Refining and enhancing your shade choices
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 included in the models you are looking at, you might find attachments to add that feature.
Additional Features
Standard market umbrellas have fixed canopies. This can cause issues when the sun moves or you rearrange furniture. Some umbrellas, however, offer additional dynamic features that can resolve these shade problems.
Multi-Canopy
Some contemporary offset umbrellas have modular designs that allow you to add more than one canopy. Typically, two or four canopies shade multiple areas when floor space is at a premium. These adaptable deck umbrellas are great for outdoor restaurants and cafes where dining tables are closely situated. Each canopy can be adjusted independently, which provides precision control over the shade.
SHOP MULTI-CANOPY UMBRELLAS
Tilt
Some center post parasols include a crank or collar auto tilt function. This enables you to tip the canopy shade to various angles. You can effectively block the sun throughout the day, without repositioning the umbrella. There are also manual tilting umbrellas with push button release. Check the first section of this buying guide. It outlines the different tilt mechanisms of patio umbrellas. Tilting outdoor umbrellas are not as stable as static ones. Most experts do not recommend them for heavy use or commercial settings.
Swivel
Most cantilever umbrellas have 360 degree rotation capability. This allows you to cover a much larger area, without ever moving the base (not even a choice if you have a mounted base). This is handy if you continually move about during the day and want to remain in the shade. Many high-end designs have multiple locked in rotational positions to provide stability.
Vents
Most large outdoor umbrellas have vented canopies that allow air to flow between the layers of fabric. They help stabilize shades in windy or gusty conditions. A canopy may have one or more vents or none at all. The larger the canopy the more vents are recommended.
Valances
Some garden umbrellas have canopies with decorative valances around the edge. These hanging flaps may be straight, scalloped or a special design. They serve no functional purpose and are simply aesthetic. Valances have a classic look that blends well with traditional decor. However, the flaps may disrupt the sleek look of low-profile minimalist modern umbrellas.
Base Weights
Some outdoor umbrella bases are designed so that you can increase their weight. Both solid and framed models allow you to stack multiple metal plates or mineral pavers to provide greater stability. These extra base weights are helpful for large market or cantilever shades. They work well in coastal areas, during windy seasons, and in harsh climates. They are also helpful when you need to move. You can lighten your load bit by bit. This way, you don’t have to carry or roll everything at once.
Accessories
There are other items that you should consider when ordering a patio umbrella.
Umbrella Lights
Consider adding patio umbrella lights, if your outdoor entertaining continues into the evening. LED lights generate far less heat than traditional bulbs and can be built into the ribs or hubs of modern umbrellas. Or, purchase them separately and mount them on the underside or perimeter of the canopy. Some clamps around the pole of market umbrellas or an extension rod in the hub of offset shades. Many sizes, shapes, and colors of umbrella lights are available. So, you can customize the mood you want to create.
Heaters
Some commercial and high-end residential deck umbrellas have heaters integrated into their design to optimize space and comfort. These pivoting infrared devices usually attach to support struts. They give off heat to warm the area right below the canopy. The heaters’ electrical lines are concealed within the pole or mast and often share their power supply with a lighting system.
Speakers
A few luxury umbrellas have integrated Bluetooth™ speakers. They can connect to your mobile device and play your favorite songs. They may also include Wi-Fi and USB charging so you don’t have to be disconnected just because you’re outdoors. Alternatively, clamp on speakers or LED/speaker combos can be attached to ribs, poles or extension rods.
Power Sources
Electronic umbrella accessories require a power source in order to operate. There are a number of types of power sources depending on the device, umbrella design and intended use.
- Standard Electrical (AC Wall Outlet)
This is the most common power source. It is reliable for umbrellas that have built-in heaters, LED lights, and speakers. A power cord runs through or along the pole or frame and connects to a ground-level outlet. It can power several devices but requires safe cable routing to avoid tripping. Electric outdoor umbrella heaters generally require direct AC power due to their high wattage requirements. - Rechargeable Battery Packs
These are often used for portable or integrated LED lights and Bluetooth speakers. They’re concealed inside the frame or mounted on it without the need for cords. They have a limited runtime based on capacity but can be swapped out and are portable. - Solar Power
Some premium umbrellas have built-in or removable solar panels on the top of the canopy. This eco-friendly power option is typically used for LED lights, USB charging ports or Bluetooth speakers. - Hybrid Power Systems
A few high-end umbrellas have combination charging options. One version defaults to solar charging when available and then falls back to standard AC powering. There are also systems that use rechargeable batteries and AC plug-ins.
Protective Cover
A weather-proof cover is a “must-have” accessory for any outdoor umbrella. Your shade takes a beating during the heat of the day and in the summer months. So, it deserves the protection of a cover during its downtime. Most covers are made from heavy-duty canvas fabrics but there are hard-shell versions too. See the maintenance and storage section of this guide to learn why a cover is critical to extending the life of your umbrella.
Completing a holistic assessment
At this point, you’ve done most of the heavy lifting in evaluating your patio umbrella needs. The next two sections of our guide offer important things to know. These tips will help your shade investment last.
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