Patio Umbrella Technical Guide

Buying a patio umbrella for your outdoor seating is a wise investment. They will become a vital part of your outdoor decor and are essential accessories to complete your patio look. When buying a commercial umbrella you need to take into account a number of factors which will affect your decision. This includes the size of your patio space, how your seating is arranged, how often you plan on using the umbrellas (do you need them year-round or just for seasonal use), your budget and price considerations.

There are several differences between commercial umbrellas and those made for residential use. The main difference between a commercial one and one that you can buy in your local store is that commercial umbrellas are generally larger and made for heavy use. Unlike outdoor umbrellas for the average home which are made to be used occasionally during the summer, commercial umbrellas are built for style and functionality. Also the quality of the parts such as the push lift mechanism, the ribs that hold up the canopy, the base and the canopy itself has to be of high quality built for rugged commercial use.

It’s important to first consider the size and placement of your outdoor patio umbrella so you can see if it is suitable for your business or not. By selecting the right-sized umbrella you can ensure you are providing adequate shade for your guests and maximizing usage of your patio space. It is best to measure your patio floor space and your commercial patio furniture. Knowing these measurements and the size of the umbrella will help you calculate how many you will need. This will also save you the time and hassle of having to return your umbrella if it is the wrong size.

The most common question we get from our customers is "How do I choose the right patio umbrella?”
Umbrellas are chosen primarily based on the area they need to shade so when talking about umbrella size we are talking about the canopy diameter. The ideal canopy should be about 3 ft bigger than the area you want to shade. However, if you have a large patio with several tables you might want an umbrella per table. This allows you to control which tables need the umbrella opened and which don’t depending on the weather and the placement of the seating. Below are the recommended canopy sizes based on the tables you have:

Table Size	Umbrella Size	Popular Table Sizes
Up to 30" with 2 chairs	7' Canopy	24" x 24", 30" x 30", 24" x 30", 24" Round, 30" Round
Up to 36" with 4 Chairs	9' Canopy	36" x 36", 30" x 48", 36" Round
Up to 48"-60" with 6 Chairs	11' Canopy	42" Round, 42" x 42", 30" x 60", 30" x 72", 48" Round, 48" x 48", 60" Round

There are various types of commercial umbrellas that may be better suited for your venue’s particular needs. A very popular type is the center-post umbrella. These umbrellas are sturdy, resistant and extremely versatile and have a design that allows plenty of room for patio chairs underneath. This is typically used at restaurants which have outdoor seating arrangements and the umbrella is in the center of the table. These typically feature a push lift or a push pulley to open and close the umbrella and the canopy has a vent and a finial.

The center-post umbrellas are used to shade individual seating sets rather than an entire area making them a cheaper alternative to shading an entire patio using a pergola for example. Unlike a pergola, which requires time and at least 2 people to put up and take down the center-post patio umbrellas are also easier to move around and store away when not in use making them ideal for venues that want to provide flexible shade.

When shopping for your large patio umbrella it is important to be familiar with the various parts and components as seen in the diagram below:

Umbrella Base

The base is responsible for stabilizing the umbrella and keeping it sturdy in all kinds of weather making it important to choose the right one to go with your umbrella. One that is too light or too small could raise safety concerns and affect its stability. At the same time, if you are planning on moving your tables frequently for storage, you don’t want a base that is too heavy or difficult to move. Our umbrella bases are made out of cast iron, steel covered concrete, and zinc coated. If you are going to be moving your umbrella frequently, it’s advisable to get one with casters.

Umbrella Pole

Umbrella poles come in different materials including hardwood, aluminum, steel and wrought iron. It is important to check the diameter and height of your patio umbrella pole before purchasing. For maximum stability your umbrella pole diameter should be as close as possible while still fitting the umbrella hole for your outdoor table. Most poles have a diameter ranging from 1.5” to 2.5”. If you choose a pole diameter of 1.5” the base diameter should be at least 1.5” and at most 0.25” larger. As a rule of thumb, your base diameter should not be more than 0.25” larger than your pole’s diameter.

Push Lift Mechanism

Our umbrellas are available with either a push or a push and pull lift combination for the larger canopies. The push lift is a mechanism which allows you to quickly push up the canopy by hand to open and retract it. Once opened the canopy is then held safely in place with a strong metal pin.

Push Pulley Lift Mechanism

The larger and heavier umbrella canopies also come with a taller pole making it more difficult to manually open and close them. The push and pull mechanism includes a pulley lift which has a braided rope on dual pulleys that bears the weight of the canopy allowing you to easily open it by hand. It also aids with reaching the top of the larger umbrellas which can be taller than the average height.

Ribs & Hubs

These are the components that support and hold up the canopy. They are typically made from the same materials as the pole, with hardwood, aluminum or fiberglass, but they can be made from other strong, durable materials such as steel. The material should be strong, waterproof and rustproof. The ribs are what holds up the canopy and must be strong enough to hold it up and withstand the wind and are kept in place using hubs (also known as crowns). Like the ribs, hubs can be made of powder-coated aluminum, wood, resin, fiberglass or steel.

Canopy

The canopy is the most important and visible part of your outdoor umbrella and can make a big impact on the look and style of your patio. This needs to be made of a sturdy UV resistant fabric that will shield your customers from the harsh sun, rain and other elements. UV resistant material will also be less prone to fading. This requires a thick fabric that will keep your umbrella looking like new for many years. Some canopies are made with marine-grade acrylic fabric that is especially tough and UV resistant. The fabric should also be waterproof and resistant to mold and mildew.

Olefin

Olefin is a synthetic fiber made from polypropylene material, known for its impressive strength, colorfastness, and comfort. This durable fabric offers excellent resistance to staining, mold, mildew, abrasion, and sunlight, making it an ideal choice for all-weather applications. Olefin textiles are widely recognized for their combination of quality and affordability. Compared to natural fibers, Olefin's synthetic fibers are significantly more robust and long-lasting, ensuring it holds up well under sustained outdoor use. The material is waterproof and provides full UV protection, which not only shields your guests from the sun but also helps prevent fading. For those seeking a cost-effective yet durable canopy option, Olefin fabrics offer a smart solution without sacrificing performance or style.

Pacifica

Designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, Pacifica provides exceptional UV protection, ensuring your furniture or umbrellas stay vibrant and functional for many years. With its superior durability, UV resistance, and elegant finish, Pacifica offers a premium look and feel at a mid-range price, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both style and longevity.

Sunbrella

Sunbrella is a premium fabric renowned for its superior durability and performance, making it the gold standard in outdoor materials. Made from high-quality acrylic yarn, Sunbrella fabric is engineered to withstand years of sun exposure without fading, offering exceptional color retention far superior to other outdoor materials. With a wide selection of colors and patterns, Sunbrella provides unmatched versatility for any design aesthetic. Sunbrella stands out with its 5 to 10-year guarantee for color retention and corrosion resistance, ensuring your investment lasts. This fabric provides full UV protection, with a high UPF rating that protects your guests from harmful sun exposure. As the most resilient and fade-resistant fabric available, Sunbrella guarantees long-lasting, vibrant color and durability even in the harshest outdoor environments. When it comes to premium outdoor canopies, Sunbrella is the top choice for those seeking unrivaled performance and protection.