Tips for Purchasing Parasols
Find the perfect commercial parasol
What to consider when buying a parasol
Whether for use in restaurants, as a shade provider in your own garden, or as a small sunshade on the beach: the applications of parasols are diverse. We explain, which features you should pay attention to, in order to find the parasol-model perfectly suited to your needs!
Center-Pole Parasol
Pole position: In the center of the canopy
Opening system: Varies depending on the model
Advantage: Sturdy, affordable, easy to transport; multiple umbrellas can be set up side by side without taking up extra space
Disadvantage: Less space in the middle of the parasol, less flexible in alignment depending on the model
Examples of use: Cafés, beer gardens, beach and outdoor swimming pools, markets or events
Cantilever parasols
Pole position: To the side of the canopy
Opening system: Crank opening
Advantage: More space under the parasol, flexible alignment, modern look
Disadvantage: Due to its design, it is less mobile, requires a heavier base and is more expensive than a conventional parasol
Examples of use: Open garden and pool areas, cafés and restaurants with flexible table arrangements
Small parasol
- Diameter: up to 2.50 metres
- Opening system: usually manual opening
- Frame: Mostly simple steel frame, can be dismantled into two parts
- Advantage: lighter and more mobile than large parasols and can be dismantled into two parts
- Disadvantage: smaller shaded area
- Examples of use: small cafés, promotion stands or beach and swimming pools
Large portable parasols
- Diameter: up to 4 meters
- Opening systems: usually with a crank handle
- Frame: Steel or aluminium with a 2-piece pole
- Advantage: easier to transport than a traditional large parasol thanks to its two-piece pole
- Disadvantage: Longer setup and dismantling times
- Examples of use: Trade fairs and outdoor events
Large parasols
- Diameter: up to 8.00 meters
- Opening systems: Varies depending on the model
- Frame: usually made of aluminium
- Advantage: Robust parasols with a large shade area
- Disadvantage: Heavier and less mobile than small parasols
- Crank opening (with telescopic function)
3. Parasol shape
While small parasols usually have a round shape, large parasols are available in both round and rectangular models. The choice of parasol shape is fundamentally a matter of personal taste. However, there are two details that can be considered when making your decision:
- Square parasols have an advantage over round ones: when several square parasols are placed next to each other, they create an almost seamless shade area.
- There are not only square, but also rectangular large parasols. Although rectangular parasols are more susceptible to wind than square parasols, they are suitable for specific areas of application (e.g. narrow alleyways).
4. The optimal opening system
Another point you should definitely consider if you intend to use your parasol frequently is choosing a model with a comfortable opening system. Depending on the variant, these differ in terms of physical effort required and table clearance.
In principle, there are the following opening systems:
- Hand or manual opening
- Slide opening system
- Crank opening (with telescopic function)
- Wire rope hoist
- Push-up (with telescopic function)
- Easyshift (with telescopic function)
- Lift pole system (with telescopic function)
We explain how the different opening systems work and what their respective pros and cons are, together with video materials: Comparison of opening systems.
5. Table clearance thanks to telescopic function
If you are planning to use them in combination with tables and other furniture, you should definitely also pay attention to table clearance when buying large parasols.
What does table clearance mean?
Table clearance means that a parasol can be opened or closed without having to remove tables or chairs underneath.
How do you achieve greater table clearance?
You can achieve maximum table clearance with parasols that have a telescopic function. The mast extends accordingly when closing and opening, so that the struts remain far enough up. All parasols with push-up or crank opening systems offer this practical function.
Volant
Offers the possibility of additional advertising on promotional parasols. This is particularly advantageous for large parasols because they are rarely visible from above when unfolded. Furthermore, a valance offers additional protection from the sun and somewhat conceals the metal frame. For fashion reasons, however, it is possible to decide against a valance, as parasols without a valance can appear more modern.
Wind hood
Provides additional wind stability and is particularly useful for parasols with a diameter of 3 metres or more.
7. Lightfastness
It is in the nature of things that parasols are frequently and continuously exposed to direct sunlight. This can have a major impact on the appearance of your parasol, particularly on the canopy fabric. This makes the requirements for the colour fastness of the canopy fabric all the more important, ensuring that the colours do not fade immediately.
The canopy cover of parasols can be dyed or printed in different ways. Depending on the printing technique, different inks are used, which withstand intense UV radiation for varying lengths of time.
We are happy to help you choose the right technique and colour. If required, you can also find further information on the topic of lightfastness on our homepage.
Wind
Parasols must always be wind-resistant, although there are great differences depending on the design. Therefore, it’s crucial you choose the right model and a suitable parasol stand depending on where you plan to use it. Parasols are generally not designed for use in strong winds.
Rain
Parasols should be equipped with a high-quality polyester covering, which will make the parasol sufficiently waterproof to withstand light rain. Parasols are generally not intended for use in prolonged and heavy rain. Instead, we recommend folding tents as alternative coverings.
9. Branding options
Parasols offer an excellent advertising space. In principle, all parasols can have printing over the entire surface or just in specific areas.
- The path to the perfect promotional parasol is remarkably simple. Simply give us a brief outline of your ideas and we will be delighted to create an initial 3D visualisation for you. If you prefer, you can also design your parasol yourself using our exclusive 3D configurator. Just open the designer for your chosen product and get started.
- Depending on the artwork design and intended application of the parasol, different printing techniques may be suitable. Take a look at our printing techniques overview or get direct advice from our team of experts.
Not sure what your ideal parasol should look like yet? Then get inspired by our customer references and project photos.
10. Parasol stands and other accessories
Of course, you should also pick out suitable accessories for your parasols. The most important parasol accessory is the stand. Please note that it must be sufficiently heavy, depending on the size of the parasol. For an easy calculation of the weight, we have created a calculator for parasol stand.
Parasol stands types
- Water and sand stands: Filled with water and sand, only suitable for small parasols
- Plate stands: Very stable, must be weighted down with stone plates
- Concrete or granite stand: Very stable, but massive and heavy
- Ground socket: Is permanently sunk into the ground and poured with concrete for maximum stability
Other accessories
- Protective covers (for better protection during storage and transport)
- Lighting (for use at night)
- Radiant heater (for use in cooler weather)
- Rain gutters (for controlled water drainage when combining square parasols)
- Parasol wall (for protection against light wind and for combination with radiant heaters)