Outdoor Umbrellas

As spring and summer arrive, life moves outdoors, towards patio entertaining and poolside lounging. Alongside modern shading systems and installations, outdoor umbrellas are still one of the best ways to stay cool and protected from the hot sun. Patio umbrellas are a versatile, effortless solution that can fit any landscape, taste and budget.

Types of Outdoor Umbrellas

Tilting umbrella helps with the constant angle change as the sun moves. Instead of a hassle of constantly moving and rearranging chairs, a simple shift in shadow angle does the trick.

A cantilever patio umbrella is an upgraded version of a tiling standing umbrella, with increased range of motion. They come as deluxe versions and commercial models, extremely sturdy, durable, and resilient to elements. A cantilever umbrella base is often quite heavy. Also, everything from construction to canopy features heavy-duty materials to prevent ripping.

Free-standing deck and patio umbrellas can stand independently, or as a part of a standard table with a hole. These umbrellas work well for all kinds of residential use. They are ideal for balconies and poolside furnishings.

Purpose of Outdoor Umbrellas

Outdoor umbrella serves unlimited purposes. A patio umbrella covers the table to allow proper enjoying in an outdoors meal of a coffee. In larger or tilted versions they can become a stylish and affordable solution for shading a swimming pool. Tilted deck umbrellas allow adjustment to provide shade at different areas, ideal for creating a lounge space.

A market umbrella is the most popular style of centre pole umbrella with a round or octagonal shape and a sharp edge. The canopy can be vented to encourage airflow and cools the area underneath. Modern cantilever market umbrellas are a great addition to a café or restaurant. Attractive in appeal, designer outdoor umbrellas also enhance the visual quality of the place.

Adding a tilted patio umbrella can improve the outdoor experience in the balconies without awnings. It takes no valuable space but adds shade, style, comfort and functionality.

Finally, an outdoor garden umbrella is a staple feature for the beachside, especially in a stripey, retro design. In modern versions, a beachside umbrella often features a white, minimalist style and a round shape canopy with hanging valances.

Sizing of Patio Umbrellas

Umbrella size depends on various factors, including space, budget, primary purpose. An oversized umbrella might seem like a convenient solution at the start, but it will most likely end with an advert effect on the balance of your outdoor arrangement. An umbrella too small or narrow will not suffice its purpose, causing much frustration along the way.

The rule of thumb for a typical patio umbrella is to extend at least half a meter over each side of an outdoor dining table. That means, for a round table one meter in diameter, an umbrella should measure two meters.

For maximum umbrella stability, a pole diameter and base diameter should be as close as possible. A minimum height of 2m is recommended for optimal shadow.

Best Materials for Outdoor Umbrellas

Materials used for patio umbrellas should meet all-weather requirements to ensure durability.

Fibreglass umbrellas are designed to be flexible and able to bend, which makes them a perfect choice for areas with strong winds. Aluminium is durable and maintenance-free, ideal for any climate conditions.

Wooden structures feature a classic, sophisticated appeal. These designs work best in green environments or on a hardwood deck. However, wood umbrellas are not the most affordable option, and also require the most maintenance of all.

Similar to the structure, fabrics should also be all-weather, waterproof, UV resistant and, ideally, fade-resistant. Breathable designs will prevent mould and mildew; hence those are highly recommended.

Umbrellas Accessories

Adding lights to the garden umbrella creates a remarkable outdoor living space for evening use. LED fixtures generate low heat, which makes them suitable to install into the ribs. Alternatively, lights can be mounted on the underside or perimeter of the fixed canopy roof.

Many commercial umbrellas, as well as residential deck umbrellas, come with integrated heaters. These infrared devices warm the area below the canopy, allowing for extended outdoor time outside of the main season.

Bluetooth speakers are slowly becoming a mainstream umbrella accessory. They allow for effortless connection with gadgets and USB charging, for extra convenient lounging time.

A weather-proof cover is a necessary accessory for any outdoor umbrella that’s meant to last. Most covers are made of canvas fabrics, but hard shell versions are also available.