What is the best patio umbrella?
The answer is – that depends. There are many things to consider when buying a patio umbrella. Modern architectural design incorporates a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Elaborate decks and lavish outdoor furniture allow you to enjoy nature, without sacrificing style or comfort. As spring and summer arrive, you’ll spend more and more time outside entertaining or lounging poolside. To keep you and your guests cool and protected from the hot sun, it’s important to have ample shade. Patio umbrellas are a prudent solution, in lieu of more permanent construction. However, choosing the right outdoor umbrella can be challenging. Based on your home, environment, budget and preference, there are many factors to take into consideration. This guide will help you gain a better understanding of patio umbrellas, their styles, materials and features. This knowledge will help take the uncertainty out of your buying decision and ensure that you can relax outdoors for years to come.
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.
Center Pole Umbrella
The defining characteristic of center pole patio umbrellas is the presence of a straight pole that extends from the top of the canopy to a securing base. It may be a single, solid piece or two separate pieces that are joined together. It’s important to note that center pole umbrellas may be stabilized by either a mobile or fixed base. This is the most common style of outdoor umbrella and it has been around for a long time. This type of outdoor umbrella can be effective protection against direct sunlight but reflected or diffuse ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sides diminishes the overall shade protection [Slevin 2014]. Within the center pole category, there are a number of variations.
Market Umbrella – This is the most popular style of center pole umbrella. It has a round or octagonal shape with a clean edge. Some canopies are vented to encourage airflow, which cools the area below and helps the umbrella withstand windy conditions.
Beach Umbrella – This type of umbrella tends to have a minimalist style. The canopy usually has a round shape with hanging valances around the edge. Many beach umbrellas utilize a simple spiked base, which is inserted into the sand.
Half Umbrella – This specialized umbrella is constructed with one flat side, which allows it to be placed flush against a wall. It’s perfect for shading balconies or small porches that have confined spaces. Think of it as a portable awning. Canopies are rounded or straight with clean edges, drapes or valances.
