patio umbrella

If you’re in the market for a new patio umbrella, you may be thinking, “No big deal. I’ll just run to the store, grab what I need and be on my way.” Not so fast. Patio umbrellas come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and styles and if you’re looking for one that will last you’re going to be making an investment. There are a lot of important things to consider when choosing an umbrella for your outdoor space. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips to make sure you pick the perfect one for your needs.

First, figure out where you’re going to put it. Is your umbrella going to be solely used to shade your outdoor table, or are you looking to get a little more use out of it? Measure the space you’re thinking about, remembering to also consider height. You’d hate to end up with a beautiful piece you can’t use because it’s too tall and doesn’t clear the trees above your yard.

Determine your budget. Patio umbrellas can range in price anywhere from $129 all the way up to $3,000+. Obviously, if you’re on a tight budget, your choices for patio umbrellas will be somewhat limited. If you’ve got some wiggle room, however, it will open up a lot of options for you. By figuring out ahead of time what you can comfortably spend, it’ll make it much easier to move on to the next step.

Choose the type of umbrella that best suits your needs. Believe it or not, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Between the different kinds of frame (aluminum, fiberglass, stainless steel or wood), the different types of fabrics (polyester, acrylic, olefin or sunbrella), the various shapes (round, square, hexagonal or octagonal) and the many features to choose from (vents, lift types, tilt style, etc.), you’ll want to take some time to really determine which combination is right for you.

Pick an appropriate base. If you’re choosing an umbrella that has a separate base, make sure the one you pick is the right size and weight. If you skip this step, you may end up with a base that’s either too big or too small to use with your umbrella. It’s also important to go with a base that is heavy duty, so you’ll know that your umbrella will stand safely and securely.

Look for quality fabrics that are strong enough to withstand weather and are resistant to mildew. A good patio umbrella will be an investment, so you want to get as much use out of your purchase as possible. The best way to ensure this is to wisely choose strong, weather and mildew resistant fabrics that won’t fade, rip or get moldy.

Choosing an umbrella for your patio area may seem overwhelming once you realize how much is involved, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best decision to suit your needs and budget. If you’re still unsure, give us a call at 800-504-6478 and speak to one of our knowledgeable reps. And, as always….stay cool, my friends!