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Parasols!

AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 334
in Tools and techniques
Any particular recommendations?

We're after a 3/3.5m overhanging one. There are so, so many online so I'd be grateful for a few real-world recommendations and tips please.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,158
    The most important thing with a cantilever parasol is to have a good, heavy base to hold it steady.  Ours is a metre square and is filled with water to make it heavy.   It works for our 4 x 3 m rectangular parasol.

    Ours were bought in France as two separate items so you'll just have to google around for what's available in the UK and check out the reviews.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    I agree with @Obelixx regarding the base - heavy is the key.  I went on a similar online journey when looking for something parasol related.  Who knew there was so (too) much choice?!
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,171
    I don't know about the square cantilever ones but Kettler round ones are excellent.
    AB Still learning

  • AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 334
    Allotment Boy said:
    I don't know about the square cantilever ones but Kettler round ones are excellent.
    Corr, I'd hope so at that price!

    Related question, does anyone reckon the wall-mounted ones would be able to be mounted to a 4x4" wooden pergola post? The one I'm looking at only weights 20kg, which would be fine, but I assume they're intended for masonry and fully loaded in a gust might do for the pergola!
  • AstraeusAstraeus Posts: 334
    edited August 2021
    The alternative would be this one - https://youtu.be/ltZpbFRDPZA - which doesn't have the base all around it, but rather just at the front. That way it can be placed almost flush against a wall.

    But I can't find it anywhere, all the Kettler ones on sale seem to have the four piece base.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,158
    Definitely not a good idea to attach it to a pergola post as it will rock even when not opened.    Our terrace is 8 x 4 and having the square base with the pole in the centre means we have access to the winding and inclining mechanisms behind the support.

    Our base is on wheels so it can be moved if needed.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
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