Buying guide for best outdoor umbrellas
When the weather’s warm, spending time outdoors on your patio or deck is the perfect way to unwind. But if your yard doesn’t have much shade, the sun can get pretty hot when it beats down on you all day. With an outdoor umbrella, you can have cool, comfortable shade wherever you want it, so you’re able to eat, sit, and lounge outside as much as you like.
An outdoor umbrella is a large, sturdy umbrella that provides shade for a patio, deck, backyard, or other outdoor location. It’s made of materials that are durable enough to withstand the elements, so you don’t have to put it away when it rains. Many outdoor umbrellas are designed to fit through a hole in an outdoor dining table, but some models are freestanding and can be set up over lounge chairs, an outdoor sofa, or other patio furniture.
There are plenty of outdoor umbrellas to choose from, though, so it’s important to select the right one for your yard. That means figuring out the best size, style, materials, and other features to make sure that the umbrella can effectively shade your outdoor setting.
Fortunately, our buying guide has all the information you need to find the perfect outdoor umbrella for your yard. We’ve also included some specific umbrella recommendations to help get you started.
Key considerations
Size
Outdoor umbrellas are available in a range of sizes, which determine how much shade they provide. Because they’re usually set up over an outdoor table, you can usually figure out how large an umbrella you need based on the size of your table. In general, though, an outdoor umbrella should extend past your table or the area you wish it to cover by at least two feet on all sides.
Here are some general guidelines to help you decide how large an outdoor umbrella you need:
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A five- to seven-foot umbrella can accommodate a 30- to 36-inch table as well as four to five people standing.
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A seven- to nine-foot umbrella can accommodate a 36- to 48-inch table as well as six to seven people standing.
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A nine- to 11-foot umbrella can accommodate a 48- to 60-inch table as well as seven to eight people standing.
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An 11- to 13-foot umbrella can accommodate a 60- to 72-inch table as well as nine to 10 people standing.
Style
Outdoor umbrellas are available in several different styles, so you can choose an option that best fits your setup needs and the rest of your outdoor décor.
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Table or freestanding outdoor umbrellas feature a straight pole and a sturdy weighted base that allows the umbrella to stand. The pole can fit through the standard-size hole in most outdoor tables or be set up anywhere you need extra shade.
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Cantilever outdoor umbrellas have an arched design that allows you to position the umbrella’s base off to the side or behind your table or seating area while the umbrella’s canopy still covers the area.
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Wall-mounted outdoor umbrellas are attached to a pole that’s mounted on a wall. They’re an effective space-saving option, so they’re ideal for small patios, decks, and yards.
- Tilting outdoor umbrellas have a standard straight pole and sturdy base but the area where the umbrella mounts to the pole can tilt. That allows you to adjust the umbrella’s positioning based on where the sun moves over the course of a day.
Materials
The materials that an outdoor umbrella’s canopy and frame are made of are extremely important in determining how well it will hold up to the elements. For an outdoor umbrella’s canopy, several materials can work well:
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Sunbrella is an extremely common fabric for outdoor umbrella canopies because of its high durability. It’s weather- and water-resistant, and its colors won’t fade in the sun either. It’s available in a large range of colors and patterns, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for your umbrella, too.
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Acrylic is another highly durable fabric, but it doesn’t shrink or wrinkle as easily as other materials. It has a soft, lightweight feel and is available in a wide array of bold, bright colors. The one issue with acrylic umbrella canopies, though, is that they can be vulnerable to damage in high temperatures.
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Polyester is a synthetic material that’s durable, chemical-resistant, and dries quickly when wet. It takes dye extremely well, too, so polyester umbrellas are available in a wide array of colors and patterns.
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Canvas is a natural material, but it is an extremely durable, strong fabric that holds up well for outdoor use. It’s not naturally stain-, water-, or mildew-resistant, though, so it’s usually treated with a protective coating.
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Olefin is a synthetic material that’s durable, strong, and affordable. It doesn’t stain, tear, or fade easily and is also mildew-resistant.
Outdoor umbrella frames are typically made of three materials:
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Wooden umbrella frames are usually made of eucalyptus, teak, or treated hardwoods. They’re usually valued for appearance, though they are also naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage. They aren’t as durable as other options, though, and can wear down over time. However, a wooden frame is also extremely dense, so it holds up well to strong winds.
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Aluminum umbrella frames are more durable and affordable than wooden options, though they aren’t quite as attractive. They are lightweight but won’t break or snap even in strong winds. However, because they aren’t as dense as wooden frames, they can move around in heavy winds. Many aluminum frames are powder-coated, so they are resistant to corrosion and other damage.
- Fiberglass umbrella frames are an ideal option if you live in a windy area. That’s because fiberglass is pliable and can bend slightly, so it flexes in strong winds without snapping. It’s lighter and more durable than wooden and aluminum frames, too — but you will pay more for one.
Most outdoor umbrellas range from four to nine feet in length. During our investigation, we consider how the size of each piece works to provide the most coverage.
When researching umbrellas, size, weight, materials, and height all play an important role in determining which outdoor umbrella is best.
Most umbrella poles have the ability to swivel. We determine the range of motion that every umbrella has to provide shade at all points throughout the day.
Balance plays an important role in how well an umbrella can be utilized. We analyze every umbrella to look for pieces that stay upright and steady under small gusts of wind.
Lever-based umbrella systems can ensure that it is easy for everyone in the family to use. Our research looks to find what type of outdoor umbrellas are easy to open and close regularly.
Many products are meant to utilize the center hole of an outdoor dining table. We take our time to look for outdoor umbrellas that are compatible with patio and dining sets.
The weight of an umbrella and its stand play an important role in how it holds up in inclement weather. Our research takes a deep dive into how durable each option is.
Most umbrella poles are made from wood or metal. We weigh the pros and cons of each during our investigation.
Some umbrellas include built-in lighting systems. We research how bright these lights are and how well the design utilizes each bulb for the benefit of the user.
An umbrella not only needs to provide function but also has to look good while doing it. When vetting each outdoor umbrella we look for options that provide a wide range of color options.
Features
Lift style
An outdoor umbrella can be opened and closed depending on your needs. There are several different lift styles or mechanisms for opening an umbrella, though, with some being easier to use than others.
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A push-up system requires you to push a section of the umbrella pole upward to open it or pull it down to close. This type of lift requires the most strength and effort to operate, so it’s not a good option for seniors or individuals with hand, arm, or shoulder issues. Umbrellas with a push-up lift are usually more affordable, though.
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A pulley system features a wheel with a rope threaded through it to open and close the umbrella — you pull the rope to open and release the rope to close it. A pulley system doesn’t require as much physical effort as a push-up lift, though you’ll usually pay more for a lift-style umbrella.
- A crank system requires you to turn a crank in one direction to open the umbrella and the other direction to close it. It requires the least effort of all lift types, but umbrellas with a crank lift are usually the most expensive.
Lighting
Some outdoor umbrellas have lights built in beneath the canopy, so you can be sure that your table or sitting area is always properly illuminated. Most lighted umbrellas are battery-operated or solar-powered, which allows you to set up the umbrella anywhere without requiring an outlet to power the lights.
Vents
If you live in a windy area, opt for an outdoor umbrella with vents in its canopy. The vents allow air to flow through the umbrella, so it’s less likely to topple over in a strong gust.
Caution
If you experience any resistance when you’re opening an outdoor umbrella, don’t try to force it. Check the lift to see if any twigs or other debris are blocking the mechanism.
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Outdoor umbrella prices
Inexpensive
The most affordable outdoor umbrellas are typically five to nine feet in size. Models that feature a polyester or acrylic canopy and aluminum frame usually range from $35 to $75. Those that have a Sunbrella, Olefin, or canvas canopy and feature fiberglass or wooden frames typically cost between $75 and $199.
Mid-range
Mid-range outdoor umbrellas are usually nine to 11 feet in size. Models that feature a polyester or acrylic canopy and aluminum frame typically range from $145 to $330. Those that have a Sunbrella, Olefin, or canvas canopy and feature a fiberglass or wooden frame usually range from $330 to $680.
Expensive
The most expensive outdoor umbrellas are typically 11 feet in size or larger. Models that feature a polyester or acrylic canopy and aluminum frame usually cost between $300 and $825. Those that have a Sunbrella, Olefin, or canvas canopy and feature a fiberglass or wooden frame typically range from $825 to $1,499.
Tips
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To help your outdoor umbrella last as long as possible, close it when it’s not in use. Strong winds can damage the frame, breaking the ribs that give the canopy its shape.
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While most outdoor umbrellas are made of water-resistant materials, it’s best to keep it dry. Purchase a cover for your umbrella so you can protect it when it’s not in use.
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At the end of the season, make sure to store your outdoor umbrella in a dry location. A covered space like a garage, shed, or basement works best.
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When you’re storing your outdoor umbrella, keep it in an upright position. Placing it on its side may put too much weight on the frame and cause damage.
FAQ
Q. Are outdoor umbrellas portable?
A. Some outdoor umbrellas have foldable bases, so they’re easy to carry with you to the beach or park. Choose an aluminum or fiberglass frame, though, so the umbrella is as lightweight as possible. If you want an umbrella that’s easy to move around your yard or patio, you can also find models with wheels on the base so you can easily transport the umbrella from spot to spot.
Q. How should I clean an outdoor umbrella?
A. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the best way to clean your umbrella because the methods may vary based on the materials. In general, though, most outdoor umbrella canopies can be washed with water and gentle soap. Be sure to rinse the canopy thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before closing it to prevent mildew.
To clean an outdoor umbrella frame, use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris that might prevent it from opening and closing easily.
Q. Do outdoor umbrellas usually include a warranty?
A. Most outdoor umbrellas offer some type of warranty protection. For some models, that means a one-year warranty, while other manufacturers provide a lifetime guarantee for their product. However, most warranties don’t cover all damage, such as issues that result from exposure to strong winds, so be sure to read the terms carefully to fully understand what type of protection you have.
