How to Anchor a Cantilever Umbrella: Plate, Footing or Base

To anchor a cantilever umbrella, match the mount to what is under it: a surface plate on existing decking, a patio or concrete, an in ground anchor where you can pour fresh concrete, or a weighted freestanding base when the umbrella has to move. Use a mount the brand offers for that model, and close the umbrella in high winds.

Which of those you can use depends on the umbrella you pick. Some brands let you choose the mount when you order, and others sell the base as its own product. The five steps below walk through each option in order. If you already know what you need, you can shop bases and other umbrella accessories here.

What is the best way to anchor a cantilever umbrella?

The best way is the mount built for your surface and for whether the umbrella needs to move. Shadowspec makes a useful example, because it offers four mounts and says what each one is for:

Shadowspec makes all four in marine grade 316 stainless steel. Mount choices differ from brand to brand and model to model, so the first step is to find out what yours offers.

Step 1: Start with the mounts the brand offers

Look at what the brand sells for the exact umbrella you want before you plan anything else. Shadowspec has you pick your mount from its list: a surface plate, an in ground anchor, a free standing base or a wall bracket.

Ledge Lounger designs the Ultra for on deck use, with multiple base and mounting options, and the base is sold separately. So check whether the base or mount is part of the price before you compare totals.

Choose your mount

Shadowspec Serenity Square

Offered with a surface plate, in ground anchor, wall mount bracket or free standing base.

From $5,231.10 See mounts →

Step 2: How do I attach a cantilever umbrella to my deck?

Use a surface plate. Shadowspec describes its surface plate as being "for mounting onto existing decking, patio or even concrete," so one mount covers a finished deck, a patio or a slab.

Follow the brand's instructions for fastening the plate to your surface. If you are still choosing the umbrella itself, start with our cantilever umbrellas and check each model's mount list.

Built for decks

Ledge Lounger Ultra 11' Octagon

Designed for on deck use. Base sold separately.

$4,129.00 View the Ultra →

Step 3: Set an anchor when you are pouring new concrete

An in ground anchor is a permanent option. Shadowspec calls it "great for new builds or anywhere you can pour fresh concrete," and recommends it for permanent footings in high wind areas.

If new concrete is going in, choose the umbrella and its anchor before the pour, because this mount goes into fresh concrete.

Step 4: How do you weigh down a cantilever umbrella?

With a freestanding base, the mount Shadowspec offers for moving the umbrella. Shadowspec's free standing base needs paving stones for ballast, and it can be fitted with optional castor wheels. The brand calls these bases great for portable cantilevers and says they can go in areas that can't have permanent shade.

Some brands sell a cantilever base as its own product. Ledge Lounger's Galvanized Steel Plate Stack Cantilever Base is one example.

Cantilever base

Ledge Lounger Galvanized Steel Plate Stack Cantilever Base

A cantilever base built from stacked galvanized steel plates.

From $2,119.00 View the base →

Step 5: Close it when the wind picks up

Shadowspec engineers its umbrellas to stay stable in Beaufort 5 winds when properly anchored. On the Beaufort scale, force 5 is 19 to 24 mph. The brand also says, "We always suggest you retract your umbrella in high winds."

The rating holds when the umbrella is properly anchored, so get the mount right first and close the canopy when the wind builds. For how brands state wind ratings and what each one depends on, see our guide to the best cantilever umbrellas for wind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy a base does a 10 ft cantilever umbrella need?

No single weight fits every 10 foot cantilever. Each brand sets the base for its own models, so check the listing for the umbrella you are buying. You can shop bases in our umbrella bases and stands, and our sizing guide helps you settle the canopy size first.

What can you use instead of a base?

A wall bracket. In Shadowspec's words, "When you can't fix your umbrella to the ground, attach to the wall." Not every model can go on a wall, though: Shadowspec's Unity Duo Octagon and Unity Quattro cannot be wall mounted. For umbrellas made to hang from a wall, see wall mounted umbrellas.

How do you keep a cantilever umbrella from tipping over?

Anchor it with a mount the brand offers for that model and your surface, and close it in high winds. Shadowspec's Beaufort 5 rating, for example, applies when the umbrella is properly anchored. Our wind guide covers this in more depth.