The Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide

Patio umbrellas are a vital part of your outdoor decor and are among the most desired outdoor furniture accessories to complete your patio’s look. They come in various sizes, styles, weights, shapes, and forms. If you’ve ever purchased a cheap personal umbrella, you know that you’re in for a surprise. In the same way, investing in a quality outdoor umbrella will ensure that your time is spent enjoying conversations with close friends instead of chasing umbrellas across the yard.

To be sure you’re not disappointed with your next patio umbrella, check out this comprehensive Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide that will teach you everything about patio umbrellas! You’ll be an outdoor umbrella expert when you’re done with it!

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Table of Contents (Click to Jump to Section)

Section A. Patio Umbrella Dimensions

1. What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy?
2. Patio Umbrella Pole Diameter
3. Umbrella Base

Section B. Types of Umbrellas

1. Tilting Umbrellas
2. Cantilever Umbrellas
3. Table & Free-Standing Umbrellas
4. Ventilation

Section C. Fabrics & Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size
2. What Size Patio Umbrella for 48″ Table?
3. What Size Patio Umbrella for 42″ Table?
4. What Size Umbrella for 54″ Table?
5. Who Makes the Best Patio Umbrellas?
6. Patio Umbrella Wood vs. Aluminum

Section A. Patio Umbrella Dimensions

1. What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy?

The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. How much space do you need? What’s your budget? How much space do you have available? These are all things that must be considered before purchasing an outdoor umbrella. Choosing an oversized umbrella will be overwhelming and throw off the balance of your outdoor arrangement.

Your umbrella should typically extend over your dining table by 2 feet on each side. If you have a 4-foot rounded table, this means you need an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter.

• Table = 30-36 inches — Umbrella = 6-8 feet
• Table = 38-48 inches — Umbrella = 9-11 feet
• Table = 54-60 inches — Umbrella 11 feet or larger

2. Patio Umbrella Pole Height and Diameter

Your patio umbrella pole diameter is an important measurement to check for because it’s crucial to the stability of your umbrella. For maximum umbrella stability, you want your umbrella pole diameter and base (opening) diameter to be as close as possible while still fitting. We looked through our collection of patio umbrellas and found that most had a pole diameter of at least 1.5″ and some went up to 2.5″. If you choose an umbrella with a pole diameter of 1.5″, you want the base diameter to be at least 1.5″ and, at the most, 1.75″. As a rule of thumb, your base diameter should not be more than .25″ larger than your umbrella pole.

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Pro Tip: Beach umbrellas are slimmer than patio umbrellas, make sure you double check before purchasing!

If you can buy your patio umbrella in person, we highly recommend doing so. Being able to pick out an umbrella that’s the perfect fit for your patio while also finding the right base will make your life much easier in the long run.

The height of your umbrella is another important factor. You want enough clearance so that taller individuals don’t have to stoop down when they are under the umbrella. Still, it can’t be so high that the shade covers your dog instead of you! In general, you want your umbrella to be at least 7 feet tall. You can also look for patio umbrellas with tilting and cantilever functions to adjust where the shade lands. We’ll talk about that in the section below.

3. Umbrella Bases

The base of your umbrella is one of the most important factors. If your base is not heavy enough, your umbrella will flop and fly in the wind. Below you can find the suggested Umbrella Base Weight Recommendations:

• 20 lb. Base – Used for smaller table umbrellas. Only suitable for 6′ table umbrellas.
• 30 lb Base – Used for 6.5′ table umbrellas.
• 40 lb Base – Minimum weight for freestanding umbrellas up to 4.5′. It can be used for table umbrellas up to 7.5′.
• 50 lb Base – Accommodates up to 7.5′ free-standing outdoor umbrellas. It can also be used for table umbrellas up to 9′.
• 70+ lb Base – These bases can be used for most free-standing umbrellas up to 11′. If you live in areas that experience high winds, you should consider a commercial cantilever outdoor umbrella.

Santa Ana winds can wreak havoc on a backyard party. You don’t want to be the host that has to stand on the base of the patio umbrella every time the wind picks up. Do yourself a favor and order one of these weighted patio umbrella bases that won’t move!

Section B. Types of Umbrellas

1. Tilting Umbrellas

The 11′ Octagon Collar Tilt Umbrella from Treasure Garden

As the sun moves, the angle changes the projection of the shade. This can be a hassle. You don’t want to play musical chairs and have everyone rearrange their seats every 30 minutes to remain in the shade. Bright idea, move the umbrella instead of the party! A tilting patio umbrella lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella. They’re definitely worth the money.

2. Cantilever Umbrellas

Cantilever Patio Umbrellas are similar to tiling umbrellas but offer increased range of motion. They are the deluxe version when it comes to patio umbrellas. Cantilever umbrellas are the commercial models used to furnish Five Star Hotels. They are extremely sturdy and capable of handling anything that Mother Nature can throw at them.

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Cantilevers are the ultimate option for those who want the best of the best. Not only is the base very heavy, everything from the frame to the fabric of the umbrella fan is made of heavy-duty materials to prevent tearing. Cantilever umbrellas offer full functionality, allowing you to move your umbrella up and down and side to side. The 10′ Deluxe Square Cantilever Umbrella is one of the most popular models.

3. Table & Free-Standing Umbrellas

There are tables and free-standing umbrellas. Most tables use a standard 1.75″ hole for patio umbrellas but it’s always a good idea to check to make sure. 1.75″ is the standard size for Treasure Gardens Umbrellas. Sometimes, umbrella poles are 2″. These work well for dining tables. Free-standing outdoor umbrellas are ideal for poolside furnishings.

4. Ventilation

Umbrella ventilation is something to consider depending on the climate that you live in. Single-ventilation umbrellas are the standard for most umbrellas you’ll come across. They allow for average heat dissipation and hold up under average winds. Double ventilation is the way to go if you live in a particularly windy or hot area. The double ventilation allows for more heat dissipation and handles wind better than a single-ventilation umbrella.

Section C. Fabrics & Materials – Best Patio Umbrella Fabric

Just like the fabrics of your outdoor furniture, you need to ensure that the fabrics and materials used on your umbrella meet all-weather requirements. If you live in windy areas, you may want to consider fiberglass umbrellas that are flexible and are designed to bend slightly. Likewise, aluminum is very durable and is still a viable option.

Regarding fabrics, you’ll want to look for a few key phrases that will indicate a quality outdoor umbrella. All-weather, waterproof and UV resistant fabrics, and breathable designs that prevent mold and mildew are highly recommended. Sunbrella is the most well-known name in outdoor fabrics. They began making awnings in the early 1960s. They now make fabrics for umbrellas as well. Learn more about Sunbrella Fabrics.

Buy Patio Umbrella Covers Here.

For more insight, I’d suggest these Additional Patio Umbrella Resources:

1. Buying Guide: Find The Best Outdoor Patio Umbrella For Your Home
2. What to Look for While Shopping for Some Shade
3. How to Pick a Patio Umbrella That Performs

Frequently Asked Questions

• How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size
  • Fully extend your umbrella so all ribs are completely fanned out. Measure from the top of the rib arm to the bottom of the rib arm. This will give you the radius of the umbrella. Now multiply this measurement by 2 to get the total diameter of your patio umbrella.

• What Size Patio Umbrella for 48″ Table?
  • A 48″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 11′.
• What Size Patio Umbrella for 42″ Table?
  • A 42″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 10′.
• What Size Umbrella for 54″ Table?
  • A 54″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 11′ or larger.
• Who Makes the Best Patio Umbrellas?
  • Treasure Garden, Bambrella, California Umbrella, and Hospitality Rattan make the best patio umbrellas.
• Patio Umbrella – Wood vs. Aluminum?
  • Aluminum is more durable than traditional wood umbrella poles; however, wood offers a higher density, so it stays put if you are experiencing high winds. Aluminum is lightweight, making it easy to move, and is often powder coated to make it rust-resistant. This means that you won’t have to worry about any weather-related deterioration. If you’re considering wood, Bambrella makes an exclusive line of incredibly durable bamboo umbrellas. Their umbrellas are resistant to warping, splitting, rotting, molding, or mildewing, and will neither splinter or leach

More Patio Furnishing Buying Guides

1. The Patio Furniture Buyer’s Guide
2. Outdoor Wicker Furniture Buying Guide
3. A Buyer’s Guide to Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor