Which straight parasol should I choose?
Choosing the right straight parasol is essential for fully enjoying your garden, patio, or balcony while effectively protecting yourself from the sun . With increasingly aggressive UV rays, it's important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects , such as sunburn, burns, or even worse, skin cancer. Furthermore, a quality straight parasol can add a touch of style to an outdoor space and make it more comfortable and inviting.
However, with a wide range of models, sizes, materials, and styles available, finding the perfect straight parasol for your needs can be challenging. Therefore , understanding the key criteria to consider when buying a straight parasol is essential. Choosing the wrong parasol can lead to insufficient shade and may also cause problems such as the parasol tipping over or breaking in strong winds.
This article aims to help consumers consider key criteria when buying a straight parasol , such as size, materials, design, and mounting system. By following these practical tips, it's easier to choose the right straight parasol for your needs and enjoy sunny days with complete peace of mind.
What is a straight parasol and what is it suitable for?
A straight parasol is an essential piece of equipment for fully enjoying sunny days in your garden or on your patio. It provides effective protection from the sun's rays while offering a comfortable and refreshing shaded area.
A straight parasol consists of a canopy stretched over a central pole, which can be fixed either to a dedicated base or to a wall bracket. There are also cantilever parasols , where the pole is offset to allow for a larger shaded area without obstructing the view of guests.
The straight parasol is suitable for a wide variety of uses, whether for relaxing with family, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying your outdoor space in peace and quiet. It is also very useful for professionals , such as restaurant or hotel owners, who want to offer a pleasant shaded area to their customers.
In addition to their primary function of providing sun protection, straight parasols can also be used as a decorative element to personalize your outdoor space. They are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and colors to suit all tastes and settings.
Choosing a high-quality, straight parasol is important to ensure effective and long-lasting use. A poor-quality parasol is likely to deteriorate quickly, fade in the sun, or even break in strong winds.
In the next part of the article, we will look at the criteria to consider when choosing your straight parasol, particularly with regard to size, materials, design and fixing.
How to choose the right straight parasol?
When choosing a straight parasol for your garden, terrace, or patio, it's important to consider several key criteria to ensure you select the one that best suits your needs and outdoor space. Here are the essential elements to consider when choosing your straight parasol:
The size :
When choosing the size of your parasol, it's important to consider the area you want to cover . If you have a small table for two, a 2.5 x 2.5 m parasol will be perfect. If you have a large garden table to accommodate many guests, you'll need a 3 x 3 m parasol to provide enough shade for everyone. Generally, it's recommended to choose a parasol slightly larger than you think you'll need, as this will offer better coverage and protection from UV rays.
The materials:
Straight parasols can be made from several different materials , including aluminum, wood, and steel. Aluminum is a popular choice because it is lightweight, easy to maintain, and weather-resistant. Wooden straight parasols add a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space, but they require a bit more upkeep to keep them in good condition. Steel straight parasols are very durable, but they are also heavy and can rust if not properly cared for.
The design:
The design of your straight parasol can add a touch of personality to your outdoor space. Straight parasols are available in a wide variety of colors and designs , ranging from classic to contemporary. You can choose a straight parasol with a plain canopy or one with a pattern to add a touch of whimsy to your patio. Some straight parasols are also tiltable , allowing you to adjust the angle of the parasol according to the position of the sun. This can be particularly useful if you plan to spend the whole day outdoors.
The fixing:
It's important to choose the right type of base for your straight parasol, depending on where you plan to use it. Belveo offers several weighting solutions: Weighting slabs weighing at least 20kg each, for a total weight of 80kg . We offer these slabs in a 50x50cm size. These slabs can be filled with water or sand. Alternatively , a parasol base with wheels is ideal if you want to move your parasol without having to constantly move the slabs . Other types of bases are also available, such as those that can be fixed or cemented in place, which are more aesthetically pleasing and take up less space. The anchoring parasol base is a Belveo innovation, and the system is also patented. A cable integrated into the base secures it to the ground. Once installed, the parasol base will not budge, even in strong winds like the Mistral!
What type of fabric should you choose for your parasol?
To choose the fabric for your straight parasol, you must take into account four criteria: the weight, the material, the UV protection index (UPF) and the color.
The fabric's weight , expressed in grams per square meter, determines its density and thickness, thus influencing its durability and UV filtering capacity. Lightweight fabrics, between 140 and 400 g/m², offer varying levels of UV protection.
The UPF rating , ranging from 10 to 80, indicates the level of protection against UV rays. Optimal protection is generally considered to be 30 UPF or higher, with low protection below 19 UPF and very high protection above 30 UPF. A high-quality fabric that retains its colors longer also contributes to your protection.
The fabric material influences its durability . Polyester, economical and resistant to moisture and UV rays with proper treatment, is more prone to fading. Acrylic and olefin, more expensive but durable and resistant to stains, mold, and weathering, retain their colors better.
The color of the canvas also affects its durability , the shade it provides, and the perceived warmth for the person under it. Light colors reflect light, while dark colors absorb it, influencing both the longevity of the color and the intensity of the shade. The choice of color depends on your region's climate, with light colors recommended in sunny areas and dark colors offering deeper, more comfortable shade.
Conclusion
Choosing the right parasol is essential for enjoying sunny days safely and comfortably. Several factors should be considered when purchasing a parasol, such as size, materials, style, and mounting system. Selecting the correct size will depend on the available space and intended use , while the materials can affect the parasol's durability and appearance.
Style is also an important factor to consider to ensure the parasol blends well into its surroundings, whether it's a patio, garden, or outdoor seating area. Finally, the method of attachment will depend on where the parasol will be installed , be it on a patio, in a garden, or on a balcony.
It is also important to consider protection from the sun's rays, which can be ensured by the UPF rating or the properties of the fabric . Choosing a parasol with a high UPF rating is recommended for better protection.
Finally, it is essential to consider the quality of the parasol to ensure its durability and effectiveness. Aluminum parasols are often recommended for their lightness and corrosion resistance. Tilting and cantilever parasols are also very practical for adapting to different sun positions.
In short, choosing a straight parasol should not be taken lightly and should be based on several criteria to meet individual needs. A quality, well-chosen parasol will be an investment that provides great comfort and protection from the sun's rays, allowing you to fully enjoy sunny days in complete safety.
For any other questions about Belveo products , please feel free to contact us: contact@belveo.com
