Marko Outdoor Black Concrete Round Parasol Base 25Kg W/Parasol Pole Adaptors

I have only had this item for a few days so this review does not cover the long term durability of the product. It was well packed and arrived in perfect condition. Assembly was quick and easy with no tools being required though a fair degree of physical strength was needed. The result looked good and the pole of my parasol fitted using two of the three supplied plastic inserts.I had two small problems with the design. Firstly, the base is a shallow dome. This looks good but I know from experience that a 25kg weight is not sufficient if even a mild breeze blows when my 2.7m parasol is tilted. It would be much easier to add temporary additional weights were the top of the base flat. Secondly, the knob on the bolt intended to retain the pole is plastic and in my experience such knobs have only a limited lifespan when significant force is applied to tighten them. Such knobs should always be metal; the additional cost would be trivial.However, this latter point proved insignificant as there is a major flaw in the design. The supplied knobbed bolt is incapable of properly securing the parasol’s pole. The basic test is to be able to lift the base off the ground by lifting the pole. If this fails – as it did – the full weight of the base is wasted. The instructions on how to set up the tightening screw are nonexistent; there are lugs that extend from the plastic inserts which I assume should go between the screw and the pole but it made no difference whether I used one, two or none of them, the pole always slipped out when tested.As I did not want the bother of returning the unit I replaced the supplied screw with a 50mm M8 hex bolt which, when tightened with a spanner (none of the lugs on the inserts being used) supported the base even when I added weights to take it up to 40kg. As I did not want to find a spanner every time I needed to insert or remove the pole I made a hardwood knob for this bolt which proved a satisfactory replacement for the spanner. This is a fairly trivial alteration – at least if you already have the materials to hand - but should not be necessary and I have only given the base 3 stars to reflect this problem.

Poor plastic components recieved cracked but otherwise a sturdy base and be carefully not to cross thread pole connectors as metal not in my opinion good quality

Excellent product. Good and heavy and looks very smart in the black concrete. Very pleased with my purchase.

Solid and heavy cast concrete base. Points to be aware of though - The instructions indicate, as the item is reasonably heavy, to move the item, tilt it up and roll along the edge.This however causes the circumferential plastic edge finisher to be pushed out of position. Additionally, there isn't a totally robust clamping grip onto the parasol pole. The hand turn wheel, pushes a slippery polythene collar against the pole as the locking feature.

I bought this one as there werent many around for our parasol which had a bigger than usual post. This is great because you get different sticky uppy bits (technical term!) to match different diameter poles. It is very heavy, which you need if you worry about the parasol blowing over in strong winds. Its not too hard to move though, as you can tilt and roll it once its in the garden. Very good value for money, and the finish is nice and smart.

Very heavy and sturdy. Looks good and the parasol fits in perfect. It comes with 3 different size fittings for the parasol.

Concrete was cracked

The parasol arrived on time and is just right for the large parasol I bought.