When looking at your outdoor patio, there is no denying that a patio umbrella is going to be right at the center – or rather the heart of your entire outdoor area. An umbrella offers shade, comfort, and some decoration to the entire area. You want to find the right umbrella that is going to meet your needs, and we understand that this may seem a bit daunting when you look at the available selection. That is exactly why we have a few tips on how to find the right umbrella for you.
Step #1 – Size And Shape
The first thing that you will need to determine is whether you are going to use the umbrella for some added shade, to make your outdoor lounging more comfortable, or because you plan to organize large events in your patio area. You get the most coverage with a rectangle or square shape umbrella. The standard circle shape umbrella is going to provide you with the least amount of coverage.
As far as dimensions go, you want to make sure that you have an umbrella that is over 7 feet tall (because the last thing you want to do is constantly bump into it) and you want a wider umbrella than the area you are actually trying to cover (around two feet more).
Step #2– Base Weight And Pole Diameter
Because it does not always include a base, you want to note the diameter of the umbrella pole. We call this the ‘free standing umbrella’. Two inches is the average diameter, but you always want to double-check to make sure that it matches the base. You need a base that is going to be able to handle the weight of your umbrella.
Step #3 – The Different Types Of Umbrella
You have probably seen a number of different umbrella types. The different options you can choose from include the tilting, cantilever, and the free standing. We will discuss each of them:
- The Tilting umbrella – This umbrella is going to keep you protected from the sun because you can adjust the shade as the sun moves.
- The Cantilever Umbrella – These have a wider range of shade coverage and motion, allowing for the coverage of large areas.
- The Free Standing Umbrella – This type of umbrella is also known as the market or table umbrella. These are traditionally a part of a dining set.
Fabric Types
Without giving you any specific brands that you should choose when it comes to patio umbrella fabric, you want something that comes in a wide variety of colors, has an excellent warranty, and is fade-resistant. You need your fabric to be waterproof, all weather, and resistant. Fiberglass is recommended if you place your umbrella in a more windy area. You want the umbrella to be able to morph and bend with the conditions.
Whatever option you go with, make sure that you look into a quality umbrella that is going to be an investment at first, but pay you back tenfold later on. We have a number of different options that are sure to intrigue.
