Where can I see a SHADEmaker parasol?
SHADEmakers' showroom is located at their HQ in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Customer visits are welcome from Monday to Thursday, 09:00 to 16:30. Fridays and weekends are available by appointment only. Please call 01707 708 626 to arrange your visit.
Are SHADEmakers and Shademaker the same?
SHADEmakers UK is the original Shademaker, initially imported from New Zealand until the brand commenced Chinese manufacture under new owners. We then built a dedicated UK parasol factory for the ShadeArt range of luxury parasols and umbrellas. Despite not selling Shademaker parasols, we are often asked to service, repair, and tailor new canopies for them. We have helped many clients over the years. We also offer a part exchange service to purchase a genuine SHADEmakers UK parasol.
Do you only sell SHADEmakers Parasols?
Short answer: No - As Global Shade Specialists, our team continually searches for and adds the latest shade solutions to our range. Over the last twenty years, SHADEmakers have forged lasting relationships with many specialist parasol and umbrella factories. We are proud UK partners for the superb English ShadeArt parasols, German MAY commercial parasols, Italian Scolaro cantilever and central pole parasols, Belgium Prostor single, duo, and quad parasols, and the English Aztec commercial telescopic commercial Tempest Parasols. These parasols are known for their quality and durability. We also have access to the Chinese Bambrella, German MDT parasols, and numerous other European shade specialist factories.
Can I install a SHADEmakers parasol myself?
The average do-it-yourself home handyman can easily install a residential shademaker in any of the three usual situations: concrete patio, wooden deck or in-ground. Full instructions are provided with each parasol and more information can be found on in our installation, operations & care section. For commercial installations of the larger sizes, we recommend having the installation done by a professional builder or contractor.
Where can I buy a SHADEmakers parasol?
Original SHADEmakers parasols are exported to many countries around the world. Your regional distributor will be happy to provide dealer details for your area. Please contact us to locate your distributor or a dealer near you. If we do not have a distributor in your area, you may order your SHADEmakers parasol direct from us. Please contact us.
How much wind can a SHADEmakers parasol take?
Original SHADEmakers parasols are made from the finest, highest grade materials and are truly built to last and to stand up to the elements. Wind resistance depends on the individual product and is a guideline only. As with all parasols common sense prevails. Please go to products to find more information about wind resistance for each SHADEmakers series.
Will the canopy fabric fade?
How durable is it? What colours are available? SHADEmakers canopies are custom sewn and individually fit using only the highest grade of fabrics available. Our fabrics are selected for their durablility, shape retention, colourfastness, durability and beauty. For more information please visit our fabrics page.
SHADEmakers parasols are designed to be a long term investment in shade. After the five year mark, if you feel your fabric is beginning to fade, we offer a full selection of replacement canopies at very reasonable prices. You will find that it is easy remove your canopy and replace it with a new one. We see no reason why you will need to replace the parasol structure, but depending on the climate you live in, you may need to replace your canopy every 5-10 years.
What does marine grade anodised aluminium mean?
Anodising is the premium finish for aluminium products, offering a unique blend of durability, protection and appearance features. Proven in the harsh New Zealand environment for many years, anodising's superior performance characteristics relative to other finishes, are well established in commercial and residential construction as well as marine and general engineering applications. Benefits:
- Durability Because anodising is an integral bond to the underlying aluminium extrusion or sheet product, it is will not peel or chip, and its physical and chemical structure makes it very resistant to abrasion and corrosion;
- Colourfastness The colour compounds used for the aluminium of many of the original SHADEmakers parasols make colour anodising very stable and will not materially fade or chalk even under New Zealand's harsh UV conditions;
- Low Maintenance 6 monthly washes with mild detergents (definitely no abrasives, acid or alkaline cleaners) and a nylon bristle brush are all that is typically required in the most coastal or commercial environments. Visit our fabrics & finishes section for more detailed information on anodised aluminium.
Can I remove my SHADEmaker for storage?
All residential SHADEmakers parasols can easily be removed for storage or, indeed, for moving between locations (eg main residence and holiday home). Specific requirements are covered in installation, operation and care.
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
Please go to the warranty page for specific details.
What advantages does a baseplate offer?
If you want to remove your Sola, Liberty or Luna for storage or use it in more than one location (e.g. different locations on your patio or at your cottage or holiday home), a base plate allows you to remove the spigot too, meaning you don't have a protruding spigot. This is especially important for safety reasons, especially if you have young children. See the installation pages for more details.
Timber mast care and maintenance
ShadeArt natural timber parasol masts, handcrafted in Hertfordshire from solid hardwoods, bring timeless English design to any outdoor space. Each mast bears a unique identity, a testament to its individuality. Every timber element is nourished using natural oil wood stains developed by Osmo, a company with over 140 years of experience across various climates. Their coatings keep your umbrella mast looking and performing its best, ensuring a long-lasting investment. A blend of natural oil and waxes penetrates the timber, forming a water-repellent and algae-resistant finish.
Each luxury mast is handcrafted using a unique lamination process. As with all timber, ambient humidity can affect cross-sectional dimensions. Osmo allows the timber to breathe naturally while shielding it from harsh environmental factors. Warm tones highlight beautiful grain patterns and place them centre stage. We take particular care in hand-finishing every parasol mast with multiple layers of pigmented Osmo oil to ensure the best protection.
In standard conditions, we recommend periodic mast cleaning with a damp cloth or Osmo Cleaner to help reduce the build-up of dirt and contaminants. Product aftercare is straightforward and suitable for owner maintenance, providing peace of mind. We recommend applying an additional layer of Osmo every six months to preserve your parasol's health, colour, and beauty for years to come.
SHADEmakers are UK stockists of Osmo, which can be found on our accessories page alongside a holistic range of care and maintenance kits.
OSMO Links: Timber Care Deck Cleaner Woodstain Colours Woodstain Clear UV Protection Oil Wood Reviver Gel
Are Parasols and Umbrellas the same?
What’s the difference between a Parasol and an Umbrella
At SHADEmakers, we use the names parasols and umbrellas interchangeably. In Europe, parasol is the widely recognised name for side and centre post canopies that provide sun and rain protection. In America and Australasia, we use the term Umbrella for the same thing. These parasols and umbrellas are used for shading homes, gardens, pools, schools, hotels, restaurants, pubs, hospitality, superyachts, etc. SHADEmakers canopies are available in hundreds of colours and provide excellent protection from rain and the sun's harmful UV.
An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is usually designed to protect a person against rain. The term umbrella is traditionally used when protecting oneself from rain, while parasol is used when protecting oneself from sunlight, though the terms continue to be used interchangeably. Often, the difference is the material used for the canopy; some parasols are not waterproof, and some umbrellas are transparent. Umbrella canopies may be made of fabric or flexible plastic. There are also combinations of parasol and umbrella called en-tout-cas (French for "in any case").[1] Source Wikipedia
Origin: The word "parasol" comes from the Latin para, meaning "to shield or protect", and sol, meaning "sun". Source Google AI
Origin: The word Umbrella' was borrowed from the Italian word 'ombrella,' a modification of the Latin 'umbella,' which came from 'umbra,' meaning "shade, shadow." Source Merriam-webster