Patio Umbrellas Guide

You can really improve the look of your backyard with patio umbrellas. They can shade you from the sun, and also provide a place for everyone to gather in your backyard. Few can think of a better way to spend a summer day than several comfortable lawn chairs, a nice large patio umbrella, and some cool, refreshing drinks. With an outdoor patio umbrella, you have a gathering place for your friends and family to enjoy.

If this image appeals to you, it may be time to look into patio umbrellas! There's a great variety of umbrellas out there, so become informed so that you are get the umbrella that will suit your backyard the best.

This guide will give a brief overview of the types and characteristics of outdoor patio umbrellas and how they can add value to your outdoor experience.

Differing Kinds - There are numerous sizes and shapes of patio umbrellas. Before you buy a patio umbrella, you have to decide how much area needs to be covered first. You can also decide if you want to have the umbrella slot into a table or if you want to purchase an offset patio umbrella. Offset patio umbrellas are umbrellas that do not have a central pole which the spokes radiate away from. Get an exact measurement of the part of your lawn you want shaded, and decide how big your table needs to be.

You typically find patio umbrellas at heights of 6, 7, 9 and 11 feet, and shade areas from thirty to sixty feet in diameter. Though you can typically find patio umbrellas that can tilt to block the sun wherever it is, it's better to just get a slightly larger umbrella than you need. You can find them in wood, aluminum, or fiberglass frames. If you want a classic look, wood patio umbrellas are perfect, though they're heavy. Aluminum, while fairly flimsy, is also pleasantly light. Fiberglass is light like aluminum, but also durable and comes in all colors.

While the type of fabric is a factor in your decision, you have to make sure you're guaranteed against fading. The longest warranties for patio umbrellas typically come from Sunbrella. Though it may be pricier, it will also protect you from harmful UV rays in any kind of fabric.

If you're concerned with your umbrella's safety, consider your patio base heavily before purchasing. The best kind of base is filled with concrete and can weigh up to 50 pounds. You'll need one and a half times the weight to secure the umbrella if it's not attached to a table. Make sure you buy a slightly heavier base than you require, in order to ensure that you don't buy too light.

Security - Surprisingly, patio umbrellas can be dangerous in certain situations. It can be difficult to fathom, but it's possible for a patio umbrella to be caught by a passing wind and flung into the air at high speeds. This has potentially dangerous implications if it lands on someone. Due to this danger, some restaurants are required to possess umbrella insurance. There have been cases of this reported in the past, and without proper precautions can occur again.

Patio umbrellas can go flying on the windiest of days. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared if the winds are very strong. Just to be safe, you should just put your umbrella away when you're not using it. When you get it out to use it, ensure that it's secured to its concrete base, and that it will effectively hold down that size of umbrella.

Umbrella Maintenance - With the proper attention, you can have your patio umbrella for decades to come. If you leave your umbrella exposed to the sun for too long, it will end up fading and becoming less effective. Whether you have wood or metal frams, a lot of rain can negatively affect them.

Close your umbrella up when you're not using it at that time. Put it away out of the sun in the fall to the start of spring. This will prevent a lot of abuse fom sunlight and rain. Put it away if your weather forecast indicates a storm or strong winds. It's a pricey enterprise to get a replacement frame for your patio umbrella. If you store your umbrella correctly, you can be sure to enjoy them for the foreseeable future.