8 Best Cantilever Umbrellas in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
-
Pete Ortiz - Last updated:
Got an outdoor area that needs covering? It could be a patio, deck, or just a spot in the garden that you love to spend time in. Now, if you go with a standard pop-up canopy, it will take lots of precious space. And that’s exactly what makes cantilever umbrellas so popular! Easy to use, cheap, and widely available, they don’t have any center poles or “legs”, giving you all the freedom of arrangement you need.
Which company has the best offer(s), though? How do you find a brand that carries an excellent value or sells a premium product? We have your back on this one! The next list includes eight market-leading cantilever umbrellas that are equally reliable, efficient, and worth your time. Take a moment to read through our reviews, and you’ll find your perfect pick in no time!
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
|
LE CONTE LYON Umbrella |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Best Value
|
|
Wikiwiki Outdoor Umbrella |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
|
|
GRAND PATIO Curvy Umbrella |
|
CHECK PRICE |
|
|
SUNLAX Solar Offset Umbrella |
|
CHECK PRICE |
|
|
BLUU REDWOOD Umbrella |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 8 Best Cantilever Umbrellas
1. LE CONTE LYON Cantilever Umbrella – Best Overall
Frame/Handle Material: | Aluminum |
Warranty: | 1 year (2 for the canopy) |
Weight: | 64.9 lbs |
Rotation: | Yes |
Are you in the market for a reasonably-priced, easy-to-use cantilever umbrella for the backyard? Then LE CONTE LYON Cantilever Umbrella will be a great investment! Available in three different colors, it has a sturdy, long-lasting aluminum frame, eight heavy-duty ribs, and weighs 65 pounds. Even if you live in a windy area, you won’t have to worry about the umbrella falling. Now, it is quite flexible and can be rotated 360 degrees. But that’s not even what makes it the best overall cantilever umbrella.
What sets it apart from the competition is its protection against natural elements: wind, water, and, of course, UV rays. Add fast, user-oriented customer service, and you’ll see why this umbrella is the top pick on our list. Oh, and it also comes with Velcro straps for hanging lights and other accessories. The only downside: Lyon is a bit short for tall people, even though it does have five height settings. So, watch your head if you’re 6 feet plus!
- Strong anti-weather resistance
- Very easy to adjust/rotate
- Quick, helpful customer service
- Velcro straps included
- Could’ve been a bit taller
2. Wikiwiki Offset Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella – Best Value
Frame/Handle Material: | Alloy steel |
Warranty: | 1 year (3 for the canopy) |
Weight: | 29.7 lbs |
Rotation: | No |
Superior wind resistance, an easy-grip crank, and recycled polyester fabric—that’s what you’ll get with this umbrella. GRS-certified, the canopy is PU-coated and strong against rain. More importantly, it’s one of the least expensive options on the market, which makes it a go-to choice if you’re on a limited budget. Thanks to the all-alloy pole shaft, sturdy iron cover, and corrosion-resistant frame it boasts an extended lifespan.
As for the extras, you’ll find a central light socket for adding a lantern or a set of outdoor lights for that romantic vibe. Backed by a 1-year standard warranty (3 years for the fabric), Wikiwiki Offset Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella is the best cantilever umbrella for the money. While it can’t rotate and has minor QA issues (a small percentage of buyers complain about faulty mechanisms and weak stitching), the company is quick to send replacements.
- Available at an affordable price
- Ecologically recycled fabric
- Outstanding resistance to wind
- Features a central light socket
- Minor quality control issues
3. GRAND PATIO Deluxe NAPOLI Umbrella – Premium Choice
Frame/Handle Material: | Aluminum |
Warranty: | 1 year (5 for the canopy) |
Weight: | 70 lbs |
Rotation: | No |
If you’re ready to pay top dollar for premium quality, you’ll get exactly that with the GRAND PATIO Deluxe NAPOLI Umbrella. First, it is backed by a very generous warranty (a 5-year anti-fade service guarantee). Second, the package includes a base, which can’t be said about most similar products. You can fill it with water, sand, gravel, or anything else to add weight to it.
A quick note: the base might leak a bit if you go with water, but that’s only a minor issue. Besides, it’s equipped with wheels for fast and hassle-free transportation. You’ll also find a set of tools and hardware in the package—everything you need to put the whole thing together. So, choose one of the available colors and enjoy your new umbrella!
- Comes packed with a base
- Wheels for easy movement
- Generous warranty deal
- Tools and hardware included
- The base tends to leak
4. SUNLAX Solar Offset Cantilever Umbrella
Frame/Handle Material: | Alloy steel |
Warranty: | 1 year |
Weight: | 5.4 lbs |
Rotation: | No |
Velcro straps and sockets are a nice touch, but what if you could have a set of LEDs installed on the ribs? That’s exactly what SUNLAX Solar Offset Cantilever Umbrella offers with this hanging maroon umbrella. It comes packed with a solar panel on top of the canopy that “feeds” the lights. And, thanks to the clever and simple design, it only takes a moment to attach the frame to the fabric. Not ready to carry heavy stuff around? This umbrella only weighs 0.87 ounces.
It does have an alloy-steel frame, though. Going back to the lights, they’re not particularly bright, especially when the solar panel doesn’t get enough light during the day. Furthermore, the included cable is way too short. Still, if you’re looking for something a bit unusual and are ready to ignore the minor cons for the sake of the LEDs, Sunlax will be a great purchase.
- Solar panel for LED lights
- Takes little time to assemble
- Extremely lightweight
- Short solar cable
- The lights are dim
5. BLUU REDWOOD Square Patio Cantilever Umbrella
Frame/Handle Material: | Aluminum |
Warranty: | 1 year (3 for the canopy) |
Weight: | 57.9 lbs |
Rotation: | Yes |
Rust is the biggest enemy of any metal. It corrodes the surface and makes it look old. Well, that won’t be an issue with BLUU REDWOOD Square Patio Cantilever Umbrella, as both the frame and the handle are crafted from aluminum. In addition, they feature premium-quality coating. The fabric, in turn, is solution-dyed. That means it’s highly resistant to UV rays and won’t fade even if you leave the umbrella under the sun 24/7.
Another big pro has to do with shipment. The company is very quick to deliver the order to your doorstep. Unfortunately, while this cantilever umbrella is, indeed, strong against rust and UV rays, it’s very weak against the wind and lacks stability. Finally, to get the various parts of the umbrella together, you’ll need someone to help you, as it can be somewhat tricky.
- Strong protection against rust
- Solution-dyed fabric
- Fast delivery across the States
- Hard to put together manually
- Lacks stability during a wind
6. FRUITEAM Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella
Frame/Handle Material: | Cast iron |
Warranty: | 1 year |
Weight: | 2.42 lbs |
Rotation: | No |
Earlier, we checked out the Wikiwiki umbrella that carries the best value. While that’s still very much true, if you’re searching for a cheap option, FRUITEAM Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella is worth your attention. It’s more affordable than most umbrellas on the market but is almost as good. Its biggest downside has to do with the fabric: it will fade in 1–2 years unless you only expose the canopy to UV rays for a couple of hours during the day.
Next, depending on where you live, delivery might take a while. To compensate for that, the umbrella comes with a detailed, user-friendly guide to help with the assembly. Oh, and despite the affordable price, Fruiteam made the ribs extra thick to withstand the wind and other natural hazards.
- Great value for the price
- Extra-thick cast iron ribs
- Includes helpful instructions
- Takes a while to arrive
- Fades rather quickly
7. PURPLE LEAF Patio Umbrella
Frame/Handle Material: | Alloy steel/aluminum |
Warranty: | 3 years |
Weight: | 80.8 lbs |
Rotation: | Yes |
This right here is the most expensive umbrella on the list. It’s almost twice as pricey as our premium choice! To add to that, it’s quite heavy (the thing weighs more than 80 pounds) and won’t be at all easy to carry around. Why would you want to pay that kind of money to PURPLE LEAF Patio Umbrella, then? Well, if the standard 10 x 10 feet umbrellas aren’t cutting it for you, this 10 x 13 feet monster will be a great alternative. Thanks to the wide coverage, you’ll be able to seat more people underneath it.
The umbrella is covered by a 3-year warranty and can rotate 360 degrees. Sadly, the frame and the ribs aren’t at all sturdy and might break when pushed by the wind.
- Double-top design
- Wide coverage
- A bit too expensive
- Heavier than most
- Brittle frame/ribs
8. Sunnyglade Cantilever Patio Umbrella
Frame/Handle Material: | Aluminum |
Warranty: | 1 year |
Weight: | 2.33 lbs |
Rotation: | Yes |
Alright, this is the last stop for us today. So, what does Sunnyglade Cantilever Patio Umbrella have to offer to the table? It’s quite lightweight (only 2.33 pounds), rotatable, and includes quick-to-switch height adjustments—four in total. The unique zipper design, in turn, makes it very easy to remove the canopy from the frame. It also makes sure the fabric doesn’t fall off it during heavy winds. However, protection against water leaves a lot to be desired.
The umbrella only keeps 90% of the rain/snow at bay. You won’t get any side-to-side tilting, either. Oh, and the guide that comes as a part of the package isn’t very helpful but rather confusing.
- Patented zipper design
- Quick height adjustments
- Weak against rain/snow
- No side-to-side tilting
- The guide is a bit misleading
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cantilever Umbrella
How Do You Pick the Right Cantilever Umbrella for Your Needs?
Alright, now that we’ve checked out our top eight picks, let’s take a quick look at the factors that can “make it or break it” for a cantilever umbrella. Don’t worry: this will only take a moment of your time but it will give you the much-needed knowledge and confidence on your next trip to the closest shop. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
Pricing
How much does a cantilever umbrella cost? On average, you can get a decent-quality unit for $100–250. Premium options, in turn, come in at $500–650. While that’s not particularly cheap, it will be a great investment. Besides, many companies offer a 3–5-year warranty that should give you peace of mind. Obviously, the bigger the umbrella and the higher the manufacturing and material quality, the higher the price will be.
Frame quality
The vast majority of the frames are either crafted from aluminum or steel. These materials are quite sturdy and have an extended lifespan. If it’s steel, make sure it’s stainless or at least has a protecting layer. Otherwise, it will rust in the blink of an eye. Or, it can be fiberglass (a bit more expensive). The same is true for the handle.
Fabric quality
And what about the canopy, though? Well, 90% of the time it’s going to be polyester fabric. Ready to pay extra? Then go with Sunbrella. It is 100% water-resistant and strong against UV rays. Acrylic, in turn, doesn’t wrinkle, while olefin is very easy to clean and keep in great shape.
Weather resistance
The #1 job of any umbrella is to protect you from the weather. And, the first thing to check before you invest in a cantilever umbrella is how resistant it is to UV rays. Since it will be out there in the open for long periods of time, the sun can ruin it rather quickly unless there’s an extra coat that blocks it. Some brands even include guarantees against UV damage/fading. Next, see whether it’s waterproof or not.
Size and weight
Are you planning on moving the umbrella constantly? Or will you just put it in one place and forget about it? Think about this before making an order. Earlier, we mentioned the average price for a solid umbrella. Well, for this money, you can expect it to be 10ft. in diameter and weigh around 25–30 pounds (without the base).
The extras
Looking for something fancy? Then how about a cantilever umbrella with a set of wheels for extra mobility? An auto-crank that opens/closes automatically would also be nice, but not 100% necessary. Tilt and rotation matter as well. They allow positioning the umbrella in a way to block UV rays from all corners. A quick note: do keep in mind that for the umbrella to function properly, it needs a weighted base, which is not always included in the package.
How Much Effort Does It Take To Assemble It?
The short answer is—not much. As long as the package includes all the necessary parts, hardware, and tools, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to put the whole thing together. Ideally, the package should include detailed instructions because sometimes, it can be a bit hard to make sense of everything. Oh, and do remember that in most cases, the actual umbrella and the metal frame (or the base) are delivered separately.
The Biggest Cantilever Umbrellas Pros
Still wondering whether you need to invest in a cantilever umbrella, or not? That’s totally OK! Most buyers always go through this stage. To help you with the decision, we made a short list of the biggest advantages of owning such an umbrella:
- Easy to use. The best cantilever umbrellas out there take minimal effort to install. You won’t need a scientific degree or special tools to get it “up and running”. Just follow the user manual (or watch a YouTube video) and you should be done in no time. Speaking of ease of use, it’s important to consider the weight and the size as well. Some umbrellas take more time to “pack” than others. And if the material quality is poor, constant assembly/reassembly might shorten the lifespan.
- Affordable and long-lasting. For the most part, these umbrellas come at a very reasonable price and don’t involve any additional expenses. In contrast to some of the bigger, bulkier pop-up canopies, they won’t cost you thousands of dollars or take much effort and dedication to maintain. All you’ll have to do is clean the fabric now and then and it will serve for many years, if not decades.
- Adds a lovely touch to your setup. There’s something fancy about a cantilever umbrella, especially when it’s installed in the middle of a lovely garden. Many people deliberately don’t add a roof to their patios because they want to go with an umbrella instead for that relaxed, feel-good summer atmosphere.
- Portable. In contrast to a full-fledged roof, a cantilever umbrella doesn’t have to stay in one place forever. As mentioned, the fabric and the frame weigh 20–30 pounds. It shouldn’t be hard to move that weight around for a regular person. Besides, these umbrellas can also be lowered, raised, and even rotated to cover a specific angle.
- Flexible. Most cantilever umbrellas on the market come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. So, if you like a specific model but aren’t sure about the color or how big/small it is, chances are, the brand has that same umbrella in different configurations. That makes it much easier to find the perfect fit.
- Provides extra space. This is arguably the biggest pro: cantilever umbrellas don’t have a center pole. Instead, the canopy is supported from the side with a single metal frame, which frees up a lot of space. On top of that, the whole thing is much lighter and often has a longer lifespan.
The Biggest Cantilever Umbrellas Cons
Okay, with the pros out of the way, it’s time to focus on the cons. The good news is that there aren’t nearly as many cons to cantilever umbrellas as there are pros. Still, to have a complete picture in your head and to know about any potential “pitfalls”, here are the two disadvantages:
- Modest lifespan without protection. If the fabric is cheap and vulnerable to Mother Nature, it won’t serve you for long. Sunlight, rain, snow, the wind, and debris will ruin it before long. That’s why it’s so important to check its properties before making a purchase. You could, of course, stick with the same frame and handle and only buy new fabric, but that will still cost a lot.
- Some units are quite heavy. We already covered the importance of size and weight, and, well, there are lots of best-selling umbrellas out there that take at least two sets of hands to carry around. If it’s really big, you might have to pay extra for the delivery instead of carrying it in the cargo bed of your truck. The weighted base is the heaviest part, of course, and can weigh up to 40–60 pounds.
Conclusion
And that concludes our detailed reviews! Now, if you’re looking for the best overall option for your garden/patio, go with Le Conte Lyon. It’s practically immune to weather elements, easy to adjust, and backed by superb customer service. Only have a limited budget? Then pick the Wikiwiki umbrella instead! It’s very affordable and features LED sockets and a recycled fabric canopy. As for the premium choice, nothing beats GRAND PATIO.
It offers extra coverage and includes all the necessary tools plus a base with wheels. Take your pick!
Featured Image Credit: Chiyacat, Shutterstock
Contents
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
- 2 The 8 Best Cantilever Umbrellas
- 2.1 1. LE CONTE LYON Cantilever Umbrella – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. Wikiwiki Offset Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella – Best Value
- 2.3 3. GRAND PATIO Deluxe NAPOLI Umbrella – Premium Choice
- 2.4 4. SUNLAX Solar Offset Cantilever Umbrella
- 2.5 5. BLUU REDWOOD Square Patio Cantilever Umbrella
- 2.6 6. FRUITEAM Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella
- 2.7 7. PURPLE LEAF Patio Umbrella
- 2.8 8. Sunnyglade Cantilever Patio Umbrella
- 3 Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cantilever Umbrella
- 4 Conclusion