A good patio umbrella is not only beautiful, but it will shade you from the scorching heat on those hot summer days and add a splash of color and style to any outdoor area. Any individual who is on the hunt for a patio umbrella for their home should determine some of the top styles on the market. Only by being well informed about these popular patio umbrella styles can a homeowner find the ideal shade provider for any outdoor location. They might also discover that great deals can also be found on online vendors instead of the traditional brick and mortar stores.
1. Off-Set Patio Umbrellas
Another name for this kind of umbrella is the cantilever umbrella. Essentially, these patio umbrellas are supported by a pole and base on one side of the canopy instead of in the middle. An arm that pivots from the base extends outwards to the location that requires shading, where it holds up the canopy. This unique design allows one to receive the benefits of shade without obstructing the middle of the table, as well as the view.
The base of the stand will be off to the side, and the umbrella will cover anything from an outdooring dining table that lacks a center hole for the pole to large seating areas for friends and family. One disadvantage of off-set patio umbrellas are their lack of portability. Due to the nature of their design, they require hefty bases to support the arcing arm and umbrella, making them heavier than other umbrellas.
2. Patio Table Umbrellas
The most common approach to outdoor shading are patio table umbrellas. These umbrellas are essentially like oversized rain umbrellas that stay upright and fit in the center hole of a patio table, providing much welcomed shade for those sitting around the table enjoying their drink and food on it.
So as not to place any undue stress on the table, these umbrellas typically come with their own base to support themselves.
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 | Appropriate Table Size |
| 6-Foot Umbrella | 30-inch bistro or cafe table |
| 7-Foot Umbrella | 36-inch bistro or cafe table |
| 9-Foot Umbrella | 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.
3. Commercial Patio Umbrellas
Homeowners who have large areas they want to cover and want a sturdier, heavy-duty option should look no further than a commercial patio umbrella. These umbrellas are typically used by restaurants and hotels, and features commercial-grade that is more resilient that residential versions.
One drawback is that the choices of style available may be limited, however homeowners who wish to have a long-last umbrella should still consider this over lower quality options.
4. Tilt Umbrellas
As the name suggests, tilt umbrellas are designed to have an additional joint approximately three quarters of the way up the pole that allows it to pivot so that the canopy is at an angle.
Patios that experience an abundance of sunlight throughout the day can make great use of this design. As the sun moves over the course of the day, one need only to adjust the tilt of the umbrella to reclaim the shade they had earlier.
5. Patio Sail Umbrellas
In stark contrast to traditional umbrella design, a patio sail umbrella is basically a tri-cornered piece of umbrella fabric that homeowners can tie above their patio furniture set or table. The benefit of this style is that it removes the need to use clumsy, heavy bases that can obstruct furniture and foot traffic.
Like other quality commercial and residential umbrellas, the sail is constructed from UV-resistant materials that are effective even in the brightest sunshine.
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.
Photo Credit: millercarolyn
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