The Patio Umbrella Compendium
The Patio Umbrella Compendium will help you find information on everything you wanted to know about patio umbrellas. From articles pointing out the distinctions between offset and centered umbrella styles to key insight on how to ensure that the base you’ve selected is heavy enough, you’ll find what you need here. Reviews of different patio umbrella vendors and products will also be offered and updated regularly to ensure that you have up to date information from an unbiased source. If you’re new to the wide and wonderful world of patio umbrellas, the shear scope of variety out there may seem a little daunting. Take a look below at the many different styles that are offered today. Armed with information about all the varieties out there, you’ll be much more capable to choose what’s best for your specific needs.
Patio Umbrella Varieties
Patio umbrellas come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Due to high demand for quality and customization, manufacturers have made plenty of various forms of this essential outdoor amenity. This means that the perfect patio umbrella for your backyard or business is out there just waiting to be found, so long as you put forth the effort required. Many of these categories overlap, so try not to feel overwhelmed by the shear scope of what’s available. Here’s a short overview on the different varieties of patio umbrellas, and just what sets them apart as unique.
Wooden Patio Umbrellas
Wooden patio umbrellas are characterized by their wooden poles and ribs. These are generally viewed as less sturdy and durable as more modern aluminum umbrellas, but modern engineering has gone far to solve this problem. More expensive wooden umbrellas have steel supports which help them withstand harsher weather. Often times this is embedded in the core of the wooden pole, meaning that it doesn’t detract from the exterior look of the umbrella. Wood is always a classic and classy choice.
Aluminum Patio Umbrellas
Aluminum patio umbrellas use modern lightweight aluminum metal for their central poles and ribs. This material is strong and durable, making it capable of withstanding winds and rain. Aluminum is becoming the professional choice more and more due to its great physical properties and mechanical strength. In addition, you can choose different finishes for the metal. This allows you a range of customization unheard of with wooden umbrellas. If you live in a windy area, then aluminum is probable the safest bet for you.
Wind Resistant Aluminum Patio Umbrellas
The wind resistant patio umbrella is a subset of aluminum umbrellas. This is a new innovation in outdoor furniture, and as such is not as widely seen. These umbrellas have super strong fiberglass ribs that allow it to withstand much harsher winds. Fiberglass can elastically bend better than aluminum or wood. This is a boon to the casual person, who often leaves their umbrella unfurled outside no matter what the weather may be. A wind resistant patio umbrella gives you peace of mind. It’s pricey, but worth it.
Offset Patio Umbrellas
Offset patio umbrellas are the new wave in outdoor furniture, and they bring with them added style and functionality. These are often referred to as cantilever patio umbrellas due to the way that they’re set up. The great thing about this style is that it provides extra flexibility as to what’s covered by the shade. The pole doesn’t get in the way or reduce your shaded area, meaning extra value for you. With offset patio umbrellas, make sure you get a heavier base to counter the different weight distribution. You don’t want the umbrella to topple over!
Wall Mounted Patio Umbrellas
Wall mounted patio umbrellas are perfect for those situations where you really need to save on space. This variety is especially perfect if you want to create a street-side cafe atmosphere right in your backyard. You also have no need to worry about choosing an appropriate base since it mounts directly into the wall of your home or business. Wall mounted patio umbrellas come as either a single or double type. They’re a little harder to find, but definitely worth it if you have space concerns.
Rectangle Patio Umbrellas
Not all patio umbrellas were created as circles or squares. Many rectangular patio umbrellas have hit the scene, providing extra variety into just what style works best with your setting. If you’re a fan of asymmetry, or just someone who has a unique space to cover, the rectangle patio umbrella may be worth looking into. I would whole heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for something chic and new, someone looking for a way to set themselves apart from their neighbors.
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