Choosing the Perfect Parasol for Your Outdoor Dining

Selecting the right parasol for your garden or patio can take some thought, especially as they are built to last for many years to come. Perhaps you will change your furniture in that time, or even change garden. What you are looking for is a garden parasol that will stand the test of time whilst adding even more style to your outdoor space.

Parasol Sizes

Choosing the best size and shape for your parasol can be difficult, as you want it to be both practical and fit in with your style. We recommend specific sizes for specific tables so that your parasol is the best suited to the table you have.

For dining tables under 1m, we recommend choosing a parasol that is no more than 1.5 - 2m in diameter. For tables sized between 1m and 1.7m, a 2.5m parasol would be a perfect match. For larger dining tables 1.8m and over, 3m parasols will provide the ideal level of shade.

If you love to host extra-large parties of people in your garden and have selected a table over 2m long, there is the option of large, 3m parasols that will work perfectly.

Parasol Shapes

Not only do you have to find the best sized parasol for your needs, but the shape of said parasol is an equally important decision. Whilst this is mostly an aesthetic choice, certain parasol shapes are designed with specific tables in mind.

If you have a round or octagonal dining table, an octagonal or square parasol would likely suit the best. If you have a smaller square table, we’d suggest a square parasol to match, or if the table is slightly larger an octagonal or hexagonal parasol can add a more modern flare.

Whilst octagonal parasols can work well with smaller rectangular tables, for larger ones a parasol of the same shape is recommended in order to provide the maximum amount of coverage as desired. However, at the end of the day the choice remains up to you, and the shape of the parasol you choose should suit your personal preferences above all else.

Fixed Parasols

First, consider what garden furniture you have/ would like to get. For example, a lot of teak tables, both small and large, possess pre-drilled holes in the centre of the tabletop. These are designed specifically to fit a parasol into to allow for easy access to shade for the whole table.

Excellent if you and loved ones regularly find yourselves sharing meals outdoors, tilting parasols are also available so that you can easily follow the path of the sun over the course of the day.

Cantilever Parasols

The Cantilever Parasol is the ideal garden parasol choice for its flexibility and style. Operating on an easy-to-use crank rotation system, you can swiftly alter where you want shade as the day progresses.

They also have the added benefit of a self-fillable base, allowing you to easily empty the base and move the parasol to whichever part of your garden or patio you desire. These are perfect if you enjoy hosting guests in your outdoor space, due to their large size and adaptable ability.

Parasol Bases

Lastly, a crucial aspect to consider when selecting a garden parasol is the base to match it with. Whilst this might not seem like a big decision, selecting an incorrect base for your parasol could lead to it being weakened or damaged if not properly supported.

For any table that’s 1.2m in size and under, a 40x40cm parasol base would be the best option - whether it’s grey steel, stainless steel or granite is up to you and your personal preferences. For any table that’s 1.3m and above, you will need a larger 50x50cm base to cater for the larger parasol size.

If you have chosen a cantilever parasol for your garden, there are specific bases made for these. These consist of fillable bases, including ones that are pre-filled with cement. You also have the option to get a base that you yourself can fill with either sand or water, which allows you to easily move the base around your garden before you fill it and set your parasol up.

The Right Parasol for You

Whilst the size and base of your brand new parasol should take into account these guidelines to ensure stability and a long life, which one you choose depends on your unique outdoor setting, and should reflect that.

If you’re still not sure about which parasol is perfect for your garden, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can give you some guidance on the best choice for you.

For more information please visit our website Corido.co.uk, call our friendly team on 020 8655 6242 or email us at [email protected]