Parasol erecting in Exeter
Professional parasol erecting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins - 1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
Parasol erected properly and positioned for best shade coverage. Assembled if needed, mechanism checked, base secured - ready to use for summer lounging.
That Box That's Been Sat There For Weeks
You ordered a lovely parasol for the garden. It arrived. It's been sitting in the box by the back door for three weeks because the thought of deciphering those instructions and wrestling a 3-metre pole into submission just fills you with dread.
Or maybe you've got last year's parasol to put back up and you remember what a faff it was getting it down.
I'll sort it in half an hour and you can get on with enjoying your garden.
💡 Pro tip: Put parasols up in calm weather. Trying to erect a big parasol in the wind is like fighting an angry octopus.
More Than Just Shoving It In The Base
Getting a parasol properly set up matters:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Quick Job |
|---|---|
| Mechanism tested and working smoothly | Stiff mechanism nobody uses |
| Base secured and weighted properly | Wobbles in first breeze |
| Positioned for actual shade coverage | Looks good but shades nothing |
| All adjustments working | Stuck at one angle forever |
What You Get
🔧 The Setup Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Unpack/Assemble | If new, assembled as per instructions |
| Base prep | Base positioned and weighted if needed |
| Erect | Parasol fitted into base, secured properly |
| Test | Opening/closing mechanism tested, angles adjusted |
| Position | Moved to give best shade for your seating |
📦 You're Left With
- Working parasol properly erected
- Base stable and secure
- Mechanism moving smoothly
- Shade where you actually want it
Pricing Guide
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Erect existing parasol | 30 mins or less | £60 |
| Unpack, assemble and erect new parasol | 45 mins - 1 hr | £60 |
| Large/cantilever parasol | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum. Doesn't include base filling - that's quoted separately if needed.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ New parasol - still in the box, needs assembling
✅ Seasonal setup - bringing last year's parasol back out
✅ Replacement - old one down, new one up
✅ Heavy parasol - cantilever or large models need two people really
Why Choose Us for Parasol erecting in Exeter?
Assembled and erected properly first time
Mechanism checked and working smoothly
Positioned for best shade coverage
Stability tested before I leave
What to Expect
Step 1: Check The Base
Make sure the base is in the right spot and properly weighted. No point putting the parasol up in the wrong place or on a base that'll blow over.
Step 2: Assembly If Needed
If it's new in the box, I'll assemble it following the instructions. Check all the fittings are tight, cord mechanism working smoothly.
Step 3: Erect & Test
Parasol fitted into base, secured with whatever locking mechanism it has. Opened and closed to check it's working properly. Adjusted to the right angle for shade coverage.
🔧 DIY Tips
Parasols aren't complicated, but they're awkward. Here's how to manage:
🔧 What you'll need
- The parasol (obviously)
- Weighted base in position
- Someone to help with big parasols
- Allen keys (usually supplied)
- WD40 for stiff mechanisms
📐 The process
- Position and weight the base first
- Assemble pole sections if multi-piece
- Thread the opening cord through (follow instructions carefully)
- Slide parasol into base sleeve
- Secure with base locking screw/pin
- Test opening mechanism before attaching canopy
- Attach canopy and check everything works
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Trying to erect big parasols in windy weather (nightmare)
- Not securing properly in base (falls over first time you open it)
- Threading cord wrong (mechanism jams)
- Forgetting to weight the base first (unstable)
- Forcing stiff mechanisms (breaking them rather than lubricating)
💡 Pro trick: Before erecting for the season, give all the moving parts a spray with silicone lubricant. Makes the opening mechanism work like butter and stops it seizing over summer. And never force a stuck mechanism - work out why it's stuck first.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
☂️ Close it when not using it: Leaving parasols open 24/7 wears out the fabric and stresses the mechanism. Close it when you're not sitting out. Takes ten seconds.
Cantilever parasols: These big offset ones are brilliant for shade coverage but they need decent bases - minimum 50kg. They also catch the wind more, so close them religiously when it's breezy.
Cord mechanisms: Most parasols use a cord and pulley to open. If it gets stiff, it's usually dirt or corrosion. A bit of WD40 and working it back and forth usually frees it up.
Devon's weather: Parasols here get a battering from coastal winds and salt air. Close them in anything above a light breeze, and consider covering or storing them over winter to make them last.
Combined garden setup: If I'm doing a full patio setup (furniture assembly, cushions, parasol, base filling), doing it all in one visit saves you money. Your garden goes from boxes everywhere to summer-ready in one afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it just assembling a parasol or do you position it too?
Both. I'll assemble it if it came in pieces, get it into the base properly, position it where you want the shade, and make sure the opening/closing mechanism works smoothly. Basically get it ready to use.
My parasol is really big and heavy - can you manage it alone?
Probably, yes. I've put up some properly massive cantilever parasols single-handed. If it's a particularly huge one you might need to give me a hand holding it upright while I secure the base, but I'll manage the assembly.
Can you fix a parasol that won't open properly?
Often yes - usually it's just a stuck mechanism that needs freeing up or a cord that's tangled. I'll have a look and see what's what. If it's actually broken (cracked pole, torn fabric) that might be beyond fixing.
Will you take the old parasol down if I'm replacing it?
Yes - I'll get the old one down and out of the way. If you want to keep it, I'll leave it folded neatly. If it's going, I can take it away for disposal.
Do parasols need any special care after putting them up?
Close them when not in use and definitely close them in wind - even the best base won't hold against a gale. Clean bird muck off promptly (it stains). And bring them in or cover them over winter to make the fabric last.
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