What is a Cantilever Umbrella?
If you're looking to fully enjoy your outdoors this summer, shade and shelter from the sun are essential. While traditional patio umbrellas situated in the center of a table provide ample coverage directly underneath, their usefulness drops off sharply the further from the table you go. But for expansive decks, large patios, and wide pool areas, more overarching sun protection is a must. Enter the cantilever umbrella.
In the simplest terms, a cantilever umbrella is an offset patio umbrella — that is, its stand and accompanying pole are placed to one side of the area shaded rather than in the center. This design enables the canopy to extend much farther on one side, thus covering a larger area. With their broad canopies extending outward from a base supported on only one side, cantilever umbrellas cast dramatically more shade than standard designs.
Why might you choose a cantilever umbrella over a more common market-style umbrella? And what should you be on the lookout for while shopping? Hop in, let's find out!
FAQs: What Is a Cantilever Umbrella?
An umbrella with the pole to the side, not the center. A vertical pole in a side base connects to a horizontal arm that suspends the canopy. The offset design leaves open, unobstructed space under the shade—ideal for lounges, sectionals, and wide pool areas.
Broader coverage, no center pole, flexible shade. Cantilevers cast more shade, keep walkways clear, and usually tilt and rotate to track the sun. Styles range from compact to extra-large, with portable bases or permanent in-ground mounts to fit your space and needs.
Round, square, rectangular; small to 20' class. Round (8–13'), square (to 13'), and rectangular (up to ~13' long, 5–7' wide). Small 5–7' models suit tight spots; large/XL units reach up to 20' for expansive decks. Motorized and in-ground options exist, too.
Typically 30–35 mph; use a 200+ lb base. Many residential units are rated ~30–35 mph; lighter models may be 15–25 mph. Commercial-grade versions can reach ~110 mph. Aim for umbrella weights ~50–150 lb and a durable base with 200+ lb capacity, filled with sand or water.
Secure the base, assemble, then open and adjust. Portable: position base, add 200+ lb ballast, attach pole, slide canopy on, crank open, tilt/rotate as needed. In-ground: set bracket in concrete, ensure it’s plumb, then mount pole and canopy after curing for rock-solid placement.
Close when not in use; clean and inspect regularly. Strap closed in wind, wipe frames, hose canopies with mild soap, tighten hardware, touch up scratches, replace worn parts, and use covers for storage. With proper care, quality cantilevers often last 5+ years.
Expansive shade and flexibility vs. footprint and cost. Pros: big coverage, no center pole, adjustable shade, tailored sizes. Cons: need perimeter clearance, higher cost for large units, wind/storm risks if unsecured, and potential wobble compared to center-pole designs.
What Exactly Is a Cantilever Umbrella?
Cantilever umbrellas feature a "cantilever" arm, or an offset pole that supports a suspended canopy. Unlike traditional patio umbrellas designed to shade a table and little else, the cantilever form makes them perfect for shading lounge areas, seating areas, and other expansive outdoor living spaces. This is because traditional upright pole umbrellas support their canopy from the center, meaning the shade underneath is a bit obstructed; cantilever canopies offer you completely open, unobstructed shade underneath.
Constructed of aluminum or steel, cantilever frames boast one vertical pole anchored in a weighted base off to one side. The pole connects to a horizontal arm that extends out on one side and holds up the canopy. From the side, cantilever umbrellas are shaped like the letter “L” or “J.” Most cantilever outdoor umbrellas tilt and rotate to allow easy adjustment of shade coverage. In fact, many of the cantilever umbrellas you'll find in our catalog feature "auto-tilt" functionality, making it easier than ever to achieve the perfect angle for your shade.
If you'd like to compare cantilever umbrellas to traditional market umbrellas, check out our post "What is a Market Umbrella?"
Then, if you are ready to start shopping, be sure to take a look at our Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buyer's Guide for helpful tips.
Benefits of Cantilever Offset Design
Cantilever umbrellas excel at meeting the shading needs of large open outdoor living areas where traditional center pole options fall short. Here are some of the biggest advantages this offset umbrella design brings:
- More coverage area – With support/pole to the side, overhang extends much farther on one direction compared to regular umbrellas. This enables a single unit to shade multiple seating areas, an entire section of deck or patio, or the greater part of a pool.
- No center pole obstruction – The off-to-the-side design keeps clear span in front fully open for furniture groupings and traffic flow. No more navigating around a central pole.
- Flexibility – Cantilevers can tilt and rotate to change shade direction and control sunlight coverage. This allows customizable protection based on sun movement and furniture layouts.
- Styles to fit needs – From small to massive canopies, fancy to minimalist designs, and freestanding bases to permanent mountings, cantilevers come in styles tailored to exact requirements.
In short, for expansive shading needs in open areas, cantilever umbrellas deliver broad coverage, flexibility, excellent sight lines, and customized options.
Types of Cantilever Umbrellas
Today’s cantilever outdoor umbrellas come in a wide array of options to fit any space. Choices abound for sizes, canopy shapes, tilt mechanisms, bases, and more. Here are some of the most common varieties:
- Round cantilever – The most ubiquitous shape, round canopies extend shade in a radial pattern. Sizes typically range from 8-13 feet in diameter.
- Square cantilever – For sharper coverage boundaries, square designs project shade in at 90° angles instead of a circle. Edge lengths go up to 13 feet.
- Rectangular cantilever – Make the most of narrow areas and corners with elongated rectangular canopies reaching up to 13 feet long but only 5-7 feet wide.
- Small cantilever – Compact designs meant for bistro tables and other intimate settings have dainty 5-7 foot diameter canopies. These require less clearance and much smaller bases.
- Large/extra large – At the opposite end of the spectrum, plus-sized cantilevers boast up to 20-foot diameters and suit substantial outdoor areas. They necessitate heavy-duty hardware and lots of ballast.
- In-ground cantilever – For a permanent placement, some cantilevers come with hardware allowing the center pole to be buried in the ground rather than placed in a portable base.
- Motorized cantilever – High-end automated units allow opening, closing, rotation, and tilt at the push of a button. No cranking required.
Choose wisely based on setting size, location, and functionality needs. And don’t forget aesthetics—from muted earth tones to vivid brights, cantilever umbrella canopies come in a rainbow of hues!
How Much Weight Can a Cantilever Umbrella Withstand?
With large surface areas pitched at an angle, cantilever umbrellas catch a lot of wind. A quality offset umbrella needs enough brawn in its hardware and stability in its base to stand strong gusts without toppling over or suffering damage.
Most residential cantilever umbrellas are designed to tolerate wind speeds of at least 30-35 miles per hour. Some lighter weight units can only take 15-25 mph before turning inside out or flying off the base. Look at wind ratings before purchasing, and opt for the most heavy duty steel or aluminum components your budget allows.
For commercial umbrellas, sturdier cantilevers are available with wind tolerances up to 110 mph! These ultra-rugged units have seriously beefy brackets, thick poles, and tremendous base weight capacity. A wind rating over 60 mph is recommended for hotels, restaurants, and other locations with high wind exposure.
Outside of wind, the other weight considerations are umbrella and base. Aim for an umbrella weight in the 50-150 pound range for residential settings. For the supporting base, look for heavy, durable materials like concrete, steel, stone, or cast iron with a 200+ pound capacity. And don’t forget to fill it sufficiently with sandbags or water weight for optimal stability!
How Do You Set Up and Use a Cantilever Umbrella?
Cantilever umbrellas come in two main pieces—the vertical support pole/base combination and the umbrella canopy itself. Assembly depends on the variety:
Freestanding portable base:
- Set base in desired shaded location.
- Fill base with 200+ pounds of sand or water weight for stability.
- Attach vertical pole and ensure it is fully seated and secure in base.
- Slide umbrella canopy over pole and align any tilt/rotation joints.
- Use crank handle to raise umbrella to open position.
- Make tilt and rotation adjustments as needed.
For breakdown, reverse the steps above. Proper weighted base placement is key for optimal umbrella canopy coverage. Angle and rotate to fine tune as required.
In-ground supporter:
- Dig proper depth hole for supporter bracket size (usually 18-24”).
- Fill bottom of hole with gravel for drainage.
- Set supporter and mount in hole, ensuring it is plumb and properly positioned for umbrella canopy coverage.
- Fill hole with concrete around bracket and let fully cure.
- Attach umbrella pole and canopy once concrete is set. Use tilt/rotation adjustments to fine tune shade coverage.
In-ground supports provide rock-solid placements that don’t shift. But they lack flexibility in placement.
Maintenance Musts for Cantilever Umbrellas
Keep your cantilever umbrella in top shape and protected from the elements with proper care and maintenance. Here are some key things to remember:
- Close umbrella and secure properly when not in use to prevent wind damage. Use straps if included.
- Wipe steel or aluminum frame pieces down regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Hose canopy occasionally with clean water and mild soap if needed. Let air dry fully before closing umbrella.
- Check all moving parts and hardware connections every so often. Tighten bolts or lubricate where required.
- Touch up any scratches on metal frame pieces with enamel paint to prevent rust and maintain attractive appearance.
- Replace worn parts like crank handles, tilt controls, or sliding canopy connectors when broken or extremely weathered.
- Consider purchasing a full umbrella cover for maximum winter weather and storage protection.
With the proper care and maintenance, a quality cantilever umbrella should last 5 years or more!
Cantilever Umbrella Pros and Cons
Like any product, cantilever umbrellas come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s an overview of their high and low points:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides expansive shade coverage | Requires substantial clearance around perimeter |
| No central support pier obstructing space | Not all types are portable if in-ground mounted |
| Adjustable coverage angle and direction | Larger units can be expensive |
| Unitized systems for easy setup and breakdown | Wind and storm damage risks if not properly secured |
| Tailored designs and sizes for any application | Can experience greater wobble versus single-point designs |
| 5+ year lifespan with proper maintenance | Lack ability to lower canopy to table height |
For certain settings like oversized decks and wide patios, the pros of a cantilever configuration vastly outweigh the cons. But be mindful of the limitations and factor in your particular space.
Top Cantilever Umbrella Brands
Established manufacturers known for quality craftsmanship and durable components are your best bet for a long-lasting cantilever umbrella. Here are some of the most popular brands for residential settings:
Treasure Garden – This specialty patio umbrella company offers an array of cantilever units in round, rectangular, and scalloped designs. Sizes from 7’ to 13’ diameters suit any space.
Galtech - Their cantilever umbrellas eliminate the central post for unencumbered shade coverage, allowing flexibility in furniture placement underneath the canopy. Galtech uses durable aluminum and fade-resistant, UPF 50+ rated fabrics to create sturdy and long-lasting cantilever umbrellas ideal for both residential and commercial settings.
Jardinico - umbrellas are known for their durable and fade-resistant fabric that provides UV protection and lasts for years. Jardinico sets itself apart through patented wind-venting technology that allows its umbrellas to withstand gusts up to 36 mph without turning inside-out.
Shademaker - cantilever umbrellas let you easily create shade wherever you need it. With their sturdy design and ability to tilt and rotate, our umbrellas provide customizable coverage for your outdoor spaces.
Tuuci - designs and crafts durable, high-quality umbrellas using innovative materials and technology. Our umbrellas are engineered to withstand all weather conditions and provide long-lasting shade and protection for your outdoor living areas.
Frankford - umbrellas are built to last with powder-coated aluminum frames that are rust and corrosion-resistant. The patented easy-lift crank system allows you to open and tilt the umbrella smoothly with minimal effort.
Get the Spacious Shade You Need with a Cantilever Umbrella
Cantilever umbrellas are the ideal solution when you require wide sun coverage over an expansive outdoor area. They maximize shade footprint, eliminate any central support pole obstructions, and allow flexible adjustment of protection based on the sun’s movement. Thanks to rugged stabilized bases or sturdy in-ground mounting options, cantilevers stand up to wind and weather. With the right selection, sizing, and placement for your deck, patio, or pool, a cantilever umbrella provides just the shade you need.
At Patio Productions, we offer a wide selection of cantilever umbrella models to meet any outdoor shading need. As experts in patio furniture and design, we're here to help answer any questions and make recommendations for the perfect cantilever umbrella solution for your particular space. After reading this guide, we hope you're now equipped with the knowledge to choose the ideal cantilever umbrella. Our team would be delighted to assist you with bringing cool, spacious shade to your patio, pool deck, or any outdoor area you wish to enjoy under the sun. Contact us today to get started on finding the perfect cantilever umbrella for your home from our selection of durable, stylish designs built to last years of use.
