How to choose the right base for my parasol?

The base is an essential part of setting up your parasol in your outdoor space. Should you opt for a wheeled base or weight slabs for your parasol? These options each have specific characteristics to meet different needs. But what are the differences? And which types of bases or weights are compatible with a centre-pole or cantilever parasol? To help you make the right choice, let's explore these options and their unique features.

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Weight slabs

  • Suitable for all types of ground
  • Easy to install
  • Cost-effective
  • Low maintenance
  • More difficult to move the parasol
  • Should be placed flat


Compatibility:
The Leste slabs are compatible with all of our centre-pole parasols. The Ostro slabs are compatible with all of our cantilever parasols. For larger parasols, it’s recommended to fill the slabs with sand to reach 120kg. You will also need a Fogony cross base for centre-pole parasols, except for the 3x3m model.

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Wheeled base

  • Easy to move
  • The optimal solution for secure installation
  • Provides shade at any time of the day, no matter the position!
  • Not movable on grass
  • Larger than weight slabs


Compatibility:
The Kona base is only compatible with cantilever parasols. There are two versions of the Grécale wheeled base, each compatible with both centre-pole and cantilever parasols.

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Tips and tricks for weighting your parasol

Already have a base but want to improve its stability or conceal it? Here are some helpful Belveo tips.

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Securing your parasol

If your weight slabs are not firmly attached to each other or do not cover the parasol crosspieces, add heavy elements to the crosspieces for better stability

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Extending the lifespan

To prolong the life of your slabs, use sand instead of water in areas prone to freezing. At the end of the season, store the slabs in a dry, sheltered location to protect them from the elements.

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Fixing the base

If you prefer not to use slabs, you can secure the parasol's cross base directly to the ground. All of our cross bases have holes at the ends for easy installation.

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Concealing the base

To hide the cross base, you can integrate it under a removable deck. Alternatively, choose covers or decorative wraps that match your outdoor furniture.

Your questions

What are the differences between the different wheeled bases?

We offer three wheeled base models on our website: Kona, Grécale, and Ponant.

  • Kona: Features 4 rotating wheels (360°) that are retractable and can be hidden under the casing. The Kona base is made of plastic and can be weighted with both water and/or sand.
  • Grécale: More compact and takes up slightly less space on the ground. The Grécale base is made of metal and can only be weighted with sand.
  • Ponant: Offers the same design and stability as the Kona base but differs in its movement mechanism. The Ponant base requires each wheel to be deployed individually with a crank, while the Kona base deploys all four wheels simultaneously. The Ponant base is also made of plastic and can be weighted with both sand and/or water. The filling process is easier with the Ponant base, making it simpler to add ballast.
What type of weighting do I need?

All parasols come with a cross base, except for two models: the Ø2.75m centre-pole parasol and the 3x2m centre-pole parasol. If you wish to weight your parasol with slabs, you’ll need to purchase a cross base. Weighting is not included with our parasols but is essential for their stability. We offer several solutions to suit your needs:

Fillable slabs:
Our slabs (50x50cm) are designed to be filled with water or sand, with sand providing a heavier weight for better stability. For a centre-pole parasol, we recommend a total weight of 80kg (4 slabs of at least 20kg each). For a cantilever parasol, plan for a weight of 100kg (4 slabs of at least 25kg each) or 120kg for the 3x4m model, using sand. Note that wet sand cannot be removed from the slabs. The weighted base should occupy a ground space of 1m².

Wheeled bases:
If you’re looking for a mobile solution, our wheeled bases for both centre-pole and cantilever parasols are perfect. Weighted with water and/or sand, they ensure optimal stability while making it easy to move your parasol.

For secure and long-lasting use, always follow our weighting recommendations based on the model and the configuration of your space. Our recommendations are listed on the technical sheets of our parasols. Feel free to contact us for personalised advice.