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Best Large Garden Umbrellas For 2024
Are you looking for one of the best large garden umbrellas available? No, not one of the best overhanging parasols, but a ‘traditional’ large garden umbrella, if yes, then Spring and Summer must just be around the corner.
You know what that means then – it’s time to kick back, relax, and soak up some sun (hopefully) in your garden or backyard. Large garden umbrellas can provide an elegant and practical solution for creating shade and shelter in outdoor spaces when you need to get shelter from the sun’s harmful rays.
These oversized garden umbrellas are designed to cover and provide needed shade and shelter to a large area, making them ideal for patios, poolside lounging, and outdoor dining areas. With their sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials, large garden umbrellas offer protection from the sun and light rain, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
When selecting large garden umbrellas, factors such as size, material, and design should be considered to ensure they complement the outdoor space and meet specific requirements.
Garden umbrellas provide alternative and versatile shading options with a more traditional ‘centre pole’. There are various styles to suit different preferences and needs. Additionally, features such as tilt mechanisms, wind vents, and UV-resistant fabrics enhance the functionality and durability of these umbrellas, making them a valuable addition to any outdoor setting.
In the following post, we will explore the different types of large garden umbrellas available in the market, their key features, and considerations for choosing the right umbrella for your outdoor space.
Whether you’re looking to create a comfortable lounging area by the pool or an inviting al fresco dining experience, large garden umbrellas offer a stylish and practical solution for enhancing outdoor living.
Before we go any further let me explain a few points I mentioned above as being important, in some cases critical in making the right choice of choosing a large garden umbrella.
What is UV Resistance Fabric – (UPF)
The UV resistance of a fabric or UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of a garden umbrella refers to the fabric’s ability to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, based on the UV index scale. This rating indicates how effectively the umbrella can protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays, and additionally indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, the PHVILLA Large Garden Umbrella offers UV 50+ resistance against the sun’s harmful rays.
Generally the higher the UV or UPF rating of an umbrella the better.
| UV Index Scale | UV |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Low – No protection needed. You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection. |
| 3-7 | Moderate to High – Protection needed. Seek shade from late morning through mid-afternoon. When outside, generously apply broad-spectrum SPF-15 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin, and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. |
| 8+ | Very High to Extreme – Extra protection needed. Be careful outside, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and generously apply a minimum of SPF-15, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin. |
Why Wind Vents Are So Important
Wind vents are crucial in large garden umbrellas because they serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they allow wind to pass through, preventing the umbrella from being caught by strong gusts and potentially causing damage.
Secondly, they help to regulate air flow and reduce the build-up of heat underneath the umbrella, providing a more comfortable environment for those seeking shade. This is particularly important in large garden umbrellas where the surface area can catch a significant amount of wind and heat.
Please Note: We independently selected all the products mentioned in this Buyer’s Guide. The guide includes amongst others, Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from any purchases made through these links. For more information, please refer to our affiliate’s FAQ page.
In a Hurry?
Large Garden Uumbrellas
If you don’t have much time, use the link below to quickly find out my ‘Top Pick’ for a ‘large garden umbrella‘ available for you now on Amazon. You can be assured we only recommend products based on our research, product quality, usability, and value for money… ‘Best Overall’ Costway 4.5m Double Sided Umbrella
Large Garden Umbrellas: This budget 2.7m large garden umbrella in ‘cream’ from VonHaus provides UV 30 + resistance
Large Garden Umbrellas – Our Top 3 Choices
Product Image
Best Overall 
Best Runner Up 
Best Budget 
Model/Make
Costway
GlamHaus
Grand Patio
Size - ft/mtrs
15/4.5
9/2.7
9/2.7
Material
180g M2 Polyester
180g M2 Polyester
180g M2 Polyester
Construction
Aluminium/Powder Coated Steel
Steel
Aluminum/Steel
UV Protection
-
40+
50+
Waterproof
Air Vent
Crank Handle
Tilt
Pole Dimensions in/mm
2/53
1½/38
1½/38
Base Included
Warranty
N/A
2 Years
1 Year
More Information
Best Overall
Product Image
Model/Make
Costway
Size - ft/mtrs
15/4.5
Material
180g M2 Polyester
Construction
Aluminium/Powder Coated Steel
UV Protection
-
Waterproof
Air Vent
Crank Handle
Tilt
Pole Dimensions in/mm
2/53
Base Included
Warranty
N/A
More Information
Best Runner Up
Product Image
Model/Make
GlamHaus
Size - ft/mtrs
9/2.7
Material
180g M2 Polyester
Construction
Steel
UV Protection
40+
Waterproof
Air Vent
Crank Handle
Tilt
Pole Dimensions in/mm
1½/38
Base Included
Warranty
2 Years
More Information
Best Budget
Product Image
Model/Make
Grand Patio
Size - ft/mtrs
9/2.7
Material
180g M2 Polyester
Construction
Aluminum/Steel
UV Protection
50+
Waterproof
Air Vent
Crank Handle
Tilt
Pole Dimensions in/mm
1½/38
Base Included
Warranty
1 Year
More Information
Last update on 2024-05-05
Large Garden Umbrellas – A Buyers Guide
COSTWAY Double-Sided Large Garden Umbrella
The COSTWAY (15ft) 4.5m Double-Sided large garden patio umbrella is a versatile and practical outdoor shading solution.
This umbrella features a double-sided design, providing ample coverage and protection from the sun. With its included base and crank mechanism, it offers convenience and stability, making it an ideal choice for outdoor spaces such as patios, gardens, and poolside areas.
Constructed with high-quality materials, this umbrella is designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring durability and long-term use.
The double-sided canopy not only offers a wide shade area but also adds a stylish touch to any outdoor setting. Here are some of the key features that make this garden umbrella stand out from the rest.
This rectangular parasol measures 15ft (4.5m) and has a double-sided design that provides a larger shading area than many outdoor umbrellas on the market. Its size is perfect for accommodating large tables and chairs, making it ideal for alfresco dinners or parties. You can use it on your terrace, garden, balcony, deck, courtyard, or by the pool. With this umbrella, you can enjoy your outdoor activities without worrying about the harmful effects of the sun.
The COSTWAY umbrella has an aluminium hand-cranked mechanism on the umbrella pole that allows you to easily open and close this extra-large umbrella in seconds, simply by rotating it. This feature makes it easy to store the umbrella at home when not in use. Also, the aluminium alloy crank will not rust thus having a long life expectancy.
As a bonus this large umbrella comes with a stand that matches the size of the pole, so you don’t have to spend extra time and energy picking out a suitable base. The stand consists of a cross metal base and two sandbags that can be filled with sand to improve the stability of the two-sided umbrella. This feature ensures that the umbrella stays in place even in windy weather conditions.
The double-sided market parasol is made of 180g polyester fabric that is waterproof, breathable, fade-resistant, and has a long service life. Speaking about wind, the top of the umbrella is ‘ventilated’ to promote air circulation and keep the umbrella cool. This feature ensures that you can enjoy your outdoor activities without feeling hot and stuffy.
The COSTWAY umbrella is made of powder-coated steel to prevent rust and corrosion. The 12 sturdy umbrella ribs provide perfect support for the umbrella when it’s open, ensuring that the umbrella stays stable, even in windy conditions and lasts for many years.
There are a few possible issues with the COSTWAY that should be brought to potential buyers before any purchase. Some users have found the base of the umbrella quite large and it may not fit under some tables, protruding too far out the sides of the table.
In addition, while the umbrella is designed to be stable in windy weather, some customers have reported issues with strong gusts of wind causing the umbrella to tip over or even fly away.
I was also unable to determine any manufacturer’s extended warranty period over and above the standard UK consumer warranty which is usually 12 months.
Overall, the COSTWAY 4.5m Double-Sided garden umbrella is a great addition to any outdoor space. With its twin extra-large canopy, it provides ample shade and shelter from the sun. The base is sturdy and can hold up to 80kg of sand, although some users have reported using up to 100kg for added stability.
While some users have complained about the size of the base, it is a minor issue compared to the benefits of this parasol. The waterproof canopy is perfect for the British weather, and it can be set up quickly and easily.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Crank Handle
- Large Shaded Area
- 12 Rib Stability
- Powder Coated Frame
- 180gr Polyester
- UV Protection
- Water Repellant
- Various Colour
- Air Vents
- Bulky Base
- No Cover
- Manufacturers Warranty
GlamHaus Garden Solar LED Umbrella
Sit and dine later on your patio or in the garden, have drinks with friends late into the evening, or create a romantic atmosphere for a loved one. With this large LED garden umbrella from GlamHaus.
GlamHaus’s large patio umbrella, with air vent, has 24 LED lights spread across the 8 steel ribs (3 lights per rib).
These LED lights are attached to a small ‘solar panel’ that is fitted to the top of the parasol. The lights can be switched on/off via a button on the parasol.
The white LED lights last between 9-12 hours based on a full charge. They create a great ambience in the evening. No electricity or connection to the mains is required.
The parasol provides 2.7m x 2.7 m (9ft x 9ft) of shade cover with an umbrella height of 2.35m (7.7 ft) and the pole and ribs are made from a lightweight yet durable steel. The pole size is 1.5in (38 mm).
Currently, available in 5 colours, in high-grade 180g M2 100% polyester. Which provides the parasol with great +40 UV protection and waterproofing capabilities.
Easily assembled and with the crank handle and overwind protection, you can also easily adjust the tilt angle of the parasol with a simple touch of a button.
As is the trend these days, most free-standing overhanging parasols come without base weights to hold down the umbrella base. So in addition to buying the umbrella, a popular extra purchase is the standard umbrella base weight from Keplin, providing users with 20 kg of base weight, which is necessary to hold down an umbrella of this size.
As a bonus though, and one less thing to think about is the provision of a ‘protective’ cover for your umbrella as this is included in the price. This umbrella cover will protect your umbrella against harsher weather during times when the umbrella is not being used and stored outside.
Finally, for your peace of mind, GlamHaus will provide a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for their product which is great.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- 24 LED Solar Lights
- Crank Mechanism
- Inclination Control
- 8 Rib Stability
- UV Protection
- Water Repellant
- Umbrella Cover
- Manufacturers Warranty
- No Base Weight
Grand Patio Large Garden Umbrella
Are you in the market for a reliable and sturdy garden umbrella that can provide ample shade and protect you from the rain? Look no further than the Grand Patio Large Garden Umbrella.
This 9ft (2.7m) patio umbrella in 7 different styles features a large area of polyester fabric design that effectively blocks sunlight and rain.
The aluminium pole and 8 steel ribs are powder-coated to ensure durability and provide the umbrella with some wind resistance.
The water-resistant technology on the surface of the polyester fabric itself can also effectively prevent water penetration, while the wind ‘vent’ design improves the breathability of the umbrella.
This umbrella is made to last, thanks to its high-quality construction. The 1.5in (38mm) aluminium pole and steel ribs are powder coated, making them durable. You won’t have to worry about your umbrella collapsing or breaking in strong winds or harsh weather conditions.
The polyester of the Grand Patio in addition to providing the user with 50+ UV Protection, is designed to be water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about getting wet if it starts to rain. Additionally, the ‘wind’ vent design of the umbrella improves its breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable even on hot summer days.
One of the standout features of this sun umbrella is its ‘winding crank’ and ‘push-button’ tilt design. This allows you to easily adjust the angle and height of the umbrella, so you can get the perfect amount of shade no matter where you are. Plus, the umbrella is easy to set up and take down, making it a practical choice for any outdoor space.
Unfortunately, I was unable to determine any manufacturer’s extended warranty period over and above the standard UK consumer warranty which is usually 12 months.
Overall, the Grand Patio Garden Umbrella is a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sun umbrella. With its large coverage area, sturdy construction, water-resistant fabric, and convenient design, it’s sure to provide you with the shade and protection you need to enjoy your time outdoors.
Just a quick note, the umbrella base or a cover are not included in the purchase price, so you’ll need to purchase these separately. We recommend something touching 44lb (20kg) for a garden umbrella base for this size umbrella, like this elegant offer from Keplin.
The Okpow umbrella cover is suitable for this garden umbrella if you do not intend to store the umbrella away when not in use.
Overall, the Grand Patio Garden Parasol is a great option for those who want a durable, convenient, and practical outdoor umbrella. While it doesn’t come with a base, its large coverage area, sturdiness, and water-resistant design make it a great investment for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Crank Handle
- Large Shaded Area
- 8 Rib Stability
- Powder Coated Ribs
- 50+ UV Protection
- Water Repellant
- Breathable
- Top Vent
- Various Colours
- No Base
- No Cover
- Manufacturers Warranty
Blissun Patio Umbrella
Available in 3 colours and ’tiltable’ the Blissen patio umbrella is designed to provide sun protection for your outdoor spaces.
The umbrella is suitable for shading round, square, or rectangle tables with 4 to 6 chairs, making it ideal for residential and commercial use
When looking for a patio umbrella, it’s important to consider the key features that will make your outdoor experience comfortable and enjoyable. The Blissun patio umbrella has a few features that make it a great option for your patio or garden.
The ‘crank’-open’ system of the Blissun patio umbrella for instance makes it easy to open and close the umbrella.
The Blissun has all the features needed for a functional garden umbrella.
With just a few turns of the crank, you can have your patio shaded in no time. This feature is especially useful if you have guests over and need to quickly provide shade for your outdoor gathering.
The push button ’tilt’ feature of the Blissun patio umbrella allows you to adjust the angle of the umbrella to keep the sun at your back. This feature is particularly useful during the late afternoon when the sun is low on the horizon and shining directly into your eyes. With just the push of a button, you can tilt the umbrella to provide optimal shade.
The Blissun patio umbrella also has a useful ‘air vent’ at the top, to help regulate the temperature, allowing warm air to escape. The Blissun is constructed from a highly waterproof and UV-resistant 100% polyester fabric that can withstand the elements. The waterproof and UV-resistant fabric ensures that your patio umbrella will look great and provide optimal shade for years to come.
The Blissun also features a robust aluminium frame that is ‘powder coated’ with 8 substantial ribs that provide extra strength and resist wind better. This feature is especially important if you live in an area with strong winds or if you plan on using your patio umbrella on a windy day. The aluminium frame ensures that your patio umbrella will remain stable and provide optimal shade, even in windy conditions.
The overall size of the patio umbrella is a diameter of 2.7 meters (9ft) x Height of 2.34 m (7ft 7in) with a 40 mm (1.5in) pole, this provides users with an ample shaded area.
Unfortunately a ‘base’ is not supplied with this parasol, which is one drawback. Most users tend to go for something like the Keplin 20kg granite effect base, which we recommend as works well with this umbrella size.
For storage purposes, if you are leaving your umbrella outside when not in use, you can easily lower the parasol and cover it with a parasol cover to protect it against the elements.
The manufacturer does not provide any additional warranty so the UK consumer products warranty will apply to this patio umbrella.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Easy to Use
- Large Cover Area
- UV Protection
- Stable
- Tilt Function
- Vent
- Water Repellant
- Various Colours
- No Base Weights
- No Parasol Cover
- No Manufactures Warranty
Outsunny Garden Parasol
Another one of our picks is the Outsunny Garden Parasol. With all the different shapes and arrangements of outdoor furniture these days, this large rectangular model will cover almost all rectangular tables out there and provide the required shade for you.
The ‘canvas’ of this water-repellant parasol is made from 100% polyester and provides UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays over a larger area than most other overhanging parasols.
Strong and sturdy, with a powder-coated central steel pole (48 mm), both the canopy and central pole are connected with 12 ribs for added stability, strength, and durability. The easy crank-lift opening makes things smooth to open and close. Dual-purpose ‘wind vents’ promote extra durability while allowing cool air to flow under the parasol and up through the vents.
This parasol provides shade to a large area, due to a parasol length of 4.6 m (15ft) x width 2.7 m (8.8ft) x height 2.4 m (7.4ft) providing a huge 12.4 sq m or (133.5sq ft) of shaded cover.
A ‘base’ is not supplied with this very large overhanging parasol, which is one drawback. Buy a suitable base weight of 50 kg or more, this will be heavy enough to hold the size of the parasol.
To protect the parasol against the elements when it is folded down and not in use, a large cover would also be recommended. Purchasers of this parasol have found the Widesmile garden parasol large cover suitable.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Compact
- Large Cover Area
- Good UV Protection
- Easy Assembly
- Water Repellant
- Various Colours
- No Base Weights
- No Cover
- No Tilt
VonHaus Tilting Garden Parasol
Something that immediately caught our eye with this garden umbrella by VonHaus, was the 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is always a comfort to any purchaser should anything need attention with your purchased goods.
The supplied umbrella is in two parts for ease of storage, the top and lower segments are quickly screwed together. This provides a stylish ’tilting’ garden parasol with a height of 2.4 m (7.8ft) and 2.7 m (8.8ft) x 2.7 m (8.8ft) of shaded cover.
With a ‘6 rib’ frame’ of powder-coated steel, this classic ivory coloured, 100% polyester umbrella, provides a 50+ UV protection factor.
The ’tilt’ mechanism allows you to easily angle and adjust the canopy, which means you can angle the canopy to create the optimum amount of shade at any time of the day.
Combined with the ‘crank mechanism’ for easy opening and closing this is a well-designed garden umbrella. Also, an ‘air vent’ at the top, aids the through-flow of air and prevents wind from pulling up the parasol.
This garden umbrella is not shipped with a base. We recommend a sturdy base that will give ample support for such a large parasol, something like the 15 kg Kingfisher parasol base from Amazon is a black stone resin base that would complement this umbrella.
This umbrella is not shipped with a cover, either. To protect your parasol from the elements when not in use, a parasol cover is recommended. The Kingfisher parasol cover is usually a popular choice among purchasers of these parasols, the cover is both waterproof and breathable.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- 2 Year Warranty
- Crank Handle
- Tilting
- Top Vent
- 50+ UV Protection
- No Base
- No Cover
FAQs
What is a Large Garden Umbrella?
A large garden umbrella is a type of outdoor umbrella that provides shade and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays and inclement weather.
What is the Difference Between a Large Garden Umbrellas And a Cantilever Parasol
A large garden umbrella typically refers to a traditional umbrella with a central pole supporting the canopy, providing shade for outdoor spaces.
On the other hand, a cantilever parasol, also known as an offset umbrella, features an off-centre pole that allows for flexible positioning of the canopy, providing a unique shading solution for outdoor areas.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Large Garden Umbrellas?
When choosing a large garden umbrella, there are several factors to consider, including:
Size and shape: Consider the size and shape of the area you want to shade, as well as the size and shape of the umbrella itself, to ensure it fits properly.
Canopy material: Look for a high-quality canopy material that is durable and can withstand the elements.
Frame material: Consider the frame material, as it will affect the overall durability and stability of the umbrella.
What Size is Considered a Large Garden Umbrella?
A large garden umbrella is typically 9 feet (2.7 meters) or more in diameter. However, they can range in size from 7 feet (2.1 meters) to 13 feet (3.9 meters) or even larger. The best size for you will depend on the amount of shade you need and the size of your patio or garden.
Conclusion
As you can see from our post above, large garden umbrellas come in a few shapes and sizes, fixed through a patio table or freestanding. UV factors, cranking mechanisms, base weights and much more need to be considered before you take the plunge and purchase.
With our in-depth guides of some of the best large garden umbrellas in the UK market today, we hope that we have given you enough information to make that informed choice when you decide to purchase a garden umbrella.
We hope you have many years of enjoyment and relaxation under your new large garden umbrella.