your parasol as part of a ‘set’, like the Jarder Libra Parasol Set, you’ll get them all together.

Outsunny Double-Sided Parasol 2.7x4.6Wx2.4Hm - Green - 84D-031V01GN

Ensure the frame is made from rust-resistant steel, and ideally look for a model with a water-resistant canopy . Although these parasols will predominantly be used during fair weather, sudden downpours are never off the cards! When buying a parasol, it’s necessary to consider how to protect it from the weather. This normally includes buying a cover, to protect your canopy from wind damage and fading; and some weights. These are added to the parasol base and stop it blowing over. Upright - the standard parasol design, an umbrella standing straight up. This type of parasol tends to be the cheapest. However, it’s worth noting that their protection is limited to whenever the sun is directly overhead.

Cantilever Parasols are great for protecting us from the sun in hot weather. This much we know. But, of course, we’re also aware that the weather in the UK isn’t always reliably fair. Keeping safe in the sun is generally the number one reason to buy a parasol. With keeping cool as a close second. Made from powder-coated aluminium, the frame is lightweight, rust-resistant and robust. Plus, with eight ribs to support the canopy itself, it’s strong too. Firstly, the basics: look out for a crank mechanism. This will make it easy to raise and lower your parasol. A smooth, robust mechanism will do wonders. Crank Mechanism– Open and close the umbrella in seconds with the easy-to-turn handle located on the central pole.With four different colours to choose from, including beige and orange, there are options available for both the understated, modern garden and those with livelier themes. In fact, with colours like dark blue on offer as well, it’s even possible to tailor the canopy to match the colours of the flowers in the garden. Although there is no ‘tilt’ mechanism, the crank handle makes it easy to put up and down, and it can be shifted from side to side depending on where the sun is. A cover is also provided, meaning the parasol can be folded down neatly at the side of the house when not in use. 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.

This is not intended to be a full statement of your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Full details of your rights are available from your Local Authority’s Trading Standards Office. How To Return A ProductThe best cantilever parasol for you is, of course, the one which will fit in the space you have available.