In this article, we will explain what cantilever umbrellas are, why you need one, and the pros and cons of the six best cantilever umbrellas.
Spending time outdoors always sounds like a lovely idea, until you actually get outside and realize that mother nature is more powerful than you remembered. One of the main struggles people are faced with when they spend time outside is balancing their exposure to the sun. The weather can be very pleasant, but sitting in the sun can quickly become uncomfortably hot. Furthermore, getting a sunburn can put your skin at risk for premature aging, and even cancer.
Maybe you have a patio that you wish you could use more, but too much sun makes the experience less than desirable. If you currently spend a lot of time on your deck or patio, you might already have an umbrella for shade. Not all patio umbrellas are created equal, though. A newer version of the standard outdoor patio umbrella is the cantilever umbrella.
What Is a Cantilever Umbrella?
Basically, a cantilever umbrella has a canopy that can be tilted. The cantilever function, which may be operated with a lever, a crank, or a button, allows the canopy of these umbrellas to be angled, in order to provide you with targeted shade in a wider range. Cantilever umbrellas also provide extra protection to your other patio furniture from UV radiation, which can cause materials to quickly fade and wear more rapidly.
Many cantilever umbrellas typically hang over an area via an arm, which frees up the center of the shaded zone where the pole of a standard patio or market style umbrella would normally be. This feature opens up possibilities for arranging your patio. You can even set up a cantilever umbrella so that it hangs directly above your hot tub! Even market style cantilever umbrellas, which have a pole in the center, can be angled to provide excellent sun protection in places not possible before.
The best cantilever umbrellas listed in this article come in different sizes, styles, and prices to suit your personal needs.
#1 Purple Leaf 11 Foot Double Top Deluxe Patio Umbrella
The Purple Leaf Cantilever Patio Umbrella is versatile in both style and in function. It has six height and angle adjustments to choose from, and 360 degree rotation, to help you directly target shade where you need it the most.
The one hundred percent polyester canopy features a double-top design for ventilation, and is colorfast, waterproof, and fade-resistant. The canopy also boasts a large, 11 foot diameter, for maximum coverage on your deck or patio. The pole and umbrella bones are constructed from aluminum, which is coated with anti-oxidation spray paint to help keep rust at bay.
The canopy comes in nice variety of colors, which are beige, brick red, cream, navy blue, or lime green. The pole is uniquely finished to resemble wood, allowing you to match any other wooden patio furniture you have, or stylishly contrast the umbrella with other furniture and patio decor. The size, quality, and unique style of the Purple Leaf Patio Umbrella make this item stand apart from the other best cantilever umbrellas on the list.
- Unique wooden appearance
- Several color options
- Large canopy size
- Sturdy construction
- 6-angle cantilever function
- 360 rotation
- Preset cantilever angel options
- Poor assembly instructions
- Base weights not included
- Pricey
#2 Abba Patio 11 Foot Offset Cantilever Umbrella
The Abba Offset Cantilever Umbrella combines durability with affordability, for incredible value. Customers claim that this product is well-made and sturdy, at a bargain price.
The waterproof canopy is very large, and the fabric provides 98 percent UV protection. It is available in four neutral and fade-resistant colors, which can easily compliment your existing patio furniture.
The pole is aluminum and has a cross base. Steel ribs lend extra sturdiness to the canopy. Both the pole and the ribs are attractively powder-coated in bronze to protect the metals from corrosion.
Despite the lower price, this cantilever umbrella still has a five position vertical tilt function, so you can maximize your shade and minimize your spending.
- Affordable price
- Stylish
- Quality construction for the price
- 5-position vertical tilt function
- High UV protection
- Includes storage cover
- Preset cantilever angel options
- No 360 degree rotation at the base
- May require the purchase of weights for extra stability
#3 EliteShade Sunbrella 9 Foot Market Umbrella
This is a market umbrella, which means there is a pole directly supporting the canopy in the middle, rather than an arm that the canopy hangs from. The size of the EliteShade umbrella is also the smallest of the best cantilever umbrellas listed in this article. However, the canopy is made of Sunbrella Performance Fabric, which is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to help protect skin from sun damage. The canopy also comes in the widest array of color out of the best cantilever umbrellas, with nine bright options, and three neutral colors to choose from.
The Sunbrella fabric is solution-dyed acrylic, and is guaranteed not to fade for at least five years. The fabric can be cleaned with bleach, and is water, mold, and oil resistant. The entire umbrella frame is constructed from heavy duty aluminum, which is powder coated to prevent corrosion. The company claims that this patio umbrella is twenty percent stronger than most other patio umbrellas on the market.
This is the cheapest option on our list, however, it does not come with a base to stand the umbrella up in. The base must, therefore, be purchased separately, which adds to the overall cost if you do not already have an umbrella base that the 1.5 inch diameter pole will fit into. Still, the quality UV protection provided by the Sunbrella fabric, along with the ability to tilt the canopy with the push of the button, make the EliteShade Sunbrella Market Umbrella one of the best cantilever umbrellas available.
- Sunbrella Performance Fabric
- Excellent UV protection
- Twelve color options
- Sturdy construction
- Push button tilt feature
- Cheap price
- No base is included – must be purchased separately
- Market style means the umbrella’s pole will be in your way
- Smaller canopy size
#4 Le Papillon 10 Foot Cantilever Umbrella
The Le Papillon offset outdoor cantilever umbrella is known for it’s sturdiness, Thanks to it’s weather-resistant design, the umbrella can sustain stronger wind gusts than other market and offset cantilever umbrellas. At the top, the canopy also has a wind vent that provides extra stability by increasing air flow in order to reduce air pressure under the canopy.
This umbrella’s frame is made from strong steel, which is powder-coated in an attractive coffee color to help prevent rust. The canopy is large, and can be angled to block out the sun, and can then be rotated in 360 degrees, so you will not have to readjust the entire unit as the angle of the sun changes throughout the day. There are only a couple of color options for the canopy, although they are appealing colors.
There are some complaints from users, who say they have trouble with the crank mechanism, which opens the umbrella. Other customers have reported that the umbrella will suddenly close on its own, which can be frustrating. Despite these flaws, and lack of color options, the Le Papillon Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella is a very compelling and affordable choice, considering its’ stand-out stability in windy conditions at a lower price, compared to other options like it.
- Weather-resistant
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
- Large canopy size
- Versatile cantilever function
- 360 rotation
- Unreliable crank mechanism
- Canopy may close unexpectedly
- Not many options for color
- Weights not included
#5 Grand Patio Deluxe Napoli 11 Foot Aluminum Offset Cantilever Umbrella
The sleek, eye-catching design of the Grand Patio Deluxe Napoli Cantilever Umbrella is only one of the many features that make it one of the absolute best cantilever umbrellas. Unlike the other products on this list, the pole has a unique, curved style, in the shape of a banana. This design plays beautifully with the canopy, making the way it dangles from above look more natural and elegant.
The canopy is large, at 11 feet in diameter, providing ample shade for six to eight people seated at an outdoor dining table. There are only two color options to choose from, but the canopy is made out polyester that is UV protected and double-coated in polyurethane, for superb water resistance, fade resistance, and overall durability. It is also vented. The main pole and the umbrella ribs are made out of powder-coated aluminum.
A feature that really sets the Grand Patio Deluxe Napoli Offset Cantilever Umbrella apart is the base. Four out of the six best cantilever umbrellas on this list recommend the use of weights at the base. These weights are not included, and must be purchased separately. The base of this cantilever umbrella, however, does not require the use of extra weights to offer superior stability, thanks to it’s unique features.
The base is large and is to be filled with sand or water to help weigh down the umbrella in high winds. But that’s not all! There are also hidden safety legs that slide out from underneath the base. These legs can be easily adjusted to prevent wobbling on slightly uneven ground, providing the umbrella with even more support. Further, their are wheels on the bottom of the umbrella base, which make moving this large item around your pool or patio an easy feat.
Opening and closing the umbrella is accomplished with a simple crank. Adjusting the angle of the open canopy is done with the use of an innovative, position auto-lock feature, allowing you to position your shade at any angle you want, up to 90 degrees. The positioning mechanism and the crank are both easily accessible on the umbrella’s pole. No need to grab a chair in order to reach it!
The Grand Patio Deluxe Napoli Offset Cantilever Umbrella is a bit pricier, but it has excellent customer reviews, a plethora of desirable features, quality construction, and beautiful design. It can be worth paying a little extra, when you get so much more.
- Sleek, aesthetic design
- Base can be filled – no weights required
- Extra stability added by hidden adjustable safety legs
- Hidden wheels on base allow the unit to be move easily
- Sturdy construction with quality materials
- Canopy can be adjusted to any angle up to 90 degrees
- 360 rotation
- Expensive
#6 Christopher Knight Home Bayside Outdoor Deluxe Umbrella
Quality design is what you are paying for when you purchase the Christopher Knight Home Bayside Outdoor Deluxe Umbrella. Users often comment on the umbrella’s excellent construction and ease of use.
This model has a resin base that can be filled with sand or water, so you do not need to go through the trouble of purchasing extra weights. The tan polyester canopy is waterproof, 9.8 inches in diameter, and has PA coating for extra protection from wear. The frame is corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum.
There is definitely a lack of color options for this particular model, and the base may have to be emptied when you want to move the entire unit, because there are no wheels on the bottom. However, there is a unique pedal on the base for operating the 360 degree canopy rotation feature, so you do not even have to leave your seat to use it.
- Constructed from quality materials
- Excellent design
- Base can be filled with water or sand – no extra weights required
- Versatile cantilever function
- 360 rotation, uniquely activated with a pedal on the base
- Stylish
- Expensive
- Lower UV protection from canopy fabric
- No diversity in color options
- No wheels mean you may have to empty the base to move the entire unit
Cantilever Umbrellas Buying Guide
If you are in the market for one of the best cantilever umbrellas of your very own, there are a few things you need to consider in order to get the perfect umbrella for your unique needs, including space, sun, wind, size, weight, and style.
First, you must consider if you have enough space to accommodate a cantilever umbrella. If you already have some version of an outdoor patio umbrella, chances are you will have room for a cantilever umbrella of a similar size. If not, take measurements and visualize how the umbrella you are planning to buy will fit in your outdoor space.
It is always a good idea to check the height of the umbrella you want to purchase so it does not interfere with any low-hanging power lines or other fixtures on your property. Some cities might also have height restrictions, so save yourself a future headache and measure, measure, measure!
The main function of any outdoor umbrella is to provide shade from the sun. After considering the area that you are trying to shade, check out product description online to find out how large of a shadow the different products cast. The larger the diameter of the canopy, the larger the area of shade an umbrella will provide.
Whether the umbrella you choose has a canopy that has been treated, or not, you might want to invest in adding an extra coat of UV protection to it. The sun is incredibly powerful and will bleach the color out of fabric alarmingly fast. Spray-on products can be purchased for as little as $25.00, and will help your umbrella stay looking its’ best for longer.
Another element that is a major contender with even the best cantilever umbrellas is the wind. The more wind you get in your area of residence, the greater the investment you will want to put into your patio umbrella’s base.
Generally, the taller the umbrella, the greater the effect of the wind on its’ stability will be. Cantilever umbrellas constructed from heavier materials will give them a bit more staying power. Check out the product’s overall weight, without the base.
Larger canopy size also contributes to greater lift that the wind generates when the umbrella is open. Look for canopies with vents, which help circulate the air beneath the canopy, keeping you cooler, while simultaneously reducing lift.
Purchasing weights for the base of your cantilever umbrella is always a good idea. You might want to look for bases that can be filled with sand or water, instead. In this case, an option with wheels is handy, so you don’t have to empty out the base when you want to move the whole umbrella to a new location.
Last, but not least, you should consider the style of the cantilever umbrella you would like. Do you want an umbrella that supports the canopy with an arm, so the pole is out of your way? Maybe a market style cantilever umbrella, with the pole in the center, is what you are looking for, to update your old patio table umbrella with one that has a cantilever function.
With so many color options for canopies, different finishes, sizes, and a variety of styles, you should be able to find the perfect umbrella to fit your personal style and match with your existing patio furniture and decor. Just remember to look at the whole picture, so you get the best cantilever umbrella for you, that answers all your style and functional needs.
