Bill Ferris

There are plenty of things to learn before you have enough knowledge to make a well-informed patio umbrella purchase. Some areas will require you to take precise measurements or do a meteorological assessment but for now, let’s begin with a few basics.

Constant exposure to the sun, wind and rain separates the pros from the pretenders. Great design is important but even the best shades won’t last if constructed using inferior materials and your specific climate influences which ones are right for your setting.

Okay, you’ve determined the perfect type, size and shape of patio umbrella for your space – congrats! You can take a breath but the work’s not over. It’s time to figure out the right base or mount to keep it secure.

You figured out what you’re generally looking for in an outdoor umbrella. Now it’s time to refine your decision by looking closer at the variations available. If something is not integrated into the models you’re considering, you may be able to find attachments to provide that capability.

The aesthetic appeal of a patio umbrella is a lot easier to assess than its operation ease or resistance to changing wind conditions. You might not love the idea, but it would be wise to do some homework.

Throughout the warm and temperate seasons, a little common sense and care will go a long way toward keeping your outdoor umbrella in tip-top shape.