A cantilever umbrella is designed with pole or ‘mast’, off-set to the side of the umbrella instead of being in the centre of the umbrella and in the middle of the shaded area. Therefore a cantilever umbrella is a great solution for providing shade in an outdoor leisure or dining area that needs ample amount of shade without any obstructions. There are different types of cantilever umbrellas to select from and you need to pick the right one for you and your required use. Here are tips on how you can choose the right cantilever outdoor umbrella for your needs:

• Does your location need a tilt umbrella? – While the tilting feature of an outdoor umbrella is often promoted as a ‘must have’, the reality it is only of benefit if the desired location for the cantilever umbrella is subject to glare from the sun when it is low in the sky, either early morning or late afternoon. Even then, the umbrella must be placed such so that it is between you and the low sun which often can be where your view or outlook is also so the benefits of this need to be considered and weighed over. A tilting umbrella can also offer added privacy from neighboring properties or passersby.

• The benefits of a rotating feature – a free-standing cantilever umbrella that can rotate 360 degrees is often beneficial so that it can easily be adjusted and rotated to provide shade to a particular area of your choice, regardless of what time of the day it is. This can mean one rotatable cantilever umbrella can provide sufficient shade comparable to two or more fixed shade umbrellas. For wall-mounted cantilever umbrella options, consider that a 180 degree rotation is also desirable for the same reasons.

• Choose the shape that best suits your area – cantilever umbrellas are generally available in either square or octagon. Other shapes such as rectangular or L-shaped can be achieved with double or trio umbrellas such as the Shadowspec SU6 cantilever umbrellas that mount either 1, 2, 3 or 4 umbrellas off just one pole. A popular option is their Duo cantilever umbrella that mounts two square umbrellas adjacent to each other on one pole, creating a rectangular patio umbrella that provides a rectangle of complete shade when the two umbrellas are connected with an optional rain gutter.

• Make sure the size will provide adequate shade to your area - be sure to pick the right size or diameter. Common umbrella sizes are 9 foot, 10 foot, 11 foot, 12 foot and even 13 foot. Generally a larger umbrella is less cost per square foot so an 11ft cantilever or in many cases a 12ft – 13ft cantilever umbrella are more desirable. Some cantilever umbrella systems can allow up to four umbrellas to be mounted from a single robust mast, in case you need to provide shade to a larger area. In this case, you have the option of having only as many of the four umbrellas up at any given time meaning you can rest in the shade while your partner enjoys the sun.

• Quality of materials – Most would know what it’s like to buy an outdoor umbrella that looks great in a store or online then to get it set up and outside, exposed to the elements for a few weeks only for it to start showing signs of deterioration. Make sure the umbrella you select is made of durable marine-grade materials including aluminium and stainless steel components. The grade of fabric is very important to consider. Cheaper fabrics will quickly fade and break down in the sun, giving minimal shade protection. High quality solution dyed acrylic fabrics made by internationally recognized manufacturers such as Dickson or Sunbrella are recommended. These provide excellent U/V protection rating and stay colourfast for a long period of time, even in areas with harsh sun and ultra violet rays.

• Warranties and parts backup – select only a cantilever umbrella that is backed by a multiyear warranty. If an outdoor umbrella is made from durable materials, the manufacturer will be willing to provide piece-of-mind guaranty backup if they know the product is durable and constructed to last and perform well. Also in the case of a breakage, it pays to explore before buying the availability of parts in case an accident does happen. A supplier that is willing to provide both a lengthy warranty and on-going parts backup means you can have much more confidence in investing in a quality patio umbrella when these two boxes are ticked.

• Colour – choose from an outdoor umbrella range that offers a reasonable array of colour choices. You need to be sure the colour of the cantilever umbrella you select will fit in and complement the surroundings.

• Analyze the deployment mechanism of the umbrella – traditionally cantilever umbrellas have included winder mechanisms with internal or external cables to open and close the umbrella. Unless very well designed, these are apt to give trouble down the track and can often be exceptionally difficult to fix. There are new, simplistic, trouble-free and far easier designs available now including external sliding roller mechanisms and some manufacturers also utilize gas-strut technology to make opening and closing the cantilever umbrella almost effortless and very quick. Ideally, check out a video of the shade umbrella being operated and the various functions it offers, before buying.

• Consider the accessories that come with the umbrella – Some retailers offer standard accessories for cantilever umbrellas, like a protection cover that will protect your investment from the elements when not in use.

• Clarify lead times and freight delivery costs – some suppliers will deliver within a few days of ordering meaning you can make your decision, purchase or order and have the cantilever umbrella in place within just a few days. Also consider the freight cost if you are ordering from another location. Being a large item, they can often be expensive to freight or ship. The ideal is a supplier who will deliver freight free anywhere which means you don’t have to consider for extra costs apart from the cantilever umbrella itself.

About the Author:-

Shadowspec came into inception in 1992. They offer premium range of luxury, outdoor umbrella systems, using eye catching designs & unique styles that set them apart. They specialize in supplying premium outdoor and patio umbrellas, suitable for a wide variety of applications both domestic and commercial. Some of their exclusive umbrella range includes: Wall mounted umbrellas, Cantilever umbrellas, double cantilever umbrellas, rotating cantilever umbrellas, high wind performance umbrella. There focus is on providing durable, easy to use, quality patio umbrellas that maximize personal comfort in the outdoor environment, enhance and add value to the surroundings of any location. They deliver freight free to almost any location.