High-quality patio umbrellas start with the material
It’s easy to look nice and work well for a season or two. But, the real test for an outdoor umbrella is its ability to withstand the elements for many years. 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.
What pole or frame material is best for a shade umbrella?
Choosing the material for your umbrella frame is really about establishing your priorities. Are you trying to match the look of your outdoor furniture set? Are you most concerned about durability in a moist or windy environment? Or, do you want to complement your home’s landscape and architectural design? Heck, you might simply want to help your favorite canopy fabric really “pop.” Wood, aluminum and fiberglass are the primary materials used to construct garden umbrella poles and frames. Each material has unique benefits and characteristics, so compare and contrast them to determine which best suits your needs.
Wood
Wooden umbrellas have classic, timeless appeal. Their natural, sophisticated look works well in lush green environments, where nature is at the forefront. A well-maintained wooden umbrella is a beautiful accent to rich woodgrain furniture and a hardwood deck. The most common hardwoods used are teak, eucalyptus and bamboo. However, these costly raw materials make wood umbrellas very expensive.
Wood is treated to resist insects, decay and weather damage, but it tends to fade after extended sun and rain exposure. Additionally, wooden poles are less durable than aluminum and fiberglass ones and can snap in strong winds. Many manufacturers offer faux wood finishes on their metallic or fiberglass models if you decide that you absolutely must have the look of wood.
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Metal
Stainless steel and aluminum patio umbrellas have a sleek modern vibe that complements minimalist decor and wide open spaces. Stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant thanks to its chromium and nickel content. However, harsh saltwater environments can cause some corrosion to occur. Marine-grade stainless steel is strengthened and made more resilient to rust by 2-3% of molybdenum. This makes stainless steel umbrellas great choices for coastal areas or on yachts.
Aluminum is inexpensive, lightweight and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor shades. Most aluminum frames are powder-coated or anodized to resist corrosion and other signs of wear. Aluminum is inherently malleable and strong, so it can be shaped into extremely dynamic and interesting shapes that wood cannot attain. It also comes in a wide variety of finishes, which helps it coordinate with other furniture pieces. Aluminum will not break in high winds, although it can warp after prolonged exposure.
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Fiberglass
Outdoor umbrellas with fiberglass poles and frames are among the most durable on the market. Fiberglass is lightweight, strong and far more flexible than wood or aluminum. This flexibility allows it to bend without breaking, in even the most severe wind storms. Fiberglass does not rust or rot, allowing it to perform well in wet conditions.
While it tends to be more expensive than the other material options, its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions for years makes it a strong investment in the long run. Fiberglass umbrellas are available in several colors, which helps them blend into any outdoor color palette. Many modern patio umbrellas pair fiberglass ribs with aluminum poles to reap the benefits of both materials. Tilt and crank lift features are also available on most fiberglass parasols.
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What canopy fabric should I use for my backyard shade?
Choosing your canopy material is one of the most important decisions when buying a patio umbrella. Not only is the color or pattern the most visible aspect of the umbrella, but ultimately it is what protects you and your kids from the heat and glare of the sun. Canopies are made from many materials with unique physical characteristics, benefits, drawbacks and cost considerations. Unless you opt for a tiki-themed backyard with a thatch canopy, you will need to select a durable fabric. Some fabrics are coated with PVC or styrene-acrylic to increase weather resistance, but the process has the drawback of decreasing the textile’s tensile tearing strength [Eltahan 2017]. Here are a few of the more common canopy material options and brands.
Acrylic – Sunbrella®
Sunbrella acrylic fabric is considered the gold standard of residential and commercial-grade outdoor textiles. It’s resistant to the elements and holds its color for years, so it will be a while before you need a patio umbrella replacement canopy. Sunbrella is available in hundreds of solid colors and patterns and is used for outdoor umbrellas, shades, awnings, upholstery and pillows. Sunbrella umbrellas can be found at luxury resorts around the world.
Acrylic – Sunbrella®
- Material – 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric
- UV Protection – Yes – 98%
- Fade Resistant – Yes
- Mildew Resistant – Yes
- Water Resistant – Yes
- Cleaning – Soap, water & even bleach
- Permeable – Yes
- Pricing – Premium
- Warranty – 5 to 10-year limited warranty against fading (based on grade)
- Other – Greenguard & Skin Cancer Foundation certified
Other popular acrylic brands include Outdura, Suncrylic and Spuncrylic.
Polyester – Pacifica®
Pacifica polyester fabric is rich in color and luxurious to the touch. Its proprietary fibers hold color up to four times longer than traditional polyester while retaining other characteristics comparable to acrylic at a lower cost. Pacifica is available in 20 standard solid colors.
Polyester – Pacifica®
- Material – 100% solution-dyed polyester fabric
- UV Protection – Yes – UPF 40
- Fade Resistant – Yes, but fades more easily than acrylic
- Mildew Resistant – Yes
- Water Resistant – Yes
- Cleaning – Soap & water
- Permeable – Yes
- Pricing – Mid-range
- Warranty – 4-year limited warranty against fading
- Other – Soft to the touch
Olefin – Texsilk®
Texsilk olefin fabric is an environmentally responsible outdoor material that provides a high degree of UV protection. It’s stain-resistant and durable enough to withstand bleach and chlorine cleaning. Texsilk is available in over one hundred solid, striped and checked patterns.
Olefin – Texsilk®
- Material – 100% solution-dyed synthetic polyolefin fabric
- UV Protection – Yes – UPF 80
- Fade Resistant – Yes
- Mildew Resistant – Yes
- Water Resistant – Yes
- Cleaning – Soap, water & even bleach
- Permeable – Yes
- Pricing – Economy
- Warranty – 2-year limited warranty against fading
- Other – OEKO-TEX certified. Eco-friendly – 100% recyclable
Polyethylene – Coolaroo®
Coolaroo polyethylene fabric was created to withstand extreme Australian weather conditions. Its unique, patented yarn weave allows cooling breezes to pass through the fabric, while it repels the heat and harmful UV rays. Coolaroo is available in a limited variety of solid colors and woven patterns.
Polyethylene – Coolaroo®
- Material – Dyed high-density knitted polyethylene fabric
- UV Protection – Yes – 90%
- Fade Resistant – Yes, but it is semi-translucent
- Mildew Resistant – Yes
- Water Resistant – No
- Cleaning – Soap & water
- Permeable – Yes
- Pricing – Economy
- Warranty – 5-year warranty against UV damage (excluding fading)
- Other – Encourages cool airflow – great for hot climates
What umbrella color is best?
Holding canopy fabric constant, there are relative performance differences between colors. Darker colors absorb light and heat, while lighter ones reflect them. Consequently, deeper tones like navy, burgundy, forest green and violet block UV rays more effectively than sky blue, pink, lime and lilac. The temperature below dark canopies is slightly hotter too, although the height of most umbrellas would make the difference less noticeable. The closer a color is to white (e.g. beige, natural & cream), the more glare may become an issue. If you have a pool or light-colored external walls and flooring, you may want to steer toward darker umbrellas to help minimize reflected light.
Dark canopies also tend to hide dirt better than light ones, so they require less frequent cleaning. However, dark and vibrant colors are more susceptible to fading. A striking black or chic dark taupe canopy will degrade to shades of grey and brown. Similarly, electric blue and fire engine red will fade to muted versions of their original color if exposed to direct sunlight. Fading and structural damage will motivate you to buy a replacement canopy for your outdoor umbrella.
| Color | UV | Temp. | Fading | Glare | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | Stronger | Hotter | More | Lower | Less Often |
| Light | Weaker | Cooler | Less | Higher | More Often |
Aesthetics & More
There are also aesthetic considerations such as coordinating with the palette of patio furniture, architecture or even the environment. Earth tones convey a more organic and natural feel and are great for wooded areas. Jewel tones add rich color without overpowering the rest of the outdoor setting. Neutrals complement most decor and add subtle sophistication. Bold colors are eye-catching statements that add life and energy to a space.
Finally, there are psychological and physiological considerations depending on the purpose of your outdoor setting. Red increases your heart rate and hunger – making it a good choice for restaurants. Orange and yellow evoke cheerful and happy feelings – perfect for public gathering areas. Brown and green make people feel comfortable and relaxed – ideal for hardwood decks surrounded by trees. Blue conveys trust and health, but makes you thirsty and less hungry – a nice idea for a poolside bar.
Deck umbrellas built to last
You’ve considered the weather and climate conditions where you live and now know which materials will perform better. You’re making great progress but still have a few areas to brush up on. In the next section, we’ll look at bases and mounts to keep your shade stable.
Guide Sections
References
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