Belveo or Glatz: which one should you choose?

	Belveo cantilever and centre-pole	Glatz cantilever	Glatz centre-pole
Approach	Patented double-rib system, automatic	Standard aerodynamic design	Reinforced structure + fixed ground anchoring
Published testing	Real-world conditions + wind tunnel at force 8 on the Beaufort scale	Wind tunnel, depending on the model	Wind tunnel, depending on the model
Stated resistance	80 km/h in the open position	Up to 55 km/h	Up to 80 km/h on certain models and 110 km/h (giant parasols)
Windy sites	Yes, across the whole range	Not suitable	Yes, with fixed ground anchoring

With Glatz, wind resistance depends directly on the type of parasol. On cantilever models, Glatz is explicit: they are “not suitable” for sites exposed to wind. Stated resistance reaches 55 km/h depending on the model, against 80 km/h for Belveo cantilevers in the open position. For exposed installations, Glatz points customers towards its Contract range of centre-pole parasols with fixed ground anchoring.

In all cases, the published figures assume the manufacturer's installation requirements and instructions are followed.

2. Build quality

Belveo and Glatz both use aluminium structures designed to withstand prolonged outdoor use, but their design philosophies differ.

Belveo uses series 5 aluminium across its entire range, an alloy known for its corrosion resistance in coastal environments. The 4 mm sheets are rolled before laser cutting. The wood-effect finish is achieved by heat transfer onto aluminium: it keeps all the properties of aluminium and needs no particular upkeep. Every component is designed to be replaced individually (a rib, a crank, a screw), which extends the parasol's life without a full replacement. Over 10 years, this approach to direct repairability makes a real difference to the total cost of ownership: a part ordered online and delivered within 5 days costs a few euros, where a parasol that cannot be repaired ends up being replaced.

Glatz also uses aluminium across its range. Finishes vary by model: some offer a heat-transfer wood effect that works on the same principle as Belveo's, while others incorporate real wood (eucalyptus or ash, lacquered several times over an aluminium core) for a natural look. Glatz itself points out that these real-wood finishes change with the weather and require more regular maintenance. Spare parts are available through the network of approved dealers, and original Glatz parts must be used for the guarantee to remain valid.

3. Canopies

Belveo offers three canopy families. The standard acrylic, solution-dyed, is the brand's signature: available in 5 colours with a 7-year guarantee. Olefin, also solution-dyed, offers good value for money with a 5-year guarantee. Polyester is the most affordable option. For professional projects or uses calling for more extensive customisation, Belveo offers a made-to-measure acrylic canopy service: 150+ colours, logo printing and contrast trim available, a thicker (290 g/m²) and more water-resistant fabric, made in the Paris region within 3 to 4 weeks.

At Glatz, fabrics are grouped into several categories according to their weight and properties. Category 5 (solution-dyed acrylic, 300 g/m²) is the most capable, with a water column above 350 mm. More than 70 colours are available across the range.

4. Customisation

Beyond the choice of dimensions, customisation lets you adapt a parasol to a private terrace, a restaurant or a landscaping project. Both manufacturers offer solutions, but they go about it differently.

Belveo offers an online configurator covering shape, size, canopy fabric and frame finish from the catalogue options. For projects needing something more specific, a made-to-measure acrylic canopy service is available on request: more than 150 colours, the option of adding a logo or contrast trim, with canopies made in the Paris region within 3 to 4 weeks.

Glatz takes a more modular approach. Depending on the model chosen, different dimensions, canopy shapes, fabric categories, fixing systems and accessories can be combined into more than 20,000 configurations. This depth of choice generally calls for the support of an approved dealer.

In practice, Belveo offers customisation that is directly accessible online for everyday choices, plus a made-to-measure service for more specific professional projects. Glatz offers a wider spread of structural configurations, particularly well suited to large-scale projects.

5. Guarantees and maintenance

A high-end parasol is built to be used for many years. Beyond the guarantee itself, the availability of spare parts and the option of replacing the canopy are important factors in extending its lifespan.

Belveo puts the emphasis on parasols you can repair yourself. A wide range of parts is catalogued and available to buy directly on belveo.co.uk, with accompanying video tutorials. Under guarantee, parts are shipped free of charge within 5 working days. The canopy can be swapped without tools across the whole range thanks to the zip system. The protective cover is sold separately on the website.

Glatz also designs its parasols to last. Spare parts and replacement canopies are available depending on the model, through the network of approved dealers. Original Glatz parts must be used for the guarantee to remain valid.

The total cost of owning a parasol goes well beyond the purchase price. Over 10 years, a parasol that is easy to repair (a canopy changed in a few minutes, a part ordered online and delivered within 5 days) works out significantly cheaper than one replaced every 3 to 4 years for want of accessible parts. The 7-year canopy guarantee on Belveo's acrylic, combined with self-service repairability, is designed so that the parasol is never a purchase you have to make twice.

6. Accessories and options

Accessories let you adapt the parasol to its surroundings and make it more comfortable to use. Both brands offer complementary equipment, with different approaches.

Belveo offers the Mousson LED lamp, which clips magnetically onto the mast in seconds, with no cable or electrical installation, and recharges via USB. It is compatible with the whole range. The accessories line also includes complete ballast solutions. The cross base comes included with cantilever parasols, and several ballast options (slabs, wheeled bases, fixing systems) are available to suit each setup. Because the lighting is independent of the structure, it can be replaced or upgraded without touching the parasol if it fails or your needs change.

The Glatz catalogue goes further on technology options. Osyrion spotlights are compatible with the whole range. Depending on the model, radiant heating or motorised opening can be added. Glatz also offers a large number of bases, plates and anchoring solutions, all sold separately.

7. Price

The price of a high-end parasol depends on many factors: dimensions, canopy type, opening system, accessories and fixing method. Belveo and Glatz follow different commercial strategies, which shapes the way their pricing is presented.

Belveo sells its parasols directly through its website. Prices are displayed for each configuration, payment can be split into 3 or 4 interest-free instalments, and no intermediary is needed to place an order. Direct sales also mean access to spare parts, replacement canopies and after-sales service without relying on a network.

At Glatz, the price varies according to the model, dimensions, fabric category, type of base or anchor and chosen accessories. Centre-pole parasols start at €169, cantilevers at €695, wind-resistant models at €345 and giant parasols at €2,600. Since purchases go through the approved dealer network, the final price needs to be confirmed with the dealer directly.

Comparing the two brands on price alone is difficult without an equivalent configuration. At comparable dimensions and materials, the real gap depends on the options chosen and the parasol's level of equipment.

At a glance

Which parasol is right for you?

Glatz is the better fit if:

• a wind-resistant centre-pole parasol is what you are after

• structural customisation matters: an extensive choice of shapes, sizes and finishes through the configurator

• integrated LED lighting, motorisation or heating are on the wish list

• the terrace is not exposed to wind (standard residential use)

Belveo is the better fit if:

• a wind-resistant cantilever parasol is needed

• self-service online repairability and detailed guarantees are important to you

• you prefer ordering directly, with no intermediary

• the terrace is exposed to wind, by the sea or at altitude

• you want a direct relationship with the manufacturer: after-sales service, advice, spare parts and made-to-measure canopies with no middleman

See the full range of Belveo parasols

Conclusion

Glatz and Belveo are two premium brands that partly speak to the same buyers, with one fundamental difference on the question of wind.

Glatz offers one of the broadest ranges on the market: more than 20,000 combinations, 70+ colours, lighting, heating and motorisation options, a cover included with every purchase, and a distinctive online configurator. On centre-pole parasols, the Contract range offers documented resistance of up to 80 km/h with fixed anchoring, and up to 115 km/h on giant parasols. But Glatz is explicit about its own limits: its cantilever parasols are not designed for sites exposed to wind. Stated resistance reaches 55 km/h, and the brand itself advises against using them in those conditions.

Belveo has built a tighter range around a wind-resistance patent that covers centre-pole and cantilever models alike, with a declared resistance of 80 km/h. Acrylic parasols range from €749 to €1,499, with olefin and polyester options at more accessible prices. Over 10 years, the 7-year guarantee on the acrylic canopy, parts that can be replaced directly with no intermediary and a structure designed never to need replacing make Belveo's total cost of ownership one of the most competitive in the premium market. Spare parts can be ordered directly online, the 3-year frame guarantee goes beyond Glatz's 2-year statutory guarantee, and a made-to-measure canopy service with 150+ colours is available for professional projects. For an exposed terrace where a cantilever parasol has to work in the open position, Belveo is built for exactly that, where Glatz itself acknowledges its cantilevers are not.

Discover the Belveo parasol range

FAQ

Do Glatz cantilever parasols stand up to the wind?

Up to 55 km/h depending on the model. Glatz itself states on its website that its cantilever parasols are “not suitable” for sites exposed to wind, and recommends its centre-pole parasols with fixed ground anchoring for those uses. Belveo cantilever parasols withstand winds of up to 80 km/h thanks to the patented double-rib system.

How do the Belveo and Glatz guarantees compare?

Belveo guarantees the frame for 3 years and the canopy for up to 7 years on acrylic. Glatz applies the statutory 24-month guarantee. Glatz fabrics are documented in days of exposure before colour change (a minimum of 350 days for category 4, 700 days for category 5).

Does Belveo offer customised canopies with a logo?

Yes. Through its made-to-measure acrylic canopy service, Belveo offers more than 150 colours, along with the option of adding a logo and contrast trim. Canopies are made in the Paris region and delivered within 3 to 4 weeks. The service is available on request.