A cantilever umbrella works by having its support pole and base positioned to the side of the area it shades, allowing the canopy to extend freely over a larger space without obstruction.
Understanding the Design
In the simplest terms, a cantilever umbrella is an offset patio umbrella. This means that its stand and accompanying pole are placed to one side of the area shaded rather than in the center. This key design difference is fundamental to how it functions and provides shade.
The Offset Principle
Unlike traditional patio umbrellas that have their support pole directly in the middle of the canopy, cantilever umbrellas utilize an "offset" configuration.
- Central Support (Traditional): Pole is directly under the center of the canopy, often requiring a hole in a table.
- Offset Support (Cantilever): Pole and stand are located beside the area being shaded.
This offset placement of the stand and accompanying pole allows the canopy to "hang" or extend outwards from the side support structure.
How the Canopy Shades
Because the support is to the side, the canopy can be positioned directly over furniture, seating areas, or other spaces without the central pole getting in the way. This design enables the canopy to extend much farther on one side, thus covering a larger area than a centrally-supported umbrella of the same size might effectively shade, especially when considering usable space underneath.
Essentially, the pole acts as a "cantilevered" beam, supporting the weight of the canopy at a distance from its base, allowing maximum unobstructed coverage.
