Cantilever Umbrellas
Offset umbrellas for outdoor dining & lounge settings
The canopy of a cantilever umbrella is supported from the side instead of the center like a market umbrella. This design lets the canopy hang over an open area. There is no center pole blocking the view or traffic. This makes it perfect for lounge seating or outdoor dining sets. Most side post umbrellas have adjustable frames and arms. This lets you rotate the umbrella or tilt the canopy. Shade multiple areas on your patio, deck or poolside by rotating the mast. Offset parasols are usually larger than center post umbrellas. They also need heavier bases or substantial mounts to stay stable.
Commercial cantilever umbrellas from luxury designers
Decor Outdoor carries premium offset shades from many of the world's top umbrella manufacturers. These large umbrellas typically have an aluminum pole or steel frame with heavy-duty ribs and reinforced connection points. Many of our brands offer custom powder-coated color finishes. They protect the metal against rust and corrosion and coordinate with the palette of your existing decor. Some models may be available with wood frames. Our durable cantilevered umbrellas can be used in residential homes and commercial locations (e.g. resorts, hotels, restaurants, etc), and are designed to stand up to extended exposure to the elements. Most of our shades have fabric canopies from high-end brands like Sunbrella® and Outdura®. These high-performance synthetic textiles repel water and resist fading. They also provide UV protection from the sun's rays and come in many colors and neutral tones.
Pro tips - Key outdoor umbrella features to compare
- Lift Mechanism - Large side post umbrellas have heavy canopies, so it makes a difference if there's a lever, crank lift, handle or dial
- Rotation - Cantilevers that rotate 360 degrees can cover multiple outdoor living areas at different times of the day
- Tilt Function - Most offset shades can tilt the canopy so it's angled forward and back, side to side or both to adjust to the sun's position (be aware of the height at different angles to avoid clearance issues)
- Canopy Shape - A rectangular canopy works well over a long outdoor dining set, while a round or square one is ideal for a symmetrical seating area
- Wind Resistance - Check the Beaufort rating to determine how much wind a large offset parasol can handle safely. Vents in the hanging canopy allow airflow, stabilize the shade and help make it more wind resistant
- Lighting - Some side pole parasols have integrated LED lights in their lower hub or ribs, which extends the utility of the shade into night
- Collapsibility - Canopies close and fold in a variety of ways and some can be unsightly or hard to store even when closed
- Mobility - Wheeled freestanding bases and permanent mounts with quick-release features make it easier to relocate these outdoor umbrellas
Frequently Asked Questions – Side Post Umbrellas
Are cantilever umbrellas worth the time and money?
Usually, side pole shades cost significantly more than market umbrellas and need more planning, setup preparation and room. But they're also constructed with stronger designs and incorporate greater functionality. However, this shade requires substantial anchoring to ensure it doesn't tip over.
A heavily weighted stand or portable base with wheels (often made with steel plates or a framework filled with concrete pavers) may work. However, permanent mounting is often necessary for offset patio umbrellas with larger canopies, windier environments or higher traffic settings.
Installation may be as simple as bolting surface mounts to concrete patios. Or, it may require digging a hole on a property, inserting an in-ground mount and pouring cement. These may be more complicated but they provide greater stability and improve the durability of your investment.
Similarly, maintaining side pole outdoor umbrellas is more involved than center pole shades. Thankfully, manufacturers usually provide tutorials, videos and tips that make it relatively easy for most people to handle. So, they usually cost more and take more work, but they're an investment worth making.
How much space do side pole umbrellas need?
Many offset deck umbrellas can rotate up to 360 degrees. To shade multiple areas, double the horizontal clearance space to allow the hanging umbrella canopy to turn. The canopy diameter and extended arm length added to the mast all but demand it.
An offset patio umbrella may tilt its canopy almost 90°, requiring more vertical space to accommodate all angles.
How heavy should a cantilevered outdoor umbrella base be?
Most manufacturers recommend 30-40 pounds per canopy foot for sidepost parasols (even more for windy settings). So, an offset umbrella with a 10-foot diameter canopy should have a base of at least 300-400 pounds.
