Types of Outdoor Umbrellas You Should Know About

There are many different types of patio umbrellas to choose from.

Table umbrella

A table patio umbrella looks like an oversized handheld umbrella that can stand in the hole of a patio table. It is large enough to provide the people sitting around the table with enough shade to enjoy themselves freely.

Tilting umbrella

Quite similar to a patio table umbrella, the tilting umbrella offers an additional feature - the ability to rotate around the pole. It is a smarter and more flexible choice as you can pivot its angle to provide maximum protection against scorching heat throughout the day.

Cantilever umbrella

A Cantilever umbrella features a support base that is big and solid enough to make it stand stable on the side. The base extends into a strong arm that holds the canopy. They are heavier and less portable.

Sail umbrella

Sail umbrella is an unconventional type of outdoor umbrella that comes as a tri-cornered umbrella piece. You can easily tie it above a patio furniture set or table, even to the trees. It does not need any support or base hence is one of the most portable options.

Palapa tiki-style umbrella

Made of polypropylene faux grass cover, this outdoor umbrella looks like a grass tiki hut. They are more suitable for beach and poolside setups.

What to Look For in the Top Outdoor Umbrellas

Here are some features to factor in when choosing a good outdoor umbrella:

Type

The first consideration, of course, is the type of umbrella. Above we have discussed the various types. Think about your patio decor and the amount of area you want to cover before settling for a certain type. Be sure to factor in the installation process too as some umbrellas are more difficult to install than others.

Size

Outdoor umbrellas come in a vast variety of sizes. From a small one that covers just a single chair to a huge canopy style umbrella that can protect a group of 8 plus, the choice is endless. For the sake of simplicity, consider the number of people you want it to cover. A 5 foot umbrella can easily cover 4 persons, an 7 foot umbrella 6, and an 11 feet umbrella is good enough for 8 or more people.

Fabric

Sunbrella acrylic is far the best fabric for an outdoor umbrella. It is durable and easy to maintain with its stain and weather resistance. Some other considerable fabric choices are olefin, canvas, polyester, and acrylic.

Mechanism

When it comes to the lifting mechanism of an outdoor umbrella, you have three options - manual, crank, and pulley. Locking the canopy in manual ones requires more work. Crank umbrellas can be adjusted with the turn of a lever. Pulley umbrellas can be raised or lowered with the pull of a rope. Consider all the options and choose the one that suits you the best.

Outdoor Umbrellas for Different Patio Setups

Not sure which umbrella style will work for your patio? Here are some ideas:

For tables

If you have a patio table with a hole in the center, choose a center pole umbrella that can go into the hole. But for patio tables without a center hole, a Cantilever umbrella is a better choice.

For shade

Cantilever umbrellas are known to provide the most amount of shade. Choose one that can be adjusted with the sun throughout the day.

For beach

Beach umbrellas are vastly different from patio umbrellas. Look for one with a minimalistic round canopy and a spiked pole to insert into the sand.

For UV protection

The best umbrellas for UV protection feature UV-resistant fabric, such as Sunbrella acrylic. It blocks the direct, reflected, and diffused UV rays from all sides.

How to Store an Outdoor Umbrella

When the patio season ends, you should always take off your outdoor umbrella and carefully put it away for the next season. Here are some tips to store yours:

• If you are not taking it down, close and cover your umbrella with an umbrella cover.
• When taking it down, carefully separate the pole and canopy from the base before storing.
• Make sure that the canopy is clean and dry.
• Wrap the folds in one direction to prevent wrinkles.
• Cover with an umbrella cover
• Take thick cardboard or some rags to cover pole ends.
• Store upright in a dry, enclosed space like garages or pool houses.

Conclusion

Outdoor umbrellas are an easy to acquire accent that provides a valuable upgrade to any yard, poolside, or patio space. They ensure that you and your guests are comfortable and protected while adding an oomph factor to your outdoor decor. However, choosing the right one can be a tough task considering the wide range of available options. You can check out our recommendations for the top outdoor umbrellas in 2022 to easily find the one that suits your needs.

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