The best garden parasols for lawns, patios and balconies

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to spruce up your back garden, patio or balcony with a parasol. Whether you want to create shade as you relax under the sun or shelter yourself from the occasional shower, a garden parasol is the perfect way to do it, helping to create privacy while protecting you from UV rays, and blocking wind thanks to its sturdy design.

Why should I invest in a garden parasol?

A garden parasol, also called a garden umbrella or parasol umbrella, is the perfect solution if you're looking for some cooling shade on a hot, sunny day. Not only will a parasol keep you cool and protect your skin, but it'll also protect your garden furniture from fading in the sun.

Each type of parasol has different features, offering different levels of protection, so check carefully to see which one suits your garden space.

Types of garden parasol

There are several types of garden parasols, including a standard parasol, cantilever (or overhanging) parasol, wall mounted parasol and half parasol. Here's how they differ:

• Standard parasols, otherwise known as freestanding or upright parasols, are the most common type of parasol. They stand upright, and unlike cantilever parasols, they are completely straight in shape.
• Tilted parasols look similar in shape to a standard parasol, standing upright, with the addition of an angled neck that can be tilted for extra coverage.
• Cantilever parasols, otherwise known as overhanging parasols, are designed to hang over furniture without getting in the way. They are usually slightly curved in shape and can be adjusted to block sunlight depending on where the sun is.
• Wall mounted parasols are mounted to the wall and can be wound up when not in use. Like cantilever parasols, they have a mechanism that can tilt to cover furniture from the sun.
• Half parasols look similar to standard parasols, just smaller in size. They also feature a half-moon base that sits flush against the wall, making them ideal for narrow spaces.

Are garden parasols waterproof?

Whether a parasol is waterproof will depend on the material of it. Most parasols will be constructed from coated aluminium and/or a powder-coated steel frame, which won't rust after getting wet. There's also fibreglass, another extremely versatile material which won't corrode from water exposure, providing exceptionally strong resistance. Wooden parasols, on the other hand, offer a lovely natural look but might not fare well after a few showers.

In terms of the canopy, polyester is the most common material, which is both showerproof and UV-resistant. An acrylic canopy is another popular option as it's water-repellent, stain-resistant and mould-resistant. Remember, for a garden parasol that offers protection against the sun's UV rays, look out for a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+.

Benefits of a cantilever parasol

A cantilever parasol, also called a banana parasol or an overhanging parasol, is more versatile than a standard garden parasol. A cantilever parasol provides shade from the sun and rain, but the pole and weighted base is mounted to the side, rather than positioned centrally under the canopy.

Cantilever parasols are becoming increasingly popular – they're modern, stylish, flexible and easy to use, and can be adjusted, tilted and swivelled with minimal effort. As it's designed to hang over furniture (whether it's your garden table or sun lounger), it won't get in the way. Most cantilever parasols can also rotate and some come with great smart features, such as LED lighting, which is perfect to create extra ambience in your garden come evening.

With a cantilever parasol you'll need a base unit (it's not always included so check before buying) and you'll often find that you'll need to buy the parasol weights separately too, which is essential for stability.

Does a wall mounted parasol have the same benefits?

A wall mounted parasol is convenient as it's attached to the wall and is very easy to put up and down. Notably, no base is required either. It does mean that you'll need to have the space you want to cover (like a seating area or table) near to the wall. And of course, once it's attached to the wall, you won’t be able to take it off so easily unless you unscrew it.

Garden parasol care tips: How to clean a garden parasol

It's best not to leave your parasol exposed to the elements, so when not in use, fold the garden parasol and store it in a dry place (if possible, such as a shed or garage) to protect it against fading and any damage. If you have a parasol that can't be taken down, such as a wall hung parasol, invest in a good quality parasol cover to keep your parasol dry and aired.

If you need to remove any marks or stains from your parasol, it's best to mix warm water with a small amount of laundry detergent or washing up liquid in a bucket and wipe down with a cloth. Don't put your parasol in the washing machine or use any harsh chemicals as this could ruin the parasol's material.