Patio Umbrellas & Outdoor Shades
Luxury outdoor umbrellas, shade structures, bases and mounts
Relaxing outside in the sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D - an essential nutrient. However, when the sun is beating down, the heat and glare can be uncomfortable. Extended exposure to harsh UV rays is also bad for your skin. A little shade can make an afternoon of entertaining on your deck, lazing in your garden or lounging poolside much more enjoyable and provide protection outdoors.
Cantilever umbrellas - great shade coverage of your deck furniture
These offset umbrellas have hanging canopies and feature arms or frames that are positioned to the side. This configuration enables cantilever shades to provide sun protection for a large area without a pole getting in the way. They're perfect for hot tubs, dining sets or lounge areas where a center pole umbrella can't be used or might obstruct activities. Many offset patio umbrellas can rotate 360° - providing sunshade for an even greater area without having to move.
Market umbrellas - portable additions to any patio set
These familiar deck umbrellas have a single center pole. The canopy may be lifted by a manual lift, pulley or a crank. Some also have a tilt feature, which enables you to angle the canopy to track the movement of the sun throughout the day. Most centerpost shades are freestanding but they can also be used with specially designed umbrella tables that have holes in the middle for the pole to pass through. Because they're smaller in size and lighter in weight than most cantilevers, they're very easy to move to where they're needed.
Canopies - modern gazebos and cabanas
These large freestanding sun shades provide maximum protection for patio furniture sets. They also offer a little more privacy when compared with traditional umbrellas. Their roofs and curtains are made from UV-resistant textiles, which not only shield you from the sun above but the side as well. These shade structures are also large enough that you can shelter multiple tables, seats or a daybed with ease.
Patio umbrella bases and mounting kits
Outdoor umbrella stands, bases and mounts prevent parasols from tipping over. The larger the canopy, the heavier the weight that is needed to stabilize the umbrella. Cantilevers, due to their design, require substantially heavier bases than market style umbrellas. Some models has built-in wheels for improved portability. Permanent mounts are another option that can be used to secure poles and frames to a variety of surfaces such as cement, stone and hardwood decks.
Umbrella replacement parts and covers
Over time, even the best patio shades start to show their age. Canopies are bound to fade or tear and ribs break. Thankfully, these components can be replaced individually without having to buy a whole new shade. Replacement canopies are also a great way to freshen the look of your outdoor living space with a pop of color. Additionally, accessories like protective covers can extend the life of your parasol, while attachable LED lights and Bluetooth speakers enhance your outdoor living experience.
Premium outdoor collections using durable materials
Decor Outdoor carries umbrellas, shade structures and accessories from only top-of-the-line brands. Belgian manufacturers like Jardinico and Umbrosa produce some of the most architectural and sleek umbrella designs in the world, while Shadowspec and Shademaker create stunning parsols infused with technology. Customizeable shade canopies from Mamagreen enable you to configure your structure in an array of ways.
These renown partners use only the finest materials and provide the highest level of patio luxury. The canopies of our shades are covered in weather-resistant Sunbrella® fabric or similar textiles such as Outdura® and Solidum®. These materials have high UPF ratings which provide relief from the sun's rays and keep their vibrant color for years. Likewise, our patio umbrella parts are made using eco-friendly teak, meranti, aluminum and fiberglass. These high end materials look great and can accommodate changing weather and wind conditions.
Pro tips - Key outdoor shade features to compare
- Shade Area - Umbrellas and canopy structures provide different amounts of shade and each has its pros and cons if covering an outdoor dining or lounge setting
- Adaptability - Sun movement, changing shade areas and impulse preferences require adjustments and functional capabilities
- Base & Mounting - Location constraints and environmental factors may have different requirements for securing and stabilizing these sun shade umbrellas
- Wind Resistance - Check the Beaufort rating to determine how much wind a patio umbrella can handle safely
- Care & Maintenance - Some materials and umbrella canopy colors require more frequent cleaning, and design affects the level of maintenance needed to ensure durability
Frequently Asked Questions – Patio Umbrellas & Shades
What are different types of outdoor shades?
There are a wide variety of mobile and fixed outdoor shades. Most fall under these categories:
- Market Umbrellas
- Cantilever Umbrellas
- Shade Sails
- Cabanas
- Pavilions
- Canopies
- Pergolas
- Gazebos
What's the best brand of patio shade?
There are many manufacturers of high-end outdoor umbrellas and shade structures. Some specialize in sun protection, while others also produce patio furniture. Top brands include:
- Tuuci
- Jardinico
- Umbrosa
- Shadowspec
- Woodline
- Mamagreen
- Tropitone
- Shademaker
- Cuscini
- Bambrella
- Academy
- FiberBuilt
What's the difference between a shade sail and a canopy?
Shade sails are pieces of UV-resistant fabric that are stretched between several anchored points (e.g. wall, roof or pole) to provide protection from the sun. The fixed points must be stable to handle the tension required to keep the fabric taut.
Canopies are also made of fabric but they typically hang or are draped over a structure that may attached to a building (e.g. eave) or a standalone (e.g. four poster frame).
In either case for the canopy or umbrella, shade is made abundant throughout the hottest times of the day. All you need to decide is whether umbrellas and shade canopies will provide the coverage you need.
What is the best material for outdoor parasols?
The ideal material for your shade depends largely on your environment.
Are you south-facing and in a warm climate? If so, we recommend a heavy-duty material built to stand up to the sun like solution-dyed acrylic fabric.
Or, do you just want some shade in a tree-dappled spot? In that case, a simple coated polyester fabric canopy will do the trick.
Aluminum or stainless steel frames and poles are durable but should have powder-coated finishes for the best corrosion resistance. Teak or bamboo poles generally wear well in most situations.
Can your umbrellas be used in cafes, restaurants and other work settings?
Most of our umbrellas can be used in both residential and commercial environments. However, a few smaller shades are only warrantied for home use. Be sure to check the specifics for each umbrella before installing in a high-use hospitality space.
