Choosing the Right Round Parasol
Round parasols are simple to use, but a few details make the difference between a good buy and the wrong one.
Getting the Size Right
Your canopy should be larger than the table or area you want to shade, since the shadow needs room to fall as the sun moves. As a rough guide, a 2m to 2.5m round parasol suits a small bistro set or a two to four seat table, while a 3m canopy covers a larger four to six seat dining set. When in doubt, size up rather than down.
Frame Material
Aluminium frames are light, easy to move, and will not rust, which makes them a low-maintenance choice. Steel frames are heavier and very sturdy, which can be an advantage in a windier spot. Both are designed for outdoor use, though storing the parasol away over winter will help it last longer.
Crank and Tilt
A crank handle makes opening and closing the parasol effortless, which matters more than you might think if you put it up and down daily. A tilt function is worth looking for too, as it lets you angle the canopy towards low sun rather than having to move your whole seating arrangement to stay in the shade.
Pairing with a Base
A round parasol is only as stable as the base holding it up. If you are feeding the pole through a table, you still need a base underneath for stability. Match the base weight to the canopy size, going heavier for larger parasols and exposed gardens. You will find suitable options in our parasol bases range.
If a centre pole does not suit your layout, take a look at our cantilever parasols for an offset design, or browse the full garden parasols range to compare every option.