A Concise Patio Umbrella Buyer’s Guide
You love to sit on that backyard patio. The porch is so perfect for miniature outdoor lunch parties. But your patio umbrella? It’s torn, or it’s broken, or it never existed at all. To make that patio space really work, you need a new umbrella. Outdoor patio umbrellas are the perfect way to add some fun and interesting design to your outdoor space, as well as shade your guests from the sun…so they can actually enjoy the beautiful setting.
There a few things you need to consider when buying a patio umbrella.
Are you shading a table or large poolside/patio area?
In choosing an umbrella, you first need to determine how much space you want to shade. Generally, your umbrella diameter should be 4 to 5 feet larger than the area you want to shade. A patio table umbrella should be 4 to 5 feet larger (surface area) than your tabletop.
The second important factor is whether you need a freestanding or offset patio umbrella. The freestanding umbrella is the traditional design; pole extends from the base to the center of the umbrella. These are perfect for tables with umbrella holes or general, basic shade. They’re both stable and easy to move.
Offset patio umbrellas are more versatile. The umbrella base is set off center, and its shade extends over your desired area. For patio tables without umbrella holes, a seating area, or a hot tub, offset umbrellas are a great choice. They are, however, more heavy and difficult to move.
Do you need a very high quality umbrella fabric?
Depending on your umbrella usage and storage, you may not need the highest quality fabric. Some fabrics, like Sunbrella, are sun, wind, and rain resistant without fading. More expensive fabrics will have longer warranties. If you plan to store your umbrella in the fall, winter, and continuous beating sun, you may be able to get away with a less expensive fabric. A critical accessory will be that patio umbrella cover. Patio umbrella covers protect your umbrella from weather beating and moth eating when it is not being used.
How do you choose an umbrella base?
Based upon the shade size, pole size, and whether or not a patio table will assist in weighing down the umbrella, your patio umbrella base will need to be heavier or lighter. Be sure to take all three factors into consideration when choosing your base.
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