Best garden parasols of 2026, including upright, tilting and cantilever designs

I found it simple to reach the tilt mechanism but putting it down was another story. I was too short, which forced me to unclip the umbrella section and pull it down on disassembly. On the brighter side, this meant I had no excuse not to tidy all the kit away properly.

While water-repellent and easy to operate, this won’t set the design world on fire. It’s grey with a capital G, making no bones about its polyester construction and no-frills look.

This parasol is currently out of stock. In the meantime, you can shop other B&Q parasols.

Key specifications

• Parasol type: Upright
• Canopy span: 260cm
• Height: 223cm
• Weight: 2.5kg
• Opening mechanism: Push-up

Is a garden parasol better than an umbrella?

An umbrella tends to feel flimsier and more low-fi than a parasol; if you are after a wind-up (crank) style which requires minimum intervention once installed, then a fully optimised garden parasol is probably the best choice for you.

A cantilever (or leanover) is the sturdiest of all, requiring a heavy, fixed base to keep it in position and usually offers a better range of movement for tilting and angling than traditional upright styles.

What is the best colour for a garden parasol?

Light, plain colours will be prone to showing dirt after use and will require more care when being put away. That said, the sun is a natural bleaching agent and darker styles may show signs of discolouration after years of use.

Take care to wipe yours down and ensure it is fully dried when parking away to avoid mould growing in damp spots.

Can you leave a parasol out in the rain?

Some fabrics are coated with water-repellent treatments, but to best preserve a parasol’s life, it’s not advisable to leave it outside for weeks on end. Consider investing in a cover if bringing it in isn’t an option, and never leave it open unattended as a gust of wind will likely topple an upright style and the rods may be damaged on impact.

Is a round or square parasol better?

This is more of an aesthetic consideration. A rounded style generally looks softer in a space but depending on your patio design, a square shape may look sharper.

What’s the difference between a centre pole and a cantilever parasol and which is better?

As the name suggests, a centre pole parasol slots into the hole in the middle of your garden table, providing shade directly underneath it.

In contrast, a cantilever parasol is supported by a side pole. It stands unsupported on a weighted base, and when the canopy opens up, it stretches across the table, creating an area of unobstructed shade. This means it can provide shade for a wider range of garden furniture. Often, a cantilever parasol rotates, so you can swivel it to follow the movement of the sun.