Indispensable during days of full sun, the parasol provides the essential shade to protect yourself from the sun's rays. Depending on the planned installation, certain criteria must be taken into consideration before deciding on the right model. This guide will help you find your way around.
The parasol will only be interesting if it is able to protect the entire surface you want to shade:garden, terrace, small balcony... The shading surface or the size must then be chosen with care. The ideal is to refer to the shape of the parasol. The rectangular or square model will be perfect for a large table or for a terrace. Simply multiply the length of the canvas by its width to find the shading area. A square parasol of 4×3 meters can therefore protect an area of 12 m². The round parasol is rather to be installed on a small table. Multiplying the diameter of its web by 3.15 will give you the shaded area. For example, a 4 meter model will shade an area of 12.60 m².
On the market, there are many models of parasols, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. The upright parasol is a great classic. It consists of a mast, tiltable or not, as well as a large canvas and is generally installed in the central hole of the table. It is a mobile model as you wish since in addition to protecting you from the sun by the pool, you can take it to the beach.
The off-centre or off-centre parasol is a more innovative model which has the advantage of not encroaching on the table and not disturbing your guests. It is composed of a rotating or eccentric articulated arm which allows it to take various positions. More expensive than the upright parasol, this offset model has the advantage of offering more shaded surface and remains easy to handle thanks to a crank opening system. Finally, for those looking for a model that does not take up any space at all, the wall-mounted parasol remains a must. It has a telescopic arm to be able to fold and fold. Only downside:it is not mobile and movable like the two previous models.
You should not neglect the quality of the material when choosing your parasol. In principle, you have two choices:aluminum and wood. The first offers a sublime contemporary style, is appreciated for its resistance to shock and rust and its lightness. The second is suitable for terraces and gardens to which it will provide a warm and aesthetic decoration.
In addition to the body and the mast, the material with which the canvas was made is not to be taken lightly. Acrylic is the strongest. It has anti-mold, anti-stain and water-repellent properties in addition to keeping the colors much longer. Otherwise, you can also opt for cotton which provides excellent thermal comfort. Small budgets can turn to polyester, a very affordable product.
