All our Cantilever Parasols are Wind Tested up to 90 km/hour making them more than fit for purpose in windy conditions. Able to rotate through 360°, with 5 adjustable tilt angles, you can achieve full shade coverage no matter where the sun is in the sky, or where you’re sitting in relation to the parasol. The crank mechanism has a solid handle for winding the canopy in and out, and the rotation is achieved using a foot pedal. 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. Additionally, the Patio Sun Shade has a sleek and modern design, making it a stylish addition to any outdoor space. However, it does not come with a cover for the bases or a steel/aluminium shaft like the original GardenCo 3m. 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.

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. For a garden parasol that will take you seamlessly from sunny days to balmy nights, the AIRWAVE Apollo 3m Cantilever Parasol is large and offers good protection. With illuminating LED lights on the inside, it’s also one of the best cantilever parasols you can buy for a bit of wow-factor! 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. Lastly, if you’re interested in having a parasol with an added ‘wow’ factor, you may want to look out for one with features like lights inside the canopy. This can create a really special ambiance and can be a great way to make use of your parasol even when night draws in. You can also put lights inside the parasol yourself.

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. 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. 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+.

The benefit of buying a set is that these items can be quite expensive when bought separately. Therefore, a set can help keep costs low. Furthermore, if you buy these items separately, you have to go to the extra effort of making sure they all fit your parasol correctly. In a set, compatibility is ensured.

Got no hole for your parasol?

It is difficult to declare the GardenCo 3m as the best choice over other products without knowing the specific needs of the buyer. However, the GardenCo 3m does offer some attractive features, such as rust-resistant steel and aluminium shaft material, a modern and stylish design, and a convenient crank handle for easy opening and closing. Struggling with the wind, sun, and light rain is an average daily occurrence for the average Britisher. While weighing the decorative value of cantilever parasols, it is also necessary to consider the weather resistance of the materials used in the making. The umbrella needs to be durable and long lasting. Olefin is a cutting edge acrylic fibre first developed in Italy over 50 years ago. Today it is recognised as one of the best outdoor fabrics on the market. The heavy-dutyparasol base when filled with ‘sand’ providesa sturdy 80 kg solid base, just what’s required to hold firm a parasol of this size. 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.