Investing in a high-quality patio umbrella means that you'll be able to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the heat and harsh rays of the sun. There are many factors that influence how good a patio umbrella is, ranging from the canopy material to the weight of the base, which may make this process a whole lot more confusing.
That's why we've compiled some expert tips to make choosing a patio umbrella much easier!
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Choosing the correct weight of the umbrella base is crucial! If the base is too light, you run the risk of your umbrella falling over or even flying away if there are strong winds. If the base is too heavy, it'll make maneuvering the umbrella incredibly difficult.
The type of patio umbrella you should get is very much dependent on your needs, as well as your available budget. There are only three main types, each with different pros and cons that are outline below to help you make an informed decision.
Need something small and simple? => Table umbrella
Table umbrellas are one of the most common types of patio umbrella as they're lightweight and relatively cheap.
They offer protection to both the people around the table and the furniture itself.
Also, these umbrellas are only slightly bigger than standard hand-held umbrellas, so they can be stored very easily.
However, you can usually only adjust their height, so they may not always provide the best protection from every angle since the sun is constantly moving.
Table umbrellas are also usually quite flimsy, as they do partially rely on the table for support, so they're not recommended for areas with strong winds.
Want something adjustable? => Tilting umbrella
This is a very similar design to the table umbrella, with the only major difference being a pivoting feature.
This means that the umbrella can rotate around the pole, allowing for maximum protection from the sun.
Tilting umbrellas are usually more expensive than table umbrellas, but are definitely worth the money - you don't want you and your guests having to move every half hour or so just to hide from the sun!
Love a bit of luxury? => Cantilever umbrella
Cantilever umbrellas are a more luxurious version of tilting umbrellas - these umbrellas are often used commercially in expensive hotels!
Their large, heavy bases allow the pole to be more of an off-set arm, rather than having it go through the middle of the canopy, giving cantilever umbrellas a much larger movement area.
Everything from the pole to the canopy is made from heavy-duty materials, so this type of umbrella will be able to withstand almost anything.
Cantilever umbrellas are the most expensive type of patio umbrella, and the price can even go into the thousands, so keep this in mind if you're on a budget.
A good patio umbrella canopy will be made out of a durable, weather-resistant fabric, and will ideally be on the cheaper side. There are many materials like that, which is why we have a summary of the most popular types to help you choose!
Want a great all-rounder? => Acrylic
Acrylic fabric is considered to be one of the best material options for patio umbrella canopies as it is able to resist wind, rain, and sun without damage.
It's proven to provide up to 98% UV ray protection and is even resistant to mold.
Acrylic canopies are quite versatile as they are available in a range of colors and patterns.
It is, however, one of the most expensive patio umbrella canopy materials.
Live in a particularly rainy area? => Polyester
Although patio umbrellas are usually only supposed to withstand the sun, you may not always have the ability to take your umbrella down or move it indoors once it starts raining -- that where polyester comes in!
Polyester is a naturally hydrophobic material, meaning that it won't absorb any water and will dry much faster than other fabrics, making it ideal for wet and rainy environments.
The fabric is pretty resistant to chemicals, so you can clean it with bleach or chlorine without having to worry about ruining it.
It's also usually much cheaper than other patio umbrella canopy materials.
However, this material isn't super breathable, meaning that it may be prone to mold and mildew if not taken care of properly.
Need a compromise between price and durability? => Olefin
Olefin is a cheaper alternative to acrylic patio umbrella canopies.
It's a bit less durable but can still stand up to heat and moisture pretty well.
This fabric is much more lightweight than other materials, making it a good choice if you plan to move your umbrella around a lot - it won't add too much to the overall weight of the umbrella.
Just like with polyester, you can confidently clean olefin canopies using chlorine or bleach as it is strong enough to withstand those chemicals, although the material is pretty resistant to stains anyway!
