Large parasol recommendation

[scenario8]

Afternoon all

Can anyone recommend a large parasol? Preferably an overhanging version. From a scant internet search offerings from the usual diy stores and even the likes of John Lewis seem to get poor reviews. Are these reviews fair or is it more a case of those happy with their purchases are unlikely to bother stating so? Anyone have much good to say?

Many thanks.

[CoolHands]

ikea do some very large ones.

[steve2]

Saw quite a nice one in Dobbies last week

[jeff m2]

Overhanging ones, called offset umbrellas here in the States, get exponentially more expensive once you get over 10'-12' diameter.

The bases are also much much larger and can take up a considerable amount of patio space.
They also tend to price them "sans base" which is irritating.

I've seen 21'rectangular ones....you'll need a loan for those

I have two that are adjustable for angle but not left & right, that would require the bases to be moved (2 person job)

Once you get them situated in the right place and stop tripping over the bases they are excellent.

[scenario8]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Bump for any weekday additions.

[barryrs]

Really impressed with this one in Ikea for £160 - http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/parasols-gazebo...

Just need to sort out some transport big enough to fit it in as the box was circa 2.8m long IIRC.

[robbieduncan]

We've had one of these for a few years (I think this is it's third summer): http://www.diy.com/departments/malta-300m-anthraci...

Taken in over winter but left out all summer (folded down when not in use). Does not come with base weights. Use paving slabs to start with. Now have this Ikea base which fits perfectly and weighs it down fine when filled with sand (4 bags sharp sand from your local DIY shed): http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/parasols-gazebo...

[silverthorn2151]

barryrs said:

Really impressed with this one in Ikea for £160 - http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/parasols-gazebo...

Just need to sort out some transport big enough to fit it in as the box was circa 2.8m long IIRC.

I have one of those.

Although the base fills with water the thing (the canopy itself) tends to be very unstable in anything more that a gentle breath of wind. I have lines tied to the arm ends of the canopy that I clip to rings in the floor and on walls.

Good when its working but the base takes up a real lot of room as has been hinted at elsewhere. Probably had mine about 3 years now.

[Steve Campbell]

Depending on where you want to use it, you might also consider shade sails where you can go much bigger for the same price.

Eg https://www.primrose.co.uk/kookaburra-5mx4m-rectan...

[motco]

silverthorn2151 said:

I have one of those.

Although the base fills with water the thing (the canopy itself) tends to be very unstable in anything more that a gentle breath of wind. I have lines tied to the arm ends of the canopy that I clip to rings in the floor and on walls.

Good when its working but the base takes up a real lot of room as has been hinted at elsewhere. Probably had mine about 3 years now.

Wind is a problem with all parasols, but with the B&Q one mentioned above, or anything larger, it can become positively dangerous if a gust catches it while you are putting it up.
I like the look of the Ikea bases though...

[AndrewCrown]

Scenario

We've had a parasol from Westminster for the last 10 years... stays out in all weathers... minimal colour fading and good construction... They do an overhanging one here..
https://westminsteroutdoorliving.com/index.php/par...

May I also suggest this firm Hesperide.http://www.hesperide.com/

We've got this http://www.hesperide.com/tonnelle-parasol/parasol/...
Needs 4x25kg weights to hold it down, but is brilliant... minor PITA is that they're only avialbe in France, Spain & Belgium...

Cheers

A

[Mobile Chicane]

From Lazy Susan garden furniture. Easy wind up action and fibreglass spokes. 2.5 metre diameter and can be tilted if required. £139 plus £50 for the base.

[scenario8]

robbieduncan said:

We've had one of these for a few years (I think this is it's third summer): http://www.diy.com/departments/malta-300m-anthraci...

Taken in over winter but left out all summer (folded down when not in use). Does not come with base weights. Use paving slabs to start with. Now have this Ikea base which fits perfectly and weighs it down fine when filled with sand (4 bags sharp sand from your local DIY shed): http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/parasols-gazebo...

Thanks for the reply. Many reviews reference the affect even light breezes have on these. Is it a real problem? Don't fancy our 3 year old getting smacked by a swaying parasol.

[scenario8]

silverthorn2151 said:

barryrs said:

Really impressed with this one in Ikea for £160 - http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/parasols-gazebo...

Just need to sort out some transport big enough to fit it in as the box was circa 2.8m long IIRC.

I have one of those.

Although the base fills with water the thing (the canopy itself) tends to be very unstable in anything more that a gentle breath of wind. I have lines tied to the arm ends of the canopy that I clip to rings in the floor and on walls.

Good when its working but the base takes up a real lot of room as has been hinted at elsewhere. Probably had mine about 3 years now.

Another one with issues around swaying in the breeze? Think I'll head off to ikea to see it in action. With luck they'll have one on display outside.

[scenario8]

Steve Campbell said:

Depending on where you want to use it, you might also consider shade sails where you can go much bigger for the same price.

Eg https://www.primrose.co.uk/kookaburra-5mx4m-rectan...

Hmm. An interesting prospect if and when we ever have the money to properly sort the patio area.

[scenario8]

AndrewCrown said:

Scenario

We've had a parasol from Westminster for the last 10 years... stays out in all weathers... minimal colour fading and good construction... They do an overhanging one here..
https://westminsteroutdoorliving.com/index.php/par...

May I also suggest this firm Hesperide.http://www.hesperide.com/

We've got this http://www.hesperide.com/tonnelle-parasol/parasol/...
Needs 4x25kg weights to hold it down, but is brilliant... minor PITA is that they're only avialbe in France, Spain & Belgium...

Cheers

A

Looks good but they are pricey, aren't they? I think our budget is nearer the IKEA/B&Q end than these.

Thanks for the response.

[robbieduncan]

scenario8 said:

Thanks for the reply. Many reviews reference the affect even light breezes have on these. Is it a real problem? Don't fancy our 3 year old getting smacked by a swaying parasol.

Assuming they are still the same the parasol is on a ball joint so can move around a bit but the arm and base stay pretty solid. Ours is quite close to the house so may be reasonably sheltered but I've had it up and in use when there's a bit of wind. I've not seen the parasol itself sway low enough to the ground to be a concern.

[essayer]

We have one like this - works fine
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charles-Bentley-Hanging-U...
Left it out over winter with a cheap cover.

You absolutely need to buy the bases (4x), use paving slabs or bolt it to the floor otherwise it will immediately fall over.

Homebase/Argos were reasonable for bases

[morrisk1]

We've got a 2.5m free arm parasol from Kettler.

Only purchased for this summer so not much use yet. Seems solid and well built. Not the cheapest though.

You can get 3.5m ones too.

[hyphen]

Take a look at Jumbrella's, used in retail but no reason not to use residential if fits.