
Cantilever umbrellas are heavier, bigger, and more expensive than traditional umbrellas.Ĭrank lift: A mechanism that helps you open your umbrella and adjust the canopy tilt by turning a crank handle. Traditional umbrellas are usually lighter than cantilever umbrellas.Ĭantilever umbrella: The base and pole of a cantilever umbrella are offset, bringing the canopy in from an angle. The pole goes through the middle of the table and the canopy, which is either circular or rectangular, covers the table fully. Traditional umbrella: Also known as a market umbrella, this is the style of umbrella you typically see at outdoor dining setups. Just make sure everything is fully dry before you pack it away. Either bring it in a garage, or you can find an umbrella cover for the material and the stand." "When it comes to extending the life of your umbrella, it's a great idea to store it when it's not in use. "Finding an umbrella with fabric with the color as part of the material, and not dyed, will help retain the color in outdoor conditions," Yost said. Wipe down the canopy and stand once a month with a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser. Still, a few small steps can help make your umbrella last longer. Umbrellas crafted from high-quality materials can stand up to water, sun, and wind. "If you're in a city, we prefer a bold, fun pattern to add a pop of color to the gray cityscape, but if you're near a lake or beach, the piece shouldn't compete with nature," said Lee. If you want your umbrella to make a statement, check out umbrellas in vibrant colors or patterns," said Yost. "If you want your umbrella to meld in the natural setting, think neutral colors like white, gray, and beige or even subtle greens and blues. Once you've figured out size and coverage, how do you find a patio umbrella that fits the rest of your patio style? Sunbrella is a leader in outdoor performance fabric - it's easy to clean and has beautiful colors and designs," said Lenhart. "Olefin is a durable, sustainable fabric that requires no water during production and maintains its quality for years. Some designers also like teak wood because it weathers beautifully.Īs for the canopy, Olefin and Sunbrella come highly recommended by our experts. What are the best materials for the umbrella stand and canopy?įor the stand and pole, look for durable, rust-resistant materials like aluminum, coated steel, and concrete (which is harder to find). "Do you have room for a standalone umbrella, or should you look for a table that allows for an integrated umbrella? A good rule is to allow for three feet around the umbrella to circulate," said Blythe Yost, a landscape architect and cofounder of online landscape design service Tilly. In addition to sun pattern, consider the size of the space where you'd like to place the umbrella, as well as the surrounding foot traffic. "Even if you have a large space, you might not need a huge umbrella if you're able to angle it to block the sun and shade the area you are enjoying." "Think about the sun pattern in your yard," said Lenhart. What size umbrella is best for your space? They also tend to be less expensive," said Lenhart.ĭanu Kennedy, design director of creative design firm Parts and Labor Design, likes cantilever umbrellas because "you don't have to interrupt the seating connectivity to place the umbrella, but they tend to be a little more clunky whereas a traditional model is perhaps more easily worked into the aesthetic." They stand up to harsh and windy conditions and require little maintenance.
Outdoor umbrella with lights pro#
"The biggest pro of traditional umbrellas is that they get the job done at a relatively low price. Learn more about how Insider Reviews researches and tests home products. You can learn more about the pros and cons of each, as well as other things to keep in mind when shopping for a patio umbrella, here.

There are two main types of umbrellas: a traditional "market" umbrella, which is usually placed in the middle of a table, and a cantilever umbrella, which is freestanding and brings in the canopy from an angle. Sunbrella, a durable performance fabric that's resistant to fading, stains, and mildew, is a favorite among landscape designers. In addition to umbrella canopy size, consider the fabric, which needs to stand up to rain, sun, and wind.

We took this and other expert input into consideration when researching our picks for this guide.

Though it's tempting to buy one based on looks alone, remember that "as a functional piece, the most important feature in a patio umbrella is the coverage," said Melissa Lee, the founder and creative director of design firm Bespoke Only.

A patio umbrella is an important addition to your backyard if you eat and lounge outside regularly.
