Shopping The 9 Best Cantilever Umbrellas of 2023 to Enhance Your Backyard Setup It’s the easiest way to improve outdoor lounging. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Website Rachel Simon, former Deputy Editor of HelloGiggles, has written for Dotdash Meredith's e-commerce team since 2021. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Glamour, and Vulture. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Kaitlyn McInnis Kaitlyn McInnis Facebook Twitter Kaitlyn McInnis is an experienced lifestyle writer and online shopping enthusiast with a decade's worth of experience in digital journalism and lifestyle e-commerce. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 8, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes & Gardens / Lecia Landis There’s truly nothing better than spending an afternoon relaxing in the backyard with some sunshine. Unfortunately, the sun can also be a nuisance if you don’t add an umbrella. Cantilever umbrellas (also called offset or side pole umbrellas) differ from other models due to a post set to the side that suspends the canopy in the air, says Charles Lillo, co-founder of Umbrella Specialists. One of their main benefits, Lillo adds, is that they “can be rotated to keep up with the changing angle of shade as the sun moves in the sky.” To find the best cantilever umbrellas, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind the canopy size, tilt, rotation, and other additional features. We also consulted Lillo for additional insight. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hampton Bay LED Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: BLUU Patio Offset Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella at Amazon Jump to Review Best Small: Outsunny Square Cantilever Umbrella at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large: Sunnyglade Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella at Amazon Jump to Review Best Rectangular: Hampton Bay Aluminum Rectangular Cantilever Umbrella at Home Depot Jump to Review Best Square: Purple Leaf Outdoor Square Cantilever Umbrella at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Base: Arlmont & Co Cantilever Umbrella at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Weather-Resistant: Joyesery Aluminum Cantilever Umbrella at Home Depot Jump to Review Best with Lights: Sonkuki Solar LED Aluminum Cantilever Umbrella at Home Depot Jump to Review Best Overall Hampton Bay Cantilever Solar LED Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It It features 40 LED lights so you won’t have to worry about outdoor lighting. Plus, it’s offered in multiple colors, each of which has a UV-protected canopy. Keep in Mind Assembly is more complicated than other models and took us 40 minutes during testing. Overall, the best cantilever umbrella is this pick from Hampton Bay. The umbrella, which we tested along with 28 other patio umbrellas at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, features 40 LED lights that’ll emit a warm, beautiful glow in your outdoor space—no cords necessary. Due to the umbrella’s 11-foot canopy and octagonal shape, you’ll get plenty of shade when sitting underneath it. You’ll be protected from the sun’s harmful rays thanks to the canopy’s UV-protected fabric. And, since the canopy is vented, it’ll let the wind come through while still protecting you from the elements. During testing, it was noted that assembly took about 40 minutes, which was longer than some other picks. However, once it’s set up the umbrella is easy to operate due to a simple crank-lift system. Plus, user-friendly manual tilt capabilities let you quickly adjust the umbrella’s placement and coverage. The steel pole is rust- and weather-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it becoming damaged over time. The umbrella is offered in five colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your outdoor setup. It comes with a stand as well, which has to be filled with 220 pounds of play sand. Just keep in mind you’ll have to purchase the stand separately. Price at time of publish: $500 Product Details: Canopy Size: 11 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Olefin, steel | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: Yes | Lights Included: Yes Best Budget BLUU Banyan Patio Offset Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It It’s offered in multiple colors and has a two-year fade-resistance warranty. Keep in Mind A weighted base has to be purchased separately. For a less expensive option, the best cantilever umbrella is this design by Bluu. The umbrella features a thick 10-foot canopy with a water-repellent coating that’ll protect you and the umbrella from harsh weather. Plus, eight velcro straps help secure the canopy to the pole. The umbrella is offered in seven colors, each of which is made with UV-resistant fabric. A two-year fade-resistant warranty is included, in case your canopy fades too much in the direct sunlight. Unlike some other models, this umbrella does not come with a base, so you’ll have to purchase one separately at an additional cost. It also doesn’t have any lighting, which is worth considering if you don’t have much outdoor lighting otherwise. The umbrella’s tilting system includes an ergonomic sliding handle that lets you adjust the canopy from 90 to 180 degrees with ease. The umbrella’s sturdy stand features a rustproof metal cover, too, so the model should last for several summers without getting damaged by the weather. Just make sure to close it up whenever it’s not in use and store it away between seasons. Price at time of publish: $140 Product Details: Canopy Size: 10 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: Not listed | Material: Alloy steel | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: No | Lights Included: No Best Small Outsunny Square Cantilever Umbrella Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It The umbrella has five tilt positions, so you can adjust it to your liking. Keep in Mind The base is not weighted, so you'll need to purchase weights separately to secure the umbrella. If you have a small space, Outsunny’s Square Cantilever Umbrella is the best cantilever umbrella worth considering. The 8-foot canopy is smaller than other styles yet will still provide plenty of shade without overwhelming your space. The canopy is square-shaped and comes in three neutral colors, so it’ll work with different outdoor decor styles. You’ll be able to operate the umbrella with a simple crank mechanism handle as well as choose from five different tilt positions, allowing you to control how much sunshine you’re getting. Plus, the canopy rotates a full 360 degrees, easily controlled by foot pedals. Part of what makes this style one of the best cantilever umbrellas is it won’t tip over in the wind, thanks to the vented canopy. Plus, it has a durable aluminum pole and eight steel ribs designed to be rust- and fade-resistant. Just keep in mind that while a cross base is included to provide some extra support, you will need to purchase additional weights on your own to further secure the umbrella. Price at time of publish: $162 Product Details: Canopy Size: 8 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester, alloy steel | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: Yes | Lights Included: No We Tested 28 of the Best Patio Umbrellas—and These 9 Resisted Stains, Fading, and Weather Damage Best Large Sunnyglade Rectangular Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It This large umbrella is great for people who want as much shade and sun protection as they can get. Keep in Mind Though assembly is not complicated, the instructions aren't very clear. The Sunnyglade Rectangular Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella is the best cantilever umbrella if you have a larger space or want tons of coverage. With a 10-foot polyester canopy, it provides more than enough shade for outdoor entertaining all summer long. Although you’ll have to purchase a base separately, the canopy does feature a long zipper in its corners to help keep it sturdy and stable even when there’s heavy wind. The pole’s eight aluminum ribs and thick material are rust- and corrosion-resistant and work to reduce swaying as well. You can rotate this umbrella up to 360 degrees just by stepping on a foot pedal and twisting the pole as needed. There’s also a four-level tilt system that you can use to adjust the canopy’s angle and make sure you’re always getting the shade you want. Assembly is required and shouldn't be too taxing, but the included instructions aren't very clear—there might be a learning curve. Price at time of publish: $300 Product Details: Canopy Size: 10 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester, steel | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: No | Lights Included: No Best Rectangular Hampton Bay Aluminum Rectangular Cantilever Umbrella The Home Depot View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It An included base is a rarity, and this one is particularly sturdy to stand up to windy weather. Keep in Mind The large canopy size may not be the best fit for every backyard. The best cantilever umbrella with a rectangular shape is the Hampton Bay Aluminum Rectangular Cantilever Umbrella. The materials are weather- and fade-resistant, and the large size means you’ll get ample shade even on super sunny afternoons. The manual tilt makes it easy to adjust this umbrella based on the sun’s position, while the included base is very sturdy and won’t tilt or falter even during windy days. The durable aluminum base and polyester-olefin canopy ensure that you won’t have to run to replace your umbrella every few years—even if you tend to leave it outside during inclement weather. We also really like that this option comes in both classic beige and a more playful red hue to best suit your backyard personality and patio furniture. The only downside to keep in mind is that this option really is quite large at 12 feet—which will be a bonus if you have a big space, but might not be the best decision if you’re working with limited patio space. Price at time of publish: $560 Product Details: Canopy Size: 12 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: NA | Material: Polyester-Olefin | UV Protection: No | Base Included: Yes | Lights Included: No Best Square Purple Leaf Outdoor Square Cantilever Umbrella Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It It’s offered in multiple sizes and the colors are more muted and stylish than other options. Keep in Mind It’s expensive considering that it doesn't include a base. If a rectangular canopy isn’t the look you’re into, this pick from Purple Leaf is the best cantilever umbrella for your backyard. The square-shaped canopy is offered in multiple sizes and colors, so you’ll be able to find the best space for your yard. The colors are also more muted and stylish and than many other options. The umbrella features a unique handle design and crank system that you can use to adjust the canopy up to 360 degrees. There are also six tilt angles and height options to choose from, which is ideal whether you entertain al fresco or just spend a lot of time outdoors. The umbrella’s canopy is UV-resistant, water-repellent, and fade-resistant, helping ensure that it’ll last for years to come. Just remember that you’ll need to purchase a weighted base to further secure the umbrella. Price at time of publish: $599 Product Details: Canopy Size: 10 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester, aluminum | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: No | Lights Included: No Best with Base Arlmont & Co Cantilever Umbrella with Heavy Duty Base Wayfair View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It This option is built to withstand the windiest weather conditions with a weighted, powder-coated base. Keep in Mind The pole and base are chunky and not as aesthetically pleasing as other options. The Arlmont & Co Cantilever Umbrella comes with a heavy-duty base that won’t tip or wobble—even in inclement weather—which makes it the best option if you’re looking for something that already has a base built into the price tag rather than purchasing one separately. This will ensure safety and ease of installation on the first go. The large, 11-foot umbrella is more than enough to provide shade on your patio or in your backyard, while the 360-degree tilt makes it easy to adjust based on the position of the sun or your furniture set-up. We also like that this option provides 98% UV protection and is crafted from a water- and fade-resistant material that doesn’t need to be babied in order to keep in good shape. The only issue we have with this option is that, while the base is super sturdy, the powder-coated finish isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as other options on the list. However, the long-lasting material won’t rust or scratch as easily as some of the more design-driven bases. Price at time of publish: $510 Canopy Size: 11 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester-Olefin | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: Yes | Lights Included: No Best Weather-Resistant Joyesery Aluminum Cantilever Umbrella The Home Depot View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It This option has a waterproof cover to protect the canopy from the rain. Keep in Mind The different colors vary in price. The Joyesery Aluminum Cantilever Umbrella is an investment, but it’s one of the best cantilever umbrellas when it comes to weather resistance. The umbrella comes with a waterproof cover that helps to protect the thick canopy from heavy rain and wind, and the frame is made from a rustproof aluminum material that can withstand inclement weather. In addition to five tilt angles, the umbrella rotates a full 360 degrees via a foot pedal so you can ensure maximum shade no matter where the sun’s position is. The canopy is also UV-resistant and features a vent to let out hot hair, keeping you at an ideal temperature when you’re sitting underneath. The umbrella is offered in multiple colors, which vary in price (gray being the most expensive), and also includes a weighted base, so you won’t have to purchase one separately. Plus, the umbrella also comes with a velcro strap to easily close and store it when you’re done using it for the day, as well as help secure it in the event of inclement weather. Price at time of publish: $708 Product Details: Canopy Size: 11 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester, aluminum | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: Yes | Lights Included: No The 11 Best Grill Covers of 2023 to Protect Your Grill Best with Lights Sonkuki Round Solar LED Aluminum 360-Degree Rotation Cantilever Umbrella The Home Depot View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It This option looks great during the day and at night thanks to the built-in LED string lights. Keep in Mind The lights are solar-powered and don’t get very bright on cloudy days. If you’re someone who likes to spend time on your patio or backyard from dawn to dusk, you’ll want to opt for a cantilever umbrella that has lights included, such as this popular model from Sonkuki. The round umbrella comes with seven solar-powered hanging LED lights which will help create a cozy atmosphere once the sun goes down. The Sonkuki Round Solar LED Umbrella isn’t just a great option for nighttime use, though. It’s actually also crafted from a solution-dyed material that features UV protection so you can feel safe while nestled in the shade under your umbrella. We also like that the 360-degree rotation makes it easy to adjust based on the sun position. The only slight setback in our books is that the LED lights are solar-powered, which means that you might not get very bright nighttime illumination if you’ve had a few cloudy or rainy days in a row. Price at time of publish: $635 Canopy Size: 11 feet | Tilt: Yes | Rotation: 360 degrees | Material: Polyester-Olefin | UV Protection: Yes | Base Included: Yes | Lights Included: Yes The Bottom Line Overall, the best cantilever umbrella is the Hampton Bay Aluminum Cantilever Solar LED Offset Umbrella Outdoor Patio Umbrella due to its sturdy structure, large size, and numerous LED lights. For a less expensive option, consider the Bluu Banyan Patio Offset Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella. The umbrella has a 10-foot canopy that’s weather-resistant and tiltable. What to Know About Cantilever Umbrellas Before Shopping Canopy Size The canopy size will determine how much coverage and shade you’ll get. While most umbrellas are about 10 feet, some can be larger, like the Hampton Bay Aluminum Rectangular Cantilever Umbrella. To determine which canopy size is best, measure your space and ensure there’s enough room to open the umbrella up. You’ll also want to consider how you’re going to use it, whether that be for lounging with a book in the afternoon or entertaining al fresco. If you want it to provide shade for multiple people, you may want a larger canopy. Tilt Many cantilever umbrellas feature tilting functions that let you angle the canopy to give you just the right amount of shade. Look for models that have a crank lever or foot pedal for tilting, as that’ll make for the easiest use. Rotation Many cantilever umbrellas can rotate, allowing for greater coverage without having to move the base. For picks that can rotate 360 degrees, opt for options that include a lever mechanism to allow for simple, stress-free rotation throughout the day. Material Many cantilever umbrellas feature a polyester canopy, which can make for strong protection against rain and light wind and is soft to the touch. Sunbrella acrylic fabric is another great option, as it’s weather- and fade-resistant, as is Texsilk olefin, which is stain-resistant and ultra durable. As for the umbrella frame, consider models with steel or aluminum bases, as those tend to be sleek, durable, and rust-resistant. UV Protection To keep yourself and others protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays, Lillo recommends canopy materials with an SPF rating over 50. Many common materials, like polyester and Olefin, are UV-resistant, but keep in mind that darker color canopies tend to absorb more UV rays than lighter-colored versions. Extra Features To find the best cantilever umbrella for your backyard, it’s worth considering additional features. For starters, every umbrella needs a base, but not every model comes with one, so you may end up having to purchase one separately for an additional cost. Some umbrellas, like the Sonkuki Round Solar Umbrella, have LED lighting built in, which is ideal if you need more outdoor lighting in your space. Your Questions, Answered Are cantilever umbrellas good in the wind? Like all other types of umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas should be closed up when there are winds over 25 mph, according to Lillo. The stronger the base you have, the sturdier the umbrella will be in the wind, but to be safe, it’s best to keep your umbrella closed whenever it’s not in use. How do you choose the correct size of cantilever umbrella? The best size of cantilever umbrella depends on your home’s specific needs, Lillo says, including the amount of shade required and the space allotted. In general, the larger the umbrella, the more shade you will get, he explains, but with cantilevers, you can usually go with a slightly smaller option because they “move with the shade.” How do you clean a cantilever umbrella? To keep your umbrella looking fresh, first remove any dirt, leaves, and other debris with a soft bristle brush, Lillo says. Then, combine soap (or laundry detergent) and water and use the brush to clean the umbrella’s fabric, one small section at a time. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes and then rinse the umbrella off with water to remove soap residue. Finally, let the umbrella dry in the sun before you close it back up. What is the difference between an offset and a cantilever umbrella? Cantilever umbrellas are offset umbrellas—but not all offset umbrellas are cantilevers. The term “offset umbrella” just means an umbrella that is positioned with its pole offset, meaning you don’t have to worry about the pole getting in the way or taking up space underneath the umbrella area. Cantilever umbrellas, on the other hand, also have the ability to mount onto a wall for additional convenience. How long can you expect a cantilever umbrella to last? The lifespan of a cantilever umbrella will depend on how well you treat it. If you take care to store your umbrella for winter and ensure you’re regularly cleaning it to prevent mold and mildew, you can expect the average cantilever umbrella to last anywhere from five to 10 years before it will need to be replaced. Who We Are Rachel Simon is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best cantilever umbrellas, she researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind several factors, like material and size. She also consulted Charles Lillo, co-founder of Umbrella Specialists. It was updated by Kaitlyn McInnis, a former lifestyle editor and freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit