Patio Umbrellas ~ Buyers Guide Part I
There are many options to consider when choosing a market or patio umbrellas for your patio, deck, balcony or garden landscape. This buyer's guide will help you make the best choice to suit your lifestyle and patio or garden decor.
Location: Where will you be using your Patio Umbrella?
Umbrellas are commonly used either positioned in the center of a patio table with umbrella stand or as free standing to shade an outdoor area. Many patio umbrellas are designed for either use, however there are some umbrellas designed specifically for a particular use. Here are our umbrella categories and the uses they will accommodate: (TT = Through Table) (FS = Free Standing)
- Aluminum Market Umbrellas (TT, FS)
- Wood Market Umbrellas (TT, FS)
- Offset Umbrellas (Side Post) (FS)
- Spa Umbrellas (FS)
- Two-Tier Market Umbrellas (TT, FS)
- Garden Umbrellas (TT, FS)
- Beach Umbrellas (FS)
- Hand Painted Umbrellas (TT or FS)
Size: What size patio umbrella are you looking for?
The size of a patio umbrella is determined by its diameter. To choose the proper size umbrella, determine the size of the table or area to be shaded. The general rule is the umbrella should be at least five feet larger than the area to be shaded. For example, a 48 in. table should have a 9 ft. umbrella or larger. Here is a handy guide for choosing an umbrella for a table.
- 6' Shade - covers up to 30" bistro/cafe tables
- 7' Shade - covers up to 36" bistro/cafe tables
- 9' Shade - covers up to 48" round or square dining tables with 4 chairs
- 11' Shade - covers up to 60" round or square dining tables and 72" oval and rectangular tables with 6 chairs
Material: Wooden or aluminum pole?
Umbrellas are available with either wood and aluminum frames. There are two main differences between these two frame materials:
Decorative Considerations - depending on where you want to place your umbrella, and if applicable, what your table is made of, one material may match your patio furniture or outdoor decor better than the other. Wooden patio umbrellas are available in Asian hardwood or teak. Aluminum umbrellas are available in a number of different pole color finishes such as champagne, white, pewter and black.
Functionality - Patio umbrella functionality consists of the method to "open" it and whether or not it tilts or rotates. Most wooden umbrellas have a manual or pulley lift and do not tilt or rotate. Aluminum umbrellas typically have a crank lift and a push button tilt, which will allow the umbrellas to tilt in three directions. Aluminum umbrellas are also available with deluxe features such as remote control opening and automatic tilt.
Patio Umbrellas Buyers Guide ~ Part II »
