Tilting Parasols

Lizzie27

Because our front terrace is south facing, I think we need a tilting umbrella so I can swivel it around as the sun moves. The terrace is narrow as well so probably a 2m or 2.5m would be fine. I should also add that I'm very short so would a crank or pulley system be better? Can anyone recommend a good make and/or supplier please?

K67

I wouldn't recommend Sturdi. The cranked, tilting one I had didn't last long before the pole snapped and the wind always moved the umbrella round to leave us exposed.
I spent nearly £250 on a wooden pully umbrella but you need to be tall to put the peg in, it still looks great 7 years later.

pansyface

They are a damned nuisance.

Firstly, as K67 says, they swivel round in the slightest breeze. So you have to tie a string on to one (or more) of the spokes and anchor it, inelegantly, to a handy post (or two).

Secondly, you forget they are so low and end up being whacked across the side of the head or poked in the eye when you stand up or sit down.

Thirdly, no matter how you tilt them or position them, they never cover the one bit where you are sitting. They provide a very limited patch of shade.

If I could get ours to fly south to you, you would be welcome to have it.😊

Obelixx

Much better to get a wider umbrella with a bigger diametre but you have to be sure not to leave them up when it's breezy.  OH did that and ours now has a bent pole.  We think, next time, we'll get one that sits to the side of the table and angles over us so it can be moved as and when needed rather than another with a central pole.  Pricey tho.    

Joy*

If the terrace is at the side of the house, have you thought about an awning? They aren't cheap either, but what is these days. The sort that rolls up and goes inside its case might be an option. I would agree that parasols are problematical. We have had several, some very expensive, and they do blow round and over, breaking themselves and in our case a table too, in the process.

Hostafan1

Mine came from Indian Ocean. Just looked at their website. Cant' believe the price. so pleased mine were gifts. 

B3

Had a peep on their site . Cushions  from £60! Your friends must love you😊

Hostafan1

B3 said:

Had a peep on their site . Cushions  from £60! Your friends must love you😊

they gave me 2 of them, lol . Bless'em.

Obelixx

If feasible an awning or "sail" is certainly a practical option as long as it's well anchored. 

Lizzie27

Thanks for all the comments. The terrace is 5 ft up from the front lawn and faces almost due south. It's also usually windy here as we seem to be in a wind funnel down the valley. I'd love a retractable awning but can't see it working. We had two umbrellas up today but had to retreat by 4pm to the back garden orchard where it was shadier. It's such a shame because we have beautiful views to the front we love looking at. I looked at the freestanding angled overhanging parasols @Obelixx, as you say pricey but I do have a birthday coming up!

tui34

What about sails?