Buying Patio Umbrellas Guide
In the market to buy a patio umbrella but unsure where to begin? Then this is the place for you. We’ll cover all of the essential questions you may have regarding patio umbrellas so that you can determine what’s best for you and your space. We’ll start with how to choose the right sized canopy and go from there. If you’re unfamiliar with the different components of a patio umbrella, it may be best to review them before you begin.
Choosing a Canopy
The first step to picking a perfect patio umbrella is to determine how big you need it to be. Canopy diameters generally range from 4 to 11 feet, so there’s a lot of room to find what’s right for you. As a general rule of thumb, the canopy area should be roughly 5 feet larger than the area you’re trying to cover. For instance, a 7 foot unit will cover a 36 inch table with a couple of chairs. You may be able to get away with covering a larger area if you get a tiltable umbrella, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Choose a Fabric
Now that you know how large you need your umbrella to be, the next step is to consider what material to make it out of. Different materials interact in different ways with the sun, so this is an important choice. Generally, you can choose between Olefin, acrylic, and Sunbrella for your fabric composition. Specific details on how they differ can be found here.
Choose a Pole Material
Now that you’ve figured out just what you want for up top, it’s time to consider what will be holding it up. For the umbrella pole, you get the choice between wood and aluminum. Wood is better for stylistic purposes, but aluminum is typically more sturdy and durable. Greater detail on the types of patio umbrellas out there is detailed in a previous post.
Choose a Style
The next decision to make is whether your dream umbrella is free standing, embedded in a table, or mounted directly onto the wall. This decision will play a major role in choosing a base or stand, so this is one step you cannot skip. This decision really comes down to aesthetics. How do you want the patio umbrella to look and feel in the space you have available? Certain styles allow for greater flexibility, which can be a boon if you’re stuck working in a tight space.
Choose a Base
The last, but arguably most critical, choice to make is picking out the proper base. An entire section of the Compendium is dedicated to this specific task because it is so critical. Essentially, if you do not choose a heavy enough stand, your umbrella will likely topple over under its own weight or any time a stiff wind comes along. Make sure your selected base is sturdy and heavy enough for your needs. If unsure, always err on the heavier side. It may be a pain to carry around, but it means your umbrella won’t be floating away.
A Perfect Selection
Making sure you have the right patio umbrella for your location and needs is important to ensuring your happiness. Using the full resources of the Patio Umbrellas Compendium will help to inform you as to what’s important and what’s not in terms of this great outdoor amenity. Remember, functionality must come before price! Figure out what will work before you worry about the bottom line!
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