We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Patio Umbrella?

By Jodee Redmond
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 17,312
Share

When you are looking for a patio umbrella, the first thing you want to consider is the space where it will be located. You will want to choose one in a size is neither too large or too small for the area where it will be located. You will want to choose a patio umbrella that is approximately five feet (1.52 meters) larger than the area that you want to keep in the shade on bright days.

Once you have an idea of the size of you are looking for, you can turn your attention toward the style and color of the patio umbrella. You may want to choose something in a solid color, in either a muted or bold shade. Some patio umbrellas are made in colorful patterns, and this is an option to consider. You can get one that is very plain in design or one that has a decorative border or fringe. Be sure to consider several options so that you can get the one that will be the best fit for your decor.

Another factor to keep in mind when looking for a patio umbrella is whether the fabric is waterproof. You may not want to have to take your patio umbrella down after every use in case it rains, and a waterproof fabric would be the best choice. If you have concerns about the weather damaging your umbrella, you may want to put it into a shed or garage anyway.

The patio umbrella you choose should also protect anyone sitting underneath it from UV rays. Be sure to ask the retailer whether the umbrella you are considering has this feature. It's a good idea to find out if the fabric will stay cool under the hot sun, since breathable fabric is a very durable choice.

Any fabric used to make a patio umbrella will likely be mold- and mildew-resistant, but you will want to ask about this as well. The last thing you want is to store it while damp and find that it has been damaged when you take it out during warmer weather. Be sure to ask about any special cleaning or storage instructions before you complete your purchase.

Ease of use is another factor to keep in mind when shopping for a patio umbrella. Consider whether you want to use a crank to raise and lower it or if a push button style would be better for you. If being able to tilt the umbrella at different times of the day is a feature you want, then look for this option when you are considering the different offerings on the market.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Charmagne — On May 18, 2011

@mantra- You do not have to have a patio table to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor patio umbrella. I personally own a freestanding style. It has worked great for me. You still have a variety of styles and colors to suit your personal decorating scheme. Keep in mind you will need a flat spot to put the freestanding umbrella. You will definitely want a heavy, weighted base to keep your umbrella from toppling. There are a few options to go with for bases as well. Sunbrella does make a freestanding model, since you are partial to that brand. Hope this helps.

By mantra — On May 17, 2011

I am going to be buying a patio umbrella soon to have a nice shaded area when the warm weather hits here. A friend of mine has a Sunbrella and he swears by it. I love that the Sunbrella patio umbrella fabric is UV resistant. The brand has a nice color selection as well.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a patio table. Are there other ways to install a patio umbrella? I don’t want to buy a new table right now but I really want to have a shaded hangout outside.

By anon92037 — On Jun 25, 2010

You should also consider the type of fabric used in patio umbrellas.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-patio-umbrella.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.