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A patio umbrella is the ultimate style meets function patio piece. The icing on the cake that completes your patio, but choosing right umbrella can be a difficult decision to make given all the choices presented. The following information listed below will help take the uncertainty out of your buying experience, while guiding you to the perfect patio umbrella to meet your requirements.
Get A Patio Umbrella That Is Larger Than Your Sitting Area
For proper shade space, you need a table patio umbrella that’s larger than the table or area that you are sitting at . As a general rule look for umbrellas that are a couple feet wider than the table you have. Most home patio umbrellas are nine feet in diameter, which fit tables around 36 to inches in diameter – extra large tables should around 11 feet. If you only want a single-person umbrella or a small table umbrella, then you can consider going down to 6.5 feet, but in these cases larger is usually better. Plus: Check out other outdoor projects to improve your yard!
Section C Fabrics & Materials Best Patio Umbrella Fabric
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, you’ll 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.
What Kind Of Patio Umbrella Stand Or Base Is Appropriate
Once you’ve determined the style and size of your patio umbrella, you’ll 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 there’s 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.
Give Your Umbrella Plenty Of Support With A Sturdy Base
Before you complete your purchase, add an umbrella base to your order. You don’t want the excitement of getting your umbrella in the mail to be overshadowed by disappointment when you can’t use it until you order the base. Free standing umbrellas need heavier bases than their table counterparts since they don’t have the extra support of a table.
Refer to the chart below to make sure your base is heavy enough to keep your umbrella standing tall. Fifty pounds is the absolute minimum base weight for a free standing umbrella. Reserve anything lighter for your table umbrellas.
How Do I Know If This Umbrella Will Work Thru My Table
If you plan on utilizing your umbrella through a free standing table make sure you take this into consideration also. Most umbrellas have 1 ½ inch diameter pole. To insure a proper fit into your table you should measure the diameter of the table hole. An umbrella thru a table is sturdier than a free standing umbrella thus needing less base weight. The table below is a minimum suggested base size chart. If you live in an area where strong winds are frequent occurrence you should consider going with the next size up.
Patio Umbrella Size Guide Find The Perfect Umbrella
When shopping for a patio umbrella, there are many variables to consider. Do you want a traditional patio umbrella or cantilever umbrella? What shape umbrella do you want? Octagonal, rectangular, or square? Does it need to tilt? And finally, what sorts of materials and colors are right for your needs and design directions? But perhaps the most important property of an umbrella to consider prior to purchase is the size! You want to make sure your umbrella will fit with your furniture in terms of scale, and in terms of shade capabilities. We have put together this Patio Umbrella Size Guide to cover all the basics for umbrella size questions.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your patio umbrella or your furniture, this guide will show the appropriate sizes for different furniture scales and scopes.
Contents
What Accessories Should I Purchase For My Umbrella
Accessories can add eye-catching flair to your umbrella and also help to protect your umbrella from damage and everyday wear.
Umbrella Base
Most umbrellas should be stabilized with a sturdy umbrella base to maximize safety in windy or inclement weather. Some freestanding umbrellas, including umbrellas designed to be used with a dining table, include a base in their design, and will not require additional support. To determine what weight of base your umbrella requires, consult our sizing chart below:
Free Standing Use
100 lbs.
Umbrella Covers
Umbrella covers protect your investment from wear, sun discoloration, and other damage when not in use.
Lights
Certain umbrellas may be accessorized with lighting fixtures along the ribs or surrounding the pole. Lighting can provide greater visibility and ambiance to your patio after dark.
Replacement Parts
PoleThe umbrella pole is the upright, central component of the umbrella, that extends vertically from the ground to the filial. The pole determines the height of the overall umbrella and lends support and strength to the structure of the umbrella design. Umbrella poles can consist of two components connected together, or one single rod.
Pairing A Patio Umbrella With A Patio Living Set
When considering patio umbrella sizes, it’s 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 isn’t as natural.
As this image shows, the patio umbrella has to be placed off to the side of the living set, which doesn’t provide much shade, and essentially wastes half of the umbrella canopy.
It’s easy enough to find a free-standing patio umbrella base, so there’s 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.
How Heavy Does The Deck Umbrella Base Need To Be
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 there’s usually less confusion.
Choose A Frame That Can Withstand Rough Weather
Patio umbrellas are made survive in all kinds of weather. While you should always try to close your umbrella when the wind picks up, sometimes you might forget. Or maybe it’s raining and you don’t feel like going outside — we get it. If you live in an especially windy area, or you have a tendency to forget to close your umbrella, you need one with a strong frame.
Look for an umbrella style that works in your climate. There are durable sun umbrellas made to withstand high winds; these umbrellas often have fiberglass ribs to protect the frame from bending.
An aluminum frame is your best bet for standing up to storms and other bad weather. Plus, aluminum resists corrosion, so it will look just as great in a few years as it does the day you buy it. Choose a steel frame if you’re on a budget but you still need something strong and sturdy. It might not stay as pretty as an aluminum option, but it will still endure the wind and the rain.
Choose An Umbrella Design That Suits Your Needs
Lunching poolside with friends, lounging away the afternoon in an outdoor chaise, or playing in the sandbox with your little ones — no matter what your patio activities include, there is an umbrella to meet your needs.
Choose a standard market umbrella to accompany your outdoor dining table. Market umbrellas also work for open seating or play areas but with a center pole you run the risk of blocking your view. A cantilever, or offset umbrella is a better choice for open spaces. The pole is off to the side making the area obstacle free. Offset umbrellas are particularly useful for shading benches and chairs that don’t belong to a matching patio table. You can also buy several offset umbrellas to create an expansive canopy for special events, such as weddings or other outdoor celebrations.
What Size Umbrella Do I Need For A 6 Foot Table
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.
Also, what size umbrella do I need for a 48 inch table? 7 foot shade diameter will cover up to a 36-inch bistro or cafétables and typically two to four chairs. 9 foot shade diameter will cover up to 48–inch round or square dining tables with four to six chairs .
Similarly, it is asked, what size umbrella do I need?
| 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 |
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 |
What Features Should I Look For In An Umbrella
From pulley systems to tilting mechanisms, many umbrellas include features designed to expand the functionality of the umbrella while also making it easier and less labor-intensive to operate. Let the size of umbrella you’re shopping for and what you are willing to spend guide you in determining what features to look for. Generally, a larger umbrella should have more features, as these umbrellas are heavier and more difficult to maneuver, while a small umbrella may be better suited to a simple, straightforward design.
Lift Mechanisms
One of three mechanisms is used to open an umbrella: a push system, a pulley system, or a crank system. Once opened, umbrellas will either need to be secured in the open position with a pin, or feature an integrated design that keeps the umbrella open automatically.
Push-Up
A push-open system works by simply pushing the umbrella upwards and open from the hub. A push system requires the most physical effort.
Pulley
The pulley system uses a wheel and rope to raise the umbrella canopy more easily than a push mechanism.
Crank
Umbrellas with a crank system require that the crank be turned in one direction to open the umbrella, and the opposite direction to close the umbrella. Crank systems are ideal for larger umbrellas and require minimal physical exertion.
Tilt Mechanisms
Push Method
In a push tilt system, the umbrella is manually maneuvered to a tilted position.
Crank
Collar
Brighten The Night With Umbrella Accent Lights
You don’t have to close your patio umbrella the moment the sun sets. When your umbrella includes lights, you can easily transition an evening dinner into a nighttime dessert. You can take advantage of a particularly sunny climate and buy a solar patio umbrella that absorbs the sun’s rays during the day and then lights your patio at night. When you choose a pre-lit umbrella that is solar powered, you don’t have to worry about cords and power outlets. If your umbrella choice doesn’t have lights, just add your own. Check out our guide on Best Outdoor Lighting to find an option that’s right for you.
Pick A Durable Fabric Designed For Outdoor Use
Patio umbrella fabrics need to be lightweight, strong, stain proof and easily foldable. That’s a tall order, but there are fabrics out there that can handle it. One of our favorite umbrella fabric producers is Sunbrella, which allows you to pick your own patterns and colors while still providing the durability that you need. Plus: DIY Outdoor Lighting Tips for Beginners
Considering Frame Material In A Patio Umbrella
Additionally, homeowners ought also to look into the material used in the frame of a patio umbrella before finalizing their purchase. Most modern umbrellas are made either with wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Wood frame umbrellas are suitable for rustic settings or for individuals who don’t mind a heavier, sturdier umbrella.
Aluminum is on the other end of the spectrum, providing homeowners with an extremely light option but may not be ideal for extended, heavy use. An option that has the best of both worlds is fiberglass, since it has the strength of wood while also sporting a lighter design.
When summer is in full swing, few things are more satisfying than grabbing a bit of shade from the scorching heat. With the correct patio umbrella, you will be able to make the most out of your patio area and enjoy the outdoor weather no matter how sunny or hot it gets.
What Are The Components Of The Patio Umbrella
The Crank The crank is a mechanism that is rotated to open the umbrella canopy. It uses a steel or synthetic cable along with a pulley to raise and lower the canopy. In select tilt patio umbrellas the crank also works as the mechanism to tilt the canopy on its axis.
The Pole The pole is the support bean to the canopy. Poles commonly come in two pieces to allow for easy storage and shipment and are comprised of wood, aluminum or fiberglass. Pole diameters range from 1 3/8 to 2 inches thick. If you live in a windy area you should consider a solid wooden pole no less than 1 1/2 inches thick as this will provide more support.
The Hub Most patio umbrellas have 2 hubs; the runner hub and the top hub. The runner hub supports the ribs of the umbrella while functioning as a guide sliding up and do on the pole when opening and closing the canopy. The top hub is stationary and holds the ribs into place.
The Ribs The underlying support the canopy is called the ribs. This is bone structure to the canopy that spreads and supports the canopy when in the open position. Ribs are commonly made out of wood, aluminum or fiberglass. Fiberglass is the best material for ribs because of its flexibility.
The Finial
The top most piece of a patio umbrella is called the finial. It is as decorative as it functional serving as the anchor piece to the canopy, and the finishing touch to the umbrella.
Here Are Some Umbrellas For You To Consider:
This 9′ Tilt Market Umbrella by Leisure Select features a bronze finish pole with a crank lift and push-button tilt. This is an entry level patio umbrella that will look great on any 4-seat dining table.
A step up is the 9′ Aluminum Auto Tilt Market Umbrella by Leisure Select offers the convenience of an automatic tilt; simply crank the umbrella open. The heavy-duty steel cable does all the work. This umbrella is customizable with your choice of standard, premium and super-premium fabrics.
This 11.5′ Cantilevered Umbrella, also by Leisure Select, gives the convenience and versatility of an off-set umbrella. Its available in henna, heather beige or canvas teak canopies to complement your patio furniture. The 11.5′ Cantilevered Umbrella offers 95 square feet of sweet shade.
The 9′ Collar Tilt Umbrella by Treasure Garden. The exclusive collar tilt feature allows you to effortlessly adjust the position of the umbrella canopy; a simple twist of the wrist and you will have shade exactly where you want it!
The European-styled 11′ Cantilevered Umbrella by Treasure Garden has a unique hanging design and Treasure Garden’s patented tilt and lock system which allows you to tilt the canopy at practically any angle. An accompanying foot pedal gives you the ability to rotate the canopy as well.
Family Leisure has an umbrella to suit you; check out the complete collection
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.
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 Material Of Umbrella Should I Shop For
The umbrella canopy is the overhead material that directly protects and shades you from outdoor elements like UV rays and precipitation. The canopy also adds significant aesthetic value to your outdoor space. There are many different types of materials specially made to combat the harsh conditions of the outdoors, each with their own unique set of traits that will complement different lifestyles and locations:
The Frame
Common umbrella frame materials include wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each of these materials carries a unique aesthetic, and has both advantages and disadvantages.
Wood: Wood umbrella frames can include teak, eucalyptus, or other treated hardwoods. Frames made from wood materials are often favored for their natural, classic appearance. Many wood frames are naturally repellant to moisture, insects, rot, and other damage, though their color may change over time with exposure to the elements if left untreated. Today, these umbrellas are available with tilt, pulley, or crank mechanisms, making them comparable in terms of functionality to aluminum and fiberglass options. Wood umbrellas are commonly treated with a protectant to maintain their integrity and appearance over time. Wood umbrellas are not as flexible as fiberglass umbrellas, making them poorly suited to extremely windy conditions. They are also not as strong and durable as aluminum umbrellas, and can snap much more easily.
The Canopy
Sunbrella Fabric
Polyester
Acrylic
Olefin
Thatch
Guidelines To Help Shed Some Light On Shade
Hot fun in the summertime is all well and good but everyone needs a little downtime; a cool place to relax; a few feet of respite from the UV rays. An umbrella or awning is a quick, portable, cost-efficient way to provide some place to chill during those doggie days of summer.
Buying the right umbrella for your outdoor space isn’t complicated; there are just a few things to know to make the best decision.
Think about where you need shade the most and whether it is only during certain hours of the day. Do you need to provide shade for your dining table, your seating area, or poolside? Is it a small area, like a bistro table, or a large area like sectional deep seating?
Normally, an umbrella that measures a 5′ diameter larger than the area you shading will be adequate. But here are some more specific guidelines to help you choose the best size of umbrella for your use:
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?
Find A Shade That Will Last Rain Or Shine
Typical outdoor sun umbrellas made of plastic or lightweight fabrics are not waterproof, so they may not hold up well in heavy rain. Just like your umbrella frame, your shade’s fabric needs to be durable enough to survive in unpredictable weather. That means anything that is susceptible to fading, mold, or holes is out of the question. Sunbrella is the miracle umbrella fabric. It’s water and fade resistant, has UV protection, and comes with its own suit of armor. Okay, everything but that last one.
For a patio umbrella that won’t fade in the sun, you’ll want one made from canvas or vinyl. To save money, go with a polyester umbrella. It’s almost as durable as Sunbrella and is similarly resistant to fading, mold, and holes or tears. Check out our guide on Patio Decorating Ideas to make sure your umbrella fabric coordinates with the rest of your patio decor.
How To Shop For An Outdoor Patio Umbrella
Merely investing in new patio furniture will not suffice unless you make sure that the patio is perfectly shaded. It is not always possible to place your outdoor furniture under shade-giving trees. The only assured way for yourself, your family members and other guests to be shaded from the scorching sun is by installing a patio umbrella. This leads to the common question – what to consider when shopping for outdoor patio umbrellas?
The first step before shopping for patio umbrellas is for you to determine how much shade you actually need and how much space you have to position an umbrella. This information will help you decide what size of patio umbrella you need to buy.
Please know that a 4-foot to 6-foot umbrella will provide shades up to a 30-inch cafe or bistro table set. A 7-foot to 8-foot patio umbrella can provide cover up to a 36-inch cafe or bistro table set. To shade a 48-inch round or square dining table and four chairs, you will have to buy a 9-foot to 10-foot patio umbrella. The 11-foot umbrella is the largest size available in the market and it can offer shade up to a 60-inch round or square table or a 72-inch oval or rectangular table with six chairs.
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Use A Tilting Umbrella For Rotating Shade
A tilting umbrella can be 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.
The Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide
April 29, 2014
Patio umbrellas are a vital part of your outdoor decor and are among the most desired outdoor furniture accessories to complete your patio’s look. They come in many different sizes, styles, weights, shapes, and forms. If you’ve ever purchased a cheap personal umbrella, you know that you’re 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 you’re 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 you’re done with it, you’ll be an outdoor umbrella expert!
No More Fighting For A Spot In The Shade
The 12? x 12? Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella from Treasure Gardens.
It’s quite plausible to replace a gazebo with Treasure Garden’s Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella. You’ll 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
What Pole Or Frame Material Should I Use
Choosing the material for your umbrella frame is really about deciding what your priorities are. Are you trying to match the look of your outdoor furniture set? Are you most concerned about durability in a moist or windy environment? Or, do you really want to complement the landscape and architectural design of your home? Heck, you might simply want to help your favorite canopy fabric really “pop.” The three primary materials used to construct patio umbrella poles and frames are wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Each material has its own benefits and characteristics, so you’ll have to decide which one best suits your needs.
Market Umbrella Or Cantilevered Umbrella
Patio umbrellas can be broken down into two general categories: market umbrellas and cantilevered umbrellas. Other categories, such as wall mount styles and shade sails are also available but are less common. Within the categories of market and cantilever, umbrellas can be further classified according to designations such as umbrellas with valances and beach umbrellas.
Market umbrellas are upright umbrellas with a straight pole at their center. These umbrellas can be used with a dining table or as a standalone shade solution. Market umbrellas will sometimes include a tilting mechanism at their tops, but their standard shape is straight and symmetrical.
Cantilever umbrellas have a sturdy base, curved pole, and canopy that is offset from the base of the umbrella. Cantilever umbrellas allow shading of lounge furniture arrangements or other difficult-to-shade areas, without the obstruction of an umbrella pole in the center of the space. These umbrellas are generally larger in size though smaller cantilever umbrellas are also available.
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 . 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.
Patio Umbrella Pole Height And Diameter
Your patio umbrella pole diameter is an important measurement to check for because it’s 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 that’s 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 don’t have to stoop down when they are under the umbrella. Still, it can’t 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. We’ll talk about that in the section below.
What Style Of Outdoor Umbrella Is Right
The first decision you have to make when buying a patio umbrella is what style you want. Your outdoor space constraints, furniture layout and expected usage can all factor into which style is right for you. Even after considering all of these variables, your own personal taste is the final determinant. So what is out there? There’s a wide variety of umbrellas to choose from, but they all essentially fall into one of two categories: center pole or offset.
Selecting The Ideal Size Patio Umbrella
It is vital that homeowners select a patio table umbrella that is sufficient to cover a specific table, but not be so big as to risk falling down. These umbrellas come in various sizes, and each one has a specific situation that it is best suited for.
| Umbrella Diameter | |
| 48-inch round or square table | |
| 11-Foot Umbrella | 60-72-inch tables for six |
If you are unsure of which size you should purchase due to an unusual table size, a good rule of thumb is to select one with a diameter that is 4 feet longer than the table. This general rule can assist homeowners on selecting an umbrella that will provide enough shade for their table without having to fiddle with the location due to the sun’s location.