What Is a Market Umbrella?

Over 40% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, which is essential for optimal health. The sun activates vitamin D synthesis, and without it, we’re at risk for things like depression and even death. In other words, you can consider humans to be solar-charged.

Of course, you can get too much sun. Even if you apply enough sunscreen, you can be at risk for skin and eye diseases.

That’s no bueno, so you need some shelter to hide out sometimes. A wonderful solution for your yard would be a market umbrella, but what exactly is it? Read on for the ultimate guide.

What Is a Market Patio Umbrella?

A market patio umbrella (also known as a market umbrella or center pole umbrella) is a type of outdoor umbrella commonly used in both residential and commercial settings. Its main purpose is to provide users with shade and protection from the sun, as well as rain.

Market umbrellas are adjustable and some can be tilted to different angles to provide shade as the pesky sun changes position throughout the day. The main difference between a market and cantilever umbrella is that the former has a center pole, while cantilever umbrellas have an off-center pole.

Why Is It Called a Market Umbrella?

The term “market umbrella” most likely originates from its historical use in outdoor markets and similar commercial settings. Ancient civilizations all across Asia and Europe used these umbrellas to provide shade and shelter for market stalls, where goods were sold in open-air venues.

The types of umbrellas used were large and sturdy, and they were capable of covering a significant area to shield both the merchandise and people from the sun and other elements. They were also portable and easy to set up, making them ideal for temporary outdoor installations, like markets, fairs and events.

Naturally, their largeness, sturdiness, and convenience meant market umbrellas made their way into people’s homes. As a result, we have a fantastic way to get shade, all without bending over backward for it.

What Does a Market Umbrella Look Like?

These outdoor umbrellas have small to large canopies; they range from six to 13 feet in diameter. These canopies are usually made of durable materials like polyester or acrylic fabric, which are designed to withstand all sorts of outdoor conditions.

Underneath the canopy are spoked ribs that support the canopy’s shape. These ribs connect to a hub, which slides up and down the central pole. This, in turn, is secured to a freestanding base or permanently mounted to the patio surface or in-ground with poured concrete. The poles come in a variety of diameters to accommodate canopies of all sizes. They may even come in two pieces for added portability.

Poles are typically made from aluminum or wood with matching rib assemblies or ones constructed from flexible fiberglass. All provide support to the canopy and are designed to withstand both wind and weather.

The base are often made of concrete, steel or plastic. It’s weighted to prevent the umbrella from tipping over in windy conditions.

How Do Market Umbrellas Work?

Market umbrellas often come with features like crank mechanisms for easy opening, closing, and tilting the canopy. Alternative lift options include pulley systems, push-button mechanisms or manual lifts.

As you might’ve already guessed, simply having the canopy open provides those underneath with much-needed shade. Just turn the crank handle, pull the rope, or press the button to open or close the umbrella.

Some market umbrellas have the ability to tilt, and a few products can change heights too with a telescoping mast. This means you don’t have to play musical chairs as the sun dances across the sky. You can tilt the canopy to track with the sun or direct the shade to where it’s needed.

Benefits of Market Umbrellas

Your patio’s probably all set up perfectly, especially your individual outdoor furniture pieces. You’re loathe to change things up, but hey, this market patio umbrella thing sounds promising.

Outside are harmful UV rays, and we’re not just talking about damage to your body either. UV rays can wreck furniture too, which can make them look worn out prematurely. A solid umbrella can prolong the lifespan of your furniture.

In addition, you’ll have an enhanced outdoor experience. These umbrellas create inviting and comfortable spaces since they can fit in the middle holes of outdoor dining tables made specifically for them.

Their portability and convenience make it easy to reposition and store the umbrellas as needed. Plus, they tend to fit better in smaller spaces than cantilever umbrellas do.

Most importantly, they’re a cost-effective shade solution. Compared to permanent structures like pergolas or awnings, market umbrellas are very easy on the wallet.

How Do You Use a Market Umbrella?

The answer’s so easy: you just open the canopy, then sit underneath it! Sure, there are few ways you can open the canopy, but they’re all pretty basic. As we mentioned earlier, you can adjust the height and tilt of some market umbrellas so you don’t have to move your chair an inch to remain shaded throughout the day.

To ensure that your market umbrella doesn’t tip over, make sure you install it in a heavy base or mount it to your deck or patio. A table with an umbrella hole also helps to stabilize things.

When you’re done lazing about on your patio, make sure the umbrella is fully closed and secured before leaving it unattended. If you aren’t going to use your market umbrella often, then slip on a protective cover or store it in a protected area, such as a garage or storage shed. This will prolong its lifespan and prevent damage from harsh weather conditions.

Enjoy Ample Shade Underneath a Market Umbrella

Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is a market umbrella?” the next step is to purchase one. After all, it has many excellent advantages and any patio would benefit from one.

Yes, it’s vital that you get enough sun to generate vitamin D and ward off health issues. But make sure you don’t get overexposed to UV rays by having a patio market umbrella that provides respite from the big flaming ball in the sky.

Check out our market umbrellas today. We at Decor Outdoor also have a wide selection of quality patio furniture products, so make sure to take a look at those too.