What Canopy Fabric Should I Use
Choosing your canopy material is one of the most important decisions you have when buying a patio umbrella. Not only is the color or pattern the most visible aspect of the umbrella, but ultimately it is what protects you from the heat and glare of the sun. Canopies are made from many different materials with their own physical characteristics, benefits, drawbacks and cost considerations. Some fabrics are coated with PVC or styrene-acrylic to increase weather resistance, but the process has the drawback of decreasing the textiles tensile tearing strength . Here are a few of the more common canopy material options and brands.
Determine The Umbrella Size
The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. One of the most important considerations when it comes to umbrella sizes is the available space that you have in your patio.
The size of your umbrella should fit the space where it will be used and should serve its intended purpose as well. For example, if you choose an oversized umbrella, this could overwhelm your space and throw off the balance of your outdoor space layout.
For proper shade space, your umbrella should extend over your dining table by 2 feet on each side to provide optimal comfort. If you have a 4-foot round table, you need an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter.
Remember that with extra shade, you will have a fuller glare-free experience depending on where the sun is. It will even provide a bigger space for kids to play in without having to worry about their sun exposure. Keep in mind that your umbrella should be at least 7 to 9 feet tall, no matter which type of area it will be placed.
Get your tape measure, and find out the space that your patio umbrella will need to shade.
Consider The Whole Patio Area
When youre looking at outdoor umbrella sizes, there are a few important things to consider.
The overall space youre putting the umbrella in is the first thing to think about. How much area do you have and how much of it do you want covered by an outdoor umbrella?
If you have a reasonably small area you might decide to cover as much of it as possible with an umbrella, but if you have a larger size zone, you may want only a smaller section undercover. Perhaps you just want a cover over the eating area or maybe youd like some shade where the kids like to play. Maybe two smaller umbrellas would work better functionally than one larger one, eg. for pool deck umbrellas to shade sun lounges. Think about the style of umbrella you would like, cantilever umbrellas can be a great option with the offset base, giving you uninterrupted shade below the canopy, just be sure you have room to sit the base.
Make a decision on these things before you start shopping!
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Pick A Durable Fabric Designed For Outdoor Use
All fabrics are not created equal, especially when it comes to outdoor-rated textiles. For your patio umbrellas, the fabrics need to be lightweight, strong, stain proof, and easily foldable. Choose a fabric that is durable, fade-resistant, and easy to clear. There are also umbrella fabrics that offer a high level of UV protection. Pick the fabric which best suits your needs and well within your budget.
What Is The Diameter Of A Patio Umbrella Pole
umbrella polediameter
How to Measure a Patio Umbrella
Also, what is a standard size umbrella? Time was that the regular–size umbrella, 40 inches to 48 inches in diameter, ruled the market.
Additionally, how heavy should a base be for a 9 foot umbrella?
A good way to determine the minimum weight for your umbrella stand is to multiply the width of your umbrella canopy by 10. For example, for a 7.5′ umbrella we recommend using a 75 lb. umbrella stand a 9‘ umbrella will require at least an 90 lb.
Can you use a patio umbrella without a table?
Outdoor Umbrella Stand Weights100+ lbs will support any free standing umbrella. Heavier stands are recommended when using an umbrella without a table, in very windy areas, or with a tilt option. There are several kinds of material to choose from such as granite, resin, and cast iron.
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Canopy Fabric And Care
Most of our umbrellas are made with 100% Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabric that resists fading, stains, mold and mildew. To extend its life and as a safety precaution against tipping, always close your umbrella when not in use. Spot clean with mild soap and water as necessary and place in a protective cover when out of use for an extended period of time. And should you want to change the look of your umbrella in a later season, replacement canopies are available in a variety of colors.
How Do You Measure A Patio Umbrella
To measure a patio umbrella, measure the distance between the very center of the top to the outermost edge of the rib arm, and then multiply that measurement by two. Measuring the height of the pole is not necessary, but you may want to measure other areas. For example, if you are looking to buy an umbrella that fits a dining table, you will want to know the size of the hole it will fit into and make sure the pole of your umbrella will fit accordingly.
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What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy
The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. How much space do you need? Whats your budget? How much space do you have available? These are all things that must be taken into consideration 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. Below youll find some simple solutions, courtesy of Lisa Hallet Taylor from PoolandPatio.About.com.
- 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
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 patios look. They come in many different sizes, styles, weights, shapes, and forms. If youve ever purchased a cheap personal umbrella, you know that youre in for a surprise. In the same way, investing in a quality outdoor umbrella will make sure that your time is spent enjoying conversations with close friends instead of chasing umbrellas across the yard.
To be sure youre not disappointed with your next patio umbrella, check out this comprehensive Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide that will teach you everything about patio umbrellas! By the time youre done with it, youll be an outdoor umbrella expert!
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Choosing The Right Outdoor Umbrella Size
A must-have part of your outdoor decor, patio umbrellas are beautiful, practical accents. They provide shade from the sun, shelter from summertime drizzles, and a pop of personality. Choosing an umbrella is more than colorful fabrics and styles. You have to choose the correct size, shape and type of umbrella to fit your furniture. Bases and stands are important to consider as well.
Choosing The Best Umbrella Material
Umbrella fabric should include UV protection, wind resistance and remain durable through the elements of the season. Unlike traditional umbrellas, this fabric provides cover from the sun over extended periods of time, so youll want to choose a quality fabric above all else. A few popular choices include:
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Center Pole Or Side Mount
First things first: Is your umbrella going to be freestanding or at the center of an outdoor table? If the latter, youll need a center pole umbrella. If your table doesnt come equipped with a center cut hole, or youre looking to shade a lounge area, you can assess the amount of shade you need and use either a freestanding side mount or a center pole umbrella with a base set near the seating . Our side mount cantilever umbrellas offer extra versatility as they swivel and tilt, so you can chase the shade with the turn of a knob or slide of a lever.
How To Measure An Umbrella Size
Whether you are buying an umbrella in the department store or ordering a customized umbrella from a manufacturer, you should know how to determine the umbrella measurement. Here are the two important factors in determining the umbrella measurement:
Umbrella Canopy Size The size of the canopy determines the area that an umbrella can cover. It can be measured by referring to the arc width or diameter. To get the arc size, open the umbrella then measure from one tip of one side then over the top to the tip of the other side.
On the other hand, to get the diameter, open the umbrella then measure from one tip then move to the tip on the other side under the umbrella. Before buying or ordering umbrellas, research whether the brand that you will buy uses arc or diameter for umbrella measurement.
Umbrella Frame Size The frame is composed of the shaft and the handle. To get the frame size, close the umbrella then measure from the top until the handle. The frame size determines the length of the overall umbrella measurement.
If you have a foldable umbrella, you will have two sizes: first when it is folded and second when it is stretched out.
If you are buying customized umbrellas, you have the prerogative to determine the umbrella measurement. The measurement would most likely be determined by the type of umbrella. Here is the common umbrella measurement for each type:
What is the average size of a patio umbrella?
What is the best size for a golf umbrella?
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Protection & Storage Of Your Umbrella
During the off-season, or when there are extended periods of time during which your patio umbrella remains idle, you should carefully remove the pole and canopy from the base or mount and store it properly.
- Make sure its clean and dry Follow the guidelines listed earlier, before storing your patio umbrella.
- Use a protective cover The cover will prevent moisture build-up, block dust and debris, and minimize inadvertent damage from other items brushing up against it.
- Wrap the folds in one direction To minimize wrinkling and preserve the aesthetic qualities of your canopy, wrap the folds in the same direction, before securing it within the cover.
- Cover the pole ends To minimize damage to the ends of the pole, you should cover them with cardboard or heavy rags.
- Store it in an upright position Laying umbrellas on their sides puts unneeded weight on the rib assembly, especially if other items are apt to be stacked on them or they are at risk of being stepped on.
- Keep it in an enclosed dry area Be sure to store your umbrella in a dry covered space like a garage, basement or pool house in the off-season. Even if it has a protective cover, the cold and moisture have a way of creeping in and damaging items left outdoors and unattended for too long.
References
No More Fighting For A Spot In The Shade
The 12 x 12 Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella from Treasure Gardens.
Its quite plausible to replace a gazebo with Treasure Gardens Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella. Youll still be able to enjoy evening dinners under a covered area with a few additional perks. For one, you can take this umbrella with you in the case that you have to move. Luxury drapes provide privacy and give you the VIP Cabana feeling for a fraction of the cost to build a gazebo.
More Patio Furnishing Buying Guides
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Poles Cranks And Levers
At this point, youre probably excited to choose a canopy fabric, but there are some important functional choices youll also need to consider. With a variety of frame options to choose from for designer and market umbrellas, like teak, silver and bronze, youll easily find one that suits your decor. And no matter which you choose, you can rest assured it will hold up as all our umbrellas are crafted to resist weathering and rusting. They are also easy to open, close and tilt with hand cranking or lever mechanisms. Market and designer umbrellas with teak frames feature a simple pulley system to open and close.
Patio Umbrella Size: What Size For My Table
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Choosing the right size for your patio umbrella is an important decision. It can make all the difference in how much shade youll get, and whether or not it will be too small to cover your entire table which will lead to a lot of sun exposure.
When deciding on a patio umbrella size, you have to take into consideration the dimensions of your table. If you want a larger shade to help provide more protection from the sun and rain, then an 8-foot wide umbrella will do just fine.
However, if you only need enough coverage for two people who are sitting at a small patio table or round bistro table, then a 5-foot wide umbrella would be better suited for those needs.
I will discuss this topic in detail, with tips on what size umbrella is best for different patio tables .
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Section C Fabrics & Materials Best Patio Umbrella Fabric
Click here to view all Sunbrella Fabric Options.
Just like the fabrics of your outdoor furniture, you need to make sure 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.
As far as fabrics go, youll 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. Sunbrellais the most well-known name in outdoor fabrics. They began making awning in the early 1960s. They now make fabrics for umbrellas as well. Learn more about Sunbrella Fabrics.
Deep Seating Protective Covers
For deep seating covers, measure width, depth and height. Width is measured from the widest point between the right and left side . Depth is measured from front to back at its deepest point. When taking depth measurements, include the armrest end if it extends beyond the seat. Height is measured from the ground to the highest point, which is usually to the chairs back.
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What Kind Of Patio Umbrella Stand Or Base Is Appropriate
Once youve determined the style and size of your patio umbrella, youll need to figure out what kind of base you want or need. Choosing the right base or stand is critical to ensure that your umbrella is stable and upright under calm conditions and does not fly away when theres a gentle breeze. Center pole and cantilever umbrellas can use either mobile or fixed bases, but the latter is more appropriate the larger the umbrella is and the windier the setting.
Umbrella Size & Shape
The important questions to begin with are what will you be using the patio umbrella for: dining events, outdoor lounging, extra shade? This will help you decide what size of an awning you’d need and how tall you need it to be. For the shape, you get the most coverage with a square or rectangle shape, wheras the standard circle shape provides less coverage. The first good rule of thumb when picking height is 7 feet tall is good for all. Bumping heads on an umbrella isn’t fun, so be sure your umbrella height is at least 7 feet. Another good rule of thumb is 2 feet wider than what you cover. So if you have a 4 foot round table, an 8 foot diameter umbrella would do you well. Here’s some more sizing to help you further:
- 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
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Outdoor Patio Umbrella Guide
A sun umbrella is an easy way to add shade to your outdoor gathering area and block harmful UV rays from the sun. In addition to providing you and your guests with shelter from the sun’s scorching rays, an outdoor patio umbrella can also make for a stylish accent piece to your backyard setup. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve included everything you need to know about choosing the right umbrella for your patio space.