Beyond Size & Wind Rating: 6 Other Criteria When Buying a Cantilever Umbrella in NZ

Cantilever umbrellas are a popular choice in New Zealand for those seeking versatile, stylish, and functional shade solutions. Canopy size and wind-rating are often the first considerations made, but there are other factors to help you evaluate if the umbrella will stand the test of time in New Zealand’s challenging climate. Here are 6 to consider:

 1. Canopy Fabric Quality

With New Zealand’s high UV levels, the fabric’s UV resistance needs to be outstanding. Fabrics like Sunbrella and Agora are excellent choices because of their superior UV protection and fade resistance. Look for materials that offer:

Fade resistance: High-quality fabrics should resist fading for at an absolute minimum 1500 hours of sun exposure. By comparison, Sunbrella is rated for 5,000 Hours of UV Exposure.

Water resistance: The best outdoor canopy fabrics are water resistant, not waterproof, but a good canopy should repel water effectively to prevent mould and mildew.

 2. Tilt Functionality

One of the main advantages of a cantilever umbrella is the flexibility to provide shade throughout the day. This flexibility is enhanced by the ability to tilt the canopy to different angles. When choosing a cantilever umbrella, examine the tilting mechanisms available:

Single-axis tilt: This allows the umbrella to tilt in one direction, typically backward (up/down tilt). It’s a simple mechanism and alone may not provide optimal shade at all times of the day.

Dual-axis tilt: This more advanced functionality allows the umbrella to tilt in two directions (left/right tilt, and up/down tilt), offering better shade coverage as the sun moves.

360-degree rotation: Some cantilever umbrellas can rotate the entire canopy, providing complete flexibility in shade orientation.

Take note of whether an umbrella offers single, 2-way tilt or 3-way tilt. More tilt options mean greater ease and versatility in shielding you from the sun.  

3. Post and Ribs 

The design and construction of the umbrella post and ribs (those long bits that support your umbrella canopy) will impact the durability, wind resistance, and functionality of the umbrella.

Post: Generally high-end cantilever umbrellas have a lightweight aluminium structure; for larger canopies, thicker posts provide greater strength. 

While powder coating is a great surface treatment for most outdoor furniture, anodised aluminium posts are superior to powdercoating for umbrella posts. This is because anodising creates a protective, thickened oxide layer which is much better at resisting the dynamic wear and tear of opening and closing the umbrella.

Ribs: As with umbrella posts, high-end umbrellas tend to have aluminium ribs. Additional features like spring-loaded rib ends can help maintain fabric integrity when flexing in the wind, as well as keep fabric taut over time. For added durability, some high-end umbrellas feature leather-stitched connections at the ends of ribs, which help to further protect the integrity of the canopy fabric over time.

4. Quality of Fixings

The devil is in the detail! The durability of an umbrella also depends on the quality of its fixings- these are the screws, bolts, and hinges that hold the umbrella together. Inferior fixings can lead to premature wear, rust, and eventual failure – especially in New Zealand’s coastal areas, where salt air can be corrosive. When assessing fixings, consider:

Material: Stainless steel fixings are ideal for corrosion resistance.

Design: Check for robust and well-engineered components that allow smooth operation and minimize wear over time.

 5. Moveable Base Options

A good base ensures that the umbrella remains stable even in windy conditions. When selecting a moveable base, consider the following:

Wheels: A base with locking wheels allows for easy movement and repositioning of the umbrella. This is ideal for larger outdoor spaces where the umbrella may be relocated frequently. Ensure the wheels are stainless steel so they don’t rust and seize!

Common material options for the base: Concrete, granite, and steel

Concrete bases are stable and are often more affordable. However, they can be bulky, brittle and less durable than other bases.

Granite bases are a stylish and durable option, providing a high level of stability while being more visually appealing than concrete. They are also more resistant to chipping and weathering and do not create dust.

Steel bases are a popular choice due to their strength, durability and sleek appearance. These bases should be powder-coated to resist rust. Steel bases provide excellent stability, ensuring the umbrella remains securely in place even in windy conditions. However, if not properly coated, they may be prone to corrosion over time. 

If the umbrella won’t need to be moved, a permanently fixed base plate to mount your umbrella is also an option! These can easily be fixed to concrete patios or wooden decks.

Conclusion 

There is a lot to consider when selecting the right cantilever umbrella for New Zealand’s unique climate. By taking into account canopy fabric quality, the quality of fixings, the material of the post and ribs, tilting variations,post and  rib design, and base option, you can ensure that your investment provides long-lasting shade and ensures your outdoor space will be ultra-livable!

Kerry is the co-owner of OutsideSpace NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality products and design at achievable prices.