The best garden parasols and umbrellas for summer
In the UK, it’s fairly easy to go overboard when the sun comes out. It’s understandable, too - we don’t really get enough of it to take a few good days of rays for granted.
Unfortunately, that also means we tend to forget there is such a thing as too much sun. And we get the burn lines to prove it.
The best thing for it? Invest in a gorgeous garden umbrella or parasol. Whilst they allow you to enjoy brilliant weather for longer, the best parasols and garden umbrellas also double-up as beautiful focal points in your garden.
What is the difference between normal and cantilever parasols?
While ‘normal’ parasols and umbrellas can tilt to shade you from the sun, their flexibility tends to be limited. Cantilever parasols allow you to stretch the umbrella away from its stand, over the area of your choice, which means more space to move around underneath as well as control exact angles.
As such, the choice of whether or not to opt for a cantilever is largely a matter of preference. Non-cantilever parasols are often sturdier in difficult weather, by design, but you can get great versions of both. It is, however, worth noting that low-quality cantilever parasols will swing like a sail when hit with big gusts of wind, so it’s worth investing in quality.
What size garden parasol do I need?
Most good parasols are at least 2 metres wide, and 2.4 metres seems to be the industry standard. To cover larger areas, like L-shaped garden furniture, you may want to opt for something a little wider.
It’s important to remember that a large parasol will need a more substantial base than a smaller alternative. In this case, big families may prefer to invest in a large cantilever parasol to cover as many people as possible.
Whether you’re looking for a patio table umbrella or something more substantial, we searched high and low to help you find the best garden parasol for your outdoor space.
Due to problems arising from the Covid-19 lockdown, some of the products tested in this article may be temporarily unavailable for online order.
1. Christow Garden Parasol
This contemporary garden parasol is an absolute steal, in steel, and at less than £60. Its 2.4-metre wide canopy comes in a variety of colours and has an air vent at the top to reduce wind pressure. It prevents wind from pulling the parasol upwards and keeps air circulating so you don’t overheat.
Instead of a fiddly pulley system, the parasol’s crank system can also lift or lower the canopy with the turn of a handle. Both the parasol’s pole and ribs are made of powder-coated steel, which is heavier than aluminium, for superior stability. Parasol base not included, but an 11kg (with a table) or 25kg base (without a table) base is recommended.
2. Argos Home 2.7m Water Repellent Garden Parasol
This stylish garden parasol is a little larger than the average, at 2.7 metres wide, but its sturdy eucalyptus pole and water-repellent canopy give it a sort of strength and resilience you might not expect for the price. Its rope pulley system doesn’t come with bells and whistles, but it is easy to use. Decor enthusiasts can colour-match the canopy to their outdoor space - this model is available in Green, Cream or Blue. One-year manufacturer’s guarantee included.
3. Amazonia 3m Cantilever Parasol
It isn’t always easy to find cantilever parasols in unique colours, which is one of the many reasons we love the Amazonia cantilever (the ‘Red Wine’ hue is our favourite). The 3-metre wide parasol features a crank-lift mechanism complete with a UV-filtering canopy that can be tilted against the sun to create optimal shade. It’s made from rust-resistant metal and plastic, offering extra protection from water and mildew. Base not included, but a 25kg base (or more) is recommended.
4. Classic Garden Shop Parasol Base Stand Weights
By now, you’re sure to understand the value of a strong base and/or base weights, which is why we couldn’t go much further without recommending these fantastic base weights. Though they don’t look like much, the four-piece set can be filled with sand or water to a max weight of 66kg. Each weight also has a moulded handle, should you want to move your parasol around. You can always pop a small potted plant over them if you want to hide them completely.
5. Bahamas Fir and Braided Vegetable Fiber Parasol
You can bring your summer holiday to your backyard with this gorgeous Hawaiian-style beach parasol. Designed with a braided plant fiber canopy, this large garden parasol features a simple up and down lever and beautiful gold accents along the pine wood stand. At just 5kg, you could even take it from your garden’s makeshift tiki bar to the beach as and when needed.
6. Charles Bentley Hanging Cantilever Parasol
Charles Bentley has one of the best cantilever parasols on the market and, as you might expect, they sell out fast when new shipments arrive. With its chic hanging canopy, the umbrella’s adjustable angles are supported by a sturdy steel pole. A base is still required (four base segments are recommended, but do not come with the parasol). One-year manufacturer's guarantee included.
Wickes also stocks Sturdi’s 25kg parasol base which is among the heaviest and most reliable on the market.
7. VonHaus Parasol Set
While so many of the best garden parasols require additional bases to keep them sturdy, VonHaus’ all-in-one parasol set takes all the guesswork out of summer sunning. The bundle includes a quality cantilever ‘banana’ parasol (with a crank mechanism), a large four-segment base (which can be filled with sand or water) and a waterproof cover to protect the parasol when it's out of use. With a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, it covers all bases.
