Patio Umbrella Fabrics & Materials

High-quality outdoor umbrellas start with the material

It’s easy to look nice and work well for a season or two. But, the real test for a deck 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

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

Aluminum is inexpensive, lightweight and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor sun shades. Most aluminum frames are powder-coated or anodized for corrosion resistance and other signs of wear. The powder-coating process leaves a thin weather-resistant layer that is much more durable than a simple coat of paint. Powder-coated aluminum is available in a wide variety of UV-resistant colors and finishes to coordinate with any decor palette. 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 outdoor furniture pieces. Aluminum will not break in high winds, although it can warp after prolonged exposure. As an added benefit, aluminum is environmentally friendly since it’s recyclable.

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Fiberglass

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 deck 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.

What canopy fabric should I use for my backyard shade?

Choosing your canopy material is one of the most important decisions when buying a market umbrella or cantilever shade. Not only is the color or pattern the most visible aspect of the umbrella, but ultimately it is what shields you and your kids from the heat and glare of the sun. And, most importantly, provides protection against UV radiation. Umbrella 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 outdoor fabric. Some umbrella 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.

Other popular acrylic brands include Outdura, Suncrylic and Spuncrylic.

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 sun 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 cantilever or market 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

Patio Umbrella Buying Guide

Types of Patio Umbrellas – Designs, Sizes & Shapes

Outdoor Umbrella Bases & Mounts

Outdoor Umbrella Features – Canopy Tilt & Lights

Patio Umbrella Wind Rating & Ease of Use

Cleaning & Caring for your Patio Umbrella

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References

• Eltahan, E. (2017). Structural parameters affecting tear strength of the fabric tents. Alexandria Engineering Journal.