It's best not to leave your parasol exposed to the elements, so when not in use, fold the garden parasol and store it in a dry place (if possible, such as a shed or garage) to protect it against fading and any damage. If you have a parasol that can't be taken down, such as a wall hung parasol, invest in a good quality parasol cover to keep your parasol dry and aired. A garden parasol, also called a garden umbrella or parasol umbrella, is the perfect solution if you're looking for some cooling shade on a hot, sunny day. Not only will a parasol keep you cool and protect your skin, but it'll also protect your garden furniture from fading in the sun. Wall mounted parasols are mounted to the wall and can be wound up when not in use. Like cantilever parasols, they have a mechanism that can tilt to cover furniture from the sun.

A wall mounted parasol is convenient as it's attached to the wall and is very easy to put up and down. Notably, no base is required either. It does mean that you'll need to have the space you want to cover (like a seating area or table) near to the wall. And of course, once it's attached to the wall, you won’t be able to take it off so easily unless you unscrew it. Garden parasol care tips: How to clean a garden parasol In terms of the canopy, polyester is the most common material, which is both showerproof and UV-resistant. An acrylic canopy is another popular option as it's water-repellent, stain-resistant and mould-resistant. Remember, for a garden parasol that offers protection against the sun's UV rays, look out for a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. There are several types of garden parasols, including a standard parasol, cantilever (or overhanging) parasol, wall mounted parasol and half parasol. Here's how they differ:

Cantilever parasols are becoming increasingly popular – they're modern, stylish, flexible and easy to use, and can be adjusted, tilted and swivelled with minimal effort. As it's designed to hang over furniture (whether it's your garden table or sun lounger), it won't get in the way. Most cantilever parasols can also rotate and some come with great smart features, such as LED lighting, which is perfect to create extra ambience in your garden come evening. Whether a parasol is waterproof will depend on the material of it. Most parasols will be constructed from coated aluminium and/or a powder-coated steel frame, which won't rust after getting wet. There's also fibreglass, another extremely versatile material which won't corrode from water exposure, providing exceptionally strong resistance. Wooden parasols, on the other hand, offer a lovely natural look but might not fare well after a few showers.

A garden parasol is one of those items that can elevate an outdoor space wonderfully. On sunny days, a parasol umbrella can offer UV protection and enable you to lunch outside without worry of getting burnt. On windy days, you can use a cantilever garden parasol to offer some protection from the elements. What's the best garden parasol to buy, at a glance? As the joys of long summer evenings, warm nights and outdoor dining lie just around the corner, you may be starting to think about readying your garden for you and your guests. British summer time is notoriously unpredictable so it can be difficult to know exactly what it is you need. Garden furniture, from the top garden furniture shops, such as tables and chairs, will naturally be at the top of your list, but it is the details that make for a truly special experience; anyone who has attended a garden event in the scorching sun with little shade will know that. What are the benefits of a garden parasol? Standard parasols, otherwise known as freestanding or upright parasols, are the most common type of parasol. They stand upright, and unlike cantilever parasols, they are completely straight in shape.A cantilever parasol, also called a banana parasol or an overhanging parasol, is more versatile than a standard garden parasol. A cantilever parasol provides shade from the sun and rain, but the pole and weighted base is mounted to the side, rather than positioned centrally under the canopy. Don't have time to read our full guide to the best parasols? No problem. We've rounded up the very best below. Half parasols look similar to standard parasols, just smaller in size. They also feature a half-moon base that sits flush against the wall, making them ideal for narrow spaces.