Terraces are a key feature in the hospitality industry, as they offer customers a pleasant and comfortable outdoor space. To create this experience, having suitable shading solutions is essential. As well as providing protection from the sun or rain, a professional terrace parasol is ideal if it stands out for its design, functionality and ability to adapt to the needs of restaurants, bars and cafés.
Below, we outline the types of professional terrace parasols, their advantages, materials and designs, as well as what you should consider when choosing the right parasol.
Types of professional terrace parasols
Side-pole parasols
In a side-arm parasol (also known as an articulated arm or umbrella-style parasol), the support is positioned at the side, allowing the parasol to extend more flexibly and providing more usable space in the centre of the parasol.
Advantages of the side-mounted pole
- More space underneath: As the pole is to one side, there is no obstruction in the centre, allowing for greater flexibility in table layout. This type of parasol is ideal for hospitality terraces with outdoor tables, as there is no support structure to interrupt the shaded area.
- Versatility in coverage: Side-pole parasols usually have articulated arms that allow the position of the canopy to be adjusted more flexibly throughout the day. You can move the shade without moving the parasol.
- Modern design: Side-pole parasols usually have a more elegant and minimalist design, with cleaner, more modern lines, making them more attractive on terraces with a contemporary design.
- Greater stability in strong winds: With a side-mounted pole, the parasol is usually better equipped to withstand strong winds, as the weight is distributed differently across the side base.
When to choose a side-post parasol
- Large spaces: If you have a spacious terrace, especially with tables arranged irregularly, a side-post parasol may be more suitable, as it allows you to maximise the amount of shade and does not obstruct the tables or foot traffic.
- When flexibility is required: If you prefer to be able to adjust the angle of the shade as the sun’s position changes throughout the day, side-pole parasols are perfect, as they usually feature systems that allow the parasol to be moved easily.
- Irregular table layout: If the tables are not arranged symmetrically or are scattered (for example, in an irregular garden or courtyard), a side-post parasol allows you to better adapt the shade to these layouts.
- Modern design: If aesthetics and design are important to you, a side-pole parasol has a more elegant and modern look, suitable for terraces with a sophisticated atmosphere.
Centre-pole parasols
A centre-pole parasol has the support in the centre of the parasol, as the name suggests. This type of design is common in fixed-base parasols, such as those used to cover tables or compact areas.
Advantages of the centre-pole
- Simple structure: They are very straightforward and are usually more economical than side-pole parasols.
- Even coverage: They provide a more centred and symmetrical shade, ideal for covering small or medium-sized areas.
- Ease of use: Opening and closing are usually simpler due to the simpler structure.
- Stability: They are stable when properly anchored to the ground and perform well in moderate wind conditions.
- Aesthetics: They are more traditional and blend well with terraces seeking a classic or simple design.
When to choose a central pole
- Small or medium-sized spaces: If you have a small terrace or limited space for tables, a central pole is ideal as it takes up less space.
- Centred tables: If your table layout is more conventional (with tables grouped around a central point), a central-pole parasol can provide a more balanced distribution of shade.
- When simplicity is key: If you prefer a straightforward parasol with easier installation, the centre-pole is the best option.
Bearing in mind the two general types of professional parasols (side-pole and centre-pole), you can explore the specific Glatz parasol models offered by Cortinsa. You’ll find models in a variety of shapes, materials, designs and colour combinations.
Materials and design of professional parasols
When choosing a parasol, it is very important to ensure it is of superior quality and durability. At Cortinsa, we offer Glatz parasols, a Swiss brand renowned for its excellence in designing products for outdoor spaces, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. Glatz is an excellent choice for establishments seeking durable, aesthetic and functional shading solutions.
Glatz parasols are designed for easy opening and closing, with manual or automatic systems depending on the model, allowing for quick and efficient use. They offer a wide variety of modular models that can be adapted to different terrace sizes. The parasols can be combined with one another to create customised shading solutions and cover large areas.
These professional parasols are manufactured from top-quality materials, such as high-strength aluminium frames and fabrics resistant to UV rays, wind and rain. This ensures a long service life even in adverse weather conditions, which is crucial in hospitality settings.
Many Glatz parasol models are designed with advanced stability systems, such as fabric tensioning mechanisms and heavy-duty bases, which provide greater safety and resilience in moderate to strong wind conditions. Some models are equipped with specific technologies to reduce the risk of tipping over or being damaged by the wind.
Furthermore, Glatz parasols use high-end fabrics, such as acrylic or Teflon-coated polyester, which offer sun protection and wear resistance, as well as being easy to clean. The fabrics are also available in a wide range of colours so that the parasol can be adapted to the establishment’s aesthetic.
The brand offers various customisation options in terms of both size and colour, allowing business owners to choose the parasol that best suits the look of their terrace or premises. There is also the option to customise the fabric with logos or specific designs.Many models allow for the integration of accessories such as heating systems, LED lighting or side screens to create a more welcoming atmosphere, enabling hospitality businesses to maximise their use at different times of the year.
How to choose the best parasol for your terrace
To choose the best parasol for your terrace, it is advisable to consider the following factors:
- Available space: Determine the appropriate size based on the area you need to cover. Glatz parasols range from compact models for small terraces to large options for covering larger areas.
- Weather conditions: If your terrace is in an area with frequent wind, opt for a model that offers greater wind resistance, such as the Ventus.
- Aesthetics: Ensure the parasol complements the look of your terrace or restaurant. Glatz offers a wide range of colours and sizes to choose from.
- Ease of use: If you’re looking for a quick and simple opening and closing system, some Glatz models feature automatic or semi-automatic mechanisms that make them easy to operate.
Other Cortinsa solutions for sun protection
Other shading solutions include awnings, shade nets, tensioned canvases or even bioclimatic pergolas, amongst other options which we will discuss and detail in future blog posts.
The choice of shading solution will depend on several factors, such as the size of the space, the local climate, your budget, and the look you want for your terrace. From economical and flexible options such as shade sails and large parasols, to more sophisticated solutions such as pergolas or retractable awnings, each option has its own advantages that suit different needs and styles.
