Best Parasols
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Three things to consider before buying a parasol
Parasols, their fabric and centre pole, are available in different materials. Think about what suits you best.
- Polyester is water resistant and doesn’t fade easily in sunlight. The thicker it is, the more resistant it is. It’s also easy to clean – you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Olefin is a synthetic fibre that’s even more durable than polyester – so durable that it’s often used for boat covers.
- Wood is both stylish and durable. But depending on the type of wood you choose, some regular maintenance may be required.
- Aluminium is lightweight, doesn’t rust and lasts for many years. However, it isn’t as durable.
- Steel holds its own in windy conditions. If it’s stainless, it can even stand outside during winter.
If you have a large furniture set, such as a lounge sofa with a table, you should get a parasol that can shade all areas. A diameter of 3–4 metres is usually enough. If your outdoor space is smaller, the parasol usually only needs a diameter of 2–3 metres.
We recommend a parasol that can be angled, so it's easy to choose which parts of the patio need shade.
A base of the right weight stops your parasol from tipping over in windy conditions. Generally speaking, you can use these calculations when choosing your parasol base:
1.80–2 metre parasol: 15 kg
2–3 metre parasol: 30 kg
3–3.5 metre parasol: 40–50 kg
3.5 metre parasol: 50–70 kg.
If there is a lot of wind where you are going to put the parasol, you should round the numbers upwards. So if the parasol is 2 metres, the base should weigh 30 kg. If this sounds rather heavy, choose a base with wheels so you don’t have to carry it if you need to move your parasol. It’s also a good idea to choose a parasol with a crank, so you can close it easily if the wind picks up.
Having a hard time finding a base of the right weight that you think is, if not pretty, at least not really ugly? Take a look at the DIY ideas at Pinterest.