Accessories & Parts

If you purchased a replacement canopy from the umbrella's manufacturer or one that's compatible in size and design with your original, changing out the fabric should be relatively easy if you follow the 10-Step process below.

NOTE - If you have a market umbrella that is larger than 10 feet in diameter or you're worried about getting up on a ladder, you might want to lay it on the ground for steps 2-9. Cantilever umbrellas should remain upright during the process unless you have a lot of help since they are heavy and often challenging to mount.

1. Step 1 - Close the patio umbrella

   When the umbrella is fully open, the canopy is taut and removing it risks damaging the rib assembly or possibly injuring you.

2. Step 2 - Free the old canopy from the rib tips

   Many patio umbrellas have canopies with sewn-in pockets in which the tips of the ribs fit. If that's what yours has, gently pull down on a canopy corner with one hand and guide the rib tip out with the other. Repeat this until all pockets have been emptied (usually 6-8 ribs). High-end and commercial-grade outdoor umbrellas may attach canopies to the rib assembly with screws or hex bolts that pass through metal grommets at the edge of the canopy. In this case, use the appropriately sized manual screwdriver, electric screwdriver bit or Allen Wrench/hex key to remove the bolts. Set them to the side so they don't get lost.

3. Step 3 - Detach the finial

   The finial is a cap at the top of an outdoor umbrella that helps to stabilize the center of the canopy fabric. It may be a simple ball or an elaborate decorative flourish. Depending on the umbrella's height (or yours), you may need a footstool or step ladder to access it. Most can be removed by simply unscrewing it. Set it off to the side with the bolts (if used) so it can be easily accessed later.

4. Step 4 - Remove the old canopy fabric

   Slowly lift the fabric from the top center of the canopy with one hand and gather more with the other until it is completely freed from the rib assembly. If you missed removing or detaching any ribs, you'll quickly discover your omission here. With the removed canopy in hand, carefully step down off the stool or ladder (if used) and set the fabric out of the way.

5. Step 5 - Check the condition of the canopy framework

   Occasionally, individual ribs may get damaged during wind gusts or if the umbrella is opened or closed improperly or while obstructed. Sometimes, the attached fabric itself helps to hide structural damage beneath. Take advantage of the naked umbrella to inspect each rib, connector and hub to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. If anything is broken, you may want to buy a replacement before attaching the new canopy.

6. Step 6 - Clean the ribs and hubs

   Remove any debris that may have accumulated in the framework. There are plenty of moving parts in the hub and rib assemblies where leaves, pine needles and other small particles may have gotten wedged in over time. Needle nose pliers are extremely helpful for removing small bits from tight hard-to-get-at spaces. Once the umbrella frame is free from debris, wipe down everything with a damp rag. This is the perfect time to clean off dirt and grime and make your umbrella look its best. Use soapy water and a soft brush if needed to address stubborn build-up.

7. Step 7 - Put on the new canopy

   Drape the replacement canopy over the umbrella frame and center the hole with the top of the pole or frame. Rotate the canopy to align the corners of the fabric with the ribs.

8. Step 8 - Reattach the finial

   Screw the finial through the hole and into the pole or frame. You might not want to screw it in all the way to give you a little “wiggle room” to adjust the fabric if the corners get slightly misaligned.

9. Step 9 - Secure the new canopy to the rib tips

   Reverse the process you used in Step 2 to fit the fabric to the rib assembly. It may be easier if you slightly open the umbrella so that you don't accidentally miss a rib and attach the fabric incorrectly. Also, be careful not to tighten any screws or hex bolts too tightly to avoid stripping the holes (especially if the ribs are wood or fiberglass). Work your way around until all corners of the canopy are attached. If you left the finial a little loose, tighten it down at this point.

10. Step 10 - Open the outdoor umbrella

    Slowly open the umbrella and monitor everything to make sure that it's opening evenly and that the ribs are properly positioned. New canopies tend to be slightly smaller than the old stretched-out ones they're replacing, so the tension is going to be stronger initially. Don't force the canopy open quickly and risk bending ribs. Go slowly to allow the rib tips to settle in their pockets or adjust to their new fasteners and the increased tension safely.

Outdoor umbrella lights are typically attached in one of two ways, depending on the product design.

• Ring Umbrella Lights - These round clasp-like LED accessories open up and close around the central pole of market umbrellas or lower hub extension posts of some cantilever models. Most products automatically adjust to the diameter but may not be compatible with wider poles. You can place them at any height you want along the pole. They should be removed before closing the canopy to prevent damage.
• String Umbrella Lights - These resemble holiday lights and may be strung along individual ribs and secured with cable ties or hung from the edge of canopies by clips. If the LED bulbs dangle like icicles or have excess wiring, be careful when opening and closing to avoid tangles.