Consider the closing height
Our collection of parasols Our collection of parasols is separated into models with and without a telescopic pole. A telescopic pole is the central mast of the parasol that unfolds like a telescope when it’s closed. Why is that convenient? Tables and chairs on terraces are often permanently fixed in place, which makes it a chore to remove them every time you want to open and close the parasol. The telescopic mechanism closes the parasol higher up on its pole so the ribs never touch the tables, chairs, visitors or the ground. While sitting on a terrace with telescopic parasols, you can stay seated while the parasols are opened. When parasols don’t have this mechanism, space must be cleared before the parasol can be opened or closed.
Precision is key, so your tape measure is your best friend if you want to make sure the parasol fits properly above your table or lounge set. Always allow a small margin to accommodate for the wind on the canvas. Parasols with side poles in particular can fluctuate a bit during gusts of wind. If the parasol is too close to a wall, it may damage the fabric over time. That’s why it’s essential to allow enough space to keep your parasol fabric in the best possible condition.
Take the passage height into consideration
The British are often taller than average compared to their fellow Europeans. It’s not uncommon to be taller than 2 meters, but not every manufacturer takes this into account. As a Dutch family business, we make sure that our poles are produced with extra length, to avoid the inconvenience and danger of a low parasol. Of course, we also take the shorter population into account, the parasol is easy to operate at any height. In our brochure, you will find all dimensions listed on the product pages. If you still need a few extra centimetres, increasing the length is an option. The pole can be raised on several models by installing an adapter. Adding a tiled base and swivel castors can also be a solution, which will provide between 15 and 25 cm of extra passage height. Keep in mind that this will also raise the handle somewhat. You can try out the different options in our showroom to ensure 100% ease of operation.
Turning radius
Our free-hanging models, like Solero’s Cielo, Laterna, Fratello, Fuerto and Palestro Pro are rotatable. This is an excellent option, which allows users to follow the sun throughout the day. Keep the available space on your terrace in mind. When opened, can the parasol rotate 360 degrees around its axis, or will it hit a wall, hedge or tree along the way? In most cases, the obstacle can be avoided by first closing the parasol slightly, then rotating it around its axis and opening it again. It’s a good idea to consider this beforehand, to avoid disappointment. During a visit to our showroom, we can provide you with a demonstration or work with you to find an alternative location for the base of your parasol.
A concealed ground anchor or mobile tile base
There are pros and cons to everything. A ground anchor made from poured concrete is aesthetically very appealing. A tiled base with mobile casters, on the other hand, also has its advantages. The casters make it easy to move the parasol and allow you to use the parasol in different places on your terrace. But the surface area of the base means you’ll lose a square meter of space. A tiled base also attracts more attention than a concealed ground anchor. Multiple parasols can be mounted with a built-in base, so you are less bound to a permanent installation. The buried base can also be removed and reused (if you move, for example).
No tiled base is complete without tiles. Depending on the type of parasol, you’ll need 4, 8, 12 or 16 tiles. The required dimensions per tile are 40x40x4 cm and they weigh 12 kg each. Our tile bases (without tiles) weigh 14 kg, so the tiles are needed to provided sufficient stability and prevent the parasol from blowing over. In all honesty, concrete tiles can be something of an eyesore. A bit of concrete paint in the colour of your choice can give it that finishing touch. As an added benefit, the extra layers of paint will protect your tiles from wear and tear. You can leave the bottom tile layers unpainted, since they won’t be visible.
Take some samples
Your new parasol will be a link between your indoor and outdoor spaces, so a good colour match really is essential. We have cloth samples available that you can take with you to compare with your furniture. It’s also a good idea bring a cushion or other piece from your lounge set to compare with different fabrics in our showroom. Always look at the colours in both sunshine and shade to make sure you get the best match.
