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 allows the canopy to hang over an open space without a center pole obstructing the view or traffic lanes - ideal for lounge seating or al fresco dining sets. Most side post umbrellas have adjustable frames and arms that enable you to rotate the entire umbrella or tilt the canopy to position the shade wherever you want. This gives them great flexibility, since they can cover multiple areas on your patio, deck or pool area with a simple rotation of the mast. They also tend to be bigger than center post models and require heavier umbrella bases or more substantial mounting to keep them stable.
Commercial cantilever umbrellas from luxury designers
Decor Outdoor carries premium quality 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 that not only protect the metal against rust and corrosion but allow you to 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 in the elements. Most of our shades have fabric canopies from high-end brands like Sunbrella® and Outdura®. These high-performance synthetic textiles repel water, resist fading, 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 can 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 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 umbrella 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 type of shade requires substantial anchoring to ensure that it doesn't tip over.
In some instances, 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 may be 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 as complex as digging a hole on a property, inserting an in-ground mount and pouring cement. These may be more involved DIY or contracted projects but they provide greater stability and improve the durability of your investment.
Similarly, maintaining side pole outdoor umbrellas is more involved than for 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. So, if you want to shade multiple areas, you need to double the horizontal clearance space for turning the hanging umbrella canopy. The canopy diameter and extended arm length added to the mast all but demand it.
Also, an offset patio umbrella may be able to tilt the canopy almost 90°. With this articulating design, you need a lot more vertical space to accommodate all angles.
How heavy should a cantilevered outdoor umbrella base be?
Most cantilever patio umbrella 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 that is at least 300-400 pounds.
