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Sunshade guide

We love the sun! Nevertheless, when planning your outdoor area, you should also think about shade. After the long winter months, the skin has little protection of its own and needs to be particularly well protected from the sun's rays. It can also quickly become too hot in the sun. Sunshades are therefore indispensable outdoors, in the garden or on the patio. Whether large or small, for private use or for hotels and restaurants: parasols are available in various designs. You are sure to find the right parasol for you!

Zwei Bilder von einem Gastro-Außenbereich mit offenen Sonnenschirmen

What different types of parasol are there?

Horeca parasols are available in different versions. The best known are the center pole parasol and the cantilever parasol.

Center pole parasol

The classic version of the parasol is the center pole parasol. In this model, the sunshade is positioned centrally above the pole - hence the name. These parasols can be opened either with a crank or an automatic opening system and can be tilted in various directions. Nevertheless, they are less flexible than traffic light umbrellas and cannot be adjusted as well to the direction of the sun. However, due to their design, center pole umbrellas are also less susceptible to wind.

Traffic light umbrella

Traffic light parasols are also known as side-arm or free-arm parasols. This is because the pole is not in the middle of the sunshade, but at the side. This creates a large shaded area under the sunshade, which can be fully utilized. Thanks to their special design, cantilever parasols are very flexible and can be rotated and tilted to keep the sun out at any angle. However, these parasols are susceptible to wind and should be closed. Like center pole parasols, traffic light parasols are also opened using an automatic opening system or a practical hand crank.

Which parasol is the right one?

Which parasol is right for you depends entirely on your needs. If you have little space available, a round stick parasol is the better choice. If you want to shade a large area, a cantilever parasol with a large canopy is a good idea. There are even cantilever parasols with two canopies - so you are particularly flexible.

3 Bilder von aufgespannten Sonnenschirmen am Strand und auf der Terrasse
VEGA Twin sunshade Levanto

This applies to UV protection

Not all shades are the same. Because not every sunshade protects equally well against UV rays. When choosing your new parasol, pay attention to the UV protection factor. This is measured according to the so-called UV standard 801. The value should be between 60 and 80. This means that you can stay under the sunshade 60 to 80 times longer than without sun protection.

How to attach the parasol

For the parasol to stand securely, it must be attached correctly. There are basically three options: A ground socket, a classic parasol stand or a parasol stand that can be weighted down with sidewalk or granite slabs. Which option you choose also depends on how much space you have available and how flexible you want to be. If you want to be able to move the parasol and use it in different places depending on the amount of sunlight or the number of guests, you should use a parasol stand with castors. Ground sockets take up little space - but then the position of the parasol cannot be changed. Make sure that the parasol stand fits the diameter of your parasol pole and that it has sufficient weight. Because they are more susceptible to wind, cantilever parasols require a heavier base and are usually used with panel parasol stands. A large free-arm parasol with a diameter of 3 m should be weighted with at least 90 kg.

How to care for your parasol properly

Parasols can be used for many years with good care. The cover should be regularly cleaned of daily dirt. On many models, the cover can be removed and easily cleaned in the washing machine at 30 degrees. We use high-quality polyester covers for our parasols. This makes our parasols easy to care for, dirt-repellent and less likely to fade. The material is also water-repellent. So even a rain shower is no problem. To avoid mildew stains or mold, you should leave your parasols open until they are completely dry. But it's not just the cover that needs care. The sunshade stands and poles should also be cleaned regularly and treated with the necessary care products. The sunshade's movable hinges should also be oiled if necessary. When you are not using the sunshade, you should cover it with a suitable protective cover.

Tips and suggestions for your parasols

No matter which parasol you choose: All parasols have one thing in common! Parasols help to create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere. This applies both to the private sphere and for use in restaurants and hotels. This is because the use of parasols means that the outdoor area can be put to good use not only on sunny days but also on changeable days. Here are a few tips to make the use of parasols even more effective:

  • You often see large parasols in front of hotels and restaurants with the company logos of drinks manufacturers and breweries on them. However, the parasol in front of your own business is a good way to effectively advertise your own business. Find out more about our personalization options.
  • Practical for windy regions and days: a so-called wind deflector at the tip of the sunshade. And with a wind deflector, the heat no longer builds up so much under the cover, as the air can circulate better.
  • A parasol can also create a pleasant atmosphere in the evening. So don't take it down as soon as the last rays of sun have disappeared. Use the canopy and add lighting, such as colorful fairy lights or a lantern in the middle of the parasol. Another practical feature: the heat is retained for longer under the parasol. This makes even cooler summer evenings cozy.
  • If it does get a little cooler or you would like to entertain your guests outdoors on colder days, you can also set up a radiant heater. However, you should be aware that radiant heaters are not permitted in all cities and regions.