Installation & Maintenance

How to assemble, install, clean and winter-store your umbrellas and furniture. This page gathers the most common questions about installation & maintenance into one place.

Do you supply spare parts and replacement canopies?

Yes — we supply spare parts What's available Replacement canopies (made to your original size, fabric and colour), ribs, hubs, cranks, finials, base plates and fixing kits. How long parts stay available 5 years after purchase for the standard ranges. We hold stock of the common parts, so most orders ship within 7 days. How to order Tell us the model, the part you need and the quantity. A photo of the damaged part helps us confirm the exact version. We quote the same day. Matching an existing installation Send us the model code or a photo and we can match the fabric and colour, so a replacement canopy won't look different from the rest of the site. This matters most for hotels and restaurant chains that replace umbrellas in phases — a mismatch in year three is very visible. Which model do you have? Send us a photo and we'll identify the parts you need.

Spare parts and canopies

Yes. We supply replacement canopies, ribs, hubs, poles, bases, and hardware for every model we sell, so a single worn part never scraps a good frame. Canopies are designed for straightforward swap-out with basic tools.

Keeping stock

For resorts and distributors we can pre-kit spare-part packs per site and keep your colour and size on file for fast reorders. Tell us your fleet size and we will propose a sensible spare ratio.

Source: https://www.forishortus.com/f764006/Do-you-supply-spare-parts-and-replacement-canopies.htm

How do we clean and maintain the fabric and frame?

Routine care (once a month in season) Brush off dust and debris with a soft brush, then hose the canopy down with clean water. Cleaning the fabric Wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap, using a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly. Let it dry fully before closing — closing a wet canopy is the single most common cause of mildew. Never use - Pressure washers — they strip the water-repellent coating - Solvents, bleach or strong detergents — they break down the fibre finish - Machine washing or dry cleaning Removing mildew Mix mild soap with water and a little white vinegar, brush gently, rinse and dry in the sun. Treat it as soon as you see it — mildew left over winter becomes very hard to remove. The frame Wipe aluminium or powder-coated parts with a damp cloth. Once a season, check and tighten the bolts and lubricate the crank mechanism lightly. Off-season Store the umbrella closed and dry, ideally under a protective cover. Full care guide with photos: https://www.forishortus.com Which fabric is your umbrella made from? Tell us and we'll send the exact care instructions for it.

Cleaning fabric and frame

Brush off loose dirt, then clean the canopy with mild soap and lukewarm water and a soft brush; rinse and air dry before closing. Avoid harsh solvents that strip the water repellent. Wipe the frame with a damp cloth and dry it to protect the coating.

Seasonal care

At season end, wash and fully dry the canopy, then store it in a dry place or fit a protective cover. Rinse coastal frames monthly to remove salt. Check bolts and the hub once a season and tighten as needed.

Source: https://www.forishortus.com/f764005/How-do-we-clean-and-maintain-the-fabric-and-frame.htm

How do we install the umbrellas?

What is in the box - Every umbrella ships with the canopy, the pole, the ribs, the base fixing kit and a printed assembly guide. A QR code on the guide links to a step-by-step video. How long it takes - Centre-pole models take around 20 minutes with two people. Cantilever models take around 30 minutes, because the offset arm and the ballast need setting first. Only basic tools are needed - a spanner and a hex key, both included in the kit. Before you start - Check the ground is level and the base is rated for the canopy size. Leave clearance around the umbrella so it can open and rotate freely. Use two people, always - never raise a cantilever arm on your own.

• A: For larger projects - We supply the assembly guide in your own language, and for project orders we can run a video walkthrough with your installation team before the shipment arrives. Tell us the model and we will send the assembly guide and video before you order, so you can plan the install day.

• B: Choose the base to match your surface - The fixing method depends on your ground and how exposed the site is. See our Base and Surface FAQ for the full breakdown, then tell us the surface, the model and the wind exposure and we will specify the exact base and anchor kit.

Source: https://www.forishortus.com/f764004/How-do-we-install-the-umbrellas.htm

What base do we need for our surface?

It depends on the ground and how exposed the site is Concrete or solid paving A bolt-down base plate fixed with expansion anchors. The most stable option, and what most restaurant and hotel terraces use. Timber decking A through-fix plate bolted into the joists below, or a heavy weighted plate if drilling isn't allowed. Never put a light base on decking — wind will tip it. Grass or open ground A cross base or a ground socket, loaded with pavers or a dedicated ballast block. Balcony or rooftop Weighted plates only, sized to the umbrella and the wind load at that height. We'll calculate the required weight for your site. Windy or coastal sites Heavier ballast plus reinforced ribs. On exposed sites we also recommend closing the umbrella whenever the venue is unattended. A simple rule of thumb The bigger the canopy, the heavier the base — a 3 m umbrella typically needs around 40–50 kg, a 4 m cantilever 100 kg or more. We'll confirm the exact figure for your model from our spec sheet. Tell us three things and we'll specify the exact base: the ground surface, the model you're considering, and how exposed the site is to wind.

Base by surface type

The right base depends on your surface. On concrete or wood decks use a plate or fillable base. On grass or sand use an in-ground anchor or a peg base. On tiled or rental terraces where drilling is not allowed, choose a heavy portable or split base.

Matching to model

Tell us the surface and the umbrella model and we will specify the exact mount and weight. The wrong surface match is the usual cause of instability, so this step is worth getting right before order.

Source: https://www.forishortus.com/f764003/What-base-do-we-need-for-our-surface.htm

Do you provide product warranty and after-sales support?

Yes. We provide professional after-sales support and quality assurance for our outdoor umbrella projects. Our team assists customers with product guidance, maintenance suggestions, and project support to ensure long-term performance and customer satisfaction.

Warranty and after-sales

Yes. We provide a warranty on frames and workmanship and back it with spare parts and responsive support. The exact period depends on the product line; we state it clearly on the quotation and the spec sheet so there is no ambiguity.

What is covered

Coverage addresses manufacturing defects in the frame, mechanism, and stitching under normal use. Wear from weather and misuse is outside the scope, which is why we also supply replacement canopies and hardware to extend product life.

Our after-sales team coordinates spare-part dispatch and, where needed, on-site guidance through your contractor, so warranty cases are resolved without stalling your opening or season. We keep a record of your exact configuration so any replacement matches the original.

Source: https://www.forishortus.com/f761910/Do-you-provide-product-warranty-and-after-sales-support.htm