Questions & Answers

For best results, we recommend using heavier bases or in-ground parasol bases, as these are the most secure and stable options available. Heavier bases – made from materials such as steel or concrete – will be strong and steady, making them better suited to windy conditions. An in-ground base for parasol requires a hole to be dug, which would be filled with concrete, and the steel parasol base sunk level with the ground.

When shopping for a parasol you'll want to look for something that is made for longevity and convenience. Make sure to check the brand and if they offer spares and replacement canopies, as this is essential when choosing one - you want to be able to keep your parasol looking at its best. Additionally, research how long the company has been in business and how reliable their customer service is - nothing is worse than having a parasol break down during summer and not being able to order a replacement canopy or spare parts. Finally, take into account style: invest in a parasol that reflects the aesthetic of your establishment and blends in with your decor.

When it comes to umbrella colours that fade the least in sunlight, neutral colours are your best bet. By choosing neutral colours for your umbrellas, your commercial parasol canopies will last longer and look better for the entire year. However, it is important to note that even neutral colours can fade eventually with extended exposure to direct sunlight. To decrease fading of canopies, ensure to cover your parasol using a protective cover when not in prolonged use.

Cantilever parasols are a great option for providing shade in many outdoor situations, but are not recommended for commercial use in heavy windy areas. Although they may be able to withstand some wind, they are not as secure as centre pole parasols, which are much more robust and suitable for outdoor areas that experience high winds. If you still choose to use cantilever parasols, it is important to invest in heavier parasol bases or in-ground bases which provides more stability.

When it comes to outdoor areas in a commercial setting such as restaurants, pubs, hotels or cafes, we don't recommend the use of tilting parasols. This is because they can be unstable and pose a risk to customers if there is a sudden gust of wind. However, for personal garden use, tilting parasols are the best option for providing ample shade in any environment. They are also adjustable so you can change the angle depending on the amount of sun your garden receives at different times of day. So, when it comes to commercial needs, it's best to opt for alternatives such as centre pole or cantilever parasols.

It's important to choose a durable patio umbrella for your commercial outdoor space. You want something that will keep you and your customers cool and comfortable in warm weather without fading or tearing in the sun. If you're looking for the most durable option, stainless steel is a great choice. It's more lightweight and resistant to rust than aluminium, but still extremely strong compared to laminated bamboo.

In terms of canopy material, we use the best materials in the industry; PVC solution-dyed Acrylic and Polyester. These fabrics are colourfast and less likely to fade when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, they are mould and mildew resistant and able to withstand all weather conditions throughout the year.

All-in-all, stainless steel is the most reliable choice, alongside solution-dyed canopies to ensure you and your customers are kept safe from the elements.

Square and round parasols both have
their own unique benefits:

- A square parasol of different sizes
gives the largest area of shade. This
makes it perfect for larger outdoor
areas, such as restaurants, pubs and
hotels. If you're placing multiple
square parasols close to each other,
the shape means that the parasols
slot into each other with ease.

- Round parasols are ideal for smaller
spaces, and are considered more
compact, stylish and a beautiful
design feature. The octaganol shape
creates more of a visual interest and
breaks up large spaces outside,
adding that special touch to your area.

At the end of the day, it comes down
to practicality, design-preference and
overall feel of your outdoor spaces.

It's ultimately up to you to decide which
colour canopy works best for your
outdoor area; both light and dark-
coloured parasols can add charm
and character to any outdoor setting!

Light and bright-coloured parasols
create a light, airy and cheerful
atmosphere to your outdoor area.
They also deflect UV rays and are
ideal for areas that receive ample
amounts of sunshine throughout the
day.

Dark-coloured parasols provide an
incredible visual contrast against
brightly-coloured furniture and decor,
which creates an eye-catching
outdoor space.

Whichever colour you choose, they all
come with UV 50+ protection.

Neutral colours include Harvest Wheat, Ice White and Ecru.

When it comes to choosing the best colour for a parasol at any commercial outdoor space, the ideal option is one that will make customers feel comfortable and relaxed. With neutral colours, you'll be sure to have a parasol that won't be easily forgotten and will help create a pleasant atmosphere for your guests. Neutral colours aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they also guarantee that your parasols will stay looking fantastic season after season without having to replace the canopy for fading colours.

At Shade Specialists, we understand the importance of creating a pleasant outdoor space for your customers. Whether you're looking to upgrade your outdoor space, or just need high-end parasols - Bambrella, Quattro, and Torr Umbrellas are the perfect choice. These parasols offer a variety of styles, sizes, fabrics and colours that are perfect for creating a classy atmosphere in offices, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and cafes.

If you're looking for an extremely sturdy and robust parasol that is the best for witholding wind, look no further than the following:

• Bambrella Hurricane Extreme
• Torr X and Torr XL
• Quattro S

Shade Specialists are proud to sell parasols that are considered as the strongest on the UK market. Bamboo and Aluminium are both common materials in all Shade Specialists parasols. Both sustainable and durable, you can be confident that these parasol frames can withstand the many different types of weather conditions. Speak with the team today to discuss in more detail.

So no matter what your outdoor space or budget, Shade Specialists have something for everyone. Investing in the most suitable parasol for your needs will keep your customers comfortable no matter how gusty the weather may be.

An in-ground base with a sleeve is the most ideal one. With its reliable anchoring, it can withstand the strongest of winds without falling. The installation process is simple—just dig a small hole and place the item's base securely in the ground.

If in-ground bases aren't an option, weighted bases with an upper sleeve and a portable base frame with heavy weights and spreader plates are both great alternatives. These require much less effort with installation, and they provide plenty of stability for the parasol.

Whichever type of parasol base you choose, you can count on Shade Specialists to provide excellent quality products that meet your every need. Start exploring now to find the parasol base that will look perfect in your commercial area!

There are plenty of options for your parasol base. The best option will depend on where you plan to use your parasol and how much weight it needs to withstand the weather elements.

Here at Shade Specialists, we offer four types of parasol bases:

•       in-ground bases:
•       weighted bases with upper sleeve
•       portable base frames
•       spreader plates

In-ground bases are ideal for permanent installations on patios and decks, whilst the weighted bases with upper sleeves are perfect for poolside or beach areas. You can easily move the portable base frames when needed.

The spreader plates provide an extra layer of safety, allowing the weight to be dispersed across a larger surface area.

Whichever type of parasol base is best suited for you, Shade Specialists have the perfect solution for any outdoor setting!

Grey frame coating is a type of powder-coat finish applied to commercial and outdoor parasol frames. The grey coating on the parasol helps to protect the frames from corrosion, chips, scratches, and wear, whilst giving the frames a more refined polished look and feel. This durable protective layer also helps reduce tarnishing caused by outdoor exposure.

When choosing the colour of your parasol, the most important thing to consider is what will best complement your outdoor space. Darker tones like black, grey, and navy blue can add a sophisticated touch to the outdoor area. Brighter colours like red and orange can lend a playful feel to modern settings, whereas neutral tones like ecru, beige or white create a chic environment. We recommend you select a colour that complements the outdoor area and the furnishing items.

A valance is a decorative piece of fabric that hangs down from the canopy of the parasol. It can offer additional sun protection and a beautiful finishing detail in your outdoor area. The choice to invest in a valance for an extra-large parasol will depend on your preference and the garden design.

Shade Specialists has three different shapes for you to choose from:

•       Round
•       Square
•       Rectangle

We would say it depends on the outdoor space you have. However, square parasols are the most popular and practical shape for commercial use. They provide the most coverage and can fit into tighter spaces. You may also want to consider the rectangle or round shapes as well, depending on your needs.