Parasol size determines how many guests get cover and what furniture arrangement works underneath. A 2m parasol suits a bistro table for two; a 3m parasol covers a dining table for six. Cantilever and pole designs serve different needs. This guide covers the key choices, base weights and how many parasols to order per guest count.
Parasol size determines how many guests get cover and what furniture arrangement works underneath. A 2m parasol suits a bistro table for two; a 3m parasol covers a dining table for six. Cantilever and pole designs serve different needs. This guide covers the key choices, base weights and how many parasols to order per guest count.
A 2m parasol covers a 60cm bistro table with two chairs. The canopy provides protection for two to three people seated immediately around the table. This size suits café-style setups, refreshment stations and small seating groups. For a street food stall serving two people at a time, a 2m parasol is mobile and practical.
2m parasols need a base weight of at least 15kg on a hard surface. On grass with adequate peg depth, a lighter base holds. Check peg depth on the day: dry summer ground can harden to the point where pegs do not reach full depth.
A 3m parasol covers a 6-person dining table with 70 to 75cm of clearance around the edge. Seats on the perimeter of the table get protection from the canopy. This is the right size for dining tables at garden parties or outdoor events where guests eat at round or rectangular tables over a full service.
Base weights for 3m parasols on a hard surface: 20 to 25kg at minimum. On exposed sites without a windbreak, increase the base weight to 30kg or use ground stake anchorage alongside the base. The larger the canopy, the more wind load it generates.
Cantilever parasols mount the mast to one side and project the canopy over the seating area from a lateral arm. This leaves the table surface and the space above the seating group completely clear. No central pole occupies the middle of the table or the sightlines between guests.
Cantilever parasols suit dining setups, rattan lounge areas and any arrangement where a central pole would obstruct the layout. They require a heavier base: 30 to 40kg depending on canopy size. Position the base outside the main seating footprint so guests do not catch their feet on it.
Pole parasols have a central mast that either passes through the table via a centre-hole or stands in a separate base beside the table. They are stable and straightforward. For round tables with a centre pole hole, this works cleanly. For rectangular tables or rattan sofa groups, the pole position is awkward and a cantilever is the better choice.
All Expo Hire parasols carry UPF 50+ protection, blocking over 98 percent of UV radiation. The canopy fabric meets this standard when undamaged and clean. Faded or worn canopies lose rating; Expo Hire replaces canopies before they fall below this threshold, so every hire unit leaves the depot at the full rating.
Outdoor dining: one 3m parasol per six to eight guests. For a garden party of 48 guests eating at 8-person tables outdoors, six parasols covers every table. For a standing drinks reception with no formal seating, reduce the count: one parasol per ten to twelve guests provides shade for those who want it.
Beach events and open coastal sites: use cantilever parasols with heavy bases or ground anchors to handle wind load. Corporate rooftop events: cantilever parasols suit formal settings and can be positioned off the dining footprint to keep the table area clean.
Browse the full parasol hire range for sizes and styles, or see the complete outdoor furniture hire range for all garden and event options.
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