The parasol is a very useful shading solution and outdoor furniture for your garden, balcony, patio or terrace. Thanks to its canopy and pole, it provides shade from the sun rays for greater comfort in hot weather while dining for example.

There are various models, such as parasol umbrellas, or cantilever parasols. More information on the different types of garden parasols.  

However, parasols are not always supplied with bases, which makes them difficult to stabilise. A parasol that falls or flies away due to the wind, like an umbrella, can be very dangerous. So there are several ways to hold parasols.

 

This article is intended to guide you in choosing the right parasol for your needs and how to stabilise it. Here are some ideas :

How to make a traditional garden parasol umbrella stand? 

The parasol umbrella, also known as a central pole parasol or straight parasol, has different shapes depending on your needs: a round, square, or rectangular canopy. It can be equipped with a tilting system. There are different opening systems: push-open, rope, crank or remote control. 

Here are the options for fixing your parasol umbrella without a base :

How do you use a floor support for a patio parasol?

There are parasol supports that can be simply fixed or screwed onto a terrace or balcony and hold the parasol in place.

This type of support is usually designed to be fixed to a wooden or concrete surface and is simply screwed with metal screws directly into the surface. It is easy to install and remove.

How do you use a wall support?

If your balcony, patio or terrace has a smaller surface area, it may be worthwhile to opt for wall or ceiling mounts, which are ideal for small outdoor spaces. It is usually fixed to the wall or ceiling with screws or dowels. You can find various free tutorials on the web to show you how.

It allows you to hold your parasol without the need for a base, or any ground surface. However, this option is not always possible if you do not have a solid wall to attach the pole to.

How do you use a table holder?

Using a parasol pole to attach to a table or bench: this type of pole is usually designed to attach your garden parasol with an adapter and holds the parasol in place.

This solution is not recommended if the table is not strong or dense enough to support the weight of the parasol. In addition, it will not allow you to move your garden parasol to adjust the shade.

How do you use a parasol pole?

However, if a parasol base is not suitable for you, a parasol pole is another alternative. By fixing it in a flowerpot or sandbag to hold it in place, you get a good alternative to a parasol stand.

In the same vein, a screw-in lawn spike can be driven directly into your garden or a beach with its spike, but not into hard or rocky surfaces, where the soil will be difficult to drill. In general, its height allows it to fit all mast diameters.

However, these options are not very suitable for holding a cantilever parasol. 

Discover the Belveo parasol umbrellas range and accessories on our online shop.

How do you make a cantilever parasol stand up?

A parasol is very popular for gardens, balconies, patios or terraces because of its aesthetic design. It is often tiltable and adjustable, allowing it to adapt to the position of the sun at different times of the day. There are several ways to fixing your parasol :

Use of weights

As cantilever parasols are not designed in the same way as straight parasols, there are better options for stabilising them.

Although it is possible to buy weighting slabs on the web, if your parasol is not equipped  with one, you have the possibility to buy a plastic slab to fill with sand or water for a lower price, or a wooden slab for a more harmonious touch in your garden.

However, concrete or steel slabs are the most solid. The important thing is that the slab is heavy enough to prevent your parasol from falling. 

Use of a permanent fixation

A permanent fixing, by planting the foot directly in the ground or anchoring it in a concrete slab for more solidity, allows a qualitative protection of your parasol, which could also be used as an umbrella (if the polyester fabric is adequate) thanks to its resistance to bad weather.

By digging a hole in the ground to insert the ground anchor, and then filling the hole with cement, you create the slab for your basement. However, to ensure that this is done correctly, it is recommended that you rely on professionals. Belveo offers a wide range of premium cantilever parasols

If you don't have a base for your parasol, there are still ways to hold it. One option is to use a cantilever parasol that comes with a set that includes a low, heavy stand.

Another option is to make your own DIY stand using items you may already have at home, such as a concrete block or sandbags. Just be sure to choose a product with the right diameter and weight to hold your parasol securely.

If you want to add some style to your outdoor furniture, you can choose a parasol in a black or a design you like. When you buy your parasol, check for accessories like water weights or LED lights, and make sure to pay attention to the delivery and installation guide to ensure a hassle-free process. 

Parasol bases are the best alternative to weight the parasol

Despite the various effective options for replacing the parasol base, such as a support, a pole, ballast (with the addition of water or sand) or a fastening, the base remains the best option for optimal stability of your parasol and for weighting it properly.

Concrete or steel bases are recommended as they are the most solid and durable. In addition, you will need to adapt your stand to the size and weight of your pole.

Although there are many ways to secure your parasol without a base, take into account that it is important to choose a holding method that suits the size of your parasol and where you want to use it, while staying within your budget.

However, it is important to ensure that the parasol is stable and does not fall or tip over after a gust of wind, especially if the parasol is heavy, to avoid any accidents.

When shopping for outdoor umbrellas, it's important to take into account the size of the space you want to shade. You don't want to buy a parasol that is too big or too small for your needs.

The price is also an important factor to consider, as well as the quality and design of the product. If you're shopping for a cantilever umbrella, you'll need to make sure that it comes with a heavy base or that you can set it in concrete for stability.

Some shops offer free delivery and accessories such as weights or sandbags to help you secure the umbrella. When choosing a pole, look for one made of heavy-duty materials like aluminium to ensure durability.

Whether you want a low-profile design or a dining set with a larger canopy diameter, there's a product out there that will fit your needs. Just be sure to use a guide to help you choose the right one for your home or outdoor furniture.

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May 02, 2023 — Briana Ntolla