Outdoor spaces add more charm and character to your home. These extensions of your living area can serve as your entertainment room or additional space for the family. Since these areas are exposed to the elements, putting some shades on can make it more enticing. As a solution, you can put several large outdoor umbrellas to prevent too much sun exposure or shield you from the rain or snow.
However, there are plenty of options that you can find when buying patio umbrellas today. You also need to consider several factors before you can find the right one for your backyard. If you want to avoid getting overwhelmed when looking for the right outdoor umbrella for your property, you can use these shopping tips as your ultimate guide.
What style of outdoor umbrella is right?
The first decision you have to make when buying a patio umbrella is what style you want. Your outdoor space constraints, furniture layout and expected usage can all factor into which style is right for you. Even after considering all of these variables, your own personal taste is the final determinant. So what is out there? There’s a wide variety of umbrellas to choose from, but they all essentially fall into one of two categories: center pole or offset.
Shopping Tip #1: Determine the Umbrella Size
The first tip you must learn is to look for the right size of umbrella for your patio. It will help you estimate the amount of shade your outdoor living area will get from the fixture.
When deciding on the right umbrella size, you need to calculate the floor area of your outdoor space. Overcrowding the area with excessively large umbrellas can restrict your movement. It will also make the place look cramped. However, picking more miniature umbrellas will not provide you with the shade that you need. So check out the size of the patio or garden where you plan to install your outdoor umbrellas to find the right one for your property.
Shopping Tip #2: Check Out the Quality
Another essential factor that you must keep in mind when buying large outdoor umbrellas is the products’ quality. Well-constructed umbrellas can withstand the test of time. It can also survive harsh winds, heavy rains, and unforgiving storms.
As much as possible, you need to find outdoor umbrellas that come with a warranty. It will assure you that the manufacturer can vouch for the quality of their products.
Shopping Tip #3: Look for Umbrella Stabilisers
Large umbrellas for your outdoor spaces can be heavy. Sticking them to the ground may not be enough because they can topple over due to the winds or heavy rains. So look for an item that can provide additional reinforcement to stabilise it.
Some outdoor dining tables have holes intended for umbrellas. You may also look for special umbrella bases if you want to stick them on the floor.
Shopping Tip #4: Pick Fabrics Specifically Made For the Outdoors
The fabrics used in outdoor umbrellas must be lightweight, stain proof, and durable. These textiles should also fold faster when not in use.
Some of the most common umbrella canopy fabrics that you can consider include acrylic-made fabrics. They provide the best shades under the sun. You can also consider umbrellas designed with umbrella fabric. This textile is often used in other outdoor upholstery.
Offset outdoor umbrellas, also known as cantilevers, feature an arched or jointed pole positioned off to one side. The canopy is supported from the side and above, which allows it to hang freely over a variety of seating and table configurations. The main benefit of modern cantilever umbrellas is that they can shade a large area without the obstruction that a center pole causes. This is especially important if you are shading a dining table that does not have an umbrella hole or a hot tub. Many cantilevers can also rotate to provide 360° coverage, which makes them even more versatile. Offset patio umbrellas require heavier bases than center poles and are typically more expensive.
Shopping Tip #5: Find Something the Rotates
The sun moves throughout the day. It means that the area where the sun shines the brightest at noon will change once the sun starts to set. So ensure that you can adjust the shade by looking for a tilting umbrella.
Tilting patio umbrellas could be the best option if you want to cover the patio area from the harsh rays of the sun at any time of the day. It is also an ideal purchase if there are no structures nearby to provide extra shade.
Investing in outdoor umbrellas can make your backyard or garden more pleasing to stay in during pleasant days. By buying the right umbrellas, you can have the best shade each time you stay with your loved ones in your outdoor entertainment and living area.
Find the umbrella that will last
Shade umbrellas come in a variety of frames and canopy materials, ranging from timber and aluminium posts, and polyester to Sunbrella canopies. UV protection is a major factor for Australians.
You want to look at, at the least, UPF 15+ which equates to 93-95% UV Protection. The best fabrics are Sunbrella and O’bravia, both of which achieve a rating of UPF 50.
Polyester, Olefin, O’bravia & Sunbrella are all fantastic choices for shade umbrellas. Polyester, Sunbrella & O’bravia are all waterproof also, just in case the rain hits your party! With many colours to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.
For an umbrella that won’t ever fade, stick with O’bravia or Sunbrella acrylics. For a cost-effective option, polyester and olefin are great options. Using the protective cover will ensure that your canopy remains dry and clean when not in use, and ensures your umbrella will last for many years.
Our range of centre post umbrellas come in a range of frame materials from timber to aluminium. Timber frames look very traditional and stylish, and the no rust aluminium frames ensure no rust or corrosion, meaning they are mostly maintenance free and contemporary looking.
