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Oct 14, 2024

Best Cantilever Umbrellas 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Unlike traditional patio umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas are designed to provide more usable shade. As their alternate name (offset umbrellas) implies, these umbrellas’ poles are placed off to the

Unlike traditional patio umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas are designed to provide more usable shade. As their alternate name (offset umbrellas) implies, these umbrellas’ poles are placed off to the side so it doesn’t obstruct your shaded lounging. Bonus: The design, combined with tilt and swivel settings, allows you to be more flexible with your patio furniture. We believe the Purple Leaf Patio Umbrella is the best cantilever umbrella overall, thanks to its stellar performance and relative affordability. Meanwhile, the Frontgate Altura is our favorite extra-large option; its quality and heft garnered high scores in our tests—and a base is included, too.

The best cantilever umbrella overall is Purple Leaf's Double-Top Round option, thanks to its ... [+] stability and ease of use.

No matter which option you choose, remember practicality is key. “The umbrella should have features that enhance its usability and versatility,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. “Some cantilever umbrellas have a rotation function that enables the canopy to swivel 360 degrees around the base. Others have a tilt function that allows the canopy to change its angle to block the sun at different elevations.”

You should also consider factors such as durability, level of wind resistance and overall style. Based on a combination of testing, research and expert insights, we’ve rounded up the nine best cantilever umbrellas to help you find the right one for your outdoor space. (And afterward, make sure to bookmark our guide to the best patio umbrellas for windy conditions.)

purple leaf

Canopy size: 11 x 11 feet | Fabric: Polyester | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: 6 positions | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 7 total, including Turquoise Blue and Brick Red

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In our tested review of the best patio umbrellas, the Purple Leaf Patio Umbrella earned high marks. “This umbrella is built to last with heavy-duty materials; it was also one of the easiest to tilt and rotate thanks to its unique two-crank system,” our tester wrote. We also found that its wind resistance and stability were unmatched, thanks to an aluminum frame with a triangular support for the canopy.

The Purple Leaf offers six height and tilt positions, as well as 360-degree rotation. Plus, it has a convenient handle that makes it easy to open and close. Its octagon-shaped canopy comes in several sizes, ranging from 10 to 13 feet in diameter, and the UV-resistant, water-repellent fabric comes in seven classic colors. Just know that like many cantilever umbrellas, this product doesn’t include a base. (The brand recommends using its Offset Patio Umbrella Base, which is sold separately.)

Tester Camryn Rabideau says highlights include user-friendly crank and durable pole.

What our testers say: In our Purple Leaf Patio Umbrella review, author Camryn Rabideau wrote, “This cantilever umbrella ... uses two arms to support the canopy, forming a sturdy triangular shape, as well as a large, tiered wind vent on top. Together, these features kept the umbrella perfectly stable, even when the wind was gusting over 10 mph.”

Frontgate

Canopy size: Width varies (10, 11.4 or 13) x 13 feet | Fabric: Solution-dyed acrylic | Frame material: Finished aluminum | Tilt: 3 positions | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: Yes | Colors: 3 total, including Indigo and Dove

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It doesn’t get much bigger than Frontgate’s Altura Cantilever Umbrella, whose canopy size range maxes out at 13 by 13 feet. Ideal for shading outdoor dining tables or large sitting areas, this high-quality option received an 8.5 out of 10 in our tested review of patio umbrellas due to its heavy-duty construction. Despite its sturdiness, the Altura can be easily tilted or rotated as the sun moves in the sky—a task our tester, along with many reviewers, say is quite easy. Its solution-dyed acrylic canopy is resistant to sun, dirt and mildew, and you get to pick the finish on the powder-coated aluminum frame: Teak or Silver.

Make sure to note that the umbrella requires between eight and 12 stabilizing paving stones, which aren’t included. Once those pavers are in place, it’ll be tough to move the umbrella to a different location, our tester reports.

What our testers say: Despite how difficult it is to relocate the umbrella after setup, Rabideau notes, “It’s great if you live somewhere with strong winds. Even on a day with gusts up to 20 miles per hour, I was never worried about the umbrella tipping over.”

Pottery Barn

Canopy size: 10 x 10 feet | Fabric: Sunbrella (treated polyester canvas) | Frame material: Finished aluminum | Tilt: 3 positions | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: Yes | Colors: 4 total, including Natural and Heather Gray

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Many cantilever umbrellas don’t include a base; the Pottery Barn Round Cantilever Umbrella, however, includes everything you need to start enjoying outdoor living. This 10-foot octagon umbrella comes with a sturdy aluminum pole and a low-profile steel base topped with decorative tiles. Another standout feature is its canopy’s fade-resistant and water-repellent Sunbrella fabric, one of the sturdiest against inclement weather.

Pottery Barn’s round umbrella also features an easy-turn crank handle and tilt function; furthermore, it has a foot pedal for easily rotating the canopy to where you need it.

What our experts say: Todd Proctor, sales and service manager at Salt Lake City-based patio showroom Leisure Living, recommends going for 100% solution-dyed fabrics, like Sunbrella, which this umbrella’s canopy is made from. While options made from these fabrics tend to be pricier, “there are many [other] types of fabric that are used to save cost, but in the long term really don’t save you anything due to the frequency of replacement,” he says.

The Home Depot

Canopy size: 11 x 11 feet | Fabric: Olefin (polypropylene) | Frame material: Steel | Tilt: No | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 3 total, including Putty-Beige and Midnight

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This 11-foot cantilever umbrella from Hampton Bay is perfect for lighting up your summer soirees. It has solar-powered LED lights all along the interior of the canopy, providing a quaint ambiance at night. The umbrella features a durable steel frame, as well as a UV-resistant olefin canopy, and you can choose from three basic colors to match your decor.

It uses a crank-lift system to open and close, but keep in mind that this umbrella doesn’t have a tilt mechanism. It does, however, have a 360-degree swiveling mechanism, which allows users to maneuver it depending on the sun’s angle. Several reviewers, however, note that because the canopy is only attached to the frame at the top, it sways quite a bit during very windy days.

What the reviews say: One buyer rated the Hampton Bay four stars, noting, “The LEDs were warm white and not cool, and the base was not so bulky. I did fill the included bags with sand—which took some effort—so the umbrella stands securely. I’m considering buying weights with a slimmer profile to replace the whole bulky sandbag/plastic housing at the base. Otherwise, it seems like a good deal for the price and features.”

bluu

Canopy size: 10 x 10 feet | Fabric: Outtra (treated performance polyester) | Frame material: Iron | Tilt: 3 positions | Rotation: No | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 13 total, including Navy Blue, Burgundy and Olive Green

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If you’re only planning to use your umbrella occasionally, opt for a good value choice like the Bluu Banyan Offset Umbrella. It has a 10-foot octagon-shaped canopy made from Outtra, a solution-dyed outdoor performance fabric that’s both fade- and UV-resistant (indeed, the brand says the latter is third-party laboratory tested to allow less than 2% of all UV rays through).

Bluu also offers a two-year warranty on its canopy’s colorfastness, allowing you to get a replacement if the color fades within that period. This umbrella is a fairly basic option for your home, but it’s also available with solar-powered LED lights for a higher price.

What the reviews say: An Amazon reviewer echoed several other users, reporting, “The umbrella definitely needs weighted supports... Also, be mindful when it’s windy. You cannot secure the umbrella enough to the post, so if it’s gusty, there will be tremendous movement and you need to close the umbrella. That said, the shade is perfect, and it covers two of my patio sets when fully open.”

purple leaf

Canopy size: 9 x 12 feet | Fabric: Polyester | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: 6 positions | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 4 total, including Cream and Brick Red

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You can provide shade for an outdoor dining area or several lounge chairs with the Purple Leaf Deluxe Rectangle Patio Umbrella. It features a large rectangular canopy made from UV-resistant, water-repellent polyester, and the frame is crafted from aluminum coated in an anti-oxidation paint for improved weather resistance. While the frame is made from metal, it’s painted to have the appearance of wood, instantly elevating the look of your patio.

This umbrella also has a triangular support for the canopy, as well as double-top wind vents, for better wind resistance. Just make sure you take a look at the weighted bases (sold separately)—otherwise, it will be top-heavy. The company also includes a storage cover with your purchase, though users note that it’s not as durable as the umbrella itself.

What the reviews say: One reviewer gave this umbrella four stars, writing, “You can buy cantilever umbrellas of higher quality but that cost far, far more, or you can buy cheaper ones that won't hold up to wind, use or sun. This umbrella hits the sweet spot of sturdiness at a very fair price point.”

Wayfair

Canopy size: 10 feet | Fabric: Sunbrella | Frame material: Powder-coated aluminum | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: Yes | Colors: 6 total, including Indigo Blue and Flax

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The Birch Lane Anushri Umbrella is a worthwhile splurge for several reasons: Not only is it stylish and well-made, but it also includes a base with retractable wheels, making it easy to move around your outdoor space (a common issue with larger cantilever umbrellas). It has a 10-foot square canopy made from durable Sunbrella fabric, and there are five tilt positions, as well as a foot pedal to rotate the canopy. You can choose from six different canopy colors, and we like that the product comes with an umbrella cover (along with a handy folding pole) to keep it in good condition when not in use.

What the reviews say: One buyer writes, “[It’s] so easy to put together and the quality is amazing. It took my husband and me about 20 minutes to have this umbrella completely together. ... The size of this umbrella is perfect.”

Williams Sonoma

Canopy size: 10 x 10 feet | Fabric: Sunbrella | Frame material: Cast aluminum–alloy | Tilt: No | Rotation: No | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 12 options

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The Williams Sonoma Home Performance Umbrella is made with extremely heavy-duty components, ensuring it will last for many summers to come. It’s crafted from marine-grade cast aluminum-alloy that’s been powder-coated for durability with stainless steel hardware. Moreover, its hand-stitched canopy is made from awning-grade Sunbrella, a UV-stable fabric (used on sailing yachts) that resists staining, mildewing and fading. The frame comes in three metal finishes, and there are 12 canopy colors to choose from.

This high-end umbrella has a 10-foot square canopy, but keep in mind that it doesn’t tilt or rotate. You have the option to purchase the umbrella with LED lights and even integrated space heaters—ideal for year-round use. While the product is certainly a splurge, several factors make it worth the expense; in addition to its rugged construction and weather-proof fabric, this umbrella’s parts are fully replaceable. And while there’s no official warranty coverage for this umbrella, Williams Sonoma tells us that it stands by the product—meaning that should you run into a defective part several years in that is proven to be a manufacturer flaw, the company will work with you to replace it.

What the experts say: If you’re unsure whether Williams Sonoma’s offering is worth the investment, consider Proctor’s advice: “I highly recommend that you ask about fabric quality and availability of replacement parts before making a purchase. If there are no parts or service available, I would recommend looking at other options, since this is typically a significant investment that you would like to use for many years.”

The Home Depot

Canopy size: 8 x 8 feet | Fabric: Polyester-olefin blend | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: No | Rotation: 360 degrees | UV-resistant: No | Base included: Yes | Colors: 2 total, including Chili

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Hampton Bay’s Aluminum Square Cantilever Umbrella is an inexpensive option for shading small outdoor living areas. It has an octagon-shaped canopy that’s just over 99 inches in diameter, and the whole product only weighs 44 pounds, making it easy to transport and store. Its canopy is made from a fade-resistant polyester-olefin blend, and the frame is durable aluminum. The base is included—though make sure you buy the nearly 200 pounds worth of stabilizing sandbags before your purchase (not included) to fill the umbrella’s base when it arrives. Another perk, according to several reviewers: This square umbrella is simple to set up and operate.

What the reviews say: One small-space dweller says, “Sturdy, well-made patio umbrella. I was worried that the size would be too large for my very small patio—which measures about 8 by 10 feet Not only is it perfect for the space, the cantilever umbrella covers my patio in shade while not taking up a ton of room or getting in the way.”

Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen team has extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing a wide variety of patio furniture staples, including Adirondack chairs, outdoor sectionals and dining sets.

To aid in our research, we consulted the following experts:

To determine the best cantilever umbrellas for every kind of outdoor space, we identified the best-selling models on the market, analyzed their overall quality and personally tested two of our picks.

Keep these factors in mind as you shop for a new cantilever umbrella for your outdoor setup:

The materials used to make an umbrella’s canopy and frame will affect its performance and longevity. You’ll want a thick, durable synthetic fabric that blocks out the sun and resists fading. “Most cantilever umbrellas use woven polyester fabric for the canopy, which offers water and UV protection,” says Kropovinsky. If UV resistance is an important factor for you, you’ll want to look for a product that lists its UV protection rate.

If you have the budget to go for higher-end fabrics, you should, says Proctor. He recommends umbrellas that use 100% solution-dyed fabric (Sunbrella, Outdura and Bliss, for example). Cantilever umbrellas that use these high-performance fabrics tend to be more pricey—but Proctor says that’s for good reason. “The canopy of the umbrella can be up to 50% of the total cost of the umbrella to replace—sometimes more. You need to make sure the canopy is going to provide many years of use and not need to be replaced in two years.”

As for the frame, most cantilever umbrellas are made from either aluminum or steel. Aluminum tends to be a bit lighter, and either option should be treated to withstand the weather: “The frames are usually powder-coated to prevent rusting and corrosion,” explains Kropovinsky.

Cantilever umbrellas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Canopies can range anywhere from 8 to 13 feet, and there are octagon, square, rectangular and oval options available. The best size canopy for your yard will depend on the furniture or space that you’re trying to shade. In general, it’s best to buy an umbrella that’s slightly larger than your setup: “The canopy should be approximately 2 feet larger than your table or seating area on all sides, and correspond to its shape,” recommends Kropovinsky.

Because the sun moves throughout the day, it’s beneficial to invest in an umbrella that can be easily adjusted. The two most common adjustment options on cantilever umbrellas are tilting and swiveling (at the base). The more flexibility you have with these two settings, the more you’ll be able to “chase” the sun and maintain shade as the day progresses.

Tilt mechanisms, specifically, allow you to block the sun at an angle. “Some will tilt left to right, and some will tilt backward, down the main mast, and provide a sun wall. There are models that will tilt in all three directions,” Proctor explains.

Due to their sheer size and offset design, it’s normal for cantilever umbrellas to sway to some extent in windy conditions. You’ll want to gauge, however, weather your outdoor area tends to get too windy to use a cantilever option at all. According to Jodi Peterman, CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs, cantilever umbrellas are not designed to withstand very strong winds. “As a rule of thumb, if the wind is strong enough to make you feel uncomfortable outside, it’s probably too windy for a cantilever umbrella.” She adds that once winds hit 20 miles per hour or greater, it’s best to secure the umbrella and store it away to prevent damage.

It’s worth checking if a product’s instructions say they need to be closed during very windy conditions. You should also see if it has a wind rating listed; this means the product is designed to flex—not tip over—within those conditions, Proctor says.

As previously mentioned, a cantilever umbrella’s design makes it necessary for them to have a weighty base to keep them stable. These bases range between 200 and 400 pounds and are sometimes sold separately. Despite their weight, Proctor says your umbrella could still be tipped over in very windy climate. “You will need to determine when to close the umbrella and keep in mind that there may be times that you will not be able to open the umbrella due to wind,” he says.

A base isn’t the only option for stabilizing a cantilever umbrella, however. “Some brands of Cantilever umbrellas offer surface mounts and in-ground options that will eliminate the heavy base and, in many cases, provide more stability,” says Proctor, adding that you sacrifice portability with this option. Further, there are cantilever umbrellas with wheeled bases (like the Birch Lane Anushri Sunbrella option), which Proctor recommends if you want to relocate your umbrella on hard surfaces.

There are certain additional features that can make a cantilever umbrella easier or more convenient to use. For instance, some umbrellas come with a matching weighted base, saving you from having to purchase one separately. Others offer special features for improved wind-resistance, including multi-tier canopies and triangular support arms. Depending on how you plan to use your umbrella, these features may be worth spending a little extra.

If you’re looking for an extremely heavy-duty cantilever umbrella, go with an option like the Williams Sonoma Cantilever Square Umbrella or Pottery Barn’s 10-Inch Round Option. The former stands out for its extremely high-end, wind-resistant materials, and the latter’s canopy uses Sunbrella, a 100% solution-dyed, UV-resistant fabric Proctor recommends for its long-lasting properties. Conversely, if you’re only going to use your umbrella for a few months each year, you can save some money with an option like the Purple Leaf 11-Feet Patio Umbrella (a tested pick and our choice for best overall); it’s well-made and a bit more budget-friendly.

Standard patio umbrellas—also called market umbrellas—have a straight pole that supports them in the center. Cantilever umbrellas, on the other hand, have a slightly different construction. “Cantilever umbrellas feature an offset pole that supports the canopy from the side, allowing it to hover over the table or seating area without any obstruction,” explains Kropovinsky.

Yes, because of their versatility and excellent shade coverage, according to both Proctor and Peterman. Since cantilever umbrellas have their pole set off to one side (as opposed to patio umbrellas, which have them in the center of the canopy), you’re able to use the entire canopy without obstruction. This feature makes them perfect for larger outdoor spaces, Peterman says. Plus, “it provides flexibility for easier furniture placement,” according to Proctor.

Despite their advantages, you’ll want to consider two things before you shop. Peterman shares, “They can be more expensive than traditional umbrellas. They also require a sturdy base to prevent tipping, and in very windy conditions, they can sway or become unstable if not properly secured.”