The sun is here and you want to take advantage of its gentle warmth and pleasant light without suffering its harmful effects? Investing in a parasol is a practical solution. This effective protection can follow you everywhere, on your terrace during your meals and during your exhibitions in your garden or your outdoor activities. But choosing this type of product is not so simple! Follow our little umbrella guide to help you decide!
This model is the most classic. In polyester or acrylic canvas, round, square or rectangular, it is available in a multitude of colors and sizes to satisfy all desires. The fabric is held and connected to the wooden or aluminum foot by means of whales.
This type of parasol is very inspired by the straight model, with the difference that it is tiltable and adjustable by its mast. Very practical, it allows you to follow the path of the sun while being protected.
This kind of parasol is placed next to the table so as not to bother you in the center. It incorporates the characteristics of its predecessors; adjustable, removable and tiltable, it has a sliding handle and a crank to better maneuver it. Its wingspan is among the widest and its structure is more solid to compensate for its natural imbalance in the face of bad weather. Here are some models of this kind of parasols.
Whichever model you choose, make sure that the base of your parasol is solid, wide and heavy. The bigger your parasol, the more essential these criteria will be in order to maintain its balance.
The small classic models can be satisfied with plastic feet to be filled with water or sand, while the large parasols will need heavier supports, in granite, concrete or cast iron to stand up!
The thicker and denser your fabric, the more you will be protected from the sun's rays and their heat. This density is notified according to its weight per m². In addition, the UPF rating which protects you from ultraviolet is also important. Up to 19, the protection is weak. From 20 to 49, it is optimal. Beyond 50, it is maximum.
The polyester canvas is waterproof and remains the most common. On the other hand, the colors fade quickly if you leave the parasol outside without protection in all weathers. More expensive, the acrylic canvas is also more resistant and of superior quality. It retains its colors and is more resistant to bad weather.
To make the right choice, listen to your needs and follow your usage. If your terrace is large, prefer a larger model. If your table does not have a hole in the center, an offset parasol will be ideal. If your terrace is exposed to the winds, invest in a solid and stable model, and weight its foot well.
Finally, whichever model you choose, protect it by folding it up and keeping it under cover when you are not using it, and think about wintering it in a dry place.
