Parasol or gazebo: which is right for your garden?

In general, gazebos work better on larger terraces or in gardens. They can be installed on concrete, straight into the earth or on decking boards. Due to their size and the design of their structure, gazebos are better suited to open spaces.

Parasols can be installed on large balconies as well as smaller ones (thanks to rectangular half-parasols, for example). They're also perfect for garden dining areas, whether placed in a hole in the centre of a table or mounted to the side. Simply put, parasols are pretty versatile.

Parasols are connected to a special base weighted with concrete, sand or water. Some parasols feature a rod which allows you to lock the canopy at your chosen height while others have a similar release system to that of an umbrella. The latter option is handy for people on the smaller side or those with limited upper body strength. The most up-to-date models open and close by means of a crank handle for minimal effort. This option also allows you to set your canopy height down to the centimetre.

Old-fashioned gazebos with tubular structures used to require a number of people and a lot of time to assemble. These days, they do not take nearly as much time to set up. In fact, you can find rain shelter-style gazebos designed to be popped up in no time at all. However, you will still need at least two people to get the feet positioned properly and to avoid bending the relatively delicate structure.

When it comes down to it, there's no doubt about it: parasols can be set up more quickly than gazebos.

Parasols are held in place by a heavy base which prevents the canopy from toppling over. Nonetheless, you might find it necessary to play around with the direction of the parasol to avoid the wind blowing underneath the umbrella.

Gazebos, on the other hand, can act a bit like a hot-air balloon! When the wind blows underneath the topsheet and fills the structure which can lift and even move the structure. This is why gazebos come with a special fixing system used to anchor the feet into soil or screw them into wood. It is important to secure your gazebo properly. Once this has been done, gazebos can easily withstand gentle winds allowing you to make the most of a cool breeze!

When it comes to high winds, it goes without saying that neither type of structure will be able to stand its ground. Err on the side of caution on particularly windy days!

Finally, if you're looking for a wider range of materials and colours, parasols are probably the best option. These come in a multitude of shapes – including round, square and rectangular – as well as various colours and patterns.

As a final word of advice, remember that there are three key factors to consider when choosing between a gazebo or a parasol: surface type, appearance and size. And if you're still not sold on either of these structures, why not consider a pergola?