Essential Tips for Picking the Perfect Patio Umbrella

Do you like spending time out in your sunny yard and enjoying outdoor activities with your family? I know I do.

This can be so much fun. However, sometimes the sun becomes scorching hot. Only then do you find yourself in need of a shaded area.

That’s when a nice patio umbrella may come in handy. So, what should you look for in a patio umbrella anyway?

In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to help you with your shopping journey. Keep reading to know more about what color, material, size, shape, and mechanism you should go for.

Your Guide to Buying the Right Patio Umbrella

It may be hard to believe, but getting a patio umbrella involves many details. After all, it’s a big investment you need to consider carefully.

Here’s an overview of what you need to keep in mind throughout the process.

A – Style

The first factor that matters when choosing a patio umbrella is its style. Such a consideration can be affected by the area constraints, from the yard size to furniture layout.

Primarily, there are many styles of umbrellas available. Check out two of the most common ones used for patios.

1. Center Pole Umbrellas (Market Patio Umbrellas)

The defining characteristic of such a style is a pole in the center. This type has been a popular choice for several years.

Whether a one-piece or two attachable ones, a market patio umbrella uses various methods for stabilization. This includes the center hole of a patio table, a mobile base, or a fixed foundation.

Overall, it’s a perfect choice for shading a small seating area.

2. Cantilever Umbrella

Instead of having a center pole, this umbrella has a base that can be placed out of the way. That’s because the design allows it to sit beside the area that needs shade instead of the middle.

Such a style is ideal for large areas because it can provide coverage without interfering with the space.

B – Canopy Shape

In most patio umbrellas, the canopy comes in a round or octagonal design. It’s the classic shape everybody is used to.

Yet, modern shapes have entered the market recently. Now, you can spot those sleek-looking square or rectangular patio umbrellas.

– Is a Round or Rectangular Patio Umbrella Better?

Primarily, it depends on the area you want to shade. Is it a table or seating area? Is the table round, oval, or rectangular?

Answering those questions should help you decide the best canopy shape for the space.

C – Canopy Size

Principally, you want to get a patio umbrella that would cover the desired space adequately.

On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too large for the area. Otherwise, it may ruin the overall aesthetic balance.

Ideally, a perfect patio umbrella should extend about two feet past the target area’s parameter. Here’s a simple table to guide you.

Canopy Diameter	Shading Area Diameter	Suggested Setting
7—8 feet	Up to 36 inches	A small bistro set
8—9 feet	Up to 48 inches	Four-seat dining area or a chaise lounge
9—10 feet	Up to 60 inches	Four to six-seat dining area or a small sofa
11—12 feet	Up to 84 inches	Six to eight-seat dining area or medium lounge
12—13 feet	Up to 96 inches	Eight to ten-seat dining area or large lounge

D – Pole and Frame Material

The umbrella’s structure is another essential factor to consider. Take a look at three of the most common materials used.

1. Wood

Usually, the patio umbrellas you spot outdoors have wooden frames. Such material is durable, especially when it’s a type that’s outdoor-friendly (eucalyptus, teak, bamboo, etc.).

Furthermore, a wooden umbrella goes perfectly with wooden furniture. So, choosing wood may be your best option if that’s the case with you.

2. Aluminum

Another fantastic and more affordable material for patio umbrella frames is aluminum. It’s also highly durable, and with the right finish, it can last for years.

Not only that, but aluminum also provides outstanding versatility. That’s because it’s available in many finishes and colors.

Unlike wood, aluminum is malleable. This means it can be shaped into designs that are hard to achieve with wood.

It also doesn’t break in strong wind. So, that’s definitely another plus.

3. Fiberglass

A more modern option for frame and pole material is fiberglass. It’s strong, lightweight, durable, and non-corrosive.

Additionally, it’s available in many colors, giving you the freedom to match it with your outdoor furniture.

That said, it’s an expensive choice due to the features it offers.

– What Is the Most Durable Patio Umbrella Material?

Fiberglass stands as the strongest and most durable material of the three. It doesn’t rot, break, or rust, making it a spectacular choice for patio umbrellas.

That said, such features come with a price. Yet, while it’s the priciest option of all, it’s an investment worth making.

– Which Is Better for Patio Umbrellas, Steel or Aluminum?

Each material has some advantages and disadvantages. Although steel is strong and has a long life span, it’s less portable because of its heavy weight.

On the other hand, aluminum is light and easy to move. However, this can pose a stability risk, especially in strong wind conditions.

E – Canopy Fabric and Color

Unlike what you may think, the material and color of the canopy aren’t just for looks.

Yes, the design and color matter aesthetically, but they also play a huge part in protecting your family from potentially harmful sun rays.

If you care most about the theme and want to go for a thatch canopy, it’s your call. Nonetheless, if you’re after weather-resistant material, you need to research your options.

Overall, the three most common materials are the following:

1. Acrylic (Sunbrella)

Acrylic canopies are fantastic for patio umbrellas. They’re high quality and resistant to fading, water, staining, mold, etc.

On top of that, they provide 98% UV protection.

2. Polyester

Just like acrylic, polyester is a great material that resists harsh conditions and blocks most UV rays.

– Are Polyester Patio Umbrellas Good?

Compared to acrylic, polyester provides almost the same qualities at a lower price point. Yet, it may be more susceptible to fading than acrylic.

3. Olefin

Olefin is an environmentally friendly kind of material. It provides high UV protection and comes in a variety of colors as well as patterns.

– Are Black Patio Umbrellas Hotter?

Black patio umbrellas may be hotter because this color absorbs more heat than others. However, when it comes to UV protection, it performs best.

F – Operating Mechanism

There are two possible types of mechanisms found in a patio umbrella, which are:

1. Lift Mechanism

A lift mechanism is used to move the hubs and ribs to open the umbrella. Take a look at the most common types.

• Push-Up: It’s where you manually push the support structure up and lock it in place using a lever or pin.
• Pulley: This mechanism works the same as the push-up style. Yet, it utilizes ropes to open the umbrella.
• Crank: This easy mechanism uses a rotating handle to operate the umbrella. You just need to make sure this handle won’t interfere with your tabletop if it’s center pole style.

2. Tilt Mechanism

It’s not the most common to find patio umbrellas with a tilting mechanism, but it exists in higher-end types.

Through this mechanism, you can angle the canopy to maintain the right shade position during the day. Here are the most common mechanisms.

• Push Button: It’s where you use a button to unlock the canopy and adjust it by hand.
• Automatic: Found in crank mechanism umbrellas, this mechanism allows you to angle the canopy by continuing to rotate the handle.
• Collar: It utilizes a collar above the crank handle. All you need to do is rotate it to angle the canopy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what to look for in a patio umbrella, the shopping process should become easier.

Patio umbrellas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and types to fit all budgets. Thus, you need to be aware of your exact needs.

So, before you make a decision, consider your yard’s specifications in terms of space, layout, and style. Enjoy the sunny outdoors!