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How To Choose the Right Patio Umbrella

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Although we love to spend time outside here in Louisiana, it can be unbearably hot in the sun. Choosing the right umbrella for your patio and pool is the best way to increase the amount of time you spend outside - in the shade.

Market Umbrellas

Market umbrellas are the most popular options and are available in a wide range of shapes, colors and sizes with several types of lift and tilt mechanisms.

Market Umbrella Characteristics:

Venting:

Single or double wind vent. The wind vent allows the wind to pass through the umbrella without causing it to tip. The single wind vent is sufficient for most provided you have a heavy umbrella base to keep it up-right. Caution should be used if opening the umbrella on a gusty day. A double wind vent allows more wind to pass though the canopy and is ideal for gusty wind conditions.

Size:

Market umbrellas are commonly available in sizes from 7’ in diameter up to 10’ in diameter as well as rectangular shapes in 8’ x 10’ or 8’ x 11’.

7’ Diameter: Perfect for small seating spaces, bistro sets and dining sets under 36”

9’ Diameter: Easily provides shade for dining sets with 48” to 54” round or square tables, small rectangular tables up to 54”, small seating spaces, 2 chaise lounges, etc.

10’ Diameter: Generously covers small to medium seating spaces, 48” and up round or square dining tables.

8’ x 10’ or 8’ x 11’ Rectangle: Excellent choice for oval and rectangular patio tables. This size is also fantastic for chaise lounges as it provides plenty of space on either side of the for 1 or 2 chaise lounges.

Lift:

Your canopy will be lifted by either a pulley or a crank. The pulley system is the simplest design; however, it may be more difficult to secure the anchor pin for some. Pulley systems are available on both wood and aluminum frames. The crank lift is the easiest to use for everyone but is only available on umbrellas with aluminum frames.

Tilt:

A tilting umbrella provides shade throughout the day as you can move the canopy to an angle to block the sun. There are 3 types of tilting options. Push button tile is the most common and least expensive. The umbrella is tilted by pushing a button underneath the umbrella hub. An auto tilt umbrella is operated by continuing to crank the umbrella handle to tilt the canopy. It allows for more tilt angles than the push button. Best for tilting is the collar tilt which is utilized by twisting the collar which is typically located at the top of the crank handle. Although it is more of an investment, you will find great flexibility in the tilt angles as well as ease of use.

Market Umbrella Bases:

Selecting the right umbrella base for the job is critical. Using a base that is too light can cause your umbrella to lean or easily tip. Don’t rely on your table to support your umbrella. It is always better to go heavier than lighter

6’-8’ Umbrellas – use a minimum of 35 LBS under a table or 50 LBS free-standing.

9’-10’ Umbrellas – use a minimum of 50 LBS under a table or 80 LBS free-standing

Larger than 10’ Umbrellas – use a minim of 75 LBS under a table or 100 LBS free-standing.

Cantilever Offset Umbrellas

Cantilever umbrellas are the most effective shade option for seating areas as they can span up to 13’ in diameter and have the added benefit of an off-centered pole but they can certainly be used over a dining table. Maximum coverage can be achieved with the tilt feature that allows you to block the sun regardless of the direction of the rays.

Size: Residential cantilever umbrellas can be commonly found as small as 8.5’ in diameter up to as large as 13’ octagon or 10’ x 13’ rectangles.

Shape: The octagon is the most common shape and offers good coverage. Additional coverage can be found in square and rectangle shapes.

Tilt/Rotation: The most efficient cantilever umbrella will also tilt in at least one direction. Many styles have multiple tilt options as they can tilt from side to side as well as front to back. Another wonderful feature of the cantilever umbrella is the 360-degree rotation for the ultimate in flexibility.

Best uses:

Any size outdoor seating area

Over larger dining tables

Alongside a swimming pool or spa

Care Recommendations for market and cantilever offset patio umbrellas:

Keep the umbrella closed and securely tied when not in use.
Use an umbrella cover to provide additional protection from the elements
Use the correct base with sufficient weight to prevent your umbrella from tipping.
Periodically clean the canopy fabric with a mild detergent or a manufacturer approved cleaning product such as 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner (available in our showroom)
Treat the canopy fabric to restore water repellency and UV resistance with a manufacturer approved product such as 303 Fabric Guard (available in our showroom)

View our Treasure Garden Catalog

The possibilities are endless when it comes to outdoor decorating! Let your imagination and personality shine!

Although we do feature a few of our garden decor pieces online, we have a much larger selection of traditional and unique garden decor, lawn ornaments, outdoor lighting, outdoor rugs, patio umbrellas, Sunbrella throw pillows, wind chimes, birdhouses and feeders, colorful yard stakes, statuary, bird baths, beautiful lanterns and much more in our showroom at 3005 W. Cabela's Parkway in Gonzales, next to Cabela's.