Patio umbrella FAQs
Traditional vs. cantilever umbrella — which should you buy? What are the pros and cons of each?
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"The biggest pro of traditional umbrellas is that they get the job done at a relatively low price. They stand up to harsh and windy conditions and require little maintenance. They also tend to be less expensive," said Lenhart.
Danu Kennedy, design director of creative design firm Parts and Labor Design , likes cantilever umbrellas because "you don't have to interrupt the seating connectivity to place the umbrella, but they tend to be a little more clunky whereas a traditional model is perhaps more easily worked into the aesthetic."
What size umbrella is best for your space?
In addition to sun pattern, consider the size of the space where you'd like to place the umbrella, as well as the surrounding foot traffic. "Do you have room for a standalone umbrella or should you look for a table that allows for an integrated umbrella? A good rule is to allow for three feet around the umbrella to circulate," said Blythe Yost, a landscape architect and cofounder of online landscape design service Tilly .
What are the best materials for the umbrella stand and canopy?
For the stand and pole, look for durable, rust-resistant materials like aluminum, coated steel, and concrete (which is harder to find). Some designers also like teak wood because it weathers beautifully.
As for the canopy, Olefin and Sunbrella come highly recommended by our experts. "Olefin is a durable, sustainable fabric that requires no water during production and maintains its quality for years. Sunbrella is a leader in outdoor performance fabric — it's easy to clean and has beautiful colors and designs," said Lenhart.
Once you've figured out size and coverage, how do you find a patio umbrella that fits the rest of your patio style?
Look at your surroundings, and ask yourself whether you want your umbrella to blend in or pop out. "If you want your umbrella to meld in the natural setting, think neutral colors like white, gray, and beige or even subtle greens and blues. If you want your umbrella to make a statement, check out umbrellas in vibrant colors or patterns," said Yost.
"If you're in a city, we prefer a bold, fun pattern to add a pop of color to the gray cityscape, but if you're near a lake or beach, the piece shouldn't compete with nature," said Lee.
How do you maintain a patio umbrella?
If your umbrella is crafted from high-quality materials, it'll stand up to water, sun, and wind, making your job easier. Still, a few small steps can help make your umbrella last much longer. Wipe down the canopy and stand once a month with a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser like mild laundry detergent.
"Finding an umbrella with fabric with the color as part of the material, and not dyed, will help retain the color in outdoor conditions," Yost said. 'When it comes to extending the life of your umbrella, it's a great idea to store it when it's not in use. Either bring it in a garage or you can find an umbrella cover for the material and the stand." Just make sure everything is fully dry before you pack it away.
Glossary of terms
Traditional umbrella: Also known as a market umbrella, this is the style of umbrella you typically see at outdoor dining setups. The pole goes through the middle of the table and the canopy, which is either circular or rectangular, covers the table fully. Traditional umbrellas are usually lighter than cantilever umbrellas.
Cantilever umbrella: The base and pole of a cantilever umbrella are offset, bringing the canopy in from an angle. Cantilever umbrellas are heavier, bigger, and more expensive than traditional umbrellas.
Crank lift: A mechanism that helps you open your umbrella and adjust the canopy tilt by turning a crank handle. This mechanism is easier and smoother, but slower to use, than a push lift and could also break more easily.
Push lift: A mechanism that helps you open your umbrella and adjust the canopy tilt by pushing a button. The button is typically located at the top of the pole and may be difficult for some people to reach without the help of a chair.
Sunbrella: An outdoor performance fabric made of solution-dyed acrylic (the UV-stabilized pigment is spun directly into the yarn). It's frequently used in outdoor furniture products because it's resistant to fading, abrasion, mold, mildew, stains, and water. It's strong, easy to clean, and comfortable to the touch.
Olefin: Also known as polypropylene. A strong and thick synthetic fiber used in many household products like carpeting. It's good for outdoor use because it's resistant to fading, water, mold, and mildew, but it may stain more easily than Sunbrella.
Via PakApNews