Getting started – Shade umbrella basics
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.
What styles or types of outdoor umbrellas are there?
The first decision to make when buying a patio umbrella is what style you want. Patio umbrellas are designed to accommodate different situations. Your outdoor space constraints, furniture layout and expected usage can all factor into which style is right for you. Even after considering these variables, your taste is the final determinant. So what is out there? There’s a wide variety of umbrellas from which to choose but they all essentially fall into one of two categories: center pole or offset.
Market Umbrella (a.k.a. Center Pole Umbrella)
The defining characteristic of centerpost patio umbrellas is a straight pole extending from the top of the canopy to a securing base or mount. It may be a single, solid piece or separate pieces that join together. It’s important to note that market-style shades may be stabilized by either a mobile or fixed base. This is the most common style of outdoor umbrella and it has been around for a long time. It can effectively protect against direct sunlight but reflected or diffuse ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sides diminishes the overall shade protection [Slevin 2014]. Within the market category, there are a few variations.
- Standard Market Umbrella – This is the most popular style of center pole umbrella. It has a round or octagonal shape with a clean edge. Some canopies are vented to encourage airflow, which cools the area below and helps the umbrella withstand windy conditions.
- Beach Umbrella – This type of center post parasol tends to have a minimalist style. The canopy usually has a round shape with hanging valances around the edge. Many beach umbrellas utilize a simple spiked pole inserted into the sand.
- Half Umbrella – This specialized umbrella is constructed with one flat side, which allows it to be placed flush against a wall. It’s perfect for shading balconies or small porches that have confined spaces. Think of it as a portable awning. Canopies are rounded or straight with clean edges, drapes or valances.
SHOP MARKET UMBRELLAS
Cantilever Patio Umbrella (a.k.a. Offset Umbrella)
Cantilever outdoor umbrellas feature an arched or jointed pole positioned to one side. The canopy is supported from the side and above, allowing it to hang freely over seating and table configurations. The main benefit of modern cantilever umbrellas is that they can shade a large seating area without the obstruction that a center pole causes. This is especially important if you’re shading a dining table that doesn’t have an umbrella hole or a hot tub. Many cantilever umbrellas rotate to provide 360 degree coverage, which makes them even more versatile. They are able to adjust as the sun moves or provide UV protection for multiple areas. Offset patio umbrellas require heavier bases than center poles and are typically more expensive.
SHOP CANTILEVER UMBRELLAS
What size outdoor umbrella is ideal?
Once you’ve decided on the design style of patio umbrella and frame material, it’s time to figure out what size canopy you need. If the canopy is too small, you won’t have enough shade to do the trick. But, large patio umbrellas may overpower your space and ruin the ambiance of your deck or pool area. Your environment may also have physical constraints, such as overhanging branches, eaves or walls, that limit your options. Cantilever umbrellas require additional horizontal space to open, close and rotate, and vertical clearance to tilt.
Getting a rough estimate of the size you’ll need is relatively easy. First, measure the area or table that you want to shade. Be sure to consider the amount of room to comfortably situate chairs. Then, add 2 to 2 1/2 feet to each side. The sum total should be a good approximation of the required canopy diameter. Check out our article “What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need?” for an in-depth look at evaluating canopy sizes. Examples are shown in the reference table below.
Examples of suggested patio umbrella sizes
| Table Size | Canopy Size | Shade Area | Ideal Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 30″ | 6-7′ | 36-49 ft2 | 2 Seat Bistro |
| up to 36″ | 7-8′ | 49-64 ft2 | 4 Seat Dining / Lounge Chair or Chaise |
| up to 48″ | 8-9′ | 64-81 ft2 | 4-6 Seat Dining / Small Sofa |
| up to 60″ | 9-10′ | 81-100 ft2 | 6 Seat Dining / Small Lounge |
| up to 72″ | 10-11′ | 100-121 ft2 | 6-8 Seat Dining / Medium Lounge |
| up to 84″ | 11-12′ | 121-144 ft2 | 8 Seat Dining / Large Lounge |
| up to 96″ | 12-13′ | 144-169 ft2 | 8-10 Seat Dining / Large Lounge |
| up to 108″ | 13-14′ | 169-196 ft2 | 10+ Seat Dining / Extra Large Lounge |
What’s important to know about large patio umbrellas?
- Big cantilever umbrellas need extremely heavy bases (100 to 400 pounds or more) or permanent mounting to counter overhanging canopies
- Large outdoor umbrella canopies are heavy, so mechanical assist mechanisms may be needed to lift, tilt and rotate the shade
- Tilting and rotating bigger offset umbrellas require more clearance space vertically and horizontally
- Frames of many large cantilever umbrellas do not collapse, so they may not be aesthetically pleasing when not in use
- Due to their heaviness, big umbrellas may need to be removed from their base (even if wheeled) before moving
Standard shapes of pool umbrella canopies
Choosing the shape of your sun umbrella canopy comes down to three things: the shape of the table or space you want to cover; any physical constraints of your outdoor environment; and of course your personal aesthetic preference.
Round
If the table or the lounging area you want to shade is symmetrical, a round (really it’s octagonal or even hexagonal) umbrella is a solid choice. Rounded canopies also complement traditional design styles, while providing an organic feel that helps to create a welcoming ambiance. If you have a lot of surrounding foliage, round canopies may reduce the need to prune additional branches.
Square
Square canopies are another obvious choice for symmetrical spaces and provide maximum shade. They tend to enhance contemporary decor styles and create a sleek elegant look. Squared canopies also provide a sense of visual balance when combined with parallel architectural features of your deck or patio.
Rectangular
Oval or longer tables are often best served by rectangular-shaped umbrella canopies. A square or rounded umbrella that shades the entire length of a long table can overwhelm the space. Similarly, lanais and small balconies may require thinner options, because there just physically isn’t enough room for anything else.
Another thing to be aware of is the height from the bottom of the canopy to the top. Tall rounded or arched canopies may have an aesthetically pleasing silhouette but are much less wind-resistant than shorter or flat ones. An aerodynamic design allows the air to flow more freely and lessens the chance the shade blows over.
Moving forward – Fine-tuning your patio umbrella search
Congratulations, you assessed your outdoor setting and determined the appropriate umbrella type, size and shape to meet your needs. You’re ready to select materials and fabrics that can survive the elements where you live. The next sections will help narrow down your options so you can make the best decision.
Guide Sections
Frequently Asked Questions – Patio Umbrellas – Types, Sizes & Shapes
What is a market umbrella?
A “market umbrella” is what most people think of when they picture an outdoor umbrella. It features a center pole and its canopy typically has an octagon or rounded shape. Some canopies include vents to allow airflow to keep the area below cool and help stabilize the umbrella in high winds.
What is the standard size sun umbrella?
There is no such thing as a “standard size” patio umbrella. It just depends on your own specific environment.
As a rule of thumb, an outdoor umbrella should extend 2-2 1/2 feet beyond the edge of the area you wish to shade. Smaller umbrellas (10 feet diameter and less) are usually market style, while larger models (12 feet diameter and more) are often offset or cantilever style.
References
- Slevin, T. (Ed.). (2014). Sun, Skin and Health. Csiro Publishing.
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