Patio Furniture

The first step in buying the right umbrella is to decide what type of area it will be placed in; whether it will be free standing over lounge chairs or through a bistro or dinner table. The shade diameter of an umbrella is what determines how much shade you will receive. When you have figured out how much shade you will need, the rule of thumb is that the umbrella be atleast 5 feet larger than the area to be shaded. Therefore, a 30-in. bistro table should have at least a 6-ft. umbrella. In a commercial atmosphere, you can maximize your space by following the guidelines below. In your own yard, you can make sure everyone gets some shade on those sunny, warm days!

• 6-foot Umbrella Shade Diameter - covers up to 30-inch bistro/cafe tables
• 7-foot Umbrella Shade Diameter- covers up to 36-inch bistro/cafe tables
• 9-foot Umbrella Shade Diameter- covers up to 48-inch round or square dining tables with 4 chairs
• 11-foot Umbrella Shade Diameter - covers up to 60-inch round or square dining tables and 72-inch oval and rectangular tables with 6 chairs

Once you know your space, you need to determine what kind of weather your umbrella will need to resist. If you will always store it away during the winter or in the rain - then a thinner, less expensive fabric might do, such as polyester. However, if your umbrella is going to sit outside rain or shine in the hot summer sun, you may need a more durable fabric such as Sunbrella. Better quality often translates into higher price, but with our discounts and occasional sales, you may find that our patio umbrellas are cheaper than you would have imagined!

For functionality and extra durability of a freestanding patio umbrella, a metal pole will give you all that you need. However, if you have a wood bistro table or dining set and are looking for coordinating style, a wood pole may be the answer. Just like when choosing an umbrella's fabric, a patio umbrella's pole will give you all the same qualities of durability, functionality, and style that you need; and it will do so with different lifespans. To understand what the main differences are, here is a brief guide to help you in your decision.

Wood Poles:

Wood poles are great for matching wooden decks, bistro sets, or dining tables, and they come in all varieties of wood from high quality teak umbrella poles to a basic wood constructed pole. They most often have a manual lift or manual pulley system that makes them a little harder to open, however they look great; and if they are taken care of during bad weather, will last a long time. Unlike a metal pole, wood poles do not usually tilt or rotate, so keep that in mind if you are looking for a freestanding patio umbrella.

Metal Poles:

Metal poles come in a wide variety of metal types and finish options that allow you to get creative and coordinate. Finish options, such as black, white, bronze, silver, and champagne, are helpful when matching with a wrought iron or cast iron bistro or dining set. Aluminum is the most often used metal and is durable and long lasting. A metal pole's crank system allows for easier opening and aluminum poles often have the ability to tilt and rotate, which is a great option for freestanding patio umbrellas. Higher end models may even have remote control opening and automatic tilt!

Fiberglass Poles:

Fiberglass poles are supportive, decorative, and a bit more lightweight than solid wood or aluminum poles. These are great if you have constantly changing weather and like to store your umbrella during those stormy summer days or cold winters. Being slightly more lightweight, it is less of a burden to place into a stand, but you will not sacrifice the same properties as a metal pole in terms of durability and lifespan. Fiberglass poles occasionally comes in fewer finishes, however, and may be harder to match to certain patio sets.

So now you know what your umbrella will look like, but what about all these umbrella terms? Certain options will make your using your patio umbrella more convenient and relaxing so that you can enjoy the shade without any extra work. While 'no tilt' and 'manual tilt' are self explanatory, here are some terms you should know that will help you when choosing options for your patio umbrella.

Crank Tilt/Auto Tilt:

Located on, at, or near the crank of the umbrella, crank or auto tilt allows you to continue cranking after the umbrella is open in order to achieve the desired tilt.

Push Button Tilt:

A button found near the top of the umbrella pole. Once the umbrella is opened, you may push the button and tilt the umbrella in numerous directions.

Collar Tilt:

This is a new option to patio umbrellas and allows convenience and ease in tilting your umbrella. Situated slightly above the crank is a collar that you turn in order to achieve the tilt you desire. You can dial any set position rather easily, all while staying comfortably seated. This allows the user to create almost infinite positions utilizing the convenient tilt mechanism. Stay in the shade all day long, even as the sun moves around you!

The main support piece for your umbrella will be the base. Weights and dimensions come into play here depending on how you will arrange your patio umbrella. Whether freestanding or through a table, your umbrella will need a base that is of the correct weight and depending on the size of your umbrella, will need to have the correct diameter opening.

There are standard size umbrella poles of usually around 1.5 inches, however, larger diameter umbrellas may have 2 inch diameter poles or larger. If this is the case, you must make sure you buy a heavier base with a larger diameter. Simply, a larger umbrella likely has a thicker pole. Below is a chart to help you decide what the weight of your base should be based on your umbrella's positioning and pole diameter.