Important Tips for Buying a Patio Umbrella

Hot, sunny days are perfect for swimming in the pool or stretching out on your favorite lounger, but even the best-equipped deck or patio can feel uncomfortable without a well-placed parasol.

Here are some key things to consider when purchasing a parasol.

What do you want to shade?

For tables of 2-8 people, choose a traditional market umbrella. These umbrellas have a center pole that mounts through a hole in the center of the table and rests on a weighted base. These umbrellas have ribbed canopies that can be opened and closed with a crank handle or a simple pulley system. Many market umbrellas are available in sizes up to 16 feet in diameter with a tilt feature to provide optimal shade throughout the day. Canopies are available in a variety of fabric grades and colors.

Cantilever umbrellas work best for larger tables or entire seating areas. This type of canopy has a heavy duty pole (mounted on a very heavy base) with a long arm that extends from the pole to hold the canopy to one side. This allows you to shade a large area while keeping the pole out, rather than in the center of the canopy. Cantilever umbrellas are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, also offering a tilt feature, and are available in a wide range of fabrics and colors for canopies.

What type of climate do you live in?

Windy areas - Umbrella awnings are no different than sails, so you need to be aware of the location of high winds. Gusts of wind can bend or break canopy ribs, snap poles, or pull umbrellas out of their bases so that they fly off the three doors. If you live in a windy area, consider the following.

Buy a quality umbrella that has flexible, replaceable canopy ribs, a large diameter pole and an extra heavy base.

Keep the umbrella closed when not in use.

Near the ocean - If you live near the ocean, consider a parasol with an aluminum pole that won't rust or deteriorate from the humid, salt-laden air. Look for canopies made with fabrics that are UV-resistant, mildew-resistant and easy to clean.

High altitude - Higher altitude means closer to the sun and more intense rays on your canopy. Over time, this can lead to fading and accelerated deterioration.

What is your budget?

Like most things, with a sunshade you get value for money in terms of quality and longevity. If you've ever tried to buy a cheap umbrella from a big box store, you've likely learned your lesson the hard way - canopy fabric fades and tears, canopy ribs break and can't be replaced, pulley systems get tangled or break, and lightweight umbrella holders aren't enough to keep your umbrella from floating out of the yard. If your deck or patio is where you plan to spend any really good time, invest in an umbrella that can withstand the elements and provide shade for years to come.

What is the best material for a patio umbrella?

The best canopy material is a fabric that will not fade in UV light, such as acrylic UV resistant and weather resistant fabrics. These fabrics wipe clean as easily as olefin fabrics and are resistant to mildew.

Canopies with colors, stripes and patterns look longer lasting than white fabrics that tend to show dirt and aging.

For umbrella stands, consider durable materials that won't break easily, such as aluminum and fiberglass. If you want wood, choose a wood that is weather-resistant, weatherproof (such as teak or bamboo) and treated to resist insects, rot and weather damage.

How do you determine the size of your deck umbrella?

To find an umbrella that will provide adequate shade for your deck and patio table, measure the table and add 2 to 2.5 feet to the measurement for additional shade.

You'll want the canopy of the umbrella to cover the size of the table and any chairs around the table, with a little extra coverage at each end to cover people sitting at the table whose chairs are pushed back a bit.

But make sure the umbrella is not too much larger than the table or it may overwhelm your seating area.

You also need to consider the distance from the umbrella to your home. If your outdoor seating area is right next to your house, you don't want your umbrella to be so big that it touches the house. There should be some space between the umbrella and the roof or overhang of the house.

Your umbrella should also be far enough away from the entrance to your home so that it doesn't disrupt traffic and is away from the open flame of your outdoor grill.

As a general rule of thumb, size your umbrella according to the following shade area sizes.

Shade area (diameter): 36 inches maximum - Umbrella size: 7 to 8 feet

Shade area: up to 48 inches - Umbrella size: 8 to 9 feet

Shade area: up to 60 inches - Umbrella size: 9 to 10 feet

Shade area: 72 inches maximum - Umbrella size: 10 to 11 feet

Shade area: up to 84 inches - Umbrella size: 11 to 12 feet

Shade area: up to 96 inches - Umbrella size: 12 to 13 feet

Shade area: up to 108 inches - Umbrella size: 13 to 14 feet

How do I store my patio umbrella?

When not in use during the patio season, you should close and cover your umbrella with an umbrella cover. During the off-season, carefully remove the pole and canopy from the base and make sure it is clean and dry before storing it for the winter.

To prevent wrinkling, wrap the folds in one direction before covering with the canopy.

Cover the pole ends with cardboard or heavy cloth. And store upright in a dry, enclosed area, such as a garage, basement or pool room.