Installing a wall mounted umbrella is one of the most space-efficient shade options a homeowner can choose. Where outdoor space is limited, a wall mounted solution provides generous shade coverage without a base or pole taking up room on the patio, balcony, or deck.
The Shadowspec Retreat™ mounts to any wall, pillar, or post of adequate strength, extending outward to shade the space beneath and folding back against the wall when not in use. Before installation begins, homeowners should understand wall types, hardware, and recommended heights to ensure the Retreat is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and performs as intended.
Choosing the Right Wall
The Shadowspec Retreat™ mounts to a wall, pillar, or post, but not every structure is suitable for mounting. The surface must be strong enough to support the weight and leverage of the extended arm and canopy in outdoor conditions where wind and weather can place stress on the structure.
Wooden Walls
For wooden walls, the bracket must be fixed into the studs behind the wall surface, not into the cladding itself. Fixing into the cladding alone will not provide adequate strength and risks the bracket loosening over time.
Concrete Walls
Concrete walls offer the most secure fixing points and are well-suited for patios, pool areas, and exterior walls. Posts and pillars are also suitable, as long as they are solid and anchored at the base.
If there is any doubt about whether a structure is strong enough to mount the Retreat, consult a builder or structural engineer before proceeding. Incorrect installation can pose a safety risk in any residential setting.
What You Need Before You Start
The Shadowspec Retreat includes everything needed to mount and deploy the umbrella. The one thing to source before installation day is the correct fasteners, as these are not included and depend on the mounting surface.
Fasteners by wall type:
- Wooden walls and posts: Hex flange screws for the Top Wall Bracket and Bottom Catch Bracket
- Concrete walls: Expansion bolts for the Top Wall Bracket and Bottom Catch Bracket
Tools required:
- Set square
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Electric drill
- Screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Eye protection
A builder or hardware supplier can help confirm the right fasteners for your setup.
Installing the Brackets
The brackets are the foundation of the installation. Two brackets are required: the Top Wall Bracket and the Bottom Catch Bracket. Both must be installed before mounting the umbrella arm.
- Mark the fixing holes: Using the Top Wall Bracket as a guide, mark the holes on the wall at the recommended height of 2175mm from the ground.
- Check for level: Use a spirit level to confirm the bracket is level before drilling. An unlevel bracket will affect how the arm sits and how the umbrella deploys.
- Fix the Top Wall Bracket: Secure it to the wall using the appropriate fastener for the wall type.
- Fix the Bottom Catch Bracket: Install it below the Top Wall Bracket using the correct fastener, maintaining the recommended spacing between the two.
If you are unsure at any stage, it’s best to have a professional handle the installation. A bracket that shifts under load can become a safety concern.
Fitting the Arm and Canopy
With the brackets installed, the umbrella arm and canopy can be fitted. This step involves the gas spring mechanism and requires careful handling.
- Mount the arm: Loosen the shoulder fixing bolts and lower the arm into the Top Wall Bracket until it settles into place. Once seated, tighten the shoulder fixing bolts. These bolts must be very tight.
- Engage the gas spring: Pull the shoulder locking pin and push the arm upward. Swing the gas spring into the spring cup and lower the arm back down. Align the spring cup with the marks on the wall bracket and tighten the spring cup bolt with the supplied hex wrench.
- Lock the arm: Insert the C-Clip into the channel and twist to lock into place. Once the C-Clip is in, the gas spring pressure is engaged. Fit the canopy frame straight away.
- Fit the canopy frame: Attach the canopy frame to the claw bracket on the arm, ensuring the canopy notch seats into the front of the claw assembly. Secure the grab latch to lock the frame in place.
- Fit the fabric canopy: Drape it over the frame and insert the rib tips into the fabric pockets. Replace the crown and crown screws on top of the canopy to secure.
Deploying the Retreat
With the installation complete, the Shadowspec Retreat is ready for use. The first deployment is a good time to check that all components are in place and the umbrella operates as intended.
Pull the shoulder locking pin and push the arm downward until it locks into position. The gas spring will require some force during this step. Once in place, the canopy extends outward and provides shade over the area below.
Check the following before signing off on the installation:
- The canopy sits level, and all fabric pockets are secured to the rib tips
- The crown and crown screws are tight
- The arm moves through the full range of motion without resistance
- Both brackets remain firm against the wall with no movement under load
When not in use, fit the protective cover over the folded canopy. This helps protect the fabric from UV exposure, moisture, and debris.
Getting It Right From the Start
The Shadowspec Retreat™ transforms compact outdoor areas into shaded, usable spaces without taking up floor space. When installed on a suitable wall, pillar, or post, it provides consistent shade for patios, decks, balconies, and poolside areas across different seasons.
For homeowners looking to make better use of their outdoor space, the Shadowspec Retreat offers a practical and space-saving option.
Contact the Shadowspec team to find out if the Retreat suits your home.