FREESTANDING UMBRELLA’S – SETUP & MAINTENANCE

How to Setup my Freestanding Umbrella

Most of our Freestanding umbrellas have two-piece poles. Some have a one-piece pole. If you have purchased a two-piece pole umbrella, lay the top canopy half of the umbrella down, horizontally on a stable surface. Take the lower pole and gently slide it into the upper half of the umbrella pole, ensuring that the tubes align. In some case’s the two-piece poles will connect with a thread. Ensure the thread engages correctly to prevent cross threading. In the case of any resistance, stop, and re-align. If you have purchased a one-piece pole this is not necessary.

DO NOT try to force the umbrella halves together while upright in a vertical position. NOTE if you have purchased a one-piece pole umbrella, skip step 1.
If supplied, screw the finial into the top crown of the umbrella.
Once assembled, carefully lift and place the umbrella into the umbrella base. Ensure securing bolt is tensioned on the base stem.
Always secure your umbrella with an appropriate umbrella base. If using a base that is not secured to the ground, ensure the base is heavy enough and/or decide if extra weight is required eg/ sandbags or weights (taking the weather conditions into account).
Deploying Freestanding Umbrella with Rope
- Tease the umbrella ribs out.
- You will need to bend/crouch to get access to the underside of the umbrella.
- Ensure the rope is untangled and hanging straight down.
- Pull the rope as you would pull a flag up a flagpole.
- The ribs will raise as you keep pulling.
- Pull tight so that the securing pin hole becomes exposed beneath the rib hub.
- Once the pin hole is exposed, maintain tension on the rope with one hand and place the pin through the umbrella pole via the pin hole. Ensure the pin penetrates both sides of the umbrella pole.
  
  Some umbrella models have more than one pin hole. This allows you to tension the canopy by using the higher pin hole.
  
  Note if you have difficulty raising the ribs with the rope, gently tease the ribs more to ensure they are past the fulcrum point.
- To retract the umbrella, pull tightly on the rope so that the rib hub raises to allow the pin to be removed. Carefully and slowly edge yourself away from the ribs as they begin to lower. See below further instructions for general closing of umbrellas, storage and care.
Deploying Freestanding Umbrella with Winder
- Tease the umbrella ribs out.
- You will need to bend/crouch to gain access to the underside of the umbrella.
- Position yourself so the winder is on the righthand side of the umbrella. Wind in a clockwise motion.
- The ribs of the umbrella will begin to raise.
- If your umbrella is an auto-tilt, you should pause winding when the canopy reaches maximum tension horizontally. If you keep winding from this point, the umbrella will seamlessly tilt. If you do not wish the umbrella to be tilted, wind in an anticlockwise direction until it to returns the maximum tension position horizontally. The pole can be twisted in its umbrella base to vary the shade angles for maximum protection. When doing this, remember to loosen the tension bolt on the base and re-tension after the desired position is found.
- To wind down your umbrella, position yourself so that the winder is on the righthand side of the umbrella. Wind in an anticlockwise motion. Carefully and slowly edge yourself away from the ribs as they begin to lower. See below further instructions for general closing of umbrellas, storage and care.
Deploying Freestanding Umbrella with Gas Struts
- Tease the umbrella ribs out. This is a really important step. With a gas strut operation, the umbrella wants to stay down until the gas struts reach the fulcrum point. To assist, it makes it easier if you tease the two opposing ribs that have the gas struts secured
- Once you feel the release, bend/crouch to gain access to the underside of the umbrella and push the rib hub upwards until the pin hole is exposed. Continue pushing upwards with one hand and place the pin through the umbrella pole via the pin hole. Ensure the pin penetrates both sides of the umbrella pole.
  
  Some umbrella models have more than one pin hole. This allows you to tension the canopy by using the higher pin hole.
- To retract the umbrella, push upwards on the rib hub so that it is no longer resting on the pin. Remove the pin. Carefully and slowly edge yourself away from the ribs as they begin to lower. See below further instructions for general closing of umbrellas, storage and care.
Do not leave the umbrella open when unattended and ensure it is closed and strapped in windy or adverse weather conditions.
Ensure the umbrella is clean and dry prior to storing for extended periods of time to prevent mould from developing.
We recommend using a protective umbrella cover to assist keeping the canopy clean and dry when not in use. This helps to extend its life.
Take care when closing the umbrella to ensure that the canopy does not get caught or pinched by the umbrella arms. This is particularly important before storing the umbrella for extended periods of time or if the umbrella is to be laid horizontally for storage.

Every time you collapse your umbrella you must carefully pull the fabric out from behind the arms and fold and wrap the fabric panels around the umbrella (as you would with a handheld rain umbrella).

Ensure there is no fabric caught between or behind the arms of the umbrella. Once the fabric is neatly folded in this fashion, secure the umbrella canopy with the canopy strap provided.

To prevent damage to your umbrella you must do this every time the umbrella is collapsed. Failure to follow these steps, may result in damage to the umbrella canopy (the fabric can get damaged by rubbing and/or pinching). This form of damage is not covered by warranty.

How to care for my Freestanding Umbrella

Hose down the frame with fresh water periodically, more frequently if you live in a salty or industrial environment.
Regularly dust the umbrella canopy so that dust and debris are not allowed to sit on the fabric for extended periods. After dusting hose down the canopy and allow to stay open until it is dry.
Make sure your umbrella is clean and dry prior to storing for extended periods of time to prevent mould from developing.
We highly recommend a protective cover when not in use to preserve the condition of the canopy fabric, and frame.
Regularly inspect the chosen installation/base you have for your umbrella and tighten and care for as necessary (see care instructions and suggestions for bases)

How should I store my Freestanding Umbrella

If you’ve used your umbrella, make sure it’s completely dry before sliding over a protective cover.
Storing it in between uses will extend its life and minimise wear and tear, giving you the best quality shade for longer.

CANTILEVER UMBRELLA’S – SETUP & MAINTENANCE

How to Setup my Cantilever Umbrella

Your cantilever umbrella will come with instructions. It does depend on the cantilever model and installation option you have chosen, as to which set up process you must follow. We have provided guides below for Bolting down with a base plate, ballasting with cross bar base, installing inground spigot and using a water filled base. These are guides only as each umbrella varies slightly and every area of installation requires a bit of personal thought and tailoring.

What will I require to install my Cantilever Umbrella with a Bolt Down Base Plate

If you have chosen to install your cantilever by bolting it down with a base plate, this is a guide on how to do so. Please remember that each situation is different.
You will require hardware to mount the base plate to your chosen surface (Hardware is not included with the purchase of a base plate or with any umbrella).
If securing to a deck, you may require under deck reinforcement/bracing.

The hardware required for a deck differs to those for tiles/concrete.
If securing to Concrete – DYNABOLTS, LOCKSINS, CONCRETE SCREWS, THREADED ROD and TRUE BOLTS can be used.
If securing to a Timber Deck – NUT & BOLT or COACHSCREWS can be used.
The type and length of hardware required, will depend on what you are bolting the base to. As a general rule, we recommend grade 304 or 316 stainless steel fittings.
It is a good idea to take the base plate with you to the hardware store
The bolt down plate that you are using will take a certain diameter of bolt, also the length is important.
It is a good idea to spray your base plate with a rust inhibitor.
The use of spacers under the base plate can also help to assist moisture to escape as well as to level the base.

How to care for my Bolt Down Base

Continue to periodically spray with your chosen rust inhibitor. A rust inhibitor will help prevent rust and displaces moisture.
Ensure the area your base is placed in has good drainage to avoid the base sitting in water.
Keep clean from debris.

What will I require to install my Cantilever Umbrella using an Inground Cantilever Spigot

Wind rated umbrellas require at least .3 cubic metres of concrete and a minimum depth of 600ml. More may be necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and/or contact our team to discuss your situation. Once the volume has been determined, dig the necessary hole and fill with concrete.
The in-ground spigot base must be installed vertically into wet cement.
If your inground base is of a 2-part nature, connect the above ground component of the base to the inground component of the base, with the supplied bolts. Loosely tighten.
The top of the flange should protrude above the cement and just above the desired finished ground level. Create a support for the base underneath so it does not sink while the concrete is setting.
Use a spirit level to ensure the top flange is level. Use the upper part of the base to do so on the vertical axis. Create a temporary cover for the exposed above ground spigot, to prevent water egress whilst the concrete is setting.
The concrete needs to be set and hardened. We would recommend at least 2 days.
Once the concrete is set, fully tighten the bolts connecting the upper and lower spigots.

What will I require to install my Cantilever Umbrella using a Cross Bar Base

Depending upon the model, a minimum of 4 concrete ballast blocks are required to weight down your umbrella.
Our concrete ballast blocks weigh 25kg each
If your outdoor area is breezy or experiences strong winds, you will require more than 100kg. You can double up the blocks to add extra weight. Always remember an umbrella needs to be weighted down correctly. If you do not have enough weight on your ballast cross bar base, the wind can and will blow your umbrella over.
The use of a rust inhibitor spray is a good idea when installing this base. Spray the entire frame and inside the channel.
Prior to installing, if in a high salt environment, we suggest to protect your outdoor flooring, place a barrier, cut to size between your outdoor flooring and the base eg/ fake grass, plastic sheeting. This will be completely covered but will help protect your ground from the ageing effects that a steel item can cause.
The umbrella mast can now be attached and secured. Follow the instructions for mounting and erecting the umbrella.

How to care for my Cross Bar Base Base

Continue to periodically spray with your chosen rust inhibitor. A rust inhibitor will help prevent rust and displaces moisture.
Ensure the area your base is placed in has good drainage to avoid the base sitting in water.
Keep clean from debris.
Periodically remove weights to clean in and around the frame.

What will I require to install my Domestic Cantilever Umbrella Bolt Down Plate to a non-solid surface such as a lawn/garden

Domestic Cantilever umbrellas do not have an inground spigot option.
You can install them to a non-solid surface by creating a concrete pad.
Dig a hole of at least 500 x 500 x 500mm (larger pads may be required for different umbrellas).
Fill the hole with concrete and finish at your desired ground level.
The concrete needs to be set and hardened. We would recommend at least 2 days.
Once the concrete is set, drill into the concrete and attach the bolt down plate provided.
Hardware is not provided and will vary with differing applications – DYNABOLTS, LOCKSINS, CONCRETE SCREWS, THREADED ROD and TRUE BOLTS can be used.
The type and length of hardware required, will depend on what you are bolting the base to. As a general rule, we recommend grade 304 or 316 stainless steel fittings.
It is a good idea to take the base plate with you to the hardware store
The bolt down plate that you are using will take a certain diameter of bolt, also the length is important.
It is a good idea to spray your base plate with a rust inhibitor.
The use of spacers under the base plate can also help to assist moisture to escape as well as to level the base.

What will I require to install my Cantilever Umbrella using a Resin Water Filled Base

Place you water filled resin base in its desired location.
Fill the base with water or a combination of sand/water for greater weight.
Secure the cap in the filling hole to seal.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount your cantilever umbrella to the base.
The removeable winding/tilting handle can be used to wind the wheels down and retract them on a wheeled resin base.
Once the umbrella has been wheeled to its new location, ensure the wheels are retracted so the umbrella and base do not move in the wind.

How do I operate my Cantilever Umbrella

Umbrella Fellas proudly offer both single and double tilt Cantilever Umbrellas. All our Cantilever Umbrellas have specific designs and therefore varying operations. In general, these instructions should provide assistance on how to operate your Cantilever Umbrella.

Single tilt Cantilever Umbrellas only tilt on the vertical axis, whilst a double tilt Cantilever tilts on both the vertical and horizontal axis. A double tilt Cantilever umbrella is designed for ultimate sun protection, allowing you to adjust shade coverage at multiple angles throughout the day. Operating your cantilever umbrella is quick and effortless. Follow these simple steps to get the most out of your versatile outdoor umbrella:

Open the Canopy – Use the wind-up crank handle to smoothly open the umbrella to its full span. This ensures maximum shade coverage for your patio, poolside, or outdoor dining area.

The rib arms of the umbrella may require some manual assistance to splay the arms.

This step is 100% necessary if you have purchased a cantilever with a gas strut. This mechanism will want to remain closed until you pull/splay the rib arms out. The gas strut system is a controlled lift by using upward force to counteract the weight of the canopy.
Tilt Vertically – Adjust the vertical tilt to block direct sunlight by engaging the tilt mechanism. This allows you to shift the canopy up or down, providing customizable shade as the sun moves.
Tilt Horizontally (if you have a double tilt Umbrella) – For even more versatile sun protection, the horizontal tilt function allows you to angle the canopy side to side. This feature is perfect for adjusting shade coverage without needing to move the umbrella base.
360° Rotation – Most of our Cantilever Umbrellas feature a 360 degree pedal operated rotating base, enabling you to effortlessly reposition the canopy to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. Simply unlock the base by pressing the foot break to release it, rotate the umbrella, once you have your umbrella in the required position, release the foot break to secure it in place.
Close & Store – When not in use, use the crank system to retract the canopy.
For added protection and longevity, secure the umbrella with a protective cover to keep it clean and weather resistant.

How to care for my Cantilever Umbrella

Hose the frame down with fresh water periodically, more frequently if you live in a salty or industrial environment.
Ensure your umbrella is clean and dry prior to storing collapsed for extended periods of time to prevent mould from developing.
We highly recommend a protective cover when not in use to preserve the condition of the canopy fabric, and frame.
Review our detailed cleaning instructions for how to maintain your umbrella canopy.
Be careful when closing the umbrella to ensure that the canopy does not get caught or pinched by the umbrella arms. This is particularly important before storing the umbrella away for extended periods of time or if the umbrella is to be laid horizontally for storage.

Every time you collapse your umbrella you must carefully pull the fabric out from behind the arms and fold and wrap the fabric panels around the umbrella (as you would with a handheld rain umbrella).

Ensure there is no fabric caught between or behind the arms of the umbrella. Once the fabric is neatly folded in this fashion, secure the umbrella canopy with the canopy strap provided.

To prevent damage to your umbrella you must do this every time the umbrella is collapsed. Failure to follow these steps, may result in damage to the umbrella canopy (the fabric can get damaged by rubbing and/or pinching). This form of damage is not covered by warranty.
Regularly inspect the chosen installation/base you have for your umbrella and tighten and care for as necessary (see care instructions and suggestions for bases)

How should I store my Cantilever Umbrella

If you’ve used your umbrella, make sure it’s completely dry before sliding over a protective cover.
A protective cover will extend its life and minimise wear and tear, giving you the best quality shade for longer.
If your cantilever umbrella is secured/weighted sufficiently for your environment, you can leave it collapsed insitu with a storage cover over it.
It is important to periodically uncover the umbrella and wind it up and down, to ensure that moving parts do not seize due to lack of use.

How do I clean my Cantilever Umbrella

We recommend regular brushing of your canopy with a soft bristle brush, to remove any leaves, dirt and debris.
In high salinity coastal environments, a monthly hose of the frame and canopy helps to remove salt build up.
Please refer to our Cleaning Guide for detailed instructions.

FREESTANDING CENTREPOST UMBRELLA BASE – SETUP & MAINTENANCE

How to Setup my Freestanding Umbrella Base

We have various freestanding umbrella bases. These instructions are here to provide broad hints and clues. Please also check the individual product website page in conjunction with these guides.
All concrete and granite umbrella bases need to be unpackaged with care. These materials need to be treated carefully to avoid chipped corners.
If your umbrella base has a stem which attaches with a thread, use a hand brush to remove any residual manufacturing shavings from the thread.
Spray the stem thread with a lubricant.
Insert the stem vertically and ensure it engages correctly. If it is inserted crooked there is the possibility of cross threading the connection.
Once inserted correctly, tighten the stem.
Spray the tensioning bolt on the side of the stem with a lubricant.
Your umbrella base may come with multiple securing sleeves for varying umbrella pole diameters. Use the one that best suits your umbrella pole.
Once you insert your umbrella into the base, secure the tensioning bolt on the side.

How to care for my Freestanding Umbrella Base

Regularly wash the base with fresh water
Regularly lubricate the tensioning bolt on the side
If your umbrella base is painted concrete. You may wish to paint periodically to maintain appearance.
If your umbrella base has a stainless-steel stem, it will not rust. However, if you are in close proximity to the beach, it may tea stain. Clean any tea staining regularly with a soft scourer. If tea staining is left for long periods, it may be difficult to remove

Instructions & Maintenance