Wall mounted patio umbrellas also help you make the most of your space by removing the necessity of a shaft. Since the umbrella is supported by the wall of your home, you do not need to clear a spot for an umbrella elsewhere on the patio. Wall mounted patio umbrellas also remove the need for specially designed patio tables. If space and effort are your primary concerns stick with a wall mounted umbrella and begin your relaxation as soon as possible with few worries or cares.

While wall mounted patio umbrellas can help to create a cozy space outdoors, they certainly can’t do it alone. Make sure that the entire outdoor space is well presented to provide the best in comfort and attractive appearance. One way to achieve this is in your selection of patio tables. Another is to consider using stylish windows, such as sash windows. With a little thought, you can create an incredibly alluring space that you can enjoy no matter how sunny it may get.

This lovely offset patio umbrella above is called the Butterfly and is offered by ImprovementsCatalog. This is a great model since it already includes the base. This makes it easier for you to assemble the patio umbrella because you don’t need to worry about whether the base will be heavy enough for the cantilever design. The Butterfly patio umbrella is elegant and practical, making it a great addition to any backyard. It’s easily positioned and altered to suit whatever your needs may happen to be. I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you’re considering an offset patio umbrella.

Note that this umbrella will need a heavier stand than other stand alone umbrellas because the weight is definitely off center. The cantilever patio umbrella is perfectly suited for covering lounge chairs or side tables on your patio or anywhere else in your backyard. By choosing the specific fabric and color of the canopy, you have a great deal of freedom in determining the aesthetic look and appeal of your outdoor area. Cantilever patio umbrellas are a great way of adding style and elegance to your home.

The extra supports on this umbrella make it super resistant to wind gusts, meaning that you don’t need to worry about conditions outside. This can be a real comfort in many locations, not just the beach. Of course, having a good base makes all the difference in the world, too. This particular model comes in a variety of colors, so don’t judge it solely by the picture here. If practicality is important to you, and you live in a windy region, consider a two-tier patio umbrella as your outdoor solution.

Variety

The variety available at this vendor is second to none that I have found. They have vivid pictures to go along with all of their products so that you know exactly what you’re buying. They have multiple choices for every style, from offset to wind resistant to wooden to aluminum. Variety is probably their strongest selling point.

Site Navigation

Getting around their website to view the different wares is very easy at PatioUmbrellas.com.  They are even kind enough to show you other products that you may enjoy based upon what you’ve chosen. In addition, they point out common accessories you may need. All this plus their efforts at categorization have made navigating their website easy and enjoyable.

Quality

One of the best aspects of PatioUmbrellas.com to me is that they have an active community of reviewers. This means that I can read what other people have to say on the product before considering whether to buy it. This saves me a lot of effort in finding online reviews or asking for opinions amongst my neighbors. They go to great lengths to point out the strengths and weaknesses of all of their products so you can make an informed choice.

Overall

There’s a good reason why PatioUmbrellas.com is amongst the top vendors of patio umbrellas online. They’ve earned it through good variety, site design, and quality products. I definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy a patio umbrella online.

Patio Umbrella Covers

This accessory is a must for anyone serious about taking care of their patio umbrella. When you’re not using your patio, you really only have two responsible options for what to do with the umbrella. You could either store it in some kind of shelter, like a shed. Or you could cover it. Either way will protect it from the elements. The benefits to buying a cover is that you don’t need to go through the hassle of uprooting your patio umbrella on a regular basis. This means less work for you. The last thing you want to do at the end of a nice day outside is to have to worry about putting the patio umbrella away. With a cover, this isn’t a problem anymore.

Patio Umbrella Lighting

Patio umbrellas can be lit electronically in a variety of styles and manners. Whether LEDs or light bulbs, the effect is the same - a convenient localized light source for you to enjoy the night with. This removes the need for candles that may attract insects or installing expensive porch lights. Putting lighting directly into the patio umbrella also means that greater variety in where the patio umbrella can be located. You don’t need to worry about placing it near some external light source. Setup and installation of these accessories are generally not too complicated.

Patio Umbrella Netting

This may not be the most aesthetically pleasing accessory, but it can be a real life saver depending on your location. If you’re in a mosquito infested area, you may feel sometimes that you’re unable to enjoy the great outdoors. With umbrella netting you can regain fresh air in your life without constant itching. This is a great accessory for when less drastic bug fighting methods don’t seem to work.

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.

Images on this page courtesy of Patio Shoppers.

Umbrella Size

Larger umbrellas need heavier stands. This goes without exception. You can determine shade size by measuring the diameter of your umbrella. This can easily be done with a tape measurer. If you’re in the store, the shade diameter should be listed on the product.

Stand Alone or In Table

If the patio umbrella stands alone, outside of a confining table, it needs a heavier base in order to maintain its position. A general rule of thumb is that a free standing umbrella needs to up the base weight category by one. So if the umbrella needed a 35 pound base in a table, it’ll need to go one category higher to 50 pounds if it’s a stand alone model.

Pole Diameter

Once you have the weight figured out, the next important thing to consider is choosing a base with a large enough sleeve for the pole. Make sure that you’re aware of the pole diameter for your umbrella so that you’re not left with a base that’s too narrow. Sometimes this is referred to as the ‘neck diameter’.

Details and Aesthetics

Bases come in all sorts of varieties. Now that you’ve determined the practical needs of your base, it’s time to choose one that looks good. Patio umbrella stands are made using a variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, concrete, steel, and resin. Multiple colors and finishes are generally available, too.

Choosing a Stand

Remember when you are choosing a patio umbrella stand to follow this order in narrowing down your choices:

1) Determine the weight needed

2) Make sure the neck diameter is right for your umbrella

3) Pick a stand that looks attractive

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Ask for help if you’re unsure of whether or not the weight will be good for your particular umbrella.

The Base or Stand

The base isn’t generally directly connected to the umbrella itself, but is still a vital component of patio umbrellas. The base is necessary because it ensures that the umbrella stays in its position without falling over due to its own weight or a stiff breeze. The specific base you need depends on just how big the umbrella is and whether or not its part of a table set.

The Pole

The pole is the central shaft that comes up from the base and holds the canopy. There’s many choices out there, some of them practical and some of them merely aesthetic. Round poles seem to dominate the market, but if you look hard enough, you may be able to find a good square one. The pole is typically made of either wood or aluminum and can have different finishes. Poles can be referred to as either offset or central, depending on the type of patio umbrella you have.

The Crank

Many patio umbrellas use a crank in order to open it. This is quite common especially on aluminum styles. For wooden umbrellas, it’s often to find a rope and pulley in place of the crank, although it has the same function. The crank is found about half way up the standard patio umbrella, although other styles have been known to exist.

The Tilt

The tilt is found at the top of the umbrella right under the hub and runner. It’s role is pretty self explanatory, but the exact way that it accomplishes tilt will vary from umbrella to umbrella. Common styles include auto tilt, collar tilt, and push-button tilt.

The Hub and Runner

This is where the ribs of the umbrella attach to the pole. The hub is basically a moving piece which makes sure that the ribs don’t come unattached as the umbrella is opened or closed. The runner is the device which pushes the hub up when the patio umbrella is opened, and down when it’s closed.

The Ribs

The ribs are what gives the patio umbrella its shape. They hold the cover up to the canopy. Usually, the ribs are made of the same material as the pole. In the case of wooden ribs, the joints are typically made with metal to ensure better longevity. Center ribs hold the canopy to the hub and runner, while outside ribs are what determine the precise size and shape of the umbrella.

The Wind Vents

These are the little openings at the top of the umbrella which let air flow in and out. The reason for this is that hot air rises, and you don’t want hot air to get trapped in the umbrella. Without a wind vent, there’d be no purpose in coming under a patio umbrella to get out of the heat. Additionally, wind vents ensure that strong gusts of wind don’t carry your umbrella away. There are a few distinctly different styles in wind vents, but all of them share these basic purposes.

The Canopy

The canopy refers to the umbrella part of the patio umbrella. It’s a general term that describes the umbrella fabric. It encompasses the wind vents and any rib pockets.

The Finial

The finial is, simply put, the ornamental top of the patio umbrella. This has no real practical purpose, and is generally added for the decoration.

How often do you plan on using your umbrella? If you plan on constant or continual use, make sure you go with a fabric that won’t fade over time.

Is your location subject to mold and mildew? If so make sure you get fabric which is resistant to this nastiness.

Will you need to clean the umbrella often? Not all fabrics hold up as well to repeated washing, so be careful.

Are you sensitive to UV rays? Those that sunburn easily should look for fabrics that filter out this harmful radiation.

Got these question answered? Good! Now let’s review the choices you have available to you.

Olefin Patio Umbrella Fabrics

Olefin is a fabric made from polypropylene. It’s a synthetic material  that’s strong and durable which has decent stain and mildew resistance.  Because of this it’s easy to clean and holds bright colors well. Olefin fabrics for patio umbrellas typically are guaranteed to not fade for up to one year. They also tend to be a little cheaper than other options, so if you only intend on seasonal or occasional use, Olefin may be just perfect for you.

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Acrylic Patio Umbrella Fabrics

Acrylic fabrics are highly processed polyester materials which have had their strength and smoothness emphasized. They’re durable and generally last about 50% longer than most other synthetic fabrics out in the sun. Acrylics have good mold and mildew resistance, and are actually quite flexible. Acrylic fabrics may cost you a bit more, but you get what you pay for. They’re still cheaper than the top of the line Sunbrella brand fabrics.

Sunbrella Patio Umbrella Fabrics

Sunbrella is a special brand of fabric which has been custom engineered to be used for outdoors purposes. For patio umbrellas, this is quite possibly the ultimate name for fabric. It’s expensive, but for those who frequently use their patios, it’s definitely worth it. Sunbrella comes with a three year color fade guarantee for this very reason. It can withstand the elements including high resistance to mold and mildew. The best part about Sunbrella is that it’s been shown to only let 2% of UV rays through, meaning less damage to you skin. This is perfect for people who burn easily. Who wants to apply sun tan lotion in their own backyard? Sunbrella is the top of the line and highly recommended if your pockets run deep.