Almost every parasol product page says something about sturdiness. But what does "sturdy aluminium frame" actually mean, and how do you compare a parasol with fibreglass ribs to one with a 95x65 mm pole? If you know what to look for, you can pull the important information out in a few minutes.
This article covers the features that make a parasol better able to withstand wind: frame and pole, ribs, fibreglass, wind vent, canopy, mechanism, base and a manufacturer's wind rating. For each feature you'll see why it helps, how it appears in the specifications and which parasols in our range show it as an example. There's also a checklist to help you read product information quickly. Looking mainly for advice on which parasol suits your spot? Then read which parasol handles wind best?
In short: you can recognise a wind-resistant parasol by a combination of features: a thick pole, ribs that either flex or are stiff, a wind vent or open canopy, a taut canopy and a heavy base or anchor following the manufacturer's advice. The strongest signal is a manufacturer's wind rating, such as "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4". A model name is not a wind rating. Use the checklist to read any product page in a few minutes.
Why wind puts so much strain on a parasol
An open parasol works like a sail. The wind pushes against the canopy and also blows underneath it, so the canopy wants to lift. That force travels through the ribs to the pole and from the pole to the base. The higher and larger the canopy, the longer the lever and the harder the base has to work to hold it down. With a cantilever parasol, the canopy also hangs to one side of the pole, so the base has even more to do.
Every part of that chain counts. A sturdy pole on a light base will blow over. A heavy base under a loose canopy with stiff ribs can turn the canopy inside out. That's why, when looking for a wind-resistant parasol, you should consider the whole system rather than one single feature.
The features at a glance
This table shows what to look for in each component and where you'll find it in the product information. Below the table you'll find more detail on each feature, with examples from our range.
| Component | What to look for | How it appears in the specs |
|---|---|---|
| Pole | Thickness and material | "Pole cross-section", "pole Ø" |
| Ribs | Material and number | "Rib material", "Number of ribs" |
| Fibreglass | Flexes and springs back | "Fibreglass" or "glass fibre" |
| Wind vent | Opening at the top of the canopy | In the description or "Wind vent: Yes" |
| Canopy | Fabric, weight, tension | "Canopy material", canopy tensioners |
| Mechanism | Sturdiness, tilt position | "Tiltable", scissor system |
| Base | Weight and matching holder | Manufacturer's advice |
| Wind rating | Stated by the manufacturer | "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4" |
Frame and pole
The pole carries all the force of the canopy down to the base. A thicker pole bends and wobbles less. The parasols in this overview have an aluminium frame, which doesn't rust and stays light enough to move the parasol around. You'll find the thickness listed as "Pole cross-section" or as a diameter in the description, and the differences are considerable:
- 38 mm: the Aloha stick parasol Ø200, a compact parasol for a small spot.
- 48 mm: the Athene Ø300 and the Platinum Riva Ø350.
- 80x53 mm: the Hawaii Deluxe 300x300.
- 95x65 mm: the Hawaii Big Pole II 350x350, the thickest pole in this article.
A rectangular profile such as 95x65 mm is mainly found on large cantilever parasols, because the pole has to support a large canopy off to one side. Always compare the pole thickness with the size of the canopy. A thin pole is fine under a small canopy, but under a large one it calls for extra care.
Ribs: aluminium or fibreglass
The ribs, also known as struts, keep the canopy taut. When a gust hits, they take the first impact. There are two materials you'll come across in our range:
- Aluminium: stiff and light. Most cantilever parasols, such as the Hawaii series, have eight aluminium ribs.
- Fibreglass (glass fibre): flexible. A fibreglass rib bends with a gust and then springs back. Garden Impressions describes the fibreglass ribs of the Athene as "very flexible", and the seven fibreglass ribs of the Aloha as "lightly wind resistant".
The number of ribs is listed as "Number of ribs" in the specifications for many parasols. More ribs spread the tension over more points. Madison says of the Malta 300x400 that its eight strong ribs ensure the tension is spread evenly across the canopy.
Fibreglass or aluminium is neither right nor wrong. Fibreglass bends with the wind, aluminium holds its ground. So also look at the pole, the canopy and the base, and above all at what the manufacturer itself says about wind.
Wind vent
A wind vent is an opening at the top of the canopy, often with an overlapping strip of fabric above it. Air blowing under the canopy can then escape at the top. According to Garden Impressions, this keeps the parasol more stable. You'll find it mentioned in several ways in the product information:
- In the description: the Hawaii Deluxe is "fitted with a wind vent at the top, so air can escape from under the canopy". The canopy of the Athene taupe also has a wind vent.
- Under a different name: Madison calls it "wind vent openings at the top" on the Monaco Flex III, for better air circulation and extra stability in wind.
- As a specification: the Madison Malta 300x400 lists "Wind vent: Yes".
On product photos, a wind vent looks like a small second roof on top of the canopy. If the text doesn't mention it and you can't see it in the photo, don't assume it's there.
Canopy and canopy tension
The canopy catches the wind. Three things play a part: the fabric, its weight and how taut it is.
- Weight: in our range, canopy weight runs from 180 gr/m² polyester (Athene, Hawaii S) up to 250 gr/m² (Hawaii Deluxe and Big Pole II). A higher weight tells you about the sturdiness of the fabric, not the wind rating of the parasol.
- Fabric: polyester with PA coating, solution-dyed polyester (Hawaii Deluxe) or Spuncrylic (240 grams on the Platinum Beaufort premium). An exception is the open HDPE shade fabric of the Nesling Coolfit, which according to the manufacturer lets wind and water through.
- Tension: a taut canopy flaps less than a loose one. The Beaufort premium and the Riva have canopy tensioners, while the Monaco Flex III has eight ribs which, according to Madison, keep the canopy taut.
Has your canopy started to sag after a few seasons, or does it have a tear? Then read replacing a parasol canopy.
Mechanism and tilting
The mechanism determines how the canopy is attached to the pole. Platinum describes the Beaufort premium as "extra sturdy thanks to its scissor system" and as a "wind stable cantilever parasol". Other parasols are mostly described in terms of ease of use, such as a gas spring, a rotating mechanism or a foot pedal.
Also check the tilt function. The specifications say "Tiltable: Yes" or "No", sometimes with a tilt direction. A tilted canopy catches the wind on one side, so with a tiltable parasol you should straighten it up first in gusty conditions before closing it. The Hawaii S, Corfu and Athene are not tiltable. That's less flexible when the sun moves, but there's also no tilt position to think about.
Base or anchor
The base is the part where most parasols go wrong. Two things need to be right: the weight and the holder.
- Weight according to the manufacturer: Garden Impressions recommends a base of at least 40 kg for the Aloha. Platinum recommends a 120 kg base for the Beaufort premium, such as the Modena 120 kg with swivel wheels and brakes.
- Matching holder: the Eureka (40 kg) and Cosmo (30 kg) have a stainless steel holder for stick parasols with a tube diameter up to 55 mm. The 38 mm pole of the Aloha fits in it, and the Eureka also meets the recommended weight.
- Cross-shaped base: the Athene taupe comes as standard with a cross-shaped base which, according to Garden Impressions, must still be weighted down or sunk into the ground. Without added weight, a cross-shaped base is not a wind-resistant base.
- Ground anchor: on a lawn, an anchor is often the sturdiest solution. According to Garden Impressions, the Hawaii ground anchor fits the Hawaii S, Deluxe, Original and Lumen.
To learn how heavy your base needs to be for each size and type, read which parasol base do you need? Or browse all parasol bases and in-ground parasol bases.
Manufacturer's wind rating
The clearest signal is a wind rating that the manufacturer itself states. Several Garden Impressions parasols list "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4" in their specifications, including the Hawaii Big Pole II, Hawaii S, Corfu and Athene sand. The same product information also says: always close the parasol in strong winds.
Be aware of the difference with a model name. The Platinum Beaufort premium has no wind rating in its specifications: Beaufort is simply the name of the model. To find out what Beaufort 4 means in practice and when to close your parasol, read which parasol handles wind best?
Tip: check the version you're ordering
The information sometimes differs between colours or versions of the same model. With the Athene, the wind rating is listed for the sand version, while the taupe version mentions a wind vent and a supplied cross-shaped base. So always read the specifications for the exact parasol you're putting in your basket.
How to read product information
Follow these five steps to pull the wind-related features out of any product page.
Scan the specifications for "Wind resistant" or "Beaufort". If it appears as a separate specification, the manufacturer is giving a wind rating. If Beaufort only appears in the name, it's a model name.
Look for "Pole cross-section" or a diameter in the description. Compare it with the size of the canopy: a large canopy on a thin pole calls for more care.
Look at "Rib material" and "Number of ribs". Fibreglass flexes, aluminium is stiffer. Eight ribs is typical for cantilever parasols in our range.
Look in the description for a wind vent, wind vent openings, canopy tensioners and the canopy weight. Also check the photo to see whether there's a second small roof on top of the canopy.
Note the recommended weight and check whether your base holder matches the pole thickness. For a cantilever parasol, also check whether there's a ground anchor or in-ground base available.
Checklist: spotting a wind-resistant parasol
- The manufacturer states a wind rating, or I know it isn't listed
- I know the pole cross-section and it suits the size of the canopy
- I know whether the ribs are aluminium or fibreglass
- The canopy has a wind vent, wind vent openings or an open structure
- The canopy is taut, for example thanks to canopy tensioners
- I've read the manufacturer's base advice
- The holder on my base fits the pole
- I've read the specifications for the exact version I'm ordering
Examples from our range
Four parasols, each showing a different feature well. You can see current prices on the cards.
Fibreglass on a stick parasol: Aloha Ø200
The Aloha is a compact stick parasol with a 38 mm aluminium frame in light teak look and seven flexible fibreglass ribs. The round 200 cm canopy is made of 200 gr/m² polyester. Garden Impressions recommends a parasol base of at least 40 kg.
Aloha stick parasol Ø200 cm
Tip: the Eureka granite base, 40 kg, fits a pole up to 55 mm and is movable.
Fibreglass and wind vent: Athene Ø300 taupe
The Athene is a round 300 cm cantilever parasol with fibreglass ribs, a 48 mm powder-coated aluminium pole and a 180 gr/m² polyester canopy with a wind vent. It comes with a cross-shaped base which you still need to weight down or sink into the ground.
Athene parasol Ø300 cm taupe
Note: the Beaufort 4 wind rating is listed in the catalogue for the sand version, not for this taupe one.
Wind vent and sturdy pole: Hawaii Deluxe 300x300
The Hawaii Deluxe has an 80x53 mm aluminium pole, eight aluminium ribs and a 250 g/m² solution-dyed polyester canopy with PA coating. There's a wind vent at the top, so air can escape from under the canopy. It rotates 360 degrees and tilts sideways and backwards.
Hawaii Deluxe cantilever parasol 300x300 cm
Tip: on a lawn, secure it with the Hawaii ground anchor, without concrete.
Thickest pole and wind rating: Hawaii Big Pole II
The Big Pole II has the thickest pole in this article, 95x65 mm, with eight aluminium ribs under a 350x350 cm canopy of 250 gr/m² PA-coated polyester. Garden Impressions rates it as wind resistant up to Beaufort 4.
Hawaii Big Pole II cantilever parasol 350x350 cm
Note: a 350x350 cm canopy needs a heavy base or the separate ground anchor for Big Pole parasols.
Also worth a look:
Beaufort premium: scissor system
View parasol →
Coolfit: open HDPE canopy
View parasol →
Monaco Flex III: wind vent openings
View parasol →Which feature are you looking for?
- Flexible ribs: Aloha or Athene with fibreglass
- Wind vent: Hawaii Deluxe or Monaco Flex III
- Manufacturer's wind rating: Big Pole II, Hawaii S or Corfu
- Taut canopy and sturdy mechanism: Beaufort premium
- Wind and water through the canopy: Nesling Coolfit
You'll find more models in our cantilever parasols, stick parasols and parasols with base ranges. Do you also need to choose garden furniture alongside your parasol? Then try our selection guide.
Common mistakes
Only looking at canopy weight
A heavier canopy is sturdier, but it says nothing about the wind rating. A heavy canopy on a thin pole with a light base is not a wind-resistant parasol.
Reading a model name as a wind rating
"Beaufort" in a product name is not a wind force. A wind rating appears as a separate specification, such as "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4".
Seeing a wind vent as storm protection
A wind vent lets air escape and keeps the parasol more stable, but it doesn't make it storm-proof. Even with a wind vent, close the parasol when the wind picks up.
Not checking the pole against the base
A base with a holder up to 55 mm won't fit every pole, and a cantilever parasol doesn't belong in a base meant for stick parasols. Check the tube diameter and type before you order.
Using a cross-shaped base without weighting it
A supplied cross-shaped base is a starting point, not a complete base. Weight it with paving slabs or sink it into the ground, as Garden Impressions advises for the Athene.
To learn more about protecting your parasol from weather and wind, read how do I protect my parasol? A parasol cover keeps a closed canopy together.
Frequently asked questions
What features does a wind-resistant parasol have?
A wind-resistant parasol combines a sturdy mast, ribs that can take a knock (for example flexible fibreglass), a wind vent or open weave that lets air escape, a taut canopy and a heavy base or anchor. The strongest signal is a wind rating from the brand itself, such as "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4" on a number of Garden Impressions parasols.
Are fibreglass ribs better in wind than aluminium ribs?
Fibreglass is flexible: the ribs bend with a gust of wind and then spring back. Garden Impressions describes the fibreglass ribs of the Athene as very flexible, and the fibreglass ribs of the Aloha as slightly wind resistant. Aluminium ribs are stiffer. Sturdy parasols with aluminium ribs, such as the Hawaii Big Pole II, are also rated by the brand as wind resistant up to Beaufort 4. Material alone therefore does not determine wind resistance.
What does a wind vent do on a parasol?
A wind vent is an opening or overlapping strip at the top of the canopy. According to Garden Impressions, air can escape from under the canopy through it, so the parasol stays more stable. You will find a wind vent on the Hawaii Deluxe and the Athene taupe, among others. Madison refers to wind vent openings on the Monaco Flex III. A wind vent does not make a parasol storm-proof.
How can you tell from the product information whether a parasol can withstand wind?
Look in the specifications for a wind rating, the diameter of the pole, the material and number of ribs, the canopy weight, and a wind vent in the description. Then read the advice on the base: Garden Impressions advises a base of at least 40 kg for the Aloha, for example, and Platinum advises a 120 kg base for the Beaufort premium.
Does the name Beaufort mean a parasol can withstand a storm?
No. With the Platinum Beaufort premium, Beaufort is a model name. Platinum describes it as a wind-stable cantilever parasol, made extra sturdy by a scissor mechanism, but does not state a wind force. You recognise a wind rating by a separate specification, such as "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4".
Is heavier parasol fabric better in wind?
A higher canopy weight says something about the sturdiness of the fabric, not about the wind rating of the parasol. A taut canopy flaps less, and an open weave such as the HDPE of the Nesling Coolfit lets wind and water through, according to the manufacturer. So look at the whole package: canopy, ribs, mast and base.
