Patio Umbrella
Key Characteristics
- ✓Adjustable tilt mechanism for sun tracking
- ✓Crank or pulley lift system
- ✓UV-protective canopy fabric
- ✓Center pole or offset mounting
- ✓Vented canopy for wind resistance
- ✓Weighted base for stability
Types & Variations
Common Materials
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Center the umbrella over the primary dining or seating area, ensuring the canopy extends at least 12 inches beyond the table edge on all sides. In windy locations, choose a vented canopy design and use a base that weighs at least 50 pounds.
💡 Pro Tip
Always close your patio umbrella when not in use and during any wind gusts over 15 mph. More umbrellas are damaged by wind than by sun or rain, and the leverage force on an open canopy can bend poles, snap ribs, or even damage the table below.
Related Terms
Cantilever Umbrella
An offset patio umbrella with a side-mounted pole and weighted base that provides unobstructed shade without a center pole blocking the seating area.
Outdoor Dining Set
A coordinated ensemble of a table and chairs built from weather-resistant materials for al fresco dining on patios, decks, or garden terraces.
Outdoor Coffee Table
A low, weather-resistant table placed in outdoor seating areas to hold drinks, books, and decorative items, available in materials from teak to powder-coated aluminum.