- Not all parasols are the same - but where are the differences (actually)?
- What should you look out for when buying a new parasol?
This summer, too, they will be found in numerous gardens throughout Germany: parasols. The popular all-purpose weapon against heat, rain and UV radiation not only offers practical added value, but is also considered by most garden enthusiasts as a modern eye-catcher and the center of their own oasis of well-being.
Spring is coming to an end and the warm summer months promise great barbecues in your own garden again this year. So it is only understandable that many garden owners are already looking around for new garden furniture - and attach particular importance to a very special accessory: the parasol.
Not all parasols are the same - but where are the differences (actually)?
Anyone who thinks that parasols basically all look the same is wrong - because due to the steadily increasing popularity, there is no longer just the "classic" parasol that you know from your grandparents' garden. Instead, a distinction is now made between the so-called middle pole umbrella and the traffic light umbrella. Both variants are suitable for use in the garden as well as on the balcony or your own terrace. But what is the difference between the two models? And what else should you look out for when choosing the right parasol?
The center pole umbrella: This variant is probably the best-known type of parasol. The center pole umbrella, also commonly known by the alternative names stick, market, or center pole umbrella, has a pole that sits right in the middle of the parasol. This structure ensures a high level of stability and also makes it possible to use the entire area below the umbrella. However, the umbrella stand, which is often quite large, and the centered mast occasionally cause problems, since the garden table and the appropriate seating area have to be set up around the stand. A little tip: If the garden table has a suitable hole in the middle, the mast can easily be passed through there. This saves a lot of space and ensures that the pole does not bother anyone.
The traffic light umbrella: Probably the most obvious difference to the above-mentioned center pole umbrella is the position of the umbrella stand and the mast. In the traffic light or cantilever umbrella, these are not in the middle, but outside the actual umbrella area. In addition, the mast is not attached below but above the roof. Due to this special construction, the cantilever parasol offers a larger shade area overall, which means that it also enables better sun protection. Most cantilever parasols have a crank that is attached to the mast and is intended to adjust the parasol. With this practical tool, the parasol can be adjusted to the respective lighting conditions in no time at all. However, it becomes difficult in strong winds, since the cantilever parasol is not as stable as the center pole parasol due to the position of the mast and the cross stand - and the associated larger attack surface.
What should you look out for when buying a new parasol?
First and foremost, the new parasol should of course correspond to personal taste, especially in terms of shape, size and colour. However, you should already pay attention to a few things in advance, such as where the umbrella should be later. For example, is it a sheltered spot or does the parasol need to be as stable as possible? And what material should it be made of: weather-resistant aluminium, plastic or rather FSC-certified and sustainably produced wood? In addition, there is the question of the right covering. In addition to the extremely hard-wearing polyacrylic and polyester umbrellas, there are now more and more umbrellas made from awning fabric.
The choice of the right material should be made primarily with a view to durability. The parasol has to withstand a wide variety of weather conditions and should ideally also offer a high level of UV protection. A good indicator of this is the so-called UPF seal, which indicates the UV protection factor. The following applies here: the higher the value, the better the UV protection. The information page of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) shows how important such protection can be for the skin. And if you want to keep your parasol for a long time, it is best to protect it from the most adverse weather conditions with a protective cover or cover. This ensures a significantly longer service life for the parasol and elegantly prevents potential damage.