The terrace is the extra room you always wanted — the one with no walls. But without a well-chosen parasol, by July it becomes a no-go zone from 11am to 5pm. This guide takes you step by step from the right size to fabrics that won't fade, all the way to a base that genuinely won't blow away with the first gust of wind.
How large should your parasol be?
The +1 metre rule
The parasol diameter must cover the actual shade area you need, plus one metre in every direction to account for the afternoon sun angle. Have a four-person table (≈90×90 cm)? Go for 2.5 m. Six-person table (≈160×90)? 3 metres. A three-seat lounge set? 3–3.5 m. Below these thresholds, you'll be half in the sun at 4pm even if you haven't moved.
Round, square or rectangular?
Round parasols distribute shade evenly — ideal for circular tables and conversation areas. Square works better on a terrace (it follows the wall perimeter). A 2×3 m rectangle is the best choice for sun loungers and outdoor sofa beds.
Fabrics: what the marketing doesn't tell you
180 g/m² polyester
The market standard. Handles everything for two to three seasons, then fades. Fine if you change the look often or if the parasol sits in a shaded spot.
Solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella, Olefin)
The pigment is inside the fibre, not on top of it. 5+ year fade guarantees. Twice the price, but lasts three times as long. On a south-facing terrace, worth every penny.
UPF rating
Look for UPF 50+ printed on the label. Below that threshold you're not truly protecting children or your skin during the harshest hours.
Centre pole or cantilever (side pole)?
Centre pole
More stable, more affordable, but takes up the centre of the table. Great if the table already has a hole and you have no clearance constraints.
Cantilever side pole
Keeps the entire space underneath clear. More expensive and requires a heavier base (50–70 kg minimum), but it's the right choice for lounge areas, hot tubs and sofas.
The base: the detail that protects your investment
Weight calculation
For a centre pole: 20–25 kg per metre of diameter. For a cantilever: 50 kg up to 2.5 m, 70 kg above. Below these figures, the first gust will topple it straight onto your glass table.
Materials
Granite → elegant but vulnerable to knocks. Concrete → solid and affordable. Fillable plastic (water/sand) → convenient, but shifts weight when emptied.
When to close it (and how)
Below 30 km/h wind
Flag moving, leaves rustling: close it. Even a perfect parasol becomes a sail at 35–40 km/h.
Basic maintenance
Soft brush and cold water at the end of the season. Never use harsh detergents — they break down the water-repellent coating. Always let it dry fully open before closing it for winter storage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a quality parasol last?
A parasol with solution-dyed acrylic fabric and an aluminium frame lasts 8–10 years if closed when it's windy and stored indoors over winter. Budget polyester models last 2–3 seasons.
Can I leave the parasol open all summer?
No. Even on calm days, UV rays degrade the fabric 30% faster. Open it when you use it, close it when you step away.
What's the difference between UPF 30 and UPF 50?
UPF 30 blocks around 96.7% of UV rays. UPF 50 blocks 98%. That sounds small, but over 4 hours of exposure it's the difference between a mild burn and intact skin.
Is aluminium or wood better for the frame?
Aluminium: lightweight, rust-proof, zero maintenance. Wood (acacia, eucalyptus): warm aesthetically, but needs oiling every 12 months and doesn't cope well with prolonged moisture.
How do I fix a parasol if I can't use a heavy base?
There are floor anchors (screw flanges) and wall-mounted systems with an adjustable arm. These are the solution for small balconies where a 50 kg weight would be impractical.