This article will explore the different elements to consider when purchasing a hardwood parasol for your garden. When the weather improves, we start to think about using the garden more and, although we enjoy the sunshine, a parasol is sometimes needed to provide a little bit of shade. These are relatively inexpensive and come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes. Also available in this series are articles on Cantilever or side arm parasols, aluminium stemmed parasols and Parasol bases. Garden Furniture Scotland and Garden Furniture England both sell a full range of parasols to suit every taste and every pocket.
The most popular parasol is the central pole parasol which doesn't stand on its own but is most commonly placed through the centre of the table. It should be noted that parasol holes in garden furniture tables for parasols are generally 51mm, although there are variations to this. Amazingly, parasols stems have an industry standard and most (though, of course not all) are either 38mm or 48mm in diameter. A Parasol stem comes in two parts, screw-threaded in the middle. The top half supports the canopy while the lower half goes through the table. The screw-threaded middle section rarely causes any difficulties.
The canopy of a hardwood parasol is opened and closed using a pulley system. In cheaper parasols, there is only one pulley on one side of the stem. This can be unbalanced and can stress the mechanism. It is far better to have a double or 4 way pulley system which is located on both sides of the stem. This will ensure that the mechanism doesn't break as readily.
As you will know, parasol canopies come in a range of different colours and materials. Water repellent polyester is the most common as this is showerproof. Parasol canopies are also treated to reduce fading in sunlight (ultraviolet light). Look for UV resistant fabric when you are purchasing a parasol and think about the colour you would prefer. Remember that some colours fade more readily - red or black, for instance, as compared to cream or natural. Heavy duty polyester, which is measured by grams per inch squared is by far the best material to use for parasols. Cotton is not suitable as a parasol canopy - though you will find some on the market - as it is not strong enough. There are branded products, such as 'Sunbrella' which is well known as a parasol canopy material and is well known for its quality. Many parasols have wind vents in the top which allow the wind to move through the parasol and limit resistance - and therefore stress - to the frame. Without a vent, a parasol is likely to be pulled from its position, or to break as the wind will pull against the frame. Look for wind vents in the parasol of your choice.
The cost of a parasol is determined both by the material used to construct it and the size. Obviously teak parasols are more expensive than those made of eucalyptus. There is a wide range of different types of hardwood available from nyatoh, keruing and balau on the least expensive side and mahogany, teak and jarrah on the more expensive side. Size also has an impact on the cost. A smaller parasol might only have 6 ribs whereas a larger one might have 8 or 10 ribs. Some parasols have zips while others have pockets at the end of the ribs. Leather pockets add expense to the overall cost. You need to decide on your budget and then decide on the elements you would like. With your garden parasol in place, you are set to have the very best summer ever!
The most popular parasol is the central pole parasol which doesn't stand on its own but is most commonly placed through the centre of the table. It should be noted that parasol holes in garden furniture tables for parasols are generally 51mm, although there are variations to this. Amazingly, parasols stems have an industry standard and most (though, of course not all) are either 38mm or 48mm in diameter. A Parasol stem comes in two parts, screw-threaded in the middle. The top half supports the canopy while the lower half goes through the table. The screw-threaded middle section rarely causes any difficulties.
The canopy of a hardwood parasol is opened and closed using a pulley system. In cheaper parasols, there is only one pulley on one side of the stem. This can be unbalanced and can stress the mechanism. It is far better to have a double or 4 way pulley system which is located on both sides of the stem. This will ensure that the mechanism doesn't break as readily.
As you will know, parasol canopies come in a range of different colours and materials. Water repellent polyester is the most common as this is showerproof. Parasol canopies are also treated to reduce fading in sunlight (ultraviolet light). Look for UV resistant fabric when you are purchasing a parasol and think about the colour you would prefer. Remember that some colours fade more readily - red or black, for instance, as compared to cream or natural. Heavy duty polyester, which is measured by grams per inch squared is by far the best material to use for parasols. Cotton is not suitable as a parasol canopy - though you will find some on the market - as it is not strong enough. There are branded products, such as 'Sunbrella' which is well known as a parasol canopy material and is well known for its quality. Many parasols have wind vents in the top which allow the wind to move through the parasol and limit resistance - and therefore stress - to the frame. Without a vent, a parasol is likely to be pulled from its position, or to break as the wind will pull against the frame. Look for wind vents in the parasol of your choice.
The cost of a parasol is determined both by the material used to construct it and the size. Obviously teak parasols are more expensive than those made of eucalyptus. There is a wide range of different types of hardwood available from nyatoh, keruing and balau on the least expensive side and mahogany, teak and jarrah on the more expensive side. Size also has an impact on the cost. A smaller parasol might only have 6 ribs whereas a larger one might have 8 or 10 ribs. Some parasols have zips while others have pockets at the end of the ribs. Leather pockets add expense to the overall cost. You need to decide on your budget and then decide on the elements you would like. With your garden parasol in place, you are set to have the very best summer ever!
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