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What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need

Umbrella Buying Guide: Tips For Buying A Perfect Patio Umbrella

Abba Patio 9′ Outdoor Table Umbrella Review

The right patio umbrella will extend the life of your outdoor space, keeping things cool and protected from the sun or rain. So what kind of patio umbrella should you choose? There are many factors to consider before making a decision. Here, were breaking down how to buy an outdoor umbrella, as well as how to measure for a patio umbrella.

What Type Of Umbrella Is Best For My Space

There are many commercial umbrella styles to choose from Superior Shade has 5 styles and that doesnt even include the different shapes that are available! Based on where you are installing the umbrella and what it is being used for, there are go-to umbrella types for those locations. For example, if you are wanting to shade guests lounging by the pool opt for a cantilever umbrella that allows for unobstructed views of the water. If you are wanting to shade a bench or one table, wed suggest opting for a dual-column umbrella. Likewise, if youre looking for splash pad umbrella, a single post or tilt and swivel umbrella may be best. Heres a quick overview of the types of umbrellas that are offered:

Pairing A Patio Umbrella With A Patio Living Set

When considering patio umbrella sizes, its a good idea to think about the type of furniture that will be shaded.

Typically patio umbrellas are paired with patio dining sets, though obviously this is not always the case. The natural pairing between a patio table and a patio umbrella makes this fit very workable, while combining outdoor living furniture sets with patio umbrellas isnt as natural.


As this image shows, the patio umbrella has to be placed off to the side of the living set, which doesnt provide much shade, and essentially wastes half of the umbrella canopy.

Its easy enough to find a free-standing patio umbrella base, so theres no need for a patio table for support. But the location of the patio umbrella can conflict with the location of the coffee table in the outdoor living set, or make the circulation around the chairs very awkward.

In general, if a patio umbrella is sized for a table and four chairs, that umbrella will work with a four-seat living room set. But obviously, this all depends on how you choose to set up the outdoor living space.

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What Size & Shape Outdoor Umbrella Is Right

However, a good guideline is to first measure the area or table that you want to shade. Be sure to take into consideration the room needed to comfortably situate chairs. Then, add 2 to 2 1/2 feet to each side to determine the canopy diameter that provides just the right amount of shade. Review the reference table below for examples.


What Is The Best Patio Umbrella

What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Get

The answer is that depends. There are many things to consider when buying a patio umbrella. Modern architectural design incorporates a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Elaborate decks and lavish outdoor furniture allow you to enjoy nature, without sacrificing style or comfort. As spring and summer arrive, youll spend more and more time outside entertaining or lounging poolside. To keep you and your guests cool and protected from the hot sun, its important to have ample shade. Patio umbrellas are a prudent solution, in lieu of more permanent construction. However, choosing the right outdoor umbrella can be challenging. Based on your home, environment, budget and preference, there are many factors to take into consideration. This guide will help you gain a better understanding of patio umbrellas, their styles, materials and features. This knowledge will help take the uncertainty out of your buying decision and ensure that you can relax outdoors for years to come.

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What Size & Shape Of Area Are You Shading

For round dining tables, choose an octagonal shape.

For square and rectangular tables, choose a square or rectangular shape.

Determine the general shape of the area you want to shade and choose the canopy option that best covers that shape. Tip: For best coverage, choose a canopy that is 5 ft. larger in diameter than the area you want to shade.


What Size Umbrella Do I Need For A 48 Inch Table

4.1/5

What needs Coverage?
30 Inch or Smaller Café or Bistro Table and 2 Chairs 5-6Ft
36 Inch or Smaller Café or Bistro Table and 2 Chairs 7Ft
48 Inch Round or Square Dining Table and 4 Chairs 9-10ft
60 Inch Round or Square Dining Table and 6 Chairs or larger 11-12Ft

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.

how heavy should an umbrella base be? Fifty pounds

how big of an umbrella do I need?

Determining SizeThe general rule is to choose an umbrella five feet larger than the area you want to shade. Here are some guidelines to sizing your shade area for tables: 6 foot shade diameter will cover up to a 30-inch bistro or café tables and usually only two chairs.


How do I choose a cantilever umbrella?

Cantilever UmbrellasDetermine the general shape of the area you want to shade and choose the canopy option that best covers that shape. Tip: For best coverage, choose a canopy that is 5 ft. larger in diameter than the area you want to shade.

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Patio Umbrella Pole Height And Diameter

Your patio umbrella pole diameter is an important measurement to check for because its crucial to the stability of your umbrella. For maximum umbrella stability, you want your umbrella pole diameter and base diameter to be as close as possible while still fitting. We looked through our collection of patio umbrellas and found that most had a pole diameter of at least 1.5 and some went up to 2.5. If you choose an umbrella with a pole diameter of 1.5, you want the base to diameter to be at least 1.5 and at the most, .25 larger. As a rule of thumb, your base diameter should not be more than .25 larger than your umbrella pole.

Pro Tip: Beach umbrellas are slimmer than patio umbrellas, make sure you double check before purchasing!

If you have the option to buy your patio umbrella in person, we highly recommend doing so. Being able to pick out an umbrella thats the perfect fit for your patio while also finding the right base will make your life much easier in the long run.


The height of your umbrella is another important factor. You want enough clearance so that taller individuals dont have to stoop down when they are under the umbrella. Still, it cant be so high that the shade is covering your dog instead of you! In general, you want your umbrella to be at least 7 feet tall. You can also look for patio umbrellas with tilting and cantilever functions to adjust where the shade lands. Well talk about that in the section below.

What Type Of Climate Do You Live In

REVIEW: Patio Umbrella – Half Round – Perfect for small back yards

Windy Areas Umbrella canopies are not unlike a ships sail, so locations with high wind require certain considerations. Wind gusts can bend or break canopy ribs, snap poles, or pull umbrellas out of their bases and send them flying three doors down. If you live in a windy area, here are some things to consider:

  • Buy a quality patio umbrella with flexible, replaceable canopy ribs, a large diameter pole, and an extra-heavy base.
  • Keep your umbrella closed when not in use.

Near the Ocean If you live near the ocean, consider a patio umbrella with an aluminum pole that will not rust or deteriorate from the moist, salty air. Look for canopies available in Sunbrella fabrics that are UV-protected, resistant to mildew, and easy to clean.

High Altitude Higher altitudes mean closer proximity to the sun and more intense rays beaming down on your umbrella canopy. Over time, this can result in fading and accelerated deterioration. All of our umbrella canopies are designed for intense outdoor sun, but Sunbrella fabrics in particular are renowned for their enduring color and UV protection, and offer a 5-year warranty against fading, mildew, and more.

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Only Use Table Umbrellas On Level Patios

Table umbrellas are a combination of a patio table with a hole in the center and a properly placed umbrella, typically sold separately but sometimes available as a single package. The two complement each other both in design and support, making this a common option. However, a table umbrella cannot easily be moved, and it requires a perfectly level surface to prevent wobbling. That makes this combination most suitable for level patios with plenty of open, unused space, large deck spaces, poolsides, and other highly developed areas.

How Big Of An Umbrella Do I Need For My Patio Table

Your umbrella shouldyourtabletableneedumbrella

. Also to know is, what size umbrella do I need for my patio table?

Determining SizeThe general rule is to choose an umbrella five feet larger than the area you want to shade. Here are some guidelines to sizing your shade area for tables: 6 foot shade diameter will cover up to a 30-inch bistro or cafétables and usually only two chairs.

Also, how heavy should a base be for a 9 foot umbrella? Patio Umbrella Base Weight Chart


Free-Standing Umbrella Size 5 Feet or Less
Minimum Base Weight 50 lbs or Less 90 lbs

Moreover, how heavy should a patio umbrella base be?

Minimum Weights for Umbrella Stands11-13ft umbrellas. Umbrella bases come in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Bases and stands that weigh between 20-45lbs are usually intended for umbrellas that are used through a hole in middle of a table.

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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Which Umbrella Base Should I Choose

When you see a base shown as 30-pound or 50-pound, that usually indicates how heavy the base will be when its filled with water or sand. A heavier weight is better for steadying a larger umbrella in windy conditions.

An umbrella is a necessary accessory for anyone spending of time outside, especially in the summer months. The right umbrella shields you from the sun, preventing burns and providing much-needed relief from the heat.

So youve purchased an umbrella as a shade solution for your patio. Whats next?

Umbrellas dont just stay anchored to the ground on their own they require the right base to keep them from going awry.

An umbrellas base or umbrella stand, as they are sometimes referred to, might be an afterthought when you are planning your outdoor area, but its a necessary one to avoid having your umbrellas launching into a neighbors backyard on a windy afternoon.

Many times, an umbrella base is too light for an umbrella. However, the correct weighted base and umbrella will not only offer a finished look for you outdoor area, but peace of mind when you are under the umbrella and the wind or breeze picks up.

You can permanently mount an umbrella base to your patio floor or deck. If mobility and flexibility are your main goals, there are plenty of stylish freestanding or under-the-table options for all types of umbrellas

Here are some considerations when shopping for a base or stand:

Use A Tilting Umbrella For Rotating Shade

Outdoor Patio Umbrella Strong Large Square Aluminum Beach ...

A tilting umbrella can be angled to protect against sunlight coming from a specific direction. If you use your patio in the early morning or late evening when the sun is low in the sky, a tilting patio umbrella is a good choice for your house. They are also useful in wide-open spaces where there are no buildings nearby to add extra shade.

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What Size Umbrella Do I Need

That depends on how much shade you are looking for. Patio Umbrellas are measured by their canopy diameter. Generally you would want your umbrellas canopy to be at least 3ft larger than the area to be shaded. Consider this table below.

What needs Coverage?
30 Inch or Smaller Café or Bistro Table and 2 Chairs 5-6Ft
36 Inch or Smaller Café or Bistro Table and 2 Chairs 7Ft
48 Inch Round or Square Dining Table and 4 Chairs 9-10ft
60 Inch Round or Square Dining Table and 6 Chairs or larger 11-12Ft

Its best to have an idea of where youre planning on positioning your patio umbrella on your patio before you purchase it because you want to take into consideration any obstructions such as a tight balcony, tree limbs or anything that would inhibit the umbrella from opening to its full diameter. For clearance in tight places you want to allow for 6 inches of space on all sides between the umbrella canopy and any wall or obstruction. For example if you have an 8×8 balcony than you would purchase a 7ft umbrella, a 10×10 balcony you would purchase a 9ft umbrella.

What Is The Diameter Of A Patio Umbrella Pole

umbrella polediameter

How to Measure a Patio Umbrella

  • Open the patio umbrella so that its shade canopy is fully extended.
  • Using a tape measure, measure along one of the rib arms on the top of the patio umbrella from the center to the outside edge.
  • Multiply that number by two and this will give you the correct size of the patio umbrella.
  • Also, what is a standard size umbrella? Time was that the regularsize 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 9umbrella 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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    Types Of Outdoor Umbrellas

    When you go shopping for an umbrella, don’t get confused and buy a beach umbrellait just won’t do the job. The types of umbrella that you’ll most likely find online or at stores include:

    Umbrella frames are traditionally constructed from wood, aluminum or fiberglass. The most common material is aluminum, which is also the material you will see most often on umbrella poles. If made correctly with the right finish, it resists all kinds of weather conditions. Wood frames, especially an outdoor-tolerant wood like teak, ipe or eucalyptus, is also a popular material for umbrellas but is more costly. As an alternative to aluminum, fiberglass is lightweight, flexible, non-corrosive and holds up in various weather conditions.

    How Heavy Does The Deck Umbrella Base Need To Be

    The Savannah – Cantilever Patio Umbrella

    The required weight of your mobile base is dependent on three factors: the size of your umbrella canopy the expected environmental conditions and the presence or absence of an umbrella table. There are many schools of thought as to how much weight is needed, but we tend to err on the side of safety. To account for average wind conditions, our rule of thumb for free-standing center pole umbrellas is 10 pounds per canopy foot. If the pole is running through an umbrella table, you can reduce it to 5 pounds per foot. The best cantilever patio umbrellas either include or identify the appropriate mobile base, or provide you with choices of fixed mount options, so theres usually less confusion.

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    What Size Patio Do I Need

    A little bit of homework is required when deciding on a patio layout. If you need help planning your project, contact a patio contractor near you for expert advice.

    Patio Sizing TipsTime: 04:18Designer Scott Cohen shows how he designed several projects while considering furniture, entertainment needs, and proximity to the house.

    Before your patio is poured, you need to think through exactly how you plan to use it:

    • Do you like to entertain? Then you might think about creating various large patio areas to accommodate dining areas.
    • Or is your backyard your private sanctuary? Then you might prefer bistro-size outdoor rooms with various small, cozy destination areas throughout your yard.
    • Do you have young children? Designating play areas may be part of your plan.

    The options may be endless, but the theory is the same that “form follows function”. In essence, determine what it is you like to do and let your patio design come about from that thought process.

    To aid in the understanding of the “function” of the space, ask yourself the following questions:

    • How many people do you entertain on a regular basis?

    • Do you also have large parties? How many people do you typically need to accommodate at these parties?

    • What are your favorite patio finishes? Stamped concrete? Pavers? Brick or stone?

    • What style, size and quantity of patio furniture will you be using in the yard?

    Armed with the answers to these basic questions you can lay out patio space appropriately.


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