The cantilever umbrella: the essential accessory for your gardens and terraces

The pendulum umbrella is an increasingly popular accessory for making the most of sunny days. It stands out from other umbrella models with its innovative and practical system, which allows for optimal use in outdoor spaces. In this article, we will see what sets the pendulum umbrella apart from other umbrellas on the market and what its main features are.

What is a pendulum umbrella?

A pendulum umbrella is a type of umbrella with an off-center pole, which allows it to swing freely without relying on a table or chair for support. This system allows for better shade distribution, as well as great adaptability to different situations encountered when using a traditional umbrella.

The pendulum umbrella is also known by other names such as offset umbrella or cantilever umbrella.

The advantages of the pendulum umbrella

One of the main advantages of the pendulum umbrella lies in its ease of installation. Indeed, thanks to its off-center pole, it can be installed anywhere in your garden or on your terrace, without the need to fasten it to a table or chair as is the case with traditional umbrellas.

You can thus fully enjoy the available space and adjust the position of the umbrella according to your needs and weather conditions.

The offset umbrella also offers better protection against the sun's rays. Thanks to its offset system, it allows for the creation of a larger shaded area than that offered by a traditional umbrella. Furthermore, the fabric of this type of umbrella is generally treated to resist UV rays, in order to effectively protect you from the sun while ensuring optimal durability.

Advantages of the pendulum umbrella

The disadvantages of the pendulum umbrella

While the pendulum umbrella has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages.

Firstly, its installation may be more complex than that of a traditional umbrella, notably due to the need to stabilize the pole with a base or ballast slabs. Additionally, this type of umbrella is often bulkier and heavier than traditional models, which can be problematic if you have limited space or wish to move it regularly.

Lastly, the offset umbrella is generally more expensive than other types of umbrellas. Nevertheless, this investment is offset by the quality, convenience, and durability of this product, making it a smart choice to fully enjoy your outdoor space.

How to choose a pendulum umbrella that suits your needs?

In order to choose the ideal pendulum umbrella for your garden or terrace, several criteria must be taken into account.

Firstly, it is essential to choose a size that fits the space you have and the needs of your family. Pendulum umbrellas can be offered with different fabric dimensions, ranging from 2 meters up to over 4 meters.

Materials of the offset umbrella

The choice of materials used in the pendulum umbrella is also important to ensure its durability and resistance to weather conditions.

The pole can be made of steel, aluminum, or wood, each offering specific advantages and disadvantages. Steel is very resistant but can rust, while aluminum is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but may deform in the wind. Wood, on the other hand, is natural and aesthetic, but requires regular maintenance to prevent rotting or cracking.

Regarding the fabric, it is recommended to opt for polyester fabrics, which offer good resistance to UV rays and are generally treated to resist rain and mold.

Offset umbrella

Opening and closing system

The opening and closing system of the pendulum umbrella should also be considered when making your purchase. There are different mechanisms, such as crank, pulley, or ratchet systems.

The crank is very convenient and easy to use, while the pulley allows for more precise adjustment. The ratchet system, on the other hand, offers great wind resistance and stability, but requires a bit more force to operate.

Maintaining and protecting your pendulum umbrella

To ensure the longevity of your pendulum umbrella, it is important to maintain it regularly. You should clean the fabric with soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry.

It is also advisable to regularly check the condition of the pole and various fastening elements, in order to detect any signs of corrosion or deterioration.

To protect your offset umbrella when not in use, it is recommended to close it and cover it with a suitable protective cover. This will help preserve the fabric and pole from the elements, dust, and UV rays, thus prolonging the lifespan of your umbrella.

In conclusion, the pendulum umbrella is a practical and aesthetic accessory that will allow you to fully enjoy your outdoor spaces on sunny days. Thanks to its numerous advantages and ease of use, it is now a preferred alternative to traditional umbrellas.