Whenever you are relaxing in the garden, you want to enjoy the sun but at times you might want shade too. This article, from the experts at Garden Furniture Scotland, explains all about wooden parasols. In this series, there are also articles about Parasol Bases, Aluminium Parasols and Cantilever Parasols.
The first obvious question is what you want the parasol for? If it is to complement a set of garden furniture, you need to ask whether there a hole in the middle of the table. It is useful to measure the hole in the table to ensure the diameter of pole of the parasol will fit. It should be noted that the hole in tables for parasols are generally 51mm, although there are variations to this.
There is an industry standard for parasol stems and most are either 38mm or 48mm though you can find other sizes too. The through-the-table parasol is by far the most popular.
Wooden stemmed parasols are the most popular, possible because they are inexpensive and are available in many colours, shapes and sizes. The middle of the parasol is screw-threaded to connect the top part with the canopy to the bottom part which goes through the table. Because it comes in two parts, the distribution costs of domestic parasols such as this are limited making it cheaper for you to buy. Rarely does the screw-threaded middle section cause any problem.
At the cheaper end of the market, hardwoods from the Far East such as Nyatoh, Keruing and Eucalyptus are used. At the more expensive end of the market, parasol stems will be made from teak, which makes them far more durable.
Cheaper wooden parasols have a pulley system on one side of the parasol stem for opening and closing the canopy. More expensive parasols will have a 4 way pully mechanism, one pully on each side of the stem, lessening the strain on the mechanism and balancing the load.
Some wood stem parasols have a crank handle mechanism. Though many people prefer a wooden stem but like the ease of the crank handle, they might be tempted to by this combination. However, this is not a good idea. To put a crank mechanism in, means the central core of the wood is removed to insert the crank wire. This reduces the strength of the stem.
Avoiding this by placing the crank wire in a groove on the side of the stem is a possibility but it is rather unsightly. Another popular innovation is the tilt mechanism which means that the top of the parasol (the canopy) can be tilted to the side to shade your table from evening sunlight. This can also result in a weakening of the parasol.
The size of the parasol determines, to some extent, the price. Smaller parasols will likely have six ribs while larger, more expensive parasols might have eight or ten ribs. The ribs support the canopy which can be stitched into place. Sometimes leather pouched hold the ribs, at other times, zipped pockets which aollow the canopy to be removed and washed.
Parasol canopies come in a variety of colours and can be made from many different materials. Polyester is the most common and is often covered with a water repellant treatment so it is showerproof.
Parasol canopies are also treated to reduce fading in sunlight (ultraviolet light). Look for UV resistent fabric when you are purchasing a parasol and think about the colour you would prefer. Remember that some colours fade more readily - red or black, for instance, as compared to cream or natural.
Heavy duty polyester, which is measured by grams per inch squared is by far the best material to use for parasols. Cotton is not suitable as a parasol canopy - though you will find some on the market - as it is not strong enough. There are branded products, such as 'Sunbrella' which is well known as a parasol canopy material and is well known for its quality.
Most parasols have what is called a wind vent, which allow wind to blow through the top of the parasol and reduce stress to the frame. Lower quality parasols without this are more likely to break in the wind. Ensure the parasol you choose has a wind vent.
Before you buy a parasol consider the size and style you want, look at the pully or crank system, the material used for the canopy and whether it is showerproof and UV Stable. If you are interested in more information about parasols, please also look at our articles about Cantilever Parasols, Parasol Bases and Aluminium Parasols. Simply log on to Garden Furniture Scotland to learn more about this subject. - 16477
The first obvious question is what you want the parasol for? If it is to complement a set of garden furniture, you need to ask whether there a hole in the middle of the table. It is useful to measure the hole in the table to ensure the diameter of pole of the parasol will fit. It should be noted that the hole in tables for parasols are generally 51mm, although there are variations to this.
There is an industry standard for parasol stems and most are either 38mm or 48mm though you can find other sizes too. The through-the-table parasol is by far the most popular.
Wooden stemmed parasols are the most popular, possible because they are inexpensive and are available in many colours, shapes and sizes. The middle of the parasol is screw-threaded to connect the top part with the canopy to the bottom part which goes through the table. Because it comes in two parts, the distribution costs of domestic parasols such as this are limited making it cheaper for you to buy. Rarely does the screw-threaded middle section cause any problem.
At the cheaper end of the market, hardwoods from the Far East such as Nyatoh, Keruing and Eucalyptus are used. At the more expensive end of the market, parasol stems will be made from teak, which makes them far more durable.
Cheaper wooden parasols have a pulley system on one side of the parasol stem for opening and closing the canopy. More expensive parasols will have a 4 way pully mechanism, one pully on each side of the stem, lessening the strain on the mechanism and balancing the load.
Some wood stem parasols have a crank handle mechanism. Though many people prefer a wooden stem but like the ease of the crank handle, they might be tempted to by this combination. However, this is not a good idea. To put a crank mechanism in, means the central core of the wood is removed to insert the crank wire. This reduces the strength of the stem.
Avoiding this by placing the crank wire in a groove on the side of the stem is a possibility but it is rather unsightly. Another popular innovation is the tilt mechanism which means that the top of the parasol (the canopy) can be tilted to the side to shade your table from evening sunlight. This can also result in a weakening of the parasol.
The size of the parasol determines, to some extent, the price. Smaller parasols will likely have six ribs while larger, more expensive parasols might have eight or ten ribs. The ribs support the canopy which can be stitched into place. Sometimes leather pouched hold the ribs, at other times, zipped pockets which aollow the canopy to be removed and washed.
Parasol canopies come in a variety of colours and can be made from many different materials. Polyester is the most common and is often covered with a water repellant treatment so it is showerproof.
Parasol canopies are also treated to reduce fading in sunlight (ultraviolet light). Look for UV resistent fabric when you are purchasing a parasol and think about the colour you would prefer. Remember that some colours fade more readily - red or black, for instance, as compared to cream or natural.
Heavy duty polyester, which is measured by grams per inch squared is by far the best material to use for parasols. Cotton is not suitable as a parasol canopy - though you will find some on the market - as it is not strong enough. There are branded products, such as 'Sunbrella' which is well known as a parasol canopy material and is well known for its quality.
Most parasols have what is called a wind vent, which allow wind to blow through the top of the parasol and reduce stress to the frame. Lower quality parasols without this are more likely to break in the wind. Ensure the parasol you choose has a wind vent.
Before you buy a parasol consider the size and style you want, look at the pully or crank system, the material used for the canopy and whether it is showerproof and UV Stable. If you are interested in more information about parasols, please also look at our articles about Cantilever Parasols, Parasol Bases and Aluminium Parasols. Simply log on to Garden Furniture Scotland to learn more about this subject. - 16477
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