Umbrella Buying Guide: Tips For Buying A Perfect Patio Umbrella
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.
Umbrella Sizes Detail/ Umbrella Dimensions
What is the average size of an umbrella?
PS: Due to the different workmanship of each umbrella manufacturer, the diameter of the umbrella is slightly different.
If you have more questions about the umbrella sizes or want to share your opinion, pls contact us: We will help you quickly choose the right size umbrella
How Do I Keep My Patio Umbrella From Fading
You can weather-guard spray the umbrella, as this will increase the life of the fabric and reduce its fading. If you use a weather-guard, you should apply it to your umbrella every other week. In addition, you can vacuum the umbrella to remove dirt or debris. Then, you can wipe it down with soap and warm water.
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Why You Need To Measure For A Patio Umbrella
Patio umbrellas are a great way to make those super scorching days a bit more bearable.
The sun is a great thing, we need it for vitamin D and to help our food grow, if we are deprived of sunlight we can become ill, we can suffer mentally, and we can become unhealthy.
UV rays can damage the skin and cause skin cancer, a patio umbrella makes it possible to get out and enjoy the sun, without the harmful effects and does provide some relief from the heat when you are outside.
A patio umbrella is a fantastic addition to any patio or outdoor space and can make it more useful to those that might not want to be directly under sunlight or that just want some shade to relax in.
Patio umbrellas are varied in size, shape and overall materials, making selecting the right umbrella harder than you might imagine.
Measuring For A Patio Umbrella Based On Table Size
If you are going to be placing your patio umbrella in a table, the size of the table is a direct indication of the size of umbrella that you need.
If you have a table that is 30 to 36 inches in diameter, a 6-8 foot umbrella is going to be large enough to shade the entire table without being too large for the table to hold it and to remain upright and sturdy.
- < 38 Table = 6-8 foot Umbrella
- 38-60 = 9-11 foot Umbrella
- > 60 = 11 foot Umbrella
Buying based on the table you will be using the umbrella with is a great place to start and can help you better understand what your table can handle without being overbalanced.
Shopping for umbrella based on table size is also going to give you an idea of what amount of shade you are going to get from each size of umbrella.
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Why You Should Trust Us
The original author of this guide, Kalee Thompson, lived for more than a decade in Los Angeles, where the near-constant sun fuels an equally constant quest for more and better shade. After moving into her home there in mid-2010, she went through three 9-foot backyard patio umbrellas, each purchased for less than $100. The first was never the same after an epic 2011 windstorm. Carelessly left up, that umbrella was lifted by the wind and converted into a dangerous projectile that stabbed into a neighbors hillside . The second and third umbrellas simply got shredded by some combination of temperamental Santa Ana winds and incessant UV damage, after a little more than two years of year-round use.
Kalee examined the umbrella inventory at local stores, including Costco, Home Depot, IKEA, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Walmart, and systematically examined the much more extensive online offerings from the same, as well as from Amazon, Armstrong Garden Centers, Crate & Barrel, Design Within Reach, Lowes, Overstock, Restoration Hardware, Target, Wayfair, and West Elm. And she looked at the models from upscale umbrella suppliers Tuuci and Santa Barbara Designs the latter company makes gorgeous umbrellasincluding some that look like flamenco skirts or a shade for a popsicle cartthat are so expensive the prices go unlisted in the companys printed catalog.
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Purple Leaf Deluxe Rectangle Patio Umbrella
Purple Leaf patio umbrella offers its users enough coverage to cover all around. With the Purple Leaf patio umbrella, one can make the most of their outside experience regardless of whether it is pouring or a sunny day.
Design
This canopy is made in a double top design so the user does not feel suffocated when sitting underneath it. The second top is designed for ventilation so the user can enjoy fresh air without the sun or rain making them uncomfortable.
The hand-crank framework makes this umbrella simple to utilize, so much so a youngster could easily open or close it. The umbrella comes with 6 height adjustments to adjust to the users need. It also comes with 360-degree rotation which allows the user to adjust it according to the direction of the sun.
The fabric used is polyester. It is of high quality and is fade resistant so the umbrella does not lose color and look old quickly. It is also water-resistant, provides UV protection, and is easy to clean.
The metalwork is all done out of aluminum which is coated with anti-oxidation spray to ensure that there is no rusting. The 8 ribs that are designed under the umbrella provide great support and durability.
Key Features
The umbrella is designed with a ventilation hole on top. It has multiple settings for adjustments. It gives UV protection and provides longer life.
Durability
- It is easy to use and clean.
- It provides great protection from UVs and rain.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty.
Cons
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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.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
Although you can order the Treasure Garden Market Aluminum umbrella in near-infinite styles, ordering certain options may involve a delay of several weeks, and stock has been in and out for certain styles.
Southern California in-store experts Bawsel and Hoodless both said that even though a Treasure Garden umbrella is likely to last a decade, some fading of the fabric is occasionally noticeable after about five years. Sunbrella manager Allen Gant III explained that red umbrellas, due to inherent qualities of the dyes, can be more susceptible to fading than other colors, particularly in places with notably harsh year-round sun.
Two of our testers have reported that the push-tilt button on their umbrellas broke during use. One tester told us, We rarely use the button, and Im not even sure how it broke, but now the umbrella wont stay upright. Fortunately, it occurred within the one-year warranty, and she will receive a replacement umbrella. Another tester believes the button broke because I accidentally knocked it over pretty hard while cleaning it one day. Our tester admits this was a user error on her part and hasnt looked into fixing it yet since she rarely uses the feature.
The umbrella does not come with an umbrella cover. You can add one on to your order, but it will cost you an extra $42.
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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.
How Frames Are Measured
Now that weve reviewed how the canopy of an outdoor umbrella is measured, well review how the frames are measured. The first thing to knowis that the size of the frame is not usually depicted in the name as it is with the canopy size.
For this reason, once you have found the canopy size you want for your patio or garden, you will have to then find out if the frame isavailable in a size that suits you.
Additionally, the way the frame is measured depends on the type of outdoor umbrella you are buying.
There are many types of umbrellas availablesuch as centre-post and cantileverso, depending on which one you choose, you will have to doyour frame measurement differently.
Typical frame measurements include the overall height, the clearance of closed arms, the pole width, and the weight.
Certain manufacturers, such as UltraShade or Flexshade,provide made-to-order products. This means that you may be able to adjust these sizes as needed during the manufacturing process.
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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
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How To Measure An Umbrella
An OCTAGON umbrella is measured from point A to point B diagonally along the length of the ribs.
Example: A 7.5′ octagon umbrella would measure approximately 7.5′ from point A to point B diagonally along the ribs making it a 7.5′ umbrella.
A SQUARE umbrella is measured from point C to point D along the edge of the panel.
Example: A 5.5′ square would measure approximately 5.5′ from point C to point D along the edge of the panel, making it a 5.5′ umbrella, but measures 7.5′ feet from point C to point E diagonally along the ribs.
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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.
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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How To Choose The Right Size Patio Umbrella
When choosing a patio umbrella for a dining table, size and shape can factor into your decision. A simple rule of thumb for patio umbrella sizing is that your patio umbrella should extend over the table by 2 feet on each side. For optimal shade, look for a patio umbrella that mimics the shape of your dining table, e.g., if you have a rectangular dining table then a rectangular patio umbrella would provide the best coverage.
Your patio umbrella should extend over the edge of your outdoor table by 2 feet on each side.
Our Pick: Article Paima Umbrella Base
The simple, unassuming 55-pound Article Paima Umbrella Base is our top umbrella stand pick. Costing about $80on the lower end for this type of basethe Paima made us sweat the least when maneuvering. It felt smooth under our hands and was relatively easy to move thanks to the generous gaps tucked below its base, and we felt confident that it would be durable and remain nice-looking over time.
The compact, 19-inch-diameter base is a solid, cast piece of fine-textured black concrete whose bullnose curves remind us of a Boston Cream doughnut. The black concrete disc looks clean and simple once assembled and seemed resistant to marks and scratches during our testing. Initial set-up was straightforward and took less than two minutes, and we barely needed the accompanying illustrated instruction sheet. It was easy to take out of the box and maneuver it around our outdoor space. The two umbrellas we tested on this base both felt snug and secure, thanks to the plastic washer and screw cap that hold the pole in place. We appreciated the grippiness of the ridged screw cap, and it still felt sturdy after we removed and reinserted the umbrella several times.
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Matching Umbrellas To Patio Style
After youve squared away all the logistical details, choose an umbrella that best speaks to your sense of style. Patio umbrellas round out an outdoor seating area with grace and balance. Select a color that borrows from the seat cushions of your patio set or choose an umbrella base that matches the materials woven into your outdoor design.
A wooden pole blends with a country-inspired look, for example, while a metallic, aluminum or stainless steel fits into a sleep, modern layout. Go a step further by choosing a modern selection with ambient LED lights for evenings outside, such as the Starsong Borealis 9-Foot 30 LED Garden Umbrella.
As with any other patio purchase, large outdoor patio umbrellas should further bring your outdoor dining and seating area to life, welcoming everyone to gather and chat on a sunny day. Check out Starsongs patio furniture buying guide and see what pieces you can add to your space to go with your new patio umbrella.
What Is The Process Of Manufacturing Umbrellas
Now that we have reviewed how umbrellas are measured, we will review the process of manufacturing umbrellas. This is important to dobecause, whilst outdoor umbrellas all look quite similar to each other, the differences in the manufacturing process can make a differencewhen it comes to the quality and longevity of the final product.
A lot of cheaper outdoor umbrellas on the market are made overseas, in places like China and Taiwan.
Whilst this isnt in itself a bad thing since it allows retailers to provide great value-for-money, budget-friendly outdoor umbrellaoptions, it is something to watch out for.
This is because, cheaper umbrellas, when compared to more expensive products such as the outdoor umbrellas offered by Project Shade, dontstack up in terms of quality and longevity.
When it comes to the manufacturing process itself, umbrella frames and canopies are often made separately.
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