Centre Post vs. Side Post Parasol: Which is better?

Centre Post Parasols

Side Post Parasols

Accessing shade on a hot summers day

When it’s hot and sunny outside, even the most devoted sun worshippers seek some shade to cool off. Having access to shaded areas in outdoor space is crucial – not only does it offer a break from the heat, but it also helps to reduce glare from the sun and protects against potentially harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.

Some gardens are naturally shady thanks to mature trees, tall boundary walls, hedges or garden structures such as pergolas, summer houses and gazebos. North or North-East facing gardens tend to stay cooler, but even these outdoor areas can experience hotspots as the sun moves throughout the day. On the other hand, South-facing gardens can become intensely hot, making it more challenging to find relief from the sun. For this reason, introducing shade is essential for any garden, regardless of its orientation.

Parasols make the perfect solution

Shade can be created using different garden accessories, from sail shades and awnings to garden structures with canopies, but the most cost-effective and easily accessible way to introduce shade is through the use of a garden parasol.

What is a parasol?

A parasol is designed for seasonal outdoor use, offering shade from the sun when needed. Typically, a parasol consists of three components: a UV and water-resistant canopy for shade and protection, a pole and frame to support the canopy, and a base to keep the parasol securely in place. The canopy can be opened to create shade or closed when it’s no longer required, making the parasol a flexible and convenient solution for outdoor shading.

A parasol, sometimes described as a garden umbrella, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and materials. Canopies can vary in shape, with the most common options being round, square or rectangular. While matching the shape of your parasol to your garden set can create a balanced and cohesive look, it’s not essential, as all shapes ultimately provide shade. For instance, a rectangular or oval shaped garden dining set can pair well with either a round, square or rectangular parasol.

Every garden has unique shading needs, whether it’s for a dining set, a lounge set, or an outdoor corner sofa. To meet these needs, there are two types of parasols to consider – centre post parasols or side post parasols.

What’s the difference between a Centre Post and Side Post Parasol?

Discover the differences between a centre post parasol and a side post parasol and find out which one will suit your needs.

Centre Post Parasols

Side Post Parasols

Centre Post Parasols:

A centre post parasol is a classic umbrella-style design featuring a canopy supported centrally by a pole. This type of parasol can either be inserted into the middle of a garden table or used as a freestanding option. It’s an ideal shade solution for outdoor dining sets seating four, six, or eight people. When paired with a garden table, a lighter parasol base, such as a 15kg base, is sufficient. However, for standalone use, a heavier base, typically 25kg or more is recommended to ensure stability.

Even with the support of a table, a centre post parasol will need a weighted base to sit underneath the table, keeping the parasol upright and secure. A centre post parasol used with or without a table is a great shade solution, especially for confined dining areas or a small garden.

Centre post parasols vary in size and functionality, but are typically anywhere from 2 to 3.5 metres in diameter for round parasols and around 2 x 3 metres for rectangular parasols, enabling you to achieve the right amount of shade for your patio set.

Centre post parasols are easy to operate and are usually either opened and closed through the use of an integrated crank handle or through the use of a rope pulley system. Some centre post canopies offer additional functionality such as ‘crank and tilt’, allowing you to tilt the canopy to your chosen angle once the canopy is opened.

Many of our dining sets at Gates are supplied with a matching centre post parasol and base, but if you need a new centre post parasol or a new base, look no further than our collection of garden parasols.

How is a centre post parasol operated?

Centre post parasol canopies open and close with a crank handle, but some more traditional style telescopic parasols come with a rope pulley and pin system.

It’s important to consider ease of use when selecting a centre post parasol. This is especially important if you require a large centre post parasol, as a crank handle will make it easier to open and close. Just be careful not to over-crank it, to prevent damaging the crank mechanism.

What parasol base will I need for a centre post parasol?

If your centre post parasol is being used with a table, a 15kg base will suffice.

If the parasol is to be used freestanding, we recommend using a 25kg base or heavier. The heavier the base, the more secure your centre post parasol will be.

Shop all Parasol Bases.

Side Post Parasols:

A side post parasol, also known as a cantilever parasol, is a large garden shade with an offset pole and long free arm positioned to one side, typically supported by a heavy-duty freestanding base (though some models can be fixed into the ground or can be moved on wheels). A cantilever side post parasol offers greater flexibility, especially for larger gardens. It can provide shade for everything from a pair of sun loungers to large outdoor lounge or corner sofa sets. The design allows you to position the canopy without obstructing anyone’s view, eliminating the need to rearrange seating to achieve optimal shade.

Larger than a centre-post parasol (typically ranging from 2.7 to 4 meters), a side-post cantilever parasol not only makes a striking statement in the garden, but also offers a practical and versatile shade solution for expansive outdoor spaces. These large and versatile parasols can generally be left outside all year round and the functionality can vary depending on the manufacturer, but a good quality side post parasol should be able to do all or any of the following:

What to look for in a side post parasol:

How is a side post parasol operated?

Side post parasols can be easily operated.

Usually there are handles, foot pedals or brakes all within easy reach to enable you to move the canopy up and down, as well as to tilt it.

These large parasols are easy to rotate, but after use, should be taken down and tucked away into their protective cover. This will prevent any potential damage from high winds.

What parasol base will I need for a side post parasol?

A side post parasol will require a heavy duty base. We recommend using a minimum weight of 100kg.

Quality garden furniture makers like Bramblecrest make strong granite bases that support side post cantilever parasols and these are usually supplied with a side post parasol set, but sometimes there is the option to purchase them separately.

Shop all Parasol Bases.

Which parasol will suit my outdoor space?

To understand which parasol will be a good match for your patio or garden, it is important to consider where you need the parasol and what it will be providing shade for. We recommend the following approach to help you get started when selecting a parasol.

For small patios or four to eight seat outdoor dining sets, choose a centre post parasol. These parasols are more compact and can be stabilised when used with a garden table. If you need it to be freestanding, then remember to use a heavy base (25kg or heavier). Centre post parasols are easy to take down and are mostly designed for outdoor seasonal use, so should be stored inside a dry safe place out of season.

For a large garden set or large outdoor spaces, a side post parasol is a more versatile solution. Side post parasols allow you to adjust shade without any obstructions, particularly over a casual lounge or sofa set. Once positioned outdoors, they can generally be left outside all year round (check manufacturer instructions for use).

To summarise, side post and centre post parasols differ in various aspects such as size, style, and functionality. The most notable difference lies in their design. A centre post parasol features a pole in the middle of the canopy, making it ideal for smaller outdoor spaces and for use in a table where compact shade is needed. In contrast, a side post parasol, or cantilever parasol, has a larger, offset pole on one side, allowing it to cover a wider area, making it more suitable for larger spaces and garden sets where greater shade coverage is required.

Discover our parasol collection at Gates. If you have any further questions about parasols and want to know more, get in touch by emailing info@gatesgardencentre.co.uk or call our Outdoor Living experts on 01664 454309.