Creating your own outdoor oasis at home requires a few vital essentials, with adequate shading being high up the list. A cantilever parasol will enable you to make the most of your patio or garden, while taking cover from the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Whether you're after a wall mounted parasol, or one that comes with a base, we've ranked the top 10 best to buy in the UK on Amazon, Argos and eBay. With options for gardens large and small that can tilt and rotate up to 360° keeping you shaded as the sun tracks across the sky, and LED solar lighting that will allow you to turn the summer days spent outside into nights, read on to find out more!
Quick List - Top Cantilever Parasols
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Cantilever parasols need to function exactly as you imagined they would. With a few varying features dictating their effectiveness, this buying guide will shed some of the cantilever load by giving you the necessary points for total shading greatness!
Looking at each cantilever parasol's construction will give you a prime idea on the longevity of your soon-to-be shade providing saviour. With both the canopy and frame needing to be able to withstand the elements, it'll pay to carefully consider each of these parts separately.
You'll find just about every cantilever parasol's canopy to be constructed of polyester. This synthetic fabric is selected as it's incredibly durable and hardwearing, while also offering some level of UV protection.
The grams per square metre (g/m2) is a good indicator as to the density of a canopies fabric, with a higher count equalling a heavier fabric. Look for g/m2 in the 150 g - 300 g range for a suitably thick canopy destined to protect. If your ears prick up when a brand is doing their part for the environment, be sure to consider a canopy constructed from recycled polyester too.
Although not always included, seek out any available information on the UV protection level of your chosen canopy. Canopies are often rated at UV 30+ offering an adequate level of protection, while also allowing some natural light to pass through the fabric.
Cantilever parasol frames are the pillar for which all desired shade emanates. Finding a suitably sturdy frame is one of the most important aspects if you're hoping to gain shade against the elements for years to come.
A good proportion of frames are constructed from various types of metal, including steel and aluminium. Aluminium is a popular choice in higher-end parasols as it's lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, with a high level of weather-resistance. Although, some frames are made from alloy steel, which is a composite of metals that have been especially chosen for an increased level of strength.
Aluminium's internal oxide acts as a self-protecting element that stems off corrosion through forming a barrier of unrivalled defence. However, If a frame is steel then there's a good chance it's also been powder-coated, giving it an added level of corrosion-resistance.
Cantilever parasols work best when they have a wider range of movement. This movement is what will allow you to pitch up for the day and let your parasol do all the work, tracking the sun and keeping you smugly shaded during every part of the day.
This range of movement includes their rotation, along with any tilting angles the parasol's canopy can shape-shift to. It used to be that most cantilever parasols came with a 90° range of movement as standard. However, in the modern day you'll find most top-shelf parasols allow for a 360° range of rotation.
Tilting is another modern touch, enabling a canopy to angle forward and back or side to side, giving you a solid defence against the setting sun. While each brand promotes these features slightly differently, it'll always pay to peel back the jargon and make sure your parasol is designed with a welcomed amount of tilting, rotating bliss.
A trend that's gaining in popularity, buying a parasol equipped with a lighting system means you'll have the ability to keep the good times flowing for longer. Parasol lights come in various configurations, including but not limited too, long lighting bars and smaller standalone bulbs.
For the most part, parasol lights are solar powered in design. These LED solar systems will ensure that no matter what part of the patio you position your parasol, it'll charge up during in the day and light up at night.
A base is certainly not a prerequisite for parasols of the highest shading order. However, when it so happens that a base is included in the price, it's clear nobody is arguing.
Every cantilever parasol needs some sort of base to give it a sturdy platform to stand with. These weighted bases sit over the parasol's feet, ensuring that no matter the weather they'll remain standing proud and accounted for.
Undisputedly, the most important measurement of a cantilever parasol is the canopy width. This will be measured either in width or diameter, depending on whether the canopy is round or square, and will give you all the shading scope you need to know.
You'll find the bulk of cantilever parasols come with an industry standard 3 meter width or diameter. Seen as a good balance between shading and sturdiness, you should have no problems with this regulated size. If your outdoor space is calling out for a larger canopy, then look for one that's 3.5 meters or more.
If 3 metres will swamp your cute and contained garden or patio, then do not fear, as smaller outdoor spaces have thankfully also been considered. For shading limited space, be on the lookout for canopies in the 2 - 2.5 meter range.
Now that you've factored in material, range of movement, features and size, all that's left to do is select a colour. A great way to bring a little bit of personalised flair to your outdoor enjoyment, You'll find plenty of options from classic greens, creams, blacks and greys, to bolder colours like red, blue, purple and yellow.
If you don't already have a favourite colour in mind, opt for a neutral shade. Colours such as beige and grey, will fit a good proportion of modern outdoor spaces, complimenting a range of gardens and landscapes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Outsunny Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | Double Top Canopy for Increased Air Flow and Stability | |
2 | Charles Bentley Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | UV Protective Parasol With a Wide Range of Movement | |
3 | Argos Home LED Overhanging Parasol | ![]() | Round Parasol With Solid Solar Lighting System | |
4 | Airwave Apollo Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | Popular Option for the Budget Focused Folk | |
5 | All Seasons Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | All Seasons Parasol With Water Weighted Base | |
6 | Outsunny Patio Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | Well Made Parasol to Endure Any Weather | |
7 | Norfolk Leisure Wall-Mounted Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | No Need For a Base With This Wall-Mounting Parasol | |
8 | Divine Style Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | Earn Style Points With Six Colours to Choose From | |
9 | Blackpoolal Cantilever Parasol | ![]() | 100% Recycled Polyester Canopy | |
10 | Argos Home Overhanging Garden Parasol | ![]() | Simple and Effective Cream Coloured Parasol |
With a double-top canopy, this cantilever parasol stands at the top of the parasol pack! That's because the double-top allows for increased airflow to keep your shaded sanctuary as cool as possible on even the hottest of days.
It will also aid in keeping gusts of wind at bay, allowing you to rest easy under your canopy knowing it won't take a fall any time soon. The broad solar lighting system is generously included across the canopies underside, while the range of movement is impressively extensive. Choose khaki or grey for a little low-key personalised effect for this sun-eliminating wonder by Outsunny.
Charles Bentley are a high-end parasol producing company, and this 3.5m epic has got everyone talking. With an incredible range of movement including 360° rotation, multiple tilting angles and a unique side to side option, you need not fear about this parasol's ability to shade.
With a durable 220g/m2 polyester canopy, you'll get years of hard-shading use with excellent weather-resistance and UV protection to match. The aluminium frame also add to the lightweight yet sturdy overall design, which the higher price point reflects.
Argos Home's premium cantilever parasol is undeniably grand in design. With an above average canopy size, it'll be an impenetrable force to be rested under when the summer sun is really spitting the heat daggers down.
When the sun sets you won't be wanting to go anywhere fast, as the 8 bar solar lighting will start to take effect, dazzling your guests and allowing the good times to keep flowing. Plus, the black canopy will create a desirable stamp of style to suit any outdoor space with a modern, clean look.
A highly-rated and sought after cantilever parasol that's priced to fly off the internet's shelves, the Apollo parasol by Airwave comes equipped with a basic solar LED lighting system, allowing you to extend the good times outside as the night sets in.
With 5 desirable canopy colour options, it aims to please on the colour-coordinating front. The only point of concern is the lack of available info on the range of movement. However considering the price, it's still a deal worth snapping up in your favourite colour before someone else does.
This cantilever parasol is one of the few all-in-one buys, including a water weighted base. Giving you the choice between an incredibly bright white canopy or a striking royal blue, it's clear this parasol likes being the centre of attention!
It's another canopy with a 3m diameter, allowing you a good and proper shaded oasis. Boasting multiple tilt angles alongside a 360° range of swinging motion, its blindingly clear that All Seasons have done their homework.
Here is a cleverly designed parasol, ideal for any British family home to find some shading solace with. For those short on space, this square 2.5m wide green canopied parasol is destined to suit smaller gardens and patios perfectly.
The canopy can rotate 360°, as well as being able to tilt at 5 unique angles. Thus, making sure that wherever the sun is, you'll be shaded. The aluminium frame in particular, is an ode to the quality of construction, ensuring you many years of shading to come.
Norfolk Leisure have constructed things a little differently with this cantilever parasol by way of a wall-mounting frame. This unique design allows you to do away with a base, gaining strength via your home's exterior.
The wall-mounting design will require the help of some power tools to be properly fixed, making it more of an investment in time. With a canopy size of 2 x 2m, it's the smallest parasol on this list. However, where wall-mounted parasols are concerned, this is where they tend to tap out, for obvious load-bearing reasons.
Divine Style know the importance of choice! With six shades to pick from, you can select your own personalised colourway by way of aqua, navy blue, red, black and, of course, cream.
Their parasol has a wide range of movement, rotating 360° along with multiple tilting options. This clearly sets it apart from others that for the most part only open and close. The 3m canopy should also avoid stress, keeping you cool come summer when the sun is beckoning down.
We love that Blackpoolal's canopy comprises of 100% recycled polyester. This gives anyone with an environmentally conscious streak even more incentive to give this cantilever parasol the nod.
Unfortunately, it's only available in cream, lacking the flair of other canopy colours. Thankfully, this neutral shade will blend well with the greens of any home garden. More importantly, the 3 x 3m square shape will allowing for some serious shading scope this summer!
Argos home have an extensive range of cantilever parasols ready to shade. This is their ever-popular, entry-level cream parasol that's sized on the smaller side with a canopy that's 2.5 meters in diameter.
The range of movement is quite lacking, only giving you the option of up and down, hinting towards its budget nature. However, if its sole purpose is to stay put over your garden furniture, then you could do a lot worse than this basic parasol.
There's something wonderful about spending time outside with your friends and family. Creating a comfortable, inviting atmosphere that draws you out of the house is the first definitive step in your outdoor space becoming the place to be. To help you create your own little oasis, we've ranked a few more outdoor essentials to bring about a fresh-air love affair!
Allowing yourself the luxury of some shade on the hottest of summer days will establish a sizzling symbiosis between you and your priceless outdoor space. We hope this article has landed you with a parasol to be proud of that'll stay around for a good and honest while!
Author: Connor Macanally
No. 1: Outsunny|Cantilever Parasol
No. 2: Charles Bentley|Cantilever Parasol
No. 3: Argos Home|LED Overhanging Parasol
No. 4: Airwave|Apollo Cantilever Parasol
No. 5: All Seasons|Cantilever Parasol
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games