Sunshade guide - find the ideal parasol
Sunshade guide - find the ideal parasol
What types of sunshades are there?
Horeca sunshades are available in various sizes and designs. The most common are the center pole sunshade and the cantilever sunshade.
Classic center pole sunshade
The classic version of the sunshade is the center pole sunshade (center pole parasol). In these models, the canopy is located in the middle above the pole - hence the name. This type of sunshade can be opened either with a crank or with an automatic opening system. It can also be tilted in different directions depending on the position of the sun. Due to their design, center pole sunshades are stable even in windy conditions. They are available in various sizes - including small single umbrellas, for example for shading beach loungers or balconies, as well as large market umbrellas.
++Our tip: Professional sunshade Fiesto
The Fiesto premium parasol from VEGA consists of a sturdy, powder-coated aluminum frame and is fitted with a robust cover made of premium polyester. With its dimensions of 400 × 400 × 300 cm, it is particularly spacious and ideal for providing shade in cafés, restaurants or beer gardens. The parasol is available with a ground socket or cross base
What is a cantilever sunshade?
Traffic light sunshades are an alternative to the center pole sunshades. They are also known as side-arm, free-arm or pendulum umbrellas. With these models, the pole is not in the middle of the parasol, but at the side. This creates a large shaded area under the parasol that can be fully utilized. This special design makes cantilever parasols particularly flexible. They can be rotated and tilted so that they can block the sun at any angle. However, due to this flexibility, traffic light parasols are more susceptible to wind than center pole parasols. It is better to close them in strong gusts. Traffic light parasols also have either an automatic opening system or a practical hand crank.
Carrying sunshade
A portable parasol is an important companion when spending a day at the beach. These are small and lightweight center pole umbrellas that can often be stored in carrying bags. These umbrellas protect you from the heat of the sun as well as from dangerous UV rays. Nevertheless, you should not do without sun cream - even if you are in the shade.
Find the perfect sunshade
Which parasol is right for you depends entirely on how much space you have available and what area you want to shade. The following points will help you find the right parasol.
Calculate required parasol size
Would you like to calculate the diameter of the parasol you need? A good rule of thumb for determining the parasol size is that the diameter of the parasol should be about a third or half larger than the area to be shaded. Example:
Table with four chairs (Ø 100 cm): Umbrella diameter at least 220-250 cm
Lounge area (200 × 200 cm): Umbrella diameter at least 300 cm
For even larger areas, we recommend the use of two parasols.
Robust material
A fabric that is exposed to sunlight for a long time will fade. This means that an umbrella can lose its color within a month after the start of the season. How quickly the color fades depends on the lightfastness of the fabric with which the sunshade is covered. The higher the light fastness, the longer the color and quality of the sunshade will last. It therefore makes sense to invest a little more when buying a parasol and opt for parasols with a lightfastness rating of 7 or higher. This way, you and your guests will be able to enjoy your parasols for longer.
Lightfastness levels according to DIN EN ISO 105-802+
| Level | Lightfastness | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | very low | 5 days |
| 2 | low | 10 days |
| 3 | moderate | 20 days |
| 4 | fairly good | 40 days |
| 5 | good | 80 days |
| 6 | very good | 160 days |
| 7 | excellent | 350 days |
| 8 | outstanding | 700 days |
UV protection
Although all parasols provide shade, not all models protect equally well against UV rays. When buying your new parasol, you should therefore pay attention to the UV protection factor. This is measured using the so-called UV standard 801. Ideally, this value should be between 60 and 80, which means that you can stay under the sunshade 60 to 80 times longer than without sun protection. The UV effect of the sunshade fabric cover depends on various factors such as weight, density, color and material. The heavier a fabric is, the denser its weave. Accordingly, it is less permeable to UV rays. As far as the material is concerned, synthetic fabrics such as polyester have a much higher UV protection function than cotton, which degrades over time due to UV radiation.
Setting up the sunshade correctly
For a parasol to stand securely, it must be securely fastened. There are basically three ways to do this. The choice of sunshade stand is crucial. Which option you choose depends on how much space you have available and how flexible you want to be.
Classic umbrella stand
Classic umbrella stands are usually made of materials such as plastic, metal or stone. The umbrella stand is equipped with an opening into which the umbrella tube is inserted. This type of attachment is particularly practical as it is easy to place and makes the umbrella flexible to use, especially if the stand is fitted with castors. However, the classic umbrella stand only offers limited stability, especially with larger umbrellas or strong winds, as its weight is often not enough to prevent it from tipping over.
Weightable umbrella stand and plate umbrella stand
A weighted umbrella stand is a more stable version of the classic model. It can also be filled with weights, sand or water, or weighted down with concrete slabs. The latter is also known as a slab umbrella stand. This mounting option is particularly suitable for larger parasols or for locations where it is often windy. Ampel parasols, for example, require a heavy base due to their higher susceptibility to wind - they are usually used with plate parasol stands. A large free-arm parasol with a diameter of three meters should be weighted down with at least 90 kilograms. However, the additional weight means that the stand and parasol are less easy to move.
Screen with ground socket
A parasol with a ground socket is firmly anchored to the ground by either setting the socket in concrete or screwing it down. The parasol is then inserted directly into the sleeve, which provides an extremely stable fastening. This method is therefore very space-saving and is also ideal for larger cantilever parasols or for locations with strong wind conditions. However, in this case the parasols are tied to a fixed location and the initial installation is more complex than with the other variants.
Windproof parasol - how it works
A restaurant parasol must be windproof. A wobbly parasol can not only be annoying for your guests, but can even be dangerous if the parasol flies away in the wind. There are several methods to make your parasol windproof. Read our magazine article on windproof sunshades now and learn the best tricks.
Washing a parasol - is that possible?
Parasols can be used for many years with good care. The cover should be regularly cleaned of any dirt that accumulates on a daily basis. If it is removable, you can wash your parasol cover. How many degrees are suitable for this depends on the material of the cover. You can easily clean the canopy of most models in the washing machine at 30°C. Even at these lower temperatures, dust and most stains are easily removed.
In addition to the cover, the sunshade stands and poles should also be cleaned regularly and treated with the necessary care products. If necessary, it is also a good idea to oil the sunshade's movable hinges. To keep your sunshade as long as possible, you should cover it with a suitable protective cover when not in use.
Make your parasol waterproof
Many users want their parasol to be waterproof. Most polyester parasols are water-repellent - but they are usually not completely waterproof in very long and heavy showers. You can actually make your parasol waterproof: Use special waterproofing sprays or emulsions to do this. However, always test these on an inconspicuous area of the parasol! As a general rule, to avoid mildew stains and mold, you should leave your parasols open after rain until they are completely dry.
Sunshade with a personal touch
You often see large parasols in front of hotels or restaurants with the company logos of drinks manufacturers and breweries on them. However, a parasol in front of the terrace or in the beer garden is a good way to effectively advertise your own business. Find out now about our personalization service.
Find the right parasol - at LUSINI
You will find a large selection of different parasols in the LUSINI range. Do you have any questions? We will be happy to help you! Let us advise you or visit us in our showroom in Wertingen.
Are you in the process of giving your outdoor area an update? Let our magazine inspire you. We show you how to furnish your outdoor living room and advise you in our outdoor catering guide.