When summer arrives, there’s nothing better than relaxing in your garden. But while sunshine is welcome, it’s important to have a shaded spot to escape the heat. A parasol provides cooling shade while letting you enjoy your outdoor space in comfort, as well as adding a stylish touch to your patio or decking.
With so many sizes and styles available, choosing the right parasol can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know to find the perfect option for your garden and stay shaded all summer long.
Canopy Size
Before choosing a parasol, consider the size of the canopy. Some are ideal for shading a patio table, while others are better suited to covering larger outdoor spaces.
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2m Canopy Parasols with a 2m canopy are the smallest we sell. They’re ideal for shading a two-seater bistro table and perfect for patios or decking areas where space is limited. 2.7m Canopy Parasols with a 2.7m canopy are perfect for shading a six or eight-seater table. They’re also great for creating shade when relaxing on a sun lounger. Overhanging Canopy Overhanging parasols are ideal for shading larger areas. With an offset base and suspended canopy, they provide flexible shade without a central pole getting in the way. |
2.4m Canopy A 2.4m parasol is well suited to a four-seater table or a round six-seater table, providing plenty of shade. It’s a versatile option that comes in a range of stylish colours. 2.7m Half Canopy Half canopy parasols are designed for smaller spaces such as compact patios and balconies. With a flat back, they sit neatly against a wall while still providing plenty of shade.  |
Pole Material
Parasol poles and ribs are typically made from either steel or aluminium. Each material has its own benefits, so it’s worth considering which best suits your needs.
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Steel Pole Parasols with steel poles and ribs are the strongest option we offer. They’re also heavier than aluminium models, providing excellent stability and improved wind resistance. |
Aluminium Pole Aluminium parasols are lighter than steel, making them easy to move around your garden. They’re a great choice if you want a more portable and easy-to-handle option. |
Key Features to Look For
The following features are designed to improve durability, comfort, and protection. Most features are included as standard across our parasols, unless stated otherwise.
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Canopy Fabric All our parasol canopies are made from thick 180gsm polyester for strength and durability. The fabric is water-resistant, helping to protect you from light summer showers. UV Protection Most of our parasols have a UV rating of 30+ for sun protection. Our tassel parasol offers enhanced UV50+ protection, while our parasol with crank does not have a UV rating. |
Air Vent A vent at the top of the canopy helps reduce wind pressure and improve stability in breezy conditions. It also allows air to circulate more freely, keeping you cooler in warm weather. Crank Handle Apart from our portable beach parasols, all our parasols feature a crank handle for easy opening and closing. Simply turn the handle to raise or lower the canopy with minimal effort. |
Types of Parasol
Now that you’re familiar with the key features, it’s time to choose the right parasol for your space. Here’s a quick guide to the different types available and the bases recommended for each.
Table Parasols
Table parasols are the most common type, designed for use with a patio table. With a central pole and classic design, they’re a versatile option for adding shade to dining and seating areas.
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Parasol with Crank A simple and practical option, our parasol with crank features a strong steel pole for stability and an easy-to-use crank handle for smooth opening and closing. Unlike our other parasols, it doesn’t have a UV rating for added sun protection. Available with a 2m or 2.4m canopy.
Crank & Tilt Parasol Designed for flexible shade, this parasol features a tilt mechanism to adjust the canopy as the sun moves throughout the day. It also includes a crank handle for easy operation and offers excellent UV protection. Choose from a 2m, 2.4m or 2.7m canopy to suit your space.
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Wood-Effect Parasol Combining strength with style, this parasol has a steel pole with a realistic wood-effect finish – perfect for pairing with wooden tables and chairs. It also features a crank and tilt function for adjustable shade and provides reliable UV protection. Available with a 2m or 2.4m canopy.
Shanghai Parasol With its eye-catching, oriental-inspired canopy, the Shanghai parasol adds a decorative touch to any outdoor space. It features a tilt function for adjustable shade and provides excellent UV protection. Available with a 2m or 2.6m canopy in a choice of stylish colours.
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Recommended Base
If using your parasol through a patio table, a lighter base is usually sufficient for stability. For freestanding use, a heavier base is recommended to keep it secure in breezy conditions.
We offer a range of bases to suit different setups, including fillable designs that can be weighted with sand or water, as well as wheeled bases for easy movement around your garden.
Overhanging Parasols
Overhanging parasols feature an offset base with a suspended canopy, allowing you to make full use of the space underneath. More flexible than table parasols, they’re ideal for shading larger seating areas and outdoor furniture. Like all our parasols, they’re available in a range of colours.
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Cantilever Parasol Designed for adjustable shade throughout the day, our cantilever parasol features a tilt function to angle the canopy and a foot pedal to rotate it a full 360 degrees. Easy to operate with a simple crank handle, its 2.5m canopy also provides protection from harmful UV rays.
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Banana Parasol Providing maximum coverage, our banana parasol features a strong steel frame and 3m canopy, making it the largest in our range. It offers excellent UV30+ protection and is easy to operate, with a push lever to raise the canopy and a crank handle for smooth opening.
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Recommended Base
Cantilever parasols come with a cross base, but this requires additional weight for stability. We recommend using a set of base weights to secure the cross base and keep your parasol stable.
Our range includes base weights from 50kg to 80kg, including pre-filled concrete options for a simple setup and fillable designs that can be weighted with sand or water to suit your needs.
Half Parasols
If you’re looking for a parasol for a small garden, patio, or balcony, our half parasol is a perfect space-saving option. It’s half the size of a standard parasol to take up less space, with a flat back so it can sit neatly against a wall or fence. Available with a 2.7m canopy.
Recommended Base
A standard parasol base won’t allow your half parasol to sit flush against a wall. Instead, you’ll need a specially designed half parasol base with a flat back to match its shape. Made from durable, weather-resistant resin, it also features an attractive decorative finish.
Portable Parasols
Portable parasols are perfect for taking shade with you on the go. Lightweight with a carry bag for easy transport, they’re ideal for beach trips, summer picnics, and garden use.
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Beach Parasols Beach parasols collapse into a compact size, making them easy to pack and carry on summer adventures. They feature a tilt mechanism for adjustable shade and a spiked pole for securing into soft ground, such as sand or grass. Available with a 2m canopy in a choice of colours.
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Tassel Parasols Tassel parasols combine style and practicality, making them suitable for both the beach and garden. They feature a wood-effect pole and ribs, decorative cotton tassels, and a tilt mechanism for adjustable shade. Available with a 2m canopy in a choice of plain or striped designs.
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Replacement Canopies
If your parasol canopy is damaged or you’d like to refresh its look, there’s no need to replace the entire parasol. Simply choose a replacement canopy to fit your existing frame.
We stock canopies for our 2m, 2.4m, and 2.7m parasols. They’re also compatible with parasols from other brands, provided your frame meets the following criteria:
- Check your parasol has 6 ribs, as the canopies are only suitable for 6-rib frames.
- Make sure the frame has a hexagonal shape to match the canopy.
- Measure the diameter of your existing canopy to choose the correct size.
Find Your Perfect Parasol
Whether you're updating your current setup or choosing your first parasol, the right size, style, and features will help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. For a side-by-side breakdown, read our parasol comparison guide.
