Choosing the right centre pole parasol
Selecting the right straight parasol is vital for fully enjoying your garden, patio, or balcony while effectively protecting yourself from the sun. With UV rays becoming increasingly aggressive, safeguarding against the sun's harmful effects, such as sunburn, burns, or worse, skin cancers, is more important than ever. Moreover, a quality centre pole parasol can add an aesthetic touch to an outdoor space, making it more comfortable and welcoming.
However, with a wide range of models, sizes, materials, and styles available, finding the perfect parasol umbrella for your needs can be daunting. Thus, understanding key information when buying a straight parasol is crucial. Choosing the wrong parasol can lead to inadequate shade and issues like the parasol tipping over or breaking under strong winds.
This guide aims to help consumers through key considerations when they buy a straight parasol, such as size, materials, design, bases and price. By following these practical tips, selecting the right parasol for your needs becomes easier, ensuring peaceful enjoyment of sunny days.
What is a straight parasol, and what uses is it suitable for?
A straight parasol is an essential piece of equipment for making the most of sunny days in your garden or on your patio. It provides effective protection from the sun's rays while offering a comfortable and refreshing shaded area.
A straight parasol consists of a canopy stretched over a central mast, which can be fixed on a dedicated base or a wall bracket. There are also cantilever parasols, with the offset mast to allow a larger shading area without obstructing guests.
Centre pole parasols are suitable for a wide variety of uses, whether relaxing with family, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying your outdoor space in peace. They are also invaluable for professionals, such as restaurateurs or hoteliers, who wish to provide a pleasant shaded space for their customers.
Beyond their primary function of sun protection, straight parasols can also serve as decorative elements to personalise outdoor areas. They come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colours to suit all tastes and configurations.
Choosing a quality straight parasol ensures effective and long-lasting use. A poor-quality parasol may quickly deteriorate, fade in the sun, or even break in strong winds.
In the next part of the guide, we will explore information to consider when choosing your straight parasol, including price, size, materials, design, the bases, or its wind resistance.
How to choose the right straight parasol?
When selecting a straight parasol for your garden, patio, or deck, several key criteria should be considered to ensure you choose the best fit for your needs and outdoor space. Here are the essential elements to consider for making an informed choice:
Size:
The size of your straight parasol should correspond to the area you wish to shade. For a small table for two, a 2.5x2.5m parasol may be perfect. For a larger garden table hosting several guests, a 3x3m parasol will provide ample shade for everyone. Generally, opting for a parasol slightly larger than you think you need is advisable, as it offers better coverage and UV protection.
Materials:
Straight parasols can be made from various materials, including aluminium, wood, and steel. Aluminium is a popular choice for its lightweight, maintenance ease, and weather resistance. Wood parasols add a rustic charm to your outdoor space but require more upkeep. Steel parasols are highly durable but heavy and may rust without proper care.
Design:
Your straight parasol's design can add personality to your outdoor area. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, from classic to contemporary, you can choose a parasol with a plain canopy or one with patterns for a whimsical touch. Some straight parasols also feature tilting options, allowing you to adjust the canopy angle according to the sun's position, which is particularly useful for all-day outdoor stays.
Anchoring:
Choosing the right type of base for your straight parasol, based on its intended location, is crucial. Belveo offers various anchoring solutions, including 20 kg minimum weight plates for a total of 80kg, ideal for secure placement. These plates, measuring 50x50 cm, can be filled with water or sand. Alternatively, a parasol base with wheels is perfect if you want to move your parasol without adjusting the plates frequently. Other base types, such as fixed or in-ground options, are more aesthetic and space-saving. Belveo's patented anchoring system, with an integrated cable, ensures the parasol base remains firmly in place, even in strong wind like the Mistral!
Choosing your parasol's canopy
Selecting the right canopy for your straight parasol involves considering four criteria: weight (gsm), material, UV protection index (UPF), and colour.
The canopy's weight, expressed in grams per square metre (gsm), determines its density and thickness, affecting durability and UV filtration. Lighter canopies, ranging from 140 to 400g/m2, offer varying levels of UV protection.
The UPF index, ranging from 10 to 80, indicates the level of UV protection. Optimal protection is generally considered from 30 UPF, with lower levels below 19 UPF and very high protection above 30 UPF. A high-quality canopy also maintains its colour longer, enhancing protection.
Canopy material affects durability. Polyester, economical and resistant to moisture and UV with proper treatment, is prone to fading. Acrylic and olefin, though more expensive, are durable and resist stains, mould, and weathering better, preserving their colour longer.
Canopy colour also influences durability, shade provided, and warmth felt underneath. Light hues reflect light, while dark colours absorb it, affecting colour longevity and shade intensity. Colour choice depends on your region's climate, with light shades recommended for sunny areas and dark tones for a more intense, visually restful shade.
Conclusion
Choosing the right straight parasol wind resistant is essential for safely and comfortably enjoying sunny days. Considerations such as price, size, materials, style, and anchoring are crucial when you buy a parasol. The right size depends on available space and intended use, while materials can affect both durability and aesthetics.
Style is also an important consideration to ensure the parasol complements its surroundings, whether a terrace, garden, or outdoor lounge. Lastly, the choice of anchoring depends on where the parasol will be placed, whether on a terrace, in a garden, or on a balcony.
Sun protection, assured by the UPF index or canopy properties, is also vital. A high UPF index is recommended for better protection.
Finally, ensuring parasol quality guarantees durability and effectiveness. Aluminium parasols are often recommended for their lightness and corrosion resistance. Tilting and cantilever parasols are also practical for adapting to the sun's position.
In summary, when you want to choose a straight parasol wind-resistant, you should based on various criteria to meet individual needs. A quality, well-selected parasol will be an investment that offers comfort and sun protection, allowing for the full enjoyment of sunny days.
For any other information about Belveo products, feel free to contact us: contact@belveo.com
