Outdoor Umbrellas
Tips & Guides
Outdoor Umbrellas
Patio Umbrellas are essential to any outdoor living space as they provide much needed shade on a sunny day and offer a nice touch of color to any outdoor area. Outdoor patio umbrellas are used in front yards, back yards, poolside, and in the middle of an outdoor dining set as an outdoor table umbrella. Before purchasing a patio umbrella, consider the size you will need, the style of umbrella, and what features are most important to you.
Umbrellas sizes: Size is a critical aspect of choosing an outside umbrella. If the patio umbrella is too small, you will not receive the amount of shade you desire. However, if the umbrella is too large then you may have issues with the surrounding area like tree branches. Outside umbrellas come in a variety of sizes to ensure it is the perfect patio umbrella for you! Outdoor patio umbrellas range from 6’ to 13’ feet, with products available at every size in between.
Umbrella Styles: Market umbrellas’ are the most popular style of outdoor umbrellas, which come in all shapes, sizes and colors. For a market umbrella the pole sits in the center of the umbrella and the base directly below in the ground. The pole can be positioned conveniently inside an umbrella hole, which are often called outdoor table umbrella. Cantilever Umbrellas, also known as off-set umbrellas, the pole is set off to one side instead of in the center like a Market Umbrella. Cantilever Umbrellas often feature more flexibility in the adjustment mechanisms compared to a Market Umbrella. Cantilever Umbrellas are also useful for large dining sets because it does not need to be positioned in the center of the dining table. These outside umbrellas are often larger than traditional market umbrellas, however they are available in smaller sizes as well.
Umbrella Features: Outdoor patio umbrellas sometimes include special features that are beneficial when the sun is moving throughout the day or when you want to move your patio furniture. Tilting umbrellas are the most common feature with outdoor umbrellas, which are designed to block the sunlight as the sun travels across the sky. Tilting mechanisms include collar tilt, manual tilt, push button, and rotational. There are also several types of lift mechanisms available to best suit your needs. Outside umbrellas lift mechanisms options are push up, crank, pulley & pin, or lever & latch. Other popular features of patio umbrellas include swivel, lighting, collapsible for easy storage, and wind vents. These are key product benefits to keep in mind when purchasing a patio umbrella.