Shadowspec Unity Multi-Canopy Cantilever Umbrella

The Owner's Insights on the Unity Multi-Canopy Cantilever Umbrella

The Unity is the Shadowspec I point people to when one umbrella is not enough shade. Up to four canopies hang off a single mast, so a long dining table, a row of sun loungers or a whole pool deck gets covered without a forest of poles.

Each canopy opens in about 5 seconds with a gas-assisted lift, and the whole umbrella turns 360 degrees on its mast. Two canopies side by side measure about 17 ft 4 in across on the 8' square size and about 25 ft 9 in across on the 13' octagon. Four square canopies cover about 16 or 20 ft each way.

The honest part: it does not tilt, and it is not a storm umbrella. Shadowspec rates it to Beaufort 5 — winds of 19 to 24 mph — on a fixed mount, and their own guidance is to close and secure the canopy once wind passes 40 km/h (25 mph). Octagon canopies only come in one or two canopies, and three or four canopies are square only.

Why You'll Love the Shadowspec Unity

• One to four canopies on one mast. A single post shades a space that would otherwise need several umbrellas, so your guests get a clear patio floor.
• Opens in about 5 seconds. A gas-assisted lift means your guests can open it themselves, with no crank to jam and no cable to fray.
• Turns a full 360 degrees. The shade follows the sun across the afternoon, so nobody gets moved off their seat at 3 p.m.
• Built-in LED light in every hub. Add one rechargeable battery per canopy and the table is lit after dark, with no wiring.
• Rain gutter joins the canopies. The optional gutter connects neighboring canopies, so rain does not drip through the gap onto your table.
• Marine-grade aluminum and 316 stainless steel. Built for sun, rain and pool chemicals, so the frame carries a 6-year warranty and the fabric 10 years.

Not sure how many canopies or which size fits your patio? Call or text us at 1 800 914 0074 or 352 274 6387, or email sales@optimaloutdooroasis.com. Texting is fine. We will size it with you before you order.

Why You Should Consider a Shadowspec Cantilever Umbrella

Shadowspec is a family-owned New Zealand company that builds every umbrella by hand. The Unity is its flagship, with Shadowspec's own patented lift, glide and lock mechanisms, a 10-year fabric warranty and a 6-year frame warranty. That is a long guarantee on a product that lives outside year-round.

Shadowspec Unity Specifications

Important Notes Before You Buy

• Close it in wind. Rated to Beaufort 5 (19–24 mph) on a fixed mount. Close and secure the canopy once wind passes 40 km/h (25 mph), per Shadowspec's own guidance. Wind damage is not covered by the warranty.
• No tilt. It rotates but does not tilt, so low sun can reach under the edge.
• Free-standing base needs pavers. Twelve concrete pavers, not included, or the warranty is void. Not recommended for a Trio or Quattro.
• Fasteners are not supplied. You need four 4 in concrete screws or Dyna-Bolts for the surface plate.
• One battery per canopy. A four-canopy light setup needs four batteries.
• Hardwired light needs an electrician. The manual requires a licensed electrician for the hardwire kit.
• Special-order colors take longer. Ask us before you pick one.
• Furniture is not included. Nothing in the photos ships with the umbrella.

Supporting Documents

• Shadowspec Unity spec sheet (PDF)
• Shadowspec Unity owner's manual: installation, care and warranty (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Canopies Do You Need?

Think about the shape of the space. One canopy (Uno) shades a table or a pair of loungers. Two (Duo) cover a long table or a row of loungers. Three or four (Trio and Quattro) cover a wide pool deck or a patio you entertain on. Octagon canopies are one or two only. Trio and Quattro are priced here with a surface plate or in-ground anchor, so call us about a free-standing or wall mount on those. If one canopy is enough, the Shadowspec Serenity costs less.

Which Mount Is Right for Your Patio?

The surface plate bolts to a concrete slab at least 4 in deep, using four fasteners you supply, and is the simplest choice. The in-ground anchor sets in concrete and suits a lawn or garden bed. The wall mount bracket is for when ground mounting is not possible. The free-standing base sits on top of any flat surface, but it must be loaded with 12 concrete pavers or Shadowspec's warranty is void. The pavers are not included, and the base adds about 6 in to the height. Shadowspec does not recommend the free-standing base for a Trio or Quattro: that many canopies in wind puts more load on the base than 12 pavers can safely hold.

How Much Does the Unity Cost Delivered?

The price shown is the complete umbrella with the mount you pick, and shipping to the lower 48 states is free. The price you see is the price you pay. A built-in light needs a $313 battery for each canopy, and protection covers start at $662. Installation is not included. Ask about special offers on bulk or multi-umbrella orders — call or text us at 1 800 914 0074 or 352 274 6387, or email sales@optimaloutdooroasis.com. For a size-by-size walkthrough, read our Shadowspec umbrella price guide.

Does the Unity Handle Wind?

Shadowspec rates the Unity to Beaufort 5 — winds of 19 to 24 mph — on a fixed mount. Their own guidance is to close the canopy and secure it with the provided strap once wind passes 40 km/h (25 mph). That rating does not apply to the free-standing base, since it is not fixed to anything. Wind damage is excluded from the warranty. If nobody is at the property to close it, think about that before you buy.

Delivery and Lead Time

Four canopy colors are stock colors that ship from Shadowspec's Houston warehouse. Anything else is made to order in New Zealand and takes longer. We have not shipped enough of these to give you an honest average yet, so call or text us at 1 800 914 0074 or 352 274 6387 and we will give you today's real number. Shipping to the lower 48 states is free and already included in the price, so the total at checkout is what you pay. Shipping to Alaska or Hawaii is quoted separately, so call or text us before you order.

Warranty and the Fine Print

For residential use, the fabric carries 10 years and the frame 6 years, counted from the invoice date. In commercial applications both drop to 3 years. Accessories carry 1 year. The warranty does not cover wind, storm damage, standing water or snow, or an umbrella left open in bad weather. Whether a short-term rental counts as residential or commercial is Shadowspec's decision, so ask us before you order.

Ready to shade the patio? Pick your configuration, mount and color above, or browse all Shadowspec umbrellas. Questions about sizing, mounting or delivery? Call or text 1 800 914 0074 or 352 274 6387, or read our shipping page. We can also match you with a local installer.