Parasol base filling in Exeter
Professional parasol base filling services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Parasol base filled properly with sand or water to the right weight. No mess on your patio, base positioned where you want it, parasol standing stable and ready to use.
That Empty Base That's Too Light
You've bought a lovely big parasol and a base to go with it. Trouble is, the base weighs about 2kg empty and your parasol has more sail area than a yacht. First gust of wind and the whole lot's going over into the flower bed.
Needs filling. But you're looking at 25kg of sand to shift, those stupid little filler holes, and the inevitable mess all over your nice patio.
Let me sort it.
💡 Pro tip: Fill bases AFTER you've positioned them where you want them. A 25kg sand-filled base is not easy to drag across decking.
More Than Just Tipping Sand In
It's a messy job if you don't know what you're doing:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ DIY Disaster |
|---|---|
| Base positioned first, THEN filled | Filled in garage, can't lift it to move |
| Right type of fill for base design | Wrong material (too light or damages base) |
| Funnel and steady hand (minimal spillage) | Sand everywhere, grouting on patio ruined |
| Filled to correct weight for parasol size | Half-filled (still blows over) |
What You Get
🔧 The Filling Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Base positioned exactly where you want the parasol |
| Prepare | Protection laid if needed, fill material ready |
| Fill | Sand or water added carefully through fill hole |
| Test | Parasol fitted and tested for stability |
| Clean | Any spillages cleaned up, patio left clean |
📦 You're Left With
- Properly weighted parasol base
- Parasol standing stable
- Clean patio
- Peace of mind on windy days
Pricing Guide
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Fill your base (you supply sand/water) | 1 hr or less | £60 |
| Supply sand and fill base | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Multiple bases | Add 30 mins each | +£25 per base |
Based on £60 minimum. Sand costs about £5-8 per base depending on capacity.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ New parasol setup - base needs filling before use
✅ Topped up weight - base was half-filled, needs more
✅ Avoid the mess - don't want sand all over your patio
✅ Elderly or mobility - shifting 25kg of sand isn't easy
Why Choose Us for Parasol base filling in Exeter?
Base filled to proper weight for stability
Right fill material for your base type
No spillages on your patio
Parasol tested for stability before I leave
What to Expect
Step 1: Position The Base
I'll confirm exactly where you want the parasol to live. Much easier to move an empty base than a full one! If you're not sure, we can test different positions.
Step 2: Fill It Up
Using a funnel and taking my time, I'll fill the base through whatever fill hole it has. Sand bases get packed down as I fill to avoid settling later. Water bases get filled, with a bit of space left for expansion.
Step 3: Test & Clean
Parasol fitted and given a wobble test. Any spillages swept or hosed off. Job done.
🔧 DIY Tips
You can definitely do this yourself if you're patient:
🔧 What you'll need
- Play sand or builder's sand (2-3 x 25kg bags usually)
- OR water and optional antifreeze for winter
- Large funnel (or make one from a cut-off bottle)
- Dustpan and brush for spillages
- Someone to hold the funnel while you pour
📐 The process
- Position the empty base where you want it
- Remove fill plug (WD40 if it's stuck)
- Insert funnel into fill hole
- Pour sand SLOWLY (rushing it causes blockages)
- Shake and tap base to settle sand
- Keep filling until you can't get any more in
- Replace plug securely
- Sweep up spillages
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Filling the base in the garage then trying to carry it (it's HEAVY)
- Pouring too fast (creates air pockets and blockages)
- Using damp sand (clumps and won't pour)
- Not filling right to the top (base is too light)
- Overfilling water bases (no expansion room)
💡 Pro trick: For water bases, add a glug of cheap vodka or RV antifreeze in winter. Stops it freezing and cracking the base. And mark the fill plug with bright tape so you remember which plug it is next time you need to top it up.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏖️ Sand vs water weight: Water is actually heavier - 25kg of water vs 20kg of sand in the same volume base. But sand won't freeze and crack the base, so it's better for year-round use.
Emptying sand bases: If you need to move house or change base position, sand bases are a nightmare to empty. Drill a small hole in the bottom, let it drain into a bucket, plug with silicone. Or just buy a new base.
Top-up over time: Sand bases can settle, especially if the parasol gets knocked about. Water bases can evaporate slowly. Worth checking annually and topping up.
Devon's winds: Even with a properly filled base, close your parasol in high winds. Devon's coastal breezes can launch a big parasol like a kite - I've seen them take fences out.
Combined setup: If you're having a full patio furniture setup done (table assembly, cushions sorted, parasol erected), I can do it all in one visit. Saves you money and you can enjoy your garden that same afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fill the base with sand or water?
Depends on the base design. Water is heavier (good for stability) but can freeze in winter and crack the base. Sand is lighter but more permanent - you can't easily empty it. For year-round use, sand. For seasonal use, water with a bit of antifreeze in winter.
How much sand does a parasol base need?
Most bases hold 15-25kg of sand (or equivalent in water). That's usually 2-3 bags of play sand or builder's sand. I'll know once I see your base - they all have different capacities.
Can you supply the sand as well as fill it?
Yes - I can pick up bags of sand on the way for an extra tenner or so. Much easier than you lugging bags from the car to the patio, then cleaning up the spillages!
Will a filled base definitely stop the parasol blowing over?
In normal conditions, yes. But Devon gets some proper winds, and even a weighted base won't stop a big parasol acting like a sail in a gale. Close the parasol when it's windy, or bring it down completely if you're going away.
My base has a plug but it won't come out to fill it - can you get it open?
Usually yes - they often get stuck, especially if it's been sitting empty for a while. I've got tools to persuade stubborn plugs. Worst case, some bases have a fill hole on top instead.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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