In regions of your garden without any overhead shelters or awnings—whether it’s widespread or in a hard-to-reach spot—an umbrella provides the ideal answer. This will give you the perfect amount of shade exactly when and where you need it, as well as adding a splash of color and an attractive touch to your outdoor space. The diameter of most patio umbrellas varies from 5 to 11 feet and they are usually put on top of a post which is put in a hole in the eating area furniture or is held in place by a base with added weight. By turning the handle situated on top of the pole, you can lift or lower the umbrella’s canopy. Sounds pretty simple. When you are shopping for a patio umbrella, you must think about a number of other details such as the type, size, material, cost, and included features. This guide provides you with helpful advice and data to take into account before buying something.

Buying Considerations for a Patio Umbrella

Assess Your Landscape

Before buying an outdoor umbrella, evaluate the terrain – both the hard features and the elements that are planted in the ground or in pots. To determine the amount of shade that an umbrella will provide for a patio table, take the measurements of the table. You need to ensure that the canopy will be large enough to cover your outdoor table, especially if it is an expansive one which accommodates eight or more people. Generally, tables are made with stock dimensions. You don’t want to choose an umbrella that is too large if you have a smaller table that can accommodate two or four people.

Here’s where assessing your landscape comes into play. Consider:

  • The location of your outdoor table in relation to your house’s roof or overhang. Will a large patio umbrella—10 feet or more—touch the roof? Ideally, some space should exist between the roof or overhang and the umbrella.
  • Where will the umbrella be located in relation to your grill, outdoor kitchen, or indoor kitchen? Let’s put it this way, you don’t want the umbrella near the open flames of a grill. It’s just not safe. It would also interrupt the flow of traffic.

Materials

The frames of umbrellas are usually made from wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. The most frequently used material is aluminum, and this will be the material you see most often on umbrella stands. If done properly with an adequate protective coating, it will stand up against any type of weather conditions. A wooden construction, particularly one made of types of wood that are able to withstand outdoor elements such as teak, ipe, or eucalyptus, is commonly used for umbrellas though it is more expensive. Fiberglass can be used as a substitute for aluminum since it is lightweight, bendable, does not corrode and is stable in diverse atmospheric conditions.

Sunbrella, being the most well-known manufacturer of fabrics for outdoor use, started off producing awnings in the early 1960s. It required an additional two decades before they obtained prominence in the market of outdoor umbrellas and upholstered furniture. Umbrellas created with contemporary technology use fabrics which can withstand ultraviolet rays, made from artificial substances, and come in a myriad of different styles, textures, coatings, images, simple shades, and hues.

Shapes

Most, but not all, umbrellas are round. Many umbrellas are octagonal, which are often called market umbrellas, but there are other shapes like rectangular ones which are used to provide shade for larger rectangular outdoor tables. The form of the patio or area you are looking to shield will help figure out the appropriate shape of the patio umbrella.

Mechanics

Conventional models employ a simple pulley mechanism to raise and lower the umbrella. Many people who have umbrellas that use a pulley system tend to leave them unfurled throughout the course of the season because operating the pulley to open the umbrella and securing it with a large attached pin is quite a strenuous task. By using a crank, you can make the item open or close and then it will stay locked in its position once the crank has reached the farthest point. Working the pulley system can be quite challenging and requires a good deal of strength.

Expensive or complex versions typically come with more features which can usually be accessed via a crank. It is possible to tilt an umbrella in different ways, such as by using a push-button, or with an auto-tilt mechanism where you can set it to a few or various positions by turning the crank.

Types of Outdoor Umbrellas

When you are out to purchase an umbrella, make sure you don’t get perplexed and end up buying a beach umbrella—it won’t be able to keep the rain away. The types of umbrella that you’ll most likely find online or at stores include:

  • Sunshades: This style is kind of like a round disc on a pole, and is intended to shade one person. You may have seen a group of sunshades at a high-end hotel, poolside, near individual chaise lounges
  • Market: These have been popular for several years, and usually indicate that they are higher quality or larger residential umbrellas, like the kind you would see shading diners on the patio of a cafe. Market umbrellas are octagonal and have vented tops.
  • Pagoda: These are Asian-inspired parasol-style umbrellas that have more of an architectural, or Japanese pagoda-like shape. Pier 1 carries a few pagoda-style outdoor umbrellas.
  • Cantilever: This type does not get inserted into that hole in your patio table; rather, its base and pole are offset away from the area to be shaded. This works for many situations that need shade: tables without holes, small tables, lounge chairs near a pool, or a deep-seating set. A plus—it doesn’t get in the way and can be adjusted as the sun moves.
  • Logo Umbrellas: You’ve seen them—they advertise your favorite sports team or brand of beer. This type of umbrella is often seen at cafes and pubs, but are a popular way to personalize your backyard and let everyone know who you’re rootin’ for, team- or brew-wise.
  • Commercial-Grade Umbrellas: These are the heavy-duty types you see at restaurants or other outdoor venues and are built to withstand the elements.

The frames that make up umbrellas are typically made out of wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. The material that is most often used in umbrella poles is aluminum, which is also the most common material. If crafted properly and given the proper coating, it will be able to stand up to any kind of weather. Wood frames made from resilient materials such as teak, ipe, or eucalyptus are a typical choice when it comes to umbrellas, although they are more expensive. Fiberglass is a great substitute for aluminum because it is lightweight, supple, resistant to corrosion, and stands up to different weather situations.

Cost

You should be prepared to spend between eighty dollars and four hundred dollars or even more when purchasing an outdoor umbrella. Keep an eye out for discounts if you are trying to save money or buy the item at a lower price. The optimum moment for sales is nearing the conclusion of summer. In late August through October, umbrellas and patio furniture typically go on sale and are discounted. Be on the lookout for advertisements selling items during the late spring and early summer, and you might be fortunate enough to purchase one before the summertime sale begins.

The cost of a patio umbrella is subject to change depending on the materials utilized, the type of construction, and the available features. The longevity of a well-constructed patio umbrella is typically two to four years, depending on how it is monitored and utilized in that period.

How to Choose the Right Frame Material and Finish

Think about the area outside your home and decide what matters the most to you while looking at the disparity between wooden and metal frames in terms of form and purpose. Ask yourself:

  • Will the patio umbrella be exposed to extremely high wind speeds or salty air?
  • What material or color would look best in your space?

At the conclusion, many companies (e.g. Frontgate) present a variety of selections available, such as teak, silver, and bronze. Choose a color that coordinates with your home decor and taste, and make sure to read the product information carefully for any guarantees against fading or corrosion, like with the outdoor umbrellas from Frontgate. Lindsay Foster suggested that people should conduct research and look at reviews to make sure the frame they purchase is easy to open, close, and adjust through either hand-operated cranking or lever features.

DON’T FORGET A BASE…

Ensure that your patio umbrella is fixed properly to avoid it being knocked over. It is essential to use a base to ensure the strength and steadiness of your dining table even if it has a hole in it for an umbrella. It is important to pay attention to detail when purchasing a patio umbrella and determine the weight of the base and if it necessitates the use of sand or pavers.

The usual procedure for determining the ideal weight for an umbrella stand is to take the canopy’s width times ten. Therefore, a base of 90 pounds would be needed for a 9-foot patio umbrella. If you have high winds, you should consider raising the height of the pole from 10 to 15. Alternatively, if the post is situated on a large, solid surface, it might be best to decrease it from 10 to 5.

Make sure to get something that has wheels so that it can be moved easily. This is especially beneficial if you anticipate shifting your base in order to seek out better areas of shade as the day progresses.

How to Choose the Right Size Canopy

It is essential to pick the right measurements when selecting a canopy because the dimension affects the amount of shade it produces. As a general principle, it’s best to choose a canopy that is at least two feet larger in width than the area you are hoping to shade.

Begin by taking out the chairs around your table as if they have people in them and gauging the area they take up to determine the least size umbrella you need. Your canopy should be at least two feet larger than the allotted area.

Seek out a cover that is at least 4′ to 5′ further in width than your table. This technique can be used to assist you in selecting a parasol if you don’t have access to your outdoor dining set.

Small: 6′ to 8′ Canopy

Mini awnings are ideal for petite sitting areas, minuscule terraces, and tables.

  • <30″ table size: Try a 6′ umbrella canopy for tables 30″ and smaller (or a 7′ canopy if you have the space).
  • 31″ to 38″ table size: A 7′ to 8′ patio umbrella is ideal for tables no larger than 38″, although some would recommend a 9′ canopy.

Market umbrellas are generally quite effective for small seating areas.

Medium: 9′ to 10′ Canopy

Medium-sized awnings are the most popular choice for normal decks, lounging regions, and dining room setups. These umbrellas are suitable for use with smaller outdoor tables that measure less than 38 inches in diameter, as they will provide adequate protective cover.

  • 40″ to 44″ table size: Try a 9′ patio umbrella for tables between 40″ and 44″, with up to eight chairs.
  • <48″ table size: A 10′ umbrella canopy will provide plenty of shade for tables up to 48″, “although it will still only accommodate around eight people and eight chairs,” noted Luke Yau.

Market umbrellas work well for medium seating areas. If you’re concerned that the post will be obstructive, go for a cantilever umbrella instead.

Large: 11’+ Canopy

Big umbrellas are needed for spacious seating areas and big tables. If there is enough space, these plants can also look lavish in medium and small patios since they give off ample amounts of shade.

  • 48″ to 60″ table size: For large tables of 48″ to 60″ that seat up to 10 people, an umbrella canopy that’s at least 11′ will work best.
  • >60″ table size: For tables upwards of 60″, you’ll need a patio umbrella with at least a 12′ canopy. Remember to refer to the rule of a canopy that’s at least 2′ wider than your occupied seating area or 4′ to 5′ wider than your table. Most large patio umbrellas come in sizes up to 16′.

Canopies with cantilever designs are often the most suitable option for bigger seats, since they are adjustable and provide lots of shade, but won’t impede traffic.

And How Do You Decide What Shape Canopy is Best For Your Patio or Garden?

Selection of the appropriate shape for your patio umbrella will create an inviting and unified visual. The shape of the shadowed region inside your area is also directly affected. In general, the form of your umbrella usually mirrors the form of the area you want to cast a shadow over.

Ashley Newton emphasized the importance of making sure the shape of a canopy coincides with the area that it is casting a shadow over for the most successful shade.

  • Round: Round umbrellas offer a classic look and ample protection from the sun and rain. They’re ideal for curvilinear seating arrangements such as a radial terrace, round table, or curved banquette. The same is true for octagonal and hexagonal umbrellas.
  • Square: Square patio umbrellas work well for round and square tables. They’re also suitable for bistro sets and rectangular patio dining tables.
  • Rectangular: Rectangular umbrellas work well with rectangular tables and seating arrangements (e.g., two or more loungers, sectionals, and other linear layouts).

Introducing a form or shape that is different from what is already present in a space can create a visually pleasing equilibrium. Megan Dufresne mentioned that for an arrangement having many rounded components, an umbrella having straight lines might aid in diversifying the look.

What are the Fabric Options?

The best canopy material for an umbrella should be capable of safeguarding against both types of UV radiation (from UV-A and UV-B) while being strong enough to endure the prolonged heat and brightness of a summer season in the sun. You’ll need material that can handle being exposed to water, sunlight, grime, fungus, mold, and varying temperatures.

The brands our experts recommend include:

  • Sunbrella
  • Ecobello
  • Outdura
  • Outtra

A wide variety of fabrics are available on many modern high-end patio umbrellas, and they are among the most durable out there. These covers are constructed from hard-wearing acrylic cloth and are crafted to ensure a long-term safeguard, attractiveness, and pleasure. Umbrellas with olefin or polyester fabric can be found at a bargain, and these materials are commonly referred to as polypropylene.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan