How to Decide on a Patio Umbrella That Performs

If midsummer heat waves hit, even some sun worshippers begin begging for colour. Instead of forcing family utensils and lazy afternoons inside, outfit your garden, patio or deck with a umbrella. This regular item can make all of the difference when it comes to a comfortable outside space.

With these expert tips on selecting an outdoor umbrella, relief from the heat is really on the way!

The Garden Route Company

Umbrella Size

The size of your umbrella will determine how much shade your space is going to get. Consider just how much shade you need and how much room you have. Overcrowding your patio with a too-large umbrella won’t appear or feel great.

Designer tip: Landscape designer John D’Urso says umbrellas ideally must be table width and an extra two feet per side if at all possible. For instance, if you’ve got a 4-foot round table, look for an umbrella that’s 8 feet in diameter.

Mark pinkerton – vi360 photography

The height of your umbrella pole is also significant — you need it high enough to be out of the way, but not too high that it loses its purpose. Poles that are 8 feet high are the average, however there are different choices. “Consider head height,” says D’Urso. “Seven-foot umbrellas are the recommended minimal.”

Hayneedle

Galtech 11-ft. Maximum Shade Deluxe Aluminum Auto Tilt Patio Umbrella – $479.99

A tilted model helps to always block the colour as the sun makes its daily path from east to west.

To maintain umbrella hinges in great shape while they are outside in the elements, D’Urso recommends employing WD-40 and protecting the umbrella with a cover when it is not in use.

Inc, C. Marie Designs

Table vs. Freestanding Umbrellas

The two table and freestanding umbrellas have their benefits. If you plan to serve and entertain frequently at the patio table, the former may be the best option. “Table umbrellas are much more affordable, and you’ll be able to change it out every couple of years for a new look without spending a lot of money,” says D’Urso.

Nautilus Architects LLC

But if you want the umbrella to provide shade on a different portion of your patio — such as over poolside lounge chairs — a freestanding design may be best. You could also just not need a pole to disrupt your patio table. “Freestanding umbrellas allow you to use a table entirely for food space or game playing,” says D’Urso.

Home Infatuation

Umbrella Base

An adequate umbrella foundation is essential — don’t be fooled into believing that procuring it to a desk will provide enough stability. Not only do foundations hold umbrellas steady in high winds, but they also help keep them straight in bright weather.

For umbrellas over 10 feet, look for the largest base you may buy. Be sure the foundation is designed to match the pole on your umbrella. D’Urso recommends talking to the manufacturer of your umbrella to find the best match.

Fiberglass Olefin Crank and Tilt 9-Foot Umbrella – $156.99

Materials

Contemplate a fiberglass layout rather than aluminum if you live in a windy place, says Seasonal Concepts shop manager David Marchewka. “Fiberglass bends with the wind rather than breaking, which makes it a really important feature that will help the umbrella last a lot longer,” he says.

A Pleno Sol

Pay attention to umbrella fabric, as it has to be satisfactorily weather resistant to the strong rain and sun. “Sunbrella fabric is about the best available,” says D’Urso, “and may be the least expensive in the long run.”

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