Buying a parasol stand with wheels - Why it's worth it
If you want to spend time on the terrace or in the garden in summer, a parasol is an absolute must. It provides valuable shade and is a perfect companion for barbecues or relaxing garden time with the family.
However, to ensure that the parasol is not knocked over by the next draft, a robust parasol stand is a prerequisite. However, very cheap parasol stands that can be filled with water or sand quickly reach their limits - especially when using larger parasols. Granite, concrete or various metals are usually used to achieve the necessary counterweight for the parasol, for higher-quality parasol stands.
Contents:
The problem of transporting heavy parasol stands
The advantages of a rollable parasol stand
What different parasol stands with wheels are there?
Parasol stand with fixed wheels
Parasol stand with a transport roller
Parasol stand with retractable and extendable wheels
What else should you look out for when buying a rollable parasol stand?
The material
The correct weight of the parasol stand
Compatibility with the parasol
Conclusion
The problem of transporting heavy parasol stands
Heavy and robust parasol stands have many advantages, but also one decisive disadvantage: They are extremely unwieldy. It doesn't matter whether it's a hike in the sun or daily transport from the shed to the terrace. A parasol stand often has to be moved, and on a hot summer's day, that can quickly become tedious work.
But what can you do about it? The answer is:... A parasol stand with wheels.
The advantages of a rollable parasol stand:
The advantages of movable parasol stands are obvious. The most important are:
What different parasol stands with wheels are there?
The market for movable parasol stands is diverse - we have summarised the most essential models for you and we would like to go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages:
Parasol stand with fixed wheels
One possible version is the parasol stand with four fixed castors on the underside. This variant is usually the cheapest and you can also build it yourself by getting suitable rollers from the hardware store and then attaching them under the umbrella stand.
Although such construction is the cheapest, it also has some disadvantages. The rollers cannot be retracted and must therefore be fixed with a parking brake so that the parasol stand does not roll away. The rollers are under constant stress, resulting in high wear. In addition, the parasol stand often lacks stability, which means that it cannot exploit its full weight potential due to the fixed castors.
If you are looking for a cheap version of a movable parasol stand and can live with some compromises in terms of durability and stability, then you can definitely take a look at a parasol stand with fixed castors.
Parasol stand with a transport roller
Another popular variant is the parasol stand with a transport roller. Characteristic of this parasol stand is the attached handle on the side, with which you can pull the parasol stand behind you, like a suitcase. A key advantage over the four fixed castors is that the attached castors are only used when the parasol stand is lifted with the handle. This increases not only the longevity, but also the stability of the stand.
However, a disadvantage of this construction could be that you have to bend down to move the parasol and that, despite the wheels attached to the side, there is a certain weight load when the parasol stand is lifted.
If you are looking for a moveable parasol stand that is strong, durable and don't mind the physical strain, then a parasol stand with transport wheel and handle could be the right choice.
Parasol stand with retractable and extendable wheels
Parasol stands have been on the market for some time, where the rollers can be retracted and extended with just one movement (e.g. using a lever). The advantage over constructions with lateral castors is that the parasol can be moved effortlessly by hand, without having to lift or bend down the castor base. Thanks to the simple operation, parasol stands of this type are ideal for all ages.
Parasol stands with retractable and extendible rollers were significantly influenced by our product, the LIRO parasol stand. Since 2003 we have been pioneers for exclusive movable parasol stands and have developed an innovative mechanism (called: "Lift & Roll Technology"), with which the rolls can be easily extended with a flick of the lever. The parasol can then be moved effortlessly and with an upright posture. With further movement, the rollers are retracted again and the parasol stand is anchored in the desired position.
A parasol stand with retractable and extendible wheels is a good choice if you are looking for a high-quality product that can be easily and effortlessly used by people of all ages.
What else should you look out for when buying a rollable parasol stand?
In addition to the different designs, other factors also play an important role in the purchase decision:
The material
Above all, parasol stands have to be one thing: heavy! Typical materials that provide the necessary weight are concrete, solid stone or various metals. Refillable parasol stands are usually weighed down with sand or water. There are also parasol stands that are anchored with sandbags. Of course, when it comes to weight, all of these materials serve their purpose. Instead, the question of quality and longevity is much more important:
Parasol stands, especially the movable ones, are often under a lot of technical strain. Be it the height adjustment of the sunshade, the frequent changing of the position on the terrace or simply the wind that puts a strain on the construction. It is, therefore, important that the individual mechanical parts are of high quality so that they can withstand heavy loads with ease. Stand frames made of steel are significantly more durable than models made of plastic.
Protection against undesirable weather conditions also plays an important role. When used outdoors, the parasol stand can quickly rust, form mould, grow moss or be attacked by UV radiation. Here you should pay attention to which materials are used for the outermost shell of the parasol stand and whether the manufacturer has taken special precautions against corrosion or weather.
The correct weight of the parasol stand
Depending on the size or shape of the parasol, it is crucial to find the right counterweight so that the parasol does not run the risk of being blown over in stronger winds. The most important thing is the diameter of the parasol. The larger the parasol diameter, the more susceptible it is to wind.
Another critical factor is the location. Should the parasol be placed on a wind-protected terrace or on a wind-prone roof terrace? Is an ordinary central mast parasol used or a cantilever parasol? All of these factors can play a role in choosing the right weight. We strongly recommend reading the manufacturer's instructions for your parasol and parasol stand. An approximate guideline for classic central mast umbrellas can be the following information:
| Diameter in meters | weight in kg |
| up to 2 m | 35 kg |
| up to 2.5 m | 45 kg |
| up to 3 m | 50 kg |
| up to 3.3 m | 60 kg |
| up to 3.5 m | 70 kg |
| up to 3.5 m | 100 kg |
If you use a cantilever parasol, then you should plan for significantly more weight. We recommend planning at least 100 kg or more for a parasol diameter of 3 meters or more.
Compatibility with the parasol
Make sure that the parasol stand of your choice is also compatible with the diameter of the stem of your parasol. Since there are no uniform diameter specifications, it is quite possible that the parasol and parasol stand are not compatible. So be sure to take a look at the manufacturer's information on the diameter of the stand tube before you decide to buy a parasol stand.
Conclusion
We hope that we have been able to help you with this guide to buying a parasol stand.
With our innovative LIRO parasol base, we are also represented in the market for mobile parasol stands. On request, we will be happy to advise you on all aspects of the topic and our products.
