The right outdoor umbrella can help you keep comfortably cool, protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays, and stand firm against harsh weather conditions. But with so many styles, sizes, and materials flooding the market, selecting the perfect umbrella for your patio can be overwhelming. Reading these four tips can help you figure out which patio umbrella is the best for your outdoor space.

Size

Before you start shopping for an outdoor patio umbrella, find out how much area you want to shade. For example, if you’re looking to cover your patio table, then measure its length and width so that you know exactly what size of the umbrella will be appropriate. Also, you might want to consider adding a two-feet shade buffer around the table to avoid the glare of the sun from all angles. Similarly, if you want to shade your outdoor lounge area, then choose a bigger-sized umbrella.

Type

Once you have zeroed in on a size, the next step is to decide which type or style of patio umbrella you prefer. The choice depends on a variety of factors, including the overall aesthetic of your space. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, and some of the popular types include market, cantilever, and other specialty umbrellas. Most umbrellas, no matter what type, fall into one of these categories: center pole or offset. The former is characterized by the presence of a straight pole that is suspended from the center of the canopy, whereas the latter features a jointed pole that is placed along one side of the canopy.

Frame material

When you’re investing in an outdoor patio umbrella, it’s good to make sure that it is capable of withstanding virtually any kind of weather. If you live in a windy area, then you might especially need an umbrella with a strong frame so that it isn’t broken or blown away easily. Many consider buying umbrellas with an aluminium frame as they are known to survive storms and harsh weather conditions.

Canopy fabric

Color and pattern are important when you’re buying a patio umbrella, but what’s even more important is to ensure that it protects you from heat and glares of the sun. The canopies of patio umbrellas are made from different materials, all of which have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some popular canopy material options are acrylic, polyester, olefin, and polyethylene.