We may not have the same kind of summers as Barbados, however, UV rays can be very harmful wherever you are in the world! Whether you’re looking to elevate safety, improve comfort and make your garden more enjoyable for guests, having parasols and umbrellas makes perfect sense!

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons parasols and umbrellas might be a good investment for your garden:

1) Sun Protection: Parasols and umbrellas provide shade from the sun, which can be very helpful in keeping you cool on a hot day. They also help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer.

2) Comfort: Not only do parasols and umbrellas provide shade on hot days, but they can also help keep you warm on colder days. This is especially true for umbrellas, as they can help shield you from wind and rain.

3) Entertainment: Parasols and umbrellas can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garden, making it the perfect spot to entertain guests. They can also be used as a focal point in your garden design.

4) Protection: Parasols will help protect you and your furniture from rain and wind, which can help to keep them in good condition for longer.

5) Versatility: They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, so you can find one that will perfectly match your garden’s décor.

6) Affordability: They generally affordable, making them a cost-effective way to improve your garden.

Is a parasol the same as an umbrella?

No. A parasol is traditionally much larger than an umbrella, and it can be used in the garden to provide cover from the sun or rain.

How do I choose a parasol?

There are some things to consider when you’re choosing a parasol. For example, what type of parasol is right for your garden? Will it be used mainly in the day or evening? What kind of weather will you need it for? Do you want it to be portable so that you can take it with you when you move house or on holiday?

What kinds of parasols are available?

You have many options to choose from! If you love the idea of relaxing in an elegant garden setting, try an open-fronted Victorian-style design. If more of the space in your garden is covered by trees, shrubs or buildings, then a full-sized canopy will work. It all depends on your home’s style, architecture and of course your personal tastes.

How much garden space do you have?

For a larger garden, a large French-style parasol can be the perfect way to create shade and outdoor comfort. If your garden is small or more formal in style, try an umbrella supported with a stand. Whichever design you choose, think about the position of the sun at different times of day when planning where in your yard it should go and check that it will not cast shadows on paths or doorways.

What weight base do you need?

A stand with ballast in the base will be more stable than one without, which just rests on the ground. However, if you have a smaller parasol or umbrella with no stand then you probably don’t need ballast in the base.

How do you get it to stay upright?

Legs are usually used for parasols and umbrellas bought separately, but stands are often supplied with some form of sandbag weight for stability outside. An umbrella fitted onto an external holder is very convenient since it can be pushed out of the way when not needed. You also won’t risk flattening someone’s flowerbed when you put it down!

What colour should your parasol or umbrella be?

This of course depends on your garden décor, but if you want to have some fun with it then why not let the sunshine in? Brightly coloured parasols and umbrellas are becoming increasingly popular these days so you can really be creative.

What do I need to look for when buying a parasol or umbrella?

A lot of thought needs to go into this one since your outdoor living space is often where you like spending time most. You will need something that protects you from the hot summer sun but also provides shade. You should also spare a thought for the wind; if you get a strong gust then your parasol or umbrella might just fly away!

How do I look after my parasol or umbrella?

Both require a fair bit of maintenance if you want them to last. Parasols need to be dried out properly after use and should be stored in a dry place. Umbrellas, on the other hand, should be given a good clean at least once a year with a hosepipe or brush. We hope this article was helpful and if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to send us a message as we’d love to help.

We’ve all been through uncertain times over the past year, with so many events, holidays and social gatherings cancelled, with many of us working from home and experiencing life in lockdown.

It’s been turbulent, to say the least, but it’s allowed us all to focus on the things that matter — family! How often do you spend time with your family these days? We need to get back to summer barbecues and evenings under the stars, but to do so you need a decking. With a high-quality deck, you can have a place that’s ideal for entertaining!

But with so many decking board choices out there, how can you be sure the one you choose will help your family the most?

Know your function

It all depends on what kind of party or get-togethers you plan to host, but generally speaking if it’s a lot of foot traffic then go for a hardwood option. If you’re looking at something classy and more nature-inspired, maybe try wood-look composites — all are great options!

Spare a thought for your unique style

Will you be hosting friends and family on a daily basis? Then go for something brighter. If you’re looking at it more for special occasions, pick an exotic wood to really impress your guests.

Build your deck to last

It’s not just about the initial outlay, it’s also about how long you want something if you plan on using it every day. Hardwood will be strong but can warp or fade with heat and moisture over time. Wood-look composite is great for outdoors, but not quite as resilient against tough conditions. For best results (and maybe even a few free drinks) go for something that lasts like aluminium!

Know your options

When it comes to decking you have a few different options available. The cheapest and least durable is timber, which is what you generally see in homes. It can be very beautiful but needs to be stained or treated regularly and takes a long time to recover from damage. Timber-look composite wood replacements will look great and take less upkeep than genuine timber but may need replacing in years time when the material starts to warp. Of course, you could always go for something that really lasts like steel or aluminium – just budget accordingly!

Materials and positioning

The final aspect you need to consider is how visible your decking will be from the inside? Will it just sit below window level or will passers-by be able to see it? If they can see it then you might want something a bit less tacky than untreated timber which is extremely prone to rotting. There are various options to reduce this impact – including using a non-wood alternative for the decking itself or applying special treatments to the timber while it is being grown. Otherwise, you could try changing your internal decor!