A market umbrella, also known as a patio umbrella or outdoor umbrella, is a large umbrella typically used for shade and shelter in outdoor spaces. With their versatile design and durable construction, market umbrellas are a popular addition to backyard patios, pool decks, restaurants, and more. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about market umbrellas. After you’re done here, be sure to check out our patio umbrella buyer’s guide to make smart shopping decisions about all the many types of umbrellas out on the market today!
What is the Purpose and Definition of a Market Umbrella?
A market umbrella is designed to provide portable shade and shelter in outdoor areas. The canopy of fabric stretched over spoked ribs diffuses sunlight and protects from the sun’s UV radiation. The pole and stand allow the umbrella to stand freely wherever needed or be mounted into a fixed base.
Unlike the compact design of handheld umbrellas, market umbrellas feature canopies ranging from 6 to 11 feet in diameter. This expansive coverage shields multiple people and furniture from the harsh rays of the summer sun. The flexible tilting and rotation mechanisms allow adjustment of shade coverage throughout the day.
With UV protection, rain protection, and adjustable airflow, market umbrellas enable comfortable outdoor living in a range of environments and weather conditions. Wherever shade and shelter are needed, from patios to pools, a market umbrella can provide a refreshing escape from the sun.
What are the Benefits of Market Umbrellas?
Market umbrellas offer numerous functional and aesthetic benefits:
- Portable shade – Market umbrellas are freestanding structures that can provide shade wherever needed. Their portability makes shade available in areas without permanent cover.
- Protection from UV rays – Market umbrellas protect skin and eyes from harsh UV radiation that causes sunburns and long-term damage. Umbrella canopies block over 90% of UV rays.
- Rain and wind protection – Market umbrellas shelter outdoor spaces from light rain and winds, allowing enjoyment of the space in variable weather.
- Temperature regulation – By blocking sunlight, market umbrellas prevent surfaces and furniture from getting hot and keep air temperatures cooler.
- Ambiance РVibrant market umbrellas inject color, style, and d̩cor to enhance the aesthetics and ambiance of any outdoor area.
- Extended outdoor season – Market umbrellas allow for more time spent outdoors by providing comfort and shelter from spring into fall.
With versatility across many functions, market umbrellas are a smart investment for residential yards or commercial spaces like restaurants and resorts. The shelter they provide enables the enjoyment of outdoor living at its best.
What are the Key Features and Components of Market Umbrellas?
Market patio umbrellas share several key design features that allow them to provide portable shade:
Canopy
The expansive canopy is commonly 6 to 11 feet wide. It is made of fabrics like polyester, canvas, acrylic, or olefin that offer UV protection, water resistance, and durability. The large coverage area allows the umbrella to shade multiple people and furniture.
Ribs
The umbrella canopy is stretched over steel or fiberglass ribs that extend out from the central pole. Ribs are typically 6 to 8 in number and some have vents to allow airflow. The ribs provide support to keep the canopy taut and evenly shaped.
Pole
A steel or aluminum center pole connects to the ribs and allows the umbrella to stand upright. The height of the pole affects the amount of clearance under the canopy. Taller poles allow for more usable space underneath.
Tilt
Many outdoor market umbrellas have a tilt function to angle the canopy to optimize shade throughout the day. This is achieved through a push-button or crank tilt mechanism that allows the canopy to be easily adjusted.
Base
The base provides the stability and weight needed to keep the umbrella upright in wind and rain. Bases can be portable or permanent mounts secured into the ground or deck. Sturdy bases prevent tipping.
Operating Mechanism
This allows easy raising, lowering, and tilting of the umbrella with features like pulleys, cranks, and auto-tilt functions. Smooth operating mechanisms make it simple to position the canopy.
The combination of these key components creates a sturdy, highly functional sun shelter perfect for outdoor spaces. The features work together to provide portable shade wherever needed.
How Do Market Umbrellas Differ from Traditional Umbrellas?
While the handheld umbrellas used for rain and portable sun protection share the same basic function as market umbrellas, the two types differ greatly in their size, construction, and use cases:
- Size – With small canopies under 3 feet wide, handheld umbrellas provide individual cover. Market umbrellas measure 6 to 11 feet and shelter groups.
- Build – Handheld umbrellas have light folding frames for quick use on the go. Market umbrellas have heavy-duty steel or aluminum frames engineered for permanent outdoor installation.
- Purpose – Handheld umbrellas’ prime goal is rain protection and portability. Market umbrellas prioritize sun protection, durability, and adjustable shade coverage.
- Location – Handheld umbrellas are carried; market umbrellas have stands allowing placement wherever shade is needed.
- Use cases – Handheld umbrellas are used for commuting and a temporary rain shelter. Market umbrellas furnish ongoing sun and rain protection in fixed outdoor locations.
While the compact collapsible umbrellas are ideal for toting around town, market umbrellas reign supreme when it comes to providing durable shelter from the elements in an outdoor living space.
The Origins and History of Market Umbrellas
Like the long legacy of handheld umbrellas, the earliest market umbrellas can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations across Asia, Egypt, Greece and Rome that used large canopied structures for shelter and shade. The umbrella form carried cultural significance related to status, power, and protection.
By the 19th century, ornamental garden umbrellas became popular in Europe before spreading to America. These left their mark on many celebrated paintings and photographs of outdoor scenes from the era. Early American market umbrellas mimicked European aristocratic styles with colors and fringed edges.
But it was the rise of casual outdoor patio culture in mid-century America that made the market umbrella ubiquitous. Suburban backyards and restaurants were furnished with the iconic round shades on pole stands. Technological advancements led to user-friendly crank and auto-tilt features.
Over the decades, styles diversified from classic solids to vibrant patterns and shapes beyond round. Durable fade- and mildew-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella revolutionized the look, longevity, and ease of market umbrellas. 21st-century umbrellas continue getting sleeker, smarter, and more customizable for residential and commercial customers.
The market umbrella remains an iconic fixture for outdoor living after centuries of cultural presence and design evolution.
Common Types and Styles of Market Umbrellas
Market umbrellas come in an exciting range of shapes, sizes, and styles:
Round – The classic circular canopy is the most common, providing even coverage across the interior.
Square – The square canopy offers a distinctive style. Corners maximize coverage of seating arranged in square patterns.
Rectangle – Perfect for shading long tables and seating rows. The elongated canopy provides directed shade.
Octagon – Eight evenly spaced sides allow flexible angular shade coverage. Octagonal umbrellas work well with various furniture configurations.
Cantilever – Offer full coverage without a center pole. Useful for shading tables and unobstructed views. In the industry, we actually view this as a category of umbrella that is separate from “market umbrellas”. To learn more about what makes a cantilever umbrella, read our post on “What is a Cantilever Umbrella“.
Double Top – Two-tiered canopies provide extra shade. The top canopy lifts to regulate shade.
Drape – Umbrellas with swagged fabric on the edges for a decorative elegant look.
Wooden – Handcrafted wood market umbrellas with natural style. Typically made with eucalyptus or teak wood.
The diverse shapes, sizes from 3 to 15 feet, and decorative styles give consumers many options to choose the ideal market umbrella to suit their space and tastes.
Popular High-Quality Brands of Market Umbrellas
Many reputable brands craft quality market umbrellas:
- Treasure Garden – A leader in sleek, contemporary market umbrella designs with patented easy-glide ribs, auto-tilt, and weather-resistant fabrics.
- Galtech – Focusing on value-based umbrellas with solutions for windy conditions like flex fiberglass ribs and vented canopies.
- Tuuci – Known for sleek, minimalist designs, Tuuci uses durable materials like marine-grade polymers to craft contemporary outdoor living products with long-lasting strength and style.
- Shademaker – market umbrellas feature unique mechanisms like foldable elbows and self-standing legs to provide flexible shade solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
- Jardinico – Combining European-inspired elegance with durability, Jardinico market umbrellas elevate outdoor decor through details like aluminum ribs, tasteful patterns, and natural wood elements.
- Frankford – Umbrellas are made in America with commercial-grade steel frames, marine-grade fabrics, and innovative wind-venting for maximum stability in rough weather.
- ARTiculated Shade – This company’s award-winning market umbrellas feature patented ShadeTEK systems that articulate into multiple configurations for customizable shade coverage.
With so many quality options, consumers can find the ideal durable and stylish market umbrella to enhance their space based on budget, aesthetics, and functionality.
Where to Buy Market Umbrellas
With so many options for quality market umbrellas, it can get overwhelming to determine the best place to purchase. As your local patio furniture expert, Patio Productions offers an extensive selection of market umbrellas to suit any style and budget.
Stroll through our showroom, full of vibrant umbrella canopy colors and designs that will inject personality into your outdoor space. Our knowledgeable staff can help determine the perfect size, shape and features to provide shade precisely where you need it. Test functionality by pushing our display models to raise, lower and tilt – crucial hands-on experience before investing in such an important outdoor living feature.
We carry reputable high-end brands like Treasure Garden and Tuuci that we trust to withstand the elements thanks to their weather-resistant construction.
While big box stores and online websites promise convenience, nothing beats the individualized service and expertise provided by local specialty patio retailers. We tailor selections to your unique needs from our carefully curated umbrella inventory.
For the biggest selection of durable, stylish market umbrellas in San Diego, paired with personalized service, visit Patio Productions before making this vital outdoor living purchase. Let our market umbrella experts ensure you’ll enjoy sun-shaded days in total comfort for years to come.
Tips for Choosing the Right Market Umbrella
Selecting the perfect market umbrella for your space requires careful consideration of several factors. Take measurements of your outdoor area to help determine the ideal canopy size and necessary clearance around furniture. An undersized umbrella will provide inadequate shade, while an oversized option takes up too much space. Standard canopy sizes range from 6 feet for small bistro sets up to 11 feet for maximum coverage of large seating groups.
Also, assess the shape and layout of your furniture. A round umbrella efficiently casts a circle of shade but leaves the corners of square arrangements uncovered. Opt for a matching square or rectangular umbrella for those right-angled furniture configurations. If arranging seating in multiple directions, an octagonal umbrella could neatly fit the bill.
Don’t forget to account for your local climate. In windy regions, seek out market umbrellas with thick sturdy aluminum or wooden poles reinforced to withstand gusts. Vent flaps in the canopy allow wind to pass through rather than catching the fabric. Quality manufacturers offer umbrellas rated for wind resistance and back products with reassuring warranties.
While functionality comes first when selecting a market umbrella, the options for style and flair are endless. From muted solids to bold multicolored stripes and geometric patterns, vibrant fabric designs turn the umbrella into a decorative focal point. Or choose a neutral sun-bleached look for those seeking shade without the splash. Complement wood furnishings with a matching natural wood frame for an earthy feel or pick bright colors that pop against neutral backgrounds. The market umbrella choices are vast – unleash creativity to fit both aesthetic vision and functional needs for an outdoor oasis.
Caring for Your Market Umbrella
Market umbrellas thrive when given proper seasonal treatment and care. Before enjoying that new umbrella, allow it to air out in the sunshine to prevent getting lightheaded from manufacturing chemicals that may cling to the fabric. Inspect the umbrella at the start of each season, checking for damage or wear to the canopy fabric, ribs, seams and moving parts that may need repair before withstanding months of use.
While built to withstand the elements, market umbrella canopies still require occasional cleaning with a gentle wash using mild soap and lukewarm water. Allow the fabric to fully air dry before closing to prevent any moisture from becoming trapped. Help fabrics maintain their vibrancy by applying a UV protectant spray designed for outdoor use, which restores water resistance and prevents stubborn stains.
Take care of metal frames by wiping down aluminum or stainless steel poles as needed with a soft dry cloth to remove dirt and debris that may lead to rust and corrosion over time. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For optimal smooth function, keep moving parts like tilt levers lubricated with silicone spray. But beware of over-lubricating to prevent messy drips.
When menacing weather approaches, take time to properly secure the umbrella. Strap the closed canopy or remove the fabric completely to protect it from violent winds that can whip and shred the fabric. Store upside down in a protected covered location like a garage or shed during the offseason. With diligent care and maintenance, a quality market umbrella will impart lasting shade and style to your outdoor living space for years of enjoyment.
Creative Uses for Market Umbrellas Beyond the Patio
While residential patios and restaurant seating constitute the traditional uses of market umbrellas, their versatile portability lends well to other applications:
- Poolside shade – Position near lounge chairs to block harsh sunlight.
- Backyard events – Use for graduations, weddings, picnics, and parties.
- Sporting events – Provide parents and fans shade at games and tournaments.
- Public spaces – Parks, open-air markets, and sidewalk cafes.
- Camping – An oversized beach umbrella is an ideal shelter for camping trips.
- Beach – For quick sun breaks away from the water. Look for umbrellas with sand-filled bases.
- Boating – On-board shade for days at the lake or beach trips off the boat.
- Advertising – Vibrant personalized umbrellas help companies stand out at outdoor events.
The convenience and mobility of market umbrellas enable creative shade solutions for diverse situations beyond just household patios. Unleash the possibilities and think outside the box for personalized uses.
Common Materials Used in Market Umbrella Construction
Market umbrellas stand up to weather by using quality construction materials:
- Fabric Canopy – Polyester like Sunbrella is most popular for its fade, mold, and mildew resistance. Olefin and acrylic are other good waterproof options.
- Ribs – Steel or fiberglass evenly support the canopy without flexing. Fiberglass flexes slightly in the wind preventing inversion.
- Center Pole – Powder-coated aluminum makes an excellent lightweight and rust-resistant pole. Steel offers the greatest durability.
- Base – Concrete blocks or resin weigh down portable bases. Permanent options are stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum.
- Operating Mechanisms – Corrosion-resistant metals like stainless steel and brass give the smoothest motion.
By choosing weather-appropriate materials, market umbrellas gain longevity in outdoor settings despite the elements.
Typical Sizes and Dimensional Options of Market Umbrellas
Market umbrellas come in a range of sizes to provide the ideal coverage area for different outdoor spaces:
| Umbrella Size | Canopy Width | Height | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | 3-4 ft | 36 in | Small bistro sets |
| Medium | 6-7 ft | 84 in | Smaller dining sets |
| Large | 8-9 ft | 108 in | Full dining sets |
| Extra Large | 10-11 ft | 120 in | Very large seating groups |
| Jumbo | 12+ ft | Varies | Commercial applications |
The variety of market umbrella sizes allows homeowners and businesses to choose the perfect canopy dimensions to shade their furniture configurations and outdoor areas. Consider your unique needs when selecting the right market umbrella size.
Ir spaces without breaking budgets by selecting the appropriately priced umbrella quality for needed permanence.
What Are the Typical Price Ranges of Market Umbrellas?
Market Umbrella FAQs
Got questions about market umbrellas? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between a market umbrella and a regular umbrella?
What size market umbrella is best?
How do market umbrellas provide sun protection?
How long do market umbrellas last?
What features make market umbrellas wind resistant?
Can market umbrellas be left outside in winter?
What is the best way to clean a market umbrella?
How much do market umbrellas typically cost?
Summary Video: What is a market umbrella?
Todd is a co-owner of Patio Productions and has worked extensively in the furniture industry since 2002, when he started a company that designed and manufactured bathroom vanities. He now has a hand in all online business operations, including keeping tabs on industry trends and making sure Patio Productions remains an innovative leader in the outdoor furniture space. He lives just outside of Denver, Colorado with his wife, two boys, and two dogs. They live on a lake where they can make the most of the outdoor lifestyle. His favorite patio furniture sets are his Harmonia Living sectionals.
