Shadowspec Unity™: The best outdoor umbrella for large outdoor areas
Shadowspec Unity™ outdoor umbrella
The best outdoor umbrella for large decks, patios and entertaining zones
Outdoor shade often sounds simple until you try to use your space at different times of day. Sun angles change quickly, glare can make dining uncomfortable and one shaded spot rarely covers the whole area when you have both a table and a lounge setup.
The Shadowspec Unity™ is a multi canopy umbrella designed for larger outdoor areas where you want shade across more than one zone. Instead of placing separate umbrellas around the space, Unity lets you create modular coverage using up to four canopies from one central mast, keeping your layout cleaner and your walkways clearer.
In this guide, we will walk through what makes Unity different, how it works in day to day use, how to plan sizing and layout, what mounting options are available and what to consider before booking a measure and quote.
What we'll cover:
What is the Shadowspec Unityâ„¢
A quick overview of the Unity umbrella design and what makes it different.
How it works day to day
A premium cantilever umbrella for family decks and patios.
Sizing and layout planning
What sizes and configurations exist and how to choose the right coverage.
Mounting and installation options
Learn about the Unity’s mounting options, where each one works best and what to consider before installation.
Materials, fabric and warranty
What it is made from, fabric performance and peace of mind coverage
Is the Unity right for your home
A practical guide to help you decide based on your space and how you use it.
FAQs
Answers to common questions about our cantilever outdoor umbrellas.
What the Shadowspec Unity™ is
Multi-canopy shade for larger spaces
The Shadowspec Unity™ is a multi canopy outdoor umbrella system designed for larger spaces where you want shade across more than one zone. Instead of placing separate umbrellas around the deck or patio, Unity uses one central mast and lets you add up to four canopies around it. The result is modular coverage that suits the way people actually use outdoor areas, with a dining zone in one spot and a lounge setup in another.
What this umbrella does especially well is solve the “big space” shade problem without filling the area with extra posts and bases. With one main mast acting as the anchor point, you can keep the footprint tidier and maintain better flow around furniture. This is particularly useful when you are working with a busy layout where walkways matter, like moving between sliding doors, an outdoor kitchen, a BBQ area or the pool.
Unity tends to suit common New Zealand home setups such as:
Large decks with changing sun
Larger decks where the sun tracks across the space through the afternoon.
Patios with dining and lounge zones
Patios that need shade for both dining and relaxed seating.
Poolside shade that can shift
Poolside areas where you want coverage that can be repositioned as the day changes.
Entertaining spaces with a cleaner layout
Entertaining spaces where you would rather create a cohesive shade plan than patch it together with multiple umbrella
Because Unity is built as a configurable system, the planning step matters. The number of canopies, the shapes you choose and where the mast sits all affect how well it will shade your key areas. In the next section, we will look at how Unity works day to day so you can picture what using it actually feels like.
How it works day to day
Flexible shade from a single mast
Shadowspec umbrellas are built with patented and trademarked technology designed to make shade easier to use and more reliable outdoors. With Unity, that shows up in the way the canopies open, close and adjust throughout the day, so you get flexible coverage without fuss.
Unity is designed to feel straightforward in everyday use, even though it can shade more than one area at once. Once the mast is in the right position, the canopies are built to open and close smoothly using Shadowspec’s Shadowlift™ system, which is gas assisted to make deployment feel lighter and more controlled. Shadowglide™ is the sliding mechanism that helps the canopy travel up and down the mast quickly, with Shadowspec describing opening or closing in around five seconds. In real terms, that means you are more likely to put it up for a shorter break outside and pack it down when you are done, rather than leaving it up out of convenience.
Where Unity really earns its place is flexibility through the day. With Shadowlock™ integrated into the mast, the umbrella can rotate 360 degrees, so you can shift the shade as the sun moves without relocating furniture or changing the whole layout. This is especially useful when you are shading both a dining area and a lounge zone, because you can adjust the coverage without disrupting how the space is set up.
Unity also includes an option that suits evening use. The Shadowhub™ LED lighting sits in the central hub and can be controlled using an optional rechargeable smart battery or a hardwire kit, with smartphone control via the Shadowspec app. It gives you practical light for dining and you can dim it for a softer feel later in the night.

Day to day, the experience is less about complicated settings and more about shade that moves with you, keeps the space usable and makes outdoor living feel easier.
Sizing and layout planning
Start with how you use the space
Before choosing a Unity configuration, think about what you are actually shading most often. Is it an outdoor dining table, a lounge area or both? Unity suits larger spaces where one shaded spot usually is not enough, so the goal is to plan coverage around your main zones.
Measure the footprints that matter
A quick way to avoid “almost enough shade” is to measure with real use in mind:
Dining
Include the space needed when chairs are pulled out.
Lounge
Include ottomans, side tables and foot traffic around seating.
Movement
Keep walkways clear between doors, BBQ areas and pathways.
Choose a configuration that matches your layout
Unity is flexible because you can choose a setup that fits your space rather than forcing your furniture to work around the umbrella. The options include:
Octagon duo
Two octagon canopies side by side, choose between 3.5 m or 4.0 m canopies.
Square duo (inline)
Two canopies side by side, choose between 2.5 m or 3.0 m canopies.
Square duo offset (diagonal)
Two canopies positioned diagonally, choose between 2.5 m or 3.0 m canopies.
Square trio (L shape)
Three square canopies arranged in an L shape, designed to shade around a corner, such as dining plus a nearby lounge area.
Square quattro
Four square canopies from one central mast, ideal for larger patios where you want consistent coverage across multiple zones.
One practical placement tip
Start by deciding where the mast can sit without interrupting traffic flow. Once the mast position works, the canopy configuration becomes much easier to plan.
Next, we will cover mounting options and where each one tends to work best, depending on your surface and how permanent you want the setup to be.
Mounting and installation options
Mounting choices for your space
Learn about the Unity’s mounting options and where each one tends to work best, depending on your surface and how permanent you want the setup to be.
Choosing the right mounting option helps you get the most out of your Unity setup. It affects the clearance you have around the mast and how well the canopies can rotate to cover your key zones. It is also one of the biggest factors in keeping your outdoor layout practical, especially when you want walkways to stay open between doors, seating and cooking areas.
Surface plate
Best for existing patios, decks or concrete where you want a clean, fixed installation. This is a great choice when you already know the ideal mast position and want a tidy finish.
In-ground anchor
Best for new builds or renovations where you can pour fresh concrete. If you are planning a new patio or landscaping work, this option is worth considering early because it can be built into the project for a neat, permanent result.
Wall base bracket
Best when ground fixing is not possible and a wall connection makes more sense for your layout. This can suit spaces where the best mast location is near a wall and you want to keep the floor area as open as possible.
Free-standing base
Best if you want flexibility to reposition the umbrella when needed. This option requires ballast (concrete pavers are required) and castor wheels are available as an add-on if you want easier manoeuvrability.
Materials, fabric and warranty
Unity is designed for outdoor living, so the materials are chosen with real conditions in mind. The frame and hardware are made using marine-grade components suited to outdoor environments, including coastal areas and the overall build is finished to look clean and modern while standing up to regular use.
Fabric performance
Unity’s canopy fabric is made from solution dyed acrylic, which is known for holding colour well and performing reliably outdoors. It is designed to provide strong UV protection and help reduce glare, making outdoor areas more comfortable through the warmer months. Unity’s fabric performance is rated up to UPF 80, offering high sun protection for patios, decks and poolside areas.
Warranty cover
For peace of mind, Unity comes with a 10 year warranty on the fabric and a 6 year warranty on the frame. This gives homeowners confidence that the canopy material and the umbrella structure are backed for long-term outdoor use.
Is the Unity right for your space?
A quick guide to choosing the right fit
If you are still not sure which umbrella to choose, this quick overview can help you narrow it down:
A great fit for…
Multiple zones to shade
If you need to shade separate zones, such as dining, lounging and poolside seating, Shadowspec Unity™ is designed to handle that from a single central mast.
Clear walkways needed
Spaces where clear walkways matter and one central mast suits the flow better than multiple umbrella posts.
Area impacted by sun movement
Entertaining areas that benefit from shade that can rotate as the sun moves, with the option of integrated LED lighting for evenings.
Consider a different model if…
One small area to shade
Shade is only needed over one small area and a single canopy setup is the better match
Compact or narrow space
A wall-mounted solution makes more sense for a compact space or narrow courtyard.
Shadowspec Unity™
The Shadowspec Unity™ is made for outdoor areas where shade needs to do more than cover one spot. With multiple canopies working from one central mast, it gives you a flexible way to shade dining, lounging and entertaining zones without cluttering the space with extra posts and bases. It is a practical option for larger home setups and commercial outdoor areas where clear walkways and a clean layout matter just as much as coverage.
If Unity feels like the right fit, the next step is working out the best configuration and the ideal mast position for your space. A measure and quote helps confirm canopy size, layout and mounting so the shade lands where it will be used most, not just where it looks good on paper.
At Waikato Shutters and Blinds, we can help you choose the right setup, confirm the best placement and work out the mounting option that suits your site, so your shade works exactly where you need it.
Contact us to book a measure and quote.
FAQs
What Unity configuration suits my outdoor area best?
Start with what you want shaded most often, then match the configuration to your layout.
- One main seating zone + a second nearby zone: a duo setup is often enough
- Dining and lounge areas that sit on an angle: square duo offset (diagonal) usually fits better than inline
- Shade that needs to “wrap” around a corner: square trio (L shape) is a strong option
- Large patios or multiple zones used at the same time: square quattro gives the widest coverage
A measure and quote helps confirm the best configuration once your furniture layout and traffic flow are mapped out
Which mounting option is best for my surface?
- Surface plate: best for existing patios, concrete or decking when you want a fixed position
- In-ground anchor: ideal for new concrete or when planning a clean, built-in result
- Wall mount bracket: useful when a wall position suits the layout and you want the floor area kept clear
- Free-standing base: best when flexibility matters, but it requires ballast and castor wheels can be added for easier movement
Can Unity rotate to follow the sun through the day?
Yes. Unity rotates 360 degrees, which makes it easier to adjust shade as the sun moves without rearranging furniture.
Can I add LED lighting?
Yes. Unity offers Shadowhub™ LED lighting, which fits into the central hub for evening use.
What warranty comes with the Unity?
Unity includes a 10-year fabric warranty and a 6-year frame warranty, giving long-term peace of mind for outdoor use.
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