
Stay Cool in the South: Patio Umbrella Picks
Share
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Patio Umbrella
Discover the perfect market or cantilever umbrella to keep your Louisiana oasis cool, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. Stop by our Gonzales showroom to browse in-stock favorites or customize your own frame and fabric for a truly coordinated look.
Why Shade Matters in Louisiana
The Gulf-Coast sun can turn a patio into a sauna in minutes. Choosing the right umbrella lets you linger outdoors longer—whether you’re grilling for the family, reading by the pool, or hosting a breezy crawfish boil.
Market Umbrellas
Classic, versatile, and available in a rainbow of colors and sizes. Pair with a heavy base for effortless, table-side shade.
Feature | Options | Quick Tips |
---|---|---|
Venting | Single or double | Go double if your space is prone to gusty afternoons. |
Sizes | 7′ • 9′ • 10′ round 8′×10′ • 8′×11′ rectangle |
7′ for bistro sets • 9′ for 4–6 seat dining • 10′ for bigger sets or lounge groupings |
Lift | Pulley (wood / aluminum) Crank (aluminum only) |
Crank = easiest everyday use. |
Tilt | Push-button • Auto-tilt • Collar-tilt | Collar-tilt gives the widest, easiest range. |
Base Rule of Thumb
Heavier is better.
• 35 lb+ for 6–8′ under a table | 50 lb free-standing
• 50 lb+ for 9–10′ under a table | 80 lb free-standing
• 75 lb+ for 10′+ under a table | 100 lb free-standing
(Ask about resin-coated bases for salt-water pools.)
Cantilever (Offset) Umbrellas
Need sprawling shade without a center pole? Cantilevers cover up to 13′ and rotate 360°—perfect for chat groups, chaise pairs, or even dining tables without an umbrella hole.
Feature | Options | Quick Tips |
---|---|---|
Sizes | 8.5′ to 13′ octagon 10′×13′ rectangle |
Match the canopy to your seating footprint. |
Shapes | Octagon • Square • Rectangle | Squares & rectangles maximize edge-to-edge coverage. |
Tilt / Rotation | Side-to-side • Front-to-back • 360° swivel | Follow the sun without moving furniture. |
Visit, Customize, Relax
Swing by Louisiana Casual Living at 333 St. Christopher Ave, Suite F (Heritage Crossing, Hwy 30 & 44, Gonzales) to see dozens of umbrellas on display. Our team will help you:
• Test-drive lift and tilt mechanisms
• Match frame finishes to your furniture
• Choose quality outdoor fabrics built for Gulf-Coast sun and humidity
Leave with in-stock shade today—or place a custom order for delivery just in time for your next backyard get-together. See you under the canopy!