Top Ten Things to Look for When Purchasing Shade Structures
November 11, 2008
With the increased importance of outdoor spaces in the hospitality and foodservice industries, purchasing a quality parasol is an important investment decision. Tom Parker, president of TUUCI, a global provider of quality shade structures, offers the following suggestions when it comes time to purchase parasols:
1. Marine Grade Structures - Marine grade means frame material, components and fabric that withstand the rigors of life on the water, which should be the standard for quality parasols. Parasols made from materials that are durable and inherently corrosion proof can last for years in the most difficult of commercial environments.
2. Structural Material - Not all frames are created equal, so consider purchasing a parasol with thick walled extrusions of aluminum marine-grade alloy or equally durable fiberglass and assembled with stainless steel components. Marine grade aluminum carries a beautiful polish that is a more durable finish. Fiberglass frames are flexible, durable and won't corrode in salt air environments. Stainless steel fasteners are strong and prevent rust stains on canopies.
3. Lifting System - An internal crank system can break and not be repaired, while an external marine grade rope with stainless steel pulley system will reliably open and close a canopy over an extended lifespan. External pulley and rope systems give mechanical advantage for ease of operation. Look for parasols with locking cam cleats that hold the rope in place at any position.
4. Base - Consider the height, canopy span and location when choosing the correct base for a parasol. Larger parasols need heavy, durable, contract grade bases. Particularly heavy wind environments should consider stainless mounts bolted to the deck.
5. Pocket Construction - When a parasol falls, it generally strikes the ground at the strut, which makes pocket reinforcement critically important. Look for parasols that reinforce the pockets with ballistic webbing, for stronger more durable pockets that can withstand repeated strikes against the ground.
6. Frame and Canopy Customization - Purchasing a quality parasol is an investment; get the perfect product by specifying the frame shape, size, finish and lift mechanism. Canopies should be available in a wide range of marine grade quality fabrics, with venting options and style choices including market and valance. Consider screen-printing your logo or designs for brand building.
7. Maintenance - When purchasing a parasol, consider how easy it will be to maintain and repair. Purchasing serviceable parasols engineered to last for years is a better investment for your facility, and better for the environment, than buying short-lived, disposable parasols. Make sure that replacement parts are easily available.
8. Marine Grade Fabric Canopy - Marine grade should be applied not only to hardware, but also to the fabric. To guarantee a quality canopy, purchase one that has a performance fabric such as the Sunbrella® brand which is durable, fade and stain-resistant. Performance fabrics will increase the lifespan of the canopy, assure a quality look season after season and ultimately save money on frequent replacements.
9. Styling innovation - The days when parasols were limited to square shapes are long over. Consider parasols in unique shapes and sizes that provide shade and give your property a distinct look and feel. Nearly unlimited choices for canopy colors can transform your pool or patio into an oasis.
10. Made in the USA - With frames and canopies constructed in the USA, service and replacement parts will be much easier to access. Be wary of bargain prices. When it comes to parasols, you get what you pay for. They may look good initially, but poorly built frames and low quality fabric will not endure everyday use.
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About TUUCI
Since its inception 10 years ago, TUUCI's shade structures have redefined the shade category. In addition to artistic beauty, TUUCI products are engineered with marine grade components that are durable and easy to operate. Outdoor cafes, theme parks, and many of the world's leading resorts and hotels have selected TUUCI because of this combination of beauty, durability and function.
Headquartered in Miami, the TUUCI team includes experts in design, engineering and production. TUUCI products are distributed worldwide through strategically located service centers. On the Web at www.TUUCI.com.
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Editors' note: Hi-resolution images available upon request.
Contact:
Kristin Harman - kharman@wrayward.com - 704-926-1314
Charlotte Hicks - chicks@tuuci.com - 305-634-5116