Ian has worked for Hayes since leaving school, spending the majority of this time in the outdoor furniture department and like Keith has an in-depth knowledge of Hayes customers. He also has the same ethos at heart when buying garden furniture; will it be an acceptable price and quality? He also takes into account the changing fashions and environmental considerations, such as using recycled materials, being recyclable at the end of its life and is the timber sourced from forests which have a re-planting policy. Another benefit to having a parasol is the protection from that British rain that really does just downpour out of nowhere! Just pop your parasol in your garden tableor beside it – wherever works best with the space in your garden. You can carry on with your work or other activity such as drawing for as long as you want with your parasol sheltering you from the elements. Polyester is commonly used for the canopy fabric, being durable and water-resistant. Look for a parasol with a high-quality and UV-protected polyester canopy to ensure longevity and protection from the sun.

The canopy itself is water-resistant but offers a little less sun protection than the first choice on our list with a UV30+ rating. You also don't get the LED lights with this option, although with a significant cost saving we'd be happy to sacrifice the built-in option and consider some different outdoor lighting ideas instead. An air vent at the top of the canopy allows air to circulate more freely beneath it to keep you cool in humid weather. Plus, it helps to decrease the amount of uplift in breezy weather.

It's perfectly possible to clean your garden parasol to keep it looking its best. You can start by gently using a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to clean away dust and small debris. Then, wash the fabric using a diluted mix of laundry detergent, leave it to soak for 20 minutes, then rinse it before allowing it to dry. Ventilation: If possible, choose a canopy with ventilation so as to help air move around on hot days, and to allow air to flow freely when it’s windy. The UV protection offered by parasols can vary from non at all to 98% offered by the very best Swiss parasols from Glatz . If you have children then we recommend the highest UV protection. If there is a wind, we recommend that you take down the parasol and either use a dedicated cover or take it down completely. A parasol base is not included, so you’ll need to buy one separately to keep the parasol weighted. The steel pole has a 38mm diameter and is compatible with most parasol bases.

If you want your garden parasol to work a little harder than the average patio umbrella, then this option is equipped to deliver with 32 LED lights dotted along its spokes. Powered by a compact solar panel that screws into the top of the parasol pole, the gentle illumination is perfect for adding some magic to a balmy summer evening with a generous 6-8 hours worth of illumination on offer.canopy is made from durable 180g polyester and is rated UV30+ to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s also water-resistant to keep you dry during lighter showers.