What to Look for in a Patio Umbrella

A patio umbrella is a decorative and extremely useful addition to any patio or outdoor deck. It protects you from both sun and rain, allowing you to enjoy outdoor living in all but the most extreme conditions. It also adds a dash of whimsy, delighting adults and children alike. But not all patio umbrellas are created equal. Here’s what you should look for in your next patio umbrella.

Color Considerations

Patio umbrellas are available in virtually every color of the rainbow, as well as a wide variety of neutrals. Standing in a store under fluorescent lighting, it can be tough to know which to choose. Fortunately, thinking through your outdoor space can help you make your decision.

Is your backyard mostly solid, with large expanses of green or brown? Do you have mostly neutrals in your patio furniture? Then choose a patio umbrella that is bright and bold, perhaps with a pattern that really pops.

Do you have a lot of landscaping or brightly colored potted plants? Do you have boldly patterned cushions on your patio furniture? Is your house painted an eye-catching color? If any of these are true, then select a subdued, neutral umbrella that will complement the existing look rather than trying to compete with it.

UV Concerns

Since patio umbrellas are constantly exposed to the elements, bright colors will soon fade under the relentless UV rays of the sun—unless the pigments are specifically designed to last. Check your backyard on a clear day, when the sum is at its maximum height. Is the patio mostly shaded by trees? Congratulations! You can buy virtually any patio umbrella you like, and expect it to hold up fairly well. However, if your patio is filled with bright sunlight, either stick to lighter pastels or neutrals, or check the label on any umbrella you are considering to see if there is UV resistance information.

Sizing

A patio umbrella should extend past your dining table or seating area by about 2 feet in every direction. Any smaller, and it will not provide adequate shade. Much larger, and it will overwhelm the proportions of your furniture. It should be at least 7 feet tall to ensure that taller guests can stand upright underneath. It should also be placed in a heavy base to avoid blowing over in the wind. Bases under 40 pounds are suitable only for small table umbrellas, while a 100-pound base can support a free-standing patio umbrella of up to 11 feet in diameter.

Construction

While it is always important to lower your patio umbrella before a major storm, the reality is that storms sometimes pop up unexpectedly. Choose a rust-free aluminum pole, and fiberglass ribs that can twist with the wind rather than ripping apart. While there are never any guarantees, well-constructed patio umbrellas are far more likely to safely weather the storm.

A patio umbrella can be a fun and functional addition to any outdoor space, but it is important to choose the one that is right for you. Take your time, shop around, and invest in quality. You don’t need the most expensive umbrella on the market, just one that is built to last.

The cushion division of Island Coast, LLC, which specializes in PVC items including patio furniture, PatioPads.com offers more than 400 different fabric and cushion options suitable for virtually any patio furniture on the market, as well as such accessories as vinyl strapping and umbrellas. Island Coast is committed to supporting products that are made in America, and very few items are imported. If you are ready for quality patio cushions at a fair price, we invite you to call us today at (386) 437-0505.