The cantilever umbrella is a wonderful invention that’s made outdoor living so much more enjoyable. Its off-center pole gives it a striking appearance and plenty of space underneath to arrange your outdoor furniture as you see fit.
However, taking advantage of your outdoor space means you’ll have to deal with Mother Nature’s fickleness. And one of her party tricks is gusts of wind that hit just right to lift your umbrella and whisk it away.
Wondering what the secret is to making your umbrella stay put? Then keep reading to find out how to stabilize a cantilever umbrella. We’ll give you several things to consider so yours doesn’t go flying away on an adventure.
Storage During Bad Weather
We applaud you for trying to brave the worst weather in order to make the most of your backyard. But you need to know when to call it quits and play it safe (27.5% of all patio umbrella-related injuries involve the wind!).
If there are strong winds or storms in the forecast, then it’s time to pack things up. Otherwise, you’re playing with fire; there’s a strong possibility that your umbrella will get damaged or blown somewhere where you’ll never find it.
Many side post umbrellas have crank or lever mechanisms that make it easy to open and close the umbrella quickly. So at the first sign of inclement weather, close that baby up.
When not in use, you should secure the cantilever umbrella with a strap or tie after closing it. This will prevent it from opening unexpectedly. Weatherproof protective covers are also available to shield canopies from harsh weather and pests when not in use.If you’re not going to use the umbrella for a long period of time, then store it away in a covered area.
Placement
You can get the best product in the world, but if you don’t use it correctly, you might as well have a rotten tomato in your hands.
It may seem super obvious, but you should place your offset parasol on a flat surface. This will prevent it from tilting or wobbling, and it’ll stand a much better chance when winds blow by. Ensure that the base is positioned securely and that there are no obstructions that could cause instability when opening, closing, rotating or tilting the canopy.
If your outdoor setting is constantly exposed to high winds on one side, consider adding a fence, partition or foliage to block or diminish the wind.
Canopy Design
As for the design itself, there’s no definitive “best” one for stability. Modern flatter canopies are aerodynamic, which allows them to cut through the wind more easily than taller traditional ones. Features (like wind vents) can contribute to a more stable and durable canopy.
Many cantilever umbrellas are equipped with wind vents that allow air to pass through, which reduces wind resistance and prevents the umbrella from catching the wind like a sail. You should make sure the vents are open and not blocked so they get proper airflow and stability.
When purchasing a patio umbrella, choose one with a canopy that has high-quality, durable materials. Think of fabrics like solution-dyed acrylic or polyester with a UV-resistant coating.
You should also opt for reinforced seams and stitching to enhance durability and prevent tearing. Even better are double-stitched or heat-sealed seams.
Types of Bases
There are different base types for side pole umbrellas. They’re typically heavy and stable, and are designed to counterbalance the weight of the umbrella. This means that they’re all weighted, but may be filled or a solid material.
The designs each offer different levels of stability, mobility and installation options.
Freestanding/Mobile Base
Think about a patio umbrella in anyone’s backyard and chances are you’re picturing one with a freestanding base.
These “mobile” bases are nice and heavy to prevent the umbrella from tipping over. This means that the materials used are quite robust, such as concrete, iron, steel or stone.
Also, there are several choices in terms of shape; they’re square, rectangular or circular. This is more for aesthetics than for stability.
Lower priced cantilever umbrellas often come with a hollow plastic base, which can be filled with water or sand. This makes it easy for you to move the base to its final resting place before weighing it down. The hard shell plastic is durable but you are at risk should it crack or leak, allowing the filler to spill out.
High-end offset umbrellas typically come with or use much more substantial bases. These heavy-duty bases are usually constructed with steel frames and may have aluminum covers. Some are designed without weights (to minimize shipping expenses and improve portability). You stack granite pavers or other bulky materials to weigh the umbrella down. Typically, you can purchase these standard-sized pavers at home improvement or hardware stores at a relatively low cost.
Other freestanding bases utilize a stacked metal plate design. These low-profile bases have a sleek unobtrusive look, even when multiple plates are stacked to accommodate larger offset umbrellas.
Should you find the base too heavy to move on your own, and you want to put your patio umbrella in various places at differing times, you can purchase one with wheels, which can lock in place for security. Give it a push, and you’re good to go! FYI: big umbrellas may need to be removed from the base first before wheeling for safety reasons.
Weight
Regardless of the type of base you choose, it must weigh enough to anchor your umbrella. Our rule of thumb is 10 pounds per canopy foot for free-standing center pole umbrellas. This drops to 5 pounds per canopy foot if the pole runs through an umbrella table.
Cantilever umbrellas will need at least 30 to 40 pounds per canopy foot, which can work out to 400 pounds or more. Don’t worry though, as quality products will include information about what works best.
Types of Mounts
Like with the bases, the types of mounts you use for your sidepost umbrella matter too. Each will suit differing installation needs and preferences.
In-Ground Mount
An in-ground mount involves installing a sleeve or anchor directly into the ground.
Typically, a hole is dug, and a sleeve or anchor is inserted and secured with concrete for stability. The umbrella’s mast is then inserted into the sleeve or affixed to the anchor, providing a secure and stable mounting solution.
Generally speaking, these work better for patio umbrellas on the smaller side. Plus, if you’re working with soft dirt or gravel, then other options may be more suitable.
Surface Mount
Surface mounts are the most popular pick for permanently mounting umbrellas. They work on numerous surfaces, including concrete, stone, wooden decks, tile or composite decking.
Specialized mounting brackets or plates are attached to the surface using screws or anchor bolts. The umbrella side post is then secured to the mounting bracket.
Surface mounts offer a flexible and secure mounting option for large cantilever umbrellas without the need to dig into the ground or break up your patio. You won’t have to deal with a bulky stand either.
Wall or Rail Mount
Wall mounts are designed to attach the umbrella’s arm directly to a vertical surface, such as a wall or column. Rail mounts attach to a horizontal or balcony railing. Specialized brackets, mounting plates or clamps are used so you get overhead shade without the need for a traditional base.
These choices are ideal for small outdoor spaces or areas where floor space is limited. You can’t choose to use a wall mount, unless the umbrella is specifically designed for it.
Regular Maintenance
Inspect your umbrella regularly for any signs of wear and tear. For example, there may be loose bolts of fraying fabric.
Tighten any loose components and repair or replace any damaged parts. Don’t try to save a few bucks by squeezing every last drop out of worn-out components/parts; you’ll end up spending much more if your umbrella isn’t stable and safe, and it ends up getting damaged or causing damage.
Sandbags and Cinderblocks
Admittedly, sandbags and cinderblocks aren’t the most beautiful things in the world. Plus, you’ve spent so much time and effort on arranging your patio furniture, and these things will instantly ruin the vibe.
So why are we suggesting these grotesque items? Well, stuff can break down or you might be waiting on an order, but you still want to use your fabulous patio umbrella. In that case, you’ll have to be resourceful.
If your side pole umbrella still has its existing base, then you can stabilize it with sandbags and cinderblocks. It’ll look ugly (temporarily), but at least you won’t have to worry about your umbrella being whisked away in high winds.
That’s How to Stabilize an Offset Umbrella
When it comes to how to stabilize a side post umbrella, there are many moving parts (pun intended). Not only should you select a high-quality umbrella in the first place, but you should also maintain and store it properly. And with the right base and mount, you’ll have an umbrella that’ll withstand anything!
So invest in the various parts that secure and stabilize your patio umbrella. If you do so, you’ll prevent premature wear and tear, and you’ll save money in the long run since you can use your beautiful umbrella for years to come.
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