One of the most popular choices to add some shade and shelter to your outdoor environment is the patio umbrella. There are essentially two types of patio umbrellas: freestanding umbrellas and patio table umbrellas. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but the most common type of umbrella is probably the patio table umbrella, which attaches to the center of your patio table. Many patio table models come equipped with umbrellas, but there are many other options available to you. Quite a number of patio tables possess standard sized mounting holes in their centers so that you may choose whatever umbrella suits your fancy to place in your table.
Umbrellas with tilting heads are wonderful purchases, as they allow you to adjust the umbrella according to the angle of the sun. Tilting abilities differ between the different types of umbrella frames that are available. You can get a patio umbrella with either a metal or a wood frame. The use of a crank lift or push button tilt generally opens the first ones; these mechanisms allow you to tilt the umbrella in a number of positions. Wooden framed umbrellas, on the other hand, are rather limited in their rotating abilities and the number of positions to which they can be tilted because they use something like a pulley system to open.
Other particular models are pop-up umbrellas, which are similar to the umbrella you use when going out in the rain; you slide a metal sleeve up the pole and lock it into place to extend the umbrella. There are also high wind models; these models use flexible fiberglass ribs and not wooden or metal ones. The fiberglass is capable of bending under stress and bouncing back to its original position without being damage.
There are many different types of fabrics used that come in a splendid assortment of colors and patterns; these fabrics are also made to be durable, with most being weather proof and UV resistant. There are also rip-resistant fabrics. Most fabrics are also colorfast and mold and mildew resistant. A popular choice among homeowners is breathable fabric, which stays cool even under the sun.
There are three different types of tilt for a patio umbrella: a crank tilt, a collar tilt, and a push button tilt. With the crank tilt, you must use a crank to position the umbrella; with the push button tilt mechanism, you must push and hold a button to adjust the position of your patio umbrella. Table umbrellas often have the collar tilt, the most common variety, because it is quite simple; a mere rotation of the patio umbrella collar is all that is needed to position it.
Make sure you choose the right size umbrella for your table. Some experts claim that you should purchase an umbrella that is five feet larger than the area that you wish to shade. Other experts claim that the umbrella should match the table it will be shading for a more balanced look. Obviously, you need to coordinate your umbrella with your table, be it a small café patio table and umbrella made of glass or a patio umbrella and table for a larger set up.
Even if your patio umbrella is on a table, a necessary accessory is a patio stand, essential in preventing your umbrella from tipping over and taking the table and everything on the table along with it. The patio stand acts as an anchor to secure your patio umbrella; table or patio umbrella stands, however can also be decorative besides being functional.
Umbrella stands are heavily weighted at the base and most often come in steel or cast-iron, while there are models made of heavy-duty plastic. Whatever material stands are made of, they come in a large selection of colors and finishes, adding to the décor of your outdoor environment. Indeed, you will most likely encounter no difficulty in finding an umbrella stand style that will match the style of your existing patio furnishings.
Remember to close your umbrella when not in use and cover it, especially if there is a high chance of inclement weather; this is essential to protecting your patio umbrella. A table cover in an octagon shape, or a simple oval or round table cover should also be placed on the table to protect it. If you’re searching for a patio table umbrella, patio table umbrella parts, or other patio table umbrella accessories, such as a rechargeable patio table umbrella light or a patio table umbrella candleholder, you can find them online or anywhere patio furniture is sold.
