Patio Umbrellas

Your new patio is a wonderful addition to your home. But have you noticed there’s something missing? A little flare, a little style and some imagination. How about patio umbrellas? Great idea. Your patio will be the envy of all the neighbors—not because of the cost but because of the style.

What kinds of patio umbrellas are available? The selection is only limited by your imagination and your budget. Patio umbrellas can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles.

What kind of fabric should patio umbrellas have? It’s important to decide what kind you desire ahead of time. The type you choose will affect the durability of the product as well as its cost. Some fabrics can enable the umbrellas to withstand sun, wind and rain without any fading. Other fabrics are high density, lightweight, stain resistant and easier to clean. Some types are resistant to UV rays and chemicals. Other patio umbrellas, depending on the fabric, can be strong and resistant to mildew and mold.

One point to look for is the length of warranty. Some umbrellas offer a three-year warranty, others just one year. Ask yourself what is the difference and if coloring or cleanliness will be a constant issue. Usually the patio umbrellas with longer warranties are the most reliable.

Some other questions to ask before purchasing patio umbrellas: Would you like your patio umbrella to fit through your table or be free standing? Are you looking for a wood or an aluminum pole? Wooden patios or decks would probably call for a wooden pole. However, they it can be more of a task to open and close a wooden open than an aluminum pole.

Aluminum patio umbrellas are more convenient. While most types have easy crank lifts and a push button tilt, allowing tilting in three different directions, others have special features like remote control opening and automatic tilt. Choose a pole that best complements the rest of the patio color.

Finally, size is always an issue. The size of an umbrella is determined by the shade diameter. In choosing, first determine the size of the table or area needed to be shaded. A general principle is that the umbrella diameter should be five or six feet larger than the area to be shaded. For example a 48-inch dining table with 4 chairs would require about a nine-foot diameter shade.

Patio umbrellas can be purchased online and shipped to you immediately—in some cases with free shipping. You can get a clear sense of the color from the images that are displayed on the site’s web pages.

Why not add a little bit of style to your patio and give friends and neighbors one more reason to come over and relax on a lazy summer afternoon?