What is a Cantilever Umbrella?

One in three Americans don’t wear sunscreen on purpose and laziness is the #2 reason why. We understand that sitting outside in the sun can feel glorious, but it’s your health at stake, after all.

Okay, maybe we’re being dramatic, and maybe you don’t want to put on sunscreen for whatever reason while you’re sitting on your property. That’s your prerogative, but you can still ward off pesky sunburns and more seriously, skin cancer too. What we’re talking about is a cantilever patio umbrella.

What is a cantilever patio umbrella? Read on to find out the answer to this question and more.

What Is a Cantilever Patio Umbrella?

A cantilever umbrella is a type of outdoor umbrella that’s designed with a pole placed off-center. This allows the canopy to extend over a space without requiring a center pole.

Cantilever umbrellas are commonly used in residential outdoor areas, such as patios, as well as decks and poolside areas. You’ll also see them in commercial settings, such as outdoor cafes, restaurants and resorts.

Like most other umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas come in various sizes, shapes, and materials to suit different preferences and requirements.

How Does a Cantilever Umbrella Work?

What even is a cantilever in the first place?

Well, in construction, a cantilever beam is fixed at one end while free at the other. This beam is horizontal and is attached to a vertical support. From this brief description, you might already have a faint idea of how a cantilever umbrella works.

This umbrella type works by utilizing a design where the canopy is supported by a pole that extends horizontally, rather than vertically like traditional umbrellas.

At the bottom is a sturdy freestanding base or permanent mount, which keeps the umbrella stable and balanced. Bases are weighted to prevent the umbrella from tipping over, especially in windy conditions. The larger the canopy, the more weight is needed to counterbalance it. Mounts allow an umbrella to be secured directly to the surface of the outdoor area. Different configurations and designs enable you to mount to concrete, hardwood decks or into the ground. The supporting side or offset pole attaches to the base or mount, while the cantilever arm or beam connects to the side post.

The canopy attaches to the supporting horizontal pole and extends outward. Some cantilever arms go over the canopy entirely, while others have a dual design where arms extend below and above. There are mechanisms that let you easily adjust the canopy’s height, angle and rotation; most umbrellas can rotate 360 degrees.

What’s the Advantage of a Cantilever Umbrella?

Traditional umbrellas typically have a middle pole, so cantilever patio umbrellas have a unique appearance.

The side pole or offset pole design isn’t only for aesthetics though; it gives this type of umbrella many advantages when compared against traditional umbrellas. Here are the main ones.

You’ll Get Flexible Shade Coverage

Cantilever umbrellas provide more flexible shade coverage since they don’t have a center pole obstructing the area beneath them. This makes them ideal for shading outdoor furniture arrangements or areas where a center pole would be inconvenient.

They’re Adjustable

Many cantilever umbrellas have features that let you adjust the angle and height of the canopy. This gives you customizable shade depending on the position of the sun or the specific needs of the users.

In other words, if you’re picky about how and when you’re shaded, these umbrellas have you covered. You can leave those dumbbells collecting more dust in the meantime since you don’t have to pick up heavy umbrella bases to get adequate shade.

They’re Stylish and Modern

How many times have you bought a traditional center pole umbrella, only to get frustrated that you need to plan around it to Feng Shui your outdoor space properly? Even if you’re able to do so, there’s an ugly pole stuck in the middle of everything.

With a cantilever patio umbrella, you can arrange everything underneath smoothly. In addition, these umbrellas often have a sleek and modern design, which makes them popular for contemporary outdoor spaces.

What’s the Difference Between Offset and Cantilever Umbrellas?

Here’s a secret: they’re the same thing (kind of).

Let’s start by defining offset umbrellas first. This term generally refers to any umbrella where the support pole is positioned off-center so it can provide shade without obstructing the area beneath the canopy. As you can see, it’s a broad term.

This means that cantilever umbrellas are a type of offset umbrella. What sets them apart is that a cantilever umbrella canopy can be supported by a side pole OR mounted to a wall.

However, in practice, these terms are often used synonymously. So don’t think too much if you see one retailer use “offset umbrella” while another uses “cantilever umbrella,” as we’ll bet they’re referring to the same thing.

Are Cantilever Umbrellas Good for Rain?

These are excellent outdoor umbrellas for any mild weather conditions. So whether it’s rain or shine, you can take full advantage of your patio without getting burnt from the sun or wet from the rain.

However, cantilever umbrellas aren’t meant to withstand extreme inclement weather, especially if it’s gusty. Do yourself a favor and if you see a stormy forecast coming up, close your cantilever umbrella or store away in a secure place and make yourself a toasty cup of tea to enjoy from the safety of your living room instead of out on your patio. Keep in mind, manufacturer warrantees typically won’t cover damage sustained in windy conditions. So, if you’ve made a hefty investment in a high-end (even commercial-grade) cantilever umbrella, it’s wise to err on the side of caution on a blustery day.

Explore Your Umbrella Options

Now, if anyone asks you, “What is a cantilever patio umbrella?” you should be able to answer them with confidence. You’ll certainly impress them with your knowledge of what these umbrellas are and how they operate.

More importantly, you should’ve inferred that these umbrellas are definitely worth the upfront investment. Not only do they have beautiful designs, but they also give you unobstructed space for eating or socializing and provide customizable shade.

If you’re sold on the idea of a cantilever patio umbrella, then you’ll want the best selection from Decor Outdoor. Check out our cantilever umbrellas today.