It may not seem like it, but summer is slowly approaching. If you want to get ready for pool season what better way to start, then by purchasing an outdoor umbrella. They’re a perfect and stylish way to hide from the sun’s harsh rays and relax in the warm heat of summer. With many styles available for your outdoor umbrella, we’re going to guide you through some of the most popular designs as well as how to make them last a decade worth of summers.
Cafe Style Umbrellas
This is the most popular style of outdoor umbrella. It has a round or octagonal shape material to provide a large shade coverage. Some of these canopies have ventilation holes at the top of the material to encourage airflow, helping to cool the area below as well as helping the umbrella stand strong in windy conditions.
Cantilever Umbrellas
Cantilever umbrellas have an arched pole position which helps with their mobility. The main benefit of a cantilever umbrella is that they can provide shade to a large area without a centre pole in the way. These types of umbrellas can also cover a larger area than a regular model, it has a better ability to move around increasing the area it can shade. This can be especially helpful to those who want to shade a dining table that doesn’t have an umbrella hole, by placing it next to the table and adjusting the angle it can then shade a majority of the table. It’s important to note that these umbrellas require more base weight to keep them from tipping, they’re also more expensive than centre pole umbrellas, but definitely worth it.
The Best Material for a Durable Umbrella
The material used for the umbrella’s pole depends on whether you want a specific style or to strengthen your umbrella.
Wood
Wooden umbrellas are a timeless option, being used throughout the years with no real changes to their design. Their natural look works well in lush green environments, as well as urban spaces, contrasting with the surrounding industrial elements, like bricks and metals.
The most common hardwood materials used for these poles are teak, eucalyptus and bamboo, these are more costly options but are generally more hardy and popular. Cheaper materials like pine will give a different feel to the style of the umbrella without lacking the strength. Wooden poles do require more upkeep such as spraying to prevent decay, insect and weather damage. They have also been shown to fade more easily, especially after an extended period of time in the weather.
Wooden poles are also less durable and strong than their aluminum and fiberglass models. If you want a wood like finish but don’t want to worry about it snapping in the wind there are manufacturers that offer faux wood finishes on their metallic or fiberglass models.
Metal
Stainless steel and aluminum patio umbrellas have a sleek modern vibe that works well in minimalist decor. It’s naturally resistant from corrosion because of their high level of chromium and nickel, the exception here is saltwater. If you live by the beach and are set on buying an aluminum pole you can opt for a marine-grade stainless steel. These are made of a material which strengthens the steel making it more guarded to rust.
Aluminum is another option that’s lightweight and durable. Most of these aluminum poles are powder-coated which help in decreasing their chance of corrosion. Aluminum will not break in high winds, although it can warp after extended exposure outside in windy areas. It also comes in a very large choice of finishes, which helps it coordinate with other furniture pieces to create a cozy outdoor living space.
Fiberglass
Outdoor umbrellas with fiberglass poles and frames are the most durable option available. It’s lightweight, strong and much more flexible than any other materials. Available in a large range of colors fiberglass poles can suit any style. Fiberglass is perfect for windy climates, it can bend around without breaking and it won’t rust or rot, making it one of the best options to suit any climate. Tilt and crank lift features are also available on most fiberglass umbrellas.
If you want to get ready for summer an outdoor umbrella is the best way to go. Hopefully this guide has helped you to determine which model will be best for your home and pocket. To view our large range of outdoor umbrellas and furniture visit our website today.
