Don’t laugh, but determining umbrella sizes is very important business, especially if you spend lots of time in your backyard.
Think about it: if you get a massive one, then it’ll be a pain to maintain and move around. Yet if you purchase a smaller one, you might find all your party guests comedically squeezed around the equivalent of a parasol. Nor do you want to buy a ton of smaller deck umbrellas to sprinkle around your property, because who has the money to do that?
You’re probably now wondering, “What size patio umbrella do I need?” If so, then read on. Here’s a thorough guide to help you out.
How big a canopy is big enough?
You’d probably love something straightforward here, but unfortunately, we’re not mind readers. If we were, we’d be in a different business.
As with many things in life, the answer will depend on several factors. But do know that the most common size patio umbrella is nine feet, with a ballpark range of seven to 10 feet, so start there if you’re lost.
Otherwise, consider the following when you’re trying to narrow down what size to get.
Size of the Patio Area
Obviously, you’re limited to your patio size; while everyone would love to get a gigantic shade, it’s not always feasible.
So measure your patio area where you plan on placing the umbrella. Consider the diameter or square footage of the space to ensure the umbrella adequately covers the area you want to shade and shelter.
In general, it’s a safe bet if you get an umbrella size that’s at least two feet wider than the area you want to cover.
Below are some other guidelines to follow:
- Small patio or bistro set: six to eight feet
- Medium-sized patio with a dining set: nine to 11 feet
- Larger patio or outdoor seating area: 12+ feet
Number of People
Next, think about how many people you want to accommodate under the umbrella comfortably. What’s needed for two homebodies will vastly differ from what’s required of a large family that frequently entertains.
For just two people, you can get away with an umbrella that’s eight feet wide. You can even fit up to four people underneath this size.
Planning on accommodating four to six people? Then aim for an umbrella that’s at least 10 feet wide.
If you’re a moderate party animal and plan on shading over six people often, then the minimum size umbrella that’s ideal is 12 feet.
Real party animals will have to consider large parasols meant for commercial use. You also have to be mindful that the bigger the canopy, the heavier the base you’ll need. In many instances (such as high traffic or wind), oversized umbrellas should use permanent mounts to secure them.
Or you can get a few smaller parasols for more freedom of choice. They can also add points of interest in your yard and allow you to play with different colors to create a variety of moods.
Shape of the Umbrella
When you think of a deck umbrella, you might envision a larger version of the paper umbrellas they put in your tasty cocktails. While that’s certainly a popular shape, it’s not the only one.
Canopies come in various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, or oval. The shape you choose may depend on the layout of your patio area.
In addition, based on your preferences, you can get away with smaller umbrellas if their shapes match your patio space. For example, if your patio is long and narrow, then a small rectangular umbrella can be sufficient.
If you’re trying to shade a table, then it’s best to match the shape of the umbrella to it. That way, you won’t get awkward spaces where one person is completely in the shade while another is half in it.
Height and Tilt
Modern shade umbrellas come with adjustable heights and tilting features. This is all well and good, but if you purchase an umbrella that’s too big, you’ll be swiping things off surfaces left and right.
The right size will depend on how high up you want it to be. And if you don’t want tilting features, then you’ll have more wiggle room for size choices.
Type of Furniture
Your patio furniture arrangement will affect what size umbrella you should buy too. Most people will want shade over a patio table, so we’ll start from there.
Pull out all of the chairs from your patio table, then add another two feet to the space measured. This is the minimum size needed.
Let’s take some real-world examples. If you have a 48-inch round table, then you’ll require a 10-foot canopy at minimum.
Are you one of the lucky 10.4 million American houses that have a swimming pool? Then you probably want to place some comfy lounge chairs to relax on after taking a dip. To stay out of the sun, a small 7.5-foot patio umbrella placed between them will suffice.
Umbrella Styles
Two popular styles of patio umbrellas are cantilever and market. Side pole shades take up a lot more space, so you’ll need a roomy patio to accommodate them. However, the offset mast opens up space for seating and socializing. They also rotate 360-degrees, so you can cover a much broader area than just one fixed spot.
Now consider a center pole in the middle of things. This will save space, but it’ll feel claustrophobic for seating and socializing, especially if your patio’s tiny. While you might be able to tilt the canopy to shade more space, you are limited in the overall coverage.
Know Your Outdoor Umbrella Sizes
Generally speaking, you’ll probably be set if you purchase a 9-foot shade. However, you want to make every penny spent worth it, so put a little effort into mulling over your situation.
By taking into account your patio area, the number of people using the umbrella, the specifics of the umbrella itself, and the type of furniture you have, you’ll be able to select the perfect product.
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