How to Choose the Correct Patio Umbrella?
A patio umbrella adds to the relaxation and leisure on a sunny beach, pool, or anywhere else. These have many advantages while you are on a trip. They fit well to their poles and offer a quite comfortable environment even in hot summers. Different brands have introduced their products in this niche on the market and it may be hard to decide which one will suit you the best. If you’re also thinking to have one, it’s good to investigate’ how to choose the correct patio umbrella? ‘.
Having been in the market without any special knowledge about how to choose the best one may surprise you. The patio umbrella is available in a variety of materials, sizes, and other features. So, selecting the best one may be hard for you. To resolve your confusion, we have gone through all the requirements of a patio umbrella user. Based on all their requirements, we have proposed a precise guide to choosing the best product. Let’s go through this short guide.
5 Tips to Choose the Correct Patio Umbrella
If you’re on the market for a patio umbrella for your outdoor tours, keep these tips in mind to select the best one for you.
1- Finalize the Type
Different kinds of patio umbrellas are available on the market, decide which one will suit you. The commonly found types of this umbrella are listed here.
- Traditional Patio Umbrella
These are the most famous kinds of Patio Umbrella. These have a pole with a hole in it. The umbrella is placed in the hole of the pole that keeps it stable.
- Offset Patio Umbrella
These kinds of patio umbrellas are good for fixed uses. Having a pole at one side makes them heavier than all other kinds. So, these are not easily portable. Having different-sized canopies, this kind of umbrella offers maximum shade.
- Tilting Patio Umbrella
As the name suggests, these umbrellas are flexible. One can adjust their canopies as per the requirement of the shade. Moreover, their pole has a joint that allows them to rotate them according to the requirements.
- Sail Patio Umbrella
These umbrellas are also unique and easy to carry due to their lightweight and no pole design. One can place this three-cornered umbrella in any corner of their garden or wherever they like. These are good for trips and tours.
As per your requirements, choose anyone out of the above-mentioned umbrella.
2- Decide the Shape
After you’re sure about the kind of your patio umbrella, you’ll encounter different shapes within the same niche. All these shapes are good for different areas and spaces. Based on the area you want to shade, go for any of the following shapes.
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular
Mostly, a large rectangular umbrella is good for dining tables and chairs. A round table will need a round umbrella. So, choose the one according to the space you’re going to shade.
3- Select the Perfect Size
You can’t choose the perfect patio umbrella for you just with a little knowledge about their shapes and types. The size is another important consideration, learn how to choose the best size for you. Different sized umbrellas are good for different areas, but choosing anyone is not wisdom. Go for the best one that will be enough to make your selected place shadowy. Here is a size guide that will help you to choose the perfect piece for you.
| Umbrella Size (Ft) | Good For (Width of Table) |
| 6 to 6.5 | 30″ |
| 7 to 7.5 | 48″ |
| 8 to 8.5 | 54″ |
| 9 to 9.5 | 62″ |
| 10 | 84″ |
Before choosing the size of the umbrella, it’s good to measure the width of the table for which you’re going to purchase. If you choose a smaller size, it will be problematic for you. So, before rushing to the market for a patio umbrella, make sure that you know the exact width of your table or a similar area.
4- Canopy and Pole’s Material
Choosing the right umbrella material for you is also important. Without learning about this aspect, you can never succeed in selecting the good one for you. Different materials are good for different uses. However, if you want a highly durable umbrella that is effective against all the damages, the fiberglass ribs material is perfect. Having an umbrella featuring such material will not only last longer but will also be ideal for heavy storms and fast winds. The other material will ruin in salty or humid air, this kind of umbrella will bear such climates without any damage.
Some other reliable materials are listed here.
- Sunbrella fabric (Durable when exposed to UV light)
- Polyester (Perfect for color options)
- Olefin (A fade-resistant material)
- Acrylic (Good for outdoor uses)
- Thatch (Effective against mildews, rotting, and insects)
When it comes to the pole’s material, you can choose any of the wood, aluminum, or steel material. All these materials suit different weathers, however, a steel pole is good for all weathers and is also cheaper.
5- Lifting and Tilting of Umbrella
While choosing the best patio umbrella for you, it’s good to decide which lifting and tilting option you will love to have. Here are different lifting options in a patio umbrella.
- Push up button that opens and grabs the collars of the umbrella
- Crank that is on the pole and helps to open and close the collars of your umbrella
- Pully that has a rope for opening and closing the canopy’s collars
Similarly, you will have to choose any of the following tilting options, only for tilt patio umbrellas.
- Push-button
- Automatic or crank-style
- Collar
Final Verdict
Choosing the right patio umbrella may be hard for you if you don’t know what to look for while purchasing such an item. However, knowing the features to look at before investing in a patio umbrella will make your choice ideal. To facilitate you, we have listed the top 5 features that make a patio umbrella good from all perspectives. So, never select the one without examining the above features in that particular piece!
