Editors Note: Updated September, 2018
Patio umbrellas are vital parts of your outdoor decor and are among the most desired outdoor furniture accessories to complete your patio’s look. They come in many different sizes, styles, weights, shapes, and forms. If you’ve ever purchased a cheap personal umbrella, you know that you’re in for a surprise. In the same way, investing in a quality outdoor umbrella will make sure that your time is spent enjoying conversations with close friends instead of chasing umbrellas across the yard.
To be sure you’re not disappointed with your next patio umbrella, check out this comprehensive Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide that will teach you everything about patio umbrellas! By the time you’re done with it, you’ll be an outdoor umbrella expert!
Table of Contents (Click to Jump to Section)
Patio umbrella LED Underlighting for outdoor dining events.
Section A. Patio Umbrella Dimensions
- What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy?
- Patio Umbrella Pole Diameter
- Umbrella Base
- Tilting Umbrellas
- Cantilever Umbrellas
- Table & Free-Standing Umbrellas
Section C. Fabrics & Materials
- How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size
- What Size Patio Umbrella for 48″ Table?
- What Size Patio Umbrella for 42″ Table?
- What Size Umbrella for 54″ Table?
- Who Makes the Best Patio Umbrellas?
- Patio Umbrella Wood vs. Aluminum
Section A. Patio Umbrella Dimensions
1. What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy?
The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. How much space do you need? What’s your budget? How much space do you have available? These are all things that must be taken into consideration before purchasing an outdoor umbrella. Choosing an over sized umbrella will be overwhelming and throw off the balance of your outdoor arrangement.
Your umbrella should typically extend over your dining table by 2 feet on each side. If you have a 4 foot rounded table, this means you need an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter. Below are some simple solutions courtesy of Lisa Hallet Taylor from PoolandPatio.About.com.
- Table = 30-36 inches — Umbrella = 6-8 feet
- Table = 38-48 inches — Umbrella =9-11 feet
- Table = 54-60 inches — Umbrella 11 feet or larger
2. Patio Umbrella Pole Height
The height of your umbrella is another important factor. You want enough clearance so that taller individuals don’t have to stoop down when they are under the umbrella. Still it can’t be so high that the shade is covering your dog instead of you! In general, you want your umbrella to be at least 7 feet tall. You can also look for patio umbrella’s with tilting and cantilever functions to adjust where the shade lands. We’ll talk about that in the section below.
3. Umbrella Bases
The Monaco 100 lb. Umbrella Base comes with wheels that make it maneuverable and easy to move.
The base of your umbrella is one of the most important factors. If your base is not heavy enough, your umbrella will flop and fly in the wind. Below you can find the suggested Umbrella Base Weight Recommendations:
- 20 lb. Base – Used for smaller table umbrellas. Only suitable for 6′ table umbrellas.
- 30 lb Base – Used for 6.5′ table umbrellas.
- 40 lb Base – Minimum weight for free standing umbrellas up to 4.5′. Can be used for table umbrellas up to 7.5′.
- 50 lb Base – Accommodates up to 7.5′ free standing outdoor umbrellas. Can also be used for table umbrellas up to 9′.
- 70+ lb Base – These bases can be used for most free standing umbrellas up to 11′. If you live in areas that experience high winds, you should consider a commercial cantilever outdoor umbrella.
Santa Ana winds can wreak havoc on a backyard party. You don’t want to be the host that has to stand on the base of the patio umbrella every time the wind picks up. Do yourself a favor and order one of these weighted patio umbrella bases that won’t move!
Section B. Types of Umbrellas
1. Tilting Umbrellas
The 11′ Octagon Collar Tilt Umbrella from Treasure Garden
As the sun moves, the angle changes the projection of the shade. This can be a hassle. You don’t want to play musical chairs and have everyone rearrange their seats every 30 minutes just to remain in the shade. Bright idea, move the umbrella instead of the party! A tilting patio umbrella lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella. They’re definitely worth the money.
2. Cantilever Umbrellas
Cantilever Patio Umbrellas are similar to tiling umbrellas but they offer an increased range of motion. They are the deluxe version when it comes to patio umbrellas. Cantilever umbrellas are the commercial models used to furnish Five Star Hotels. They are extremely sturdy and capable of handling anything that Mother Nature can throw at them.
Cantilevers are the ultimate option for those who want the best of the best. Not only is the base very heavy, everything from the frame to the fabric of the umbrellas fan is made of heavy-duty materials to prevent tearing. Cantilever umbrellas offer full functionality, allowing you to move your umbrella up and down and side to side. The 10′ Deluxe Square Cantilever Umbrella is one of the most popular models.
3. Table & Free-Standing Umbrellas
There are table and free-standing umbrellas. Most tables use a standard 1.75″ hole for patio umbrellas but it’s always a good idea to check to make sure. 1.75″ is the standard size for Treasure Gardens Umbrellas. Sometimes, umbrella poles are 2″. You can find a umbrella hole reducer ring like these from Home Depot to make the hole smaller. These work well for dining tables. Free-standing outdoor umbrellas are ideal for poolside furnishings.
Section C. Fabrics & Materials – Best Patio Umbrella Fabric
Click here to view all Sunbrella Fabric Options.
Just like the fabrics of your outdoor furniture, you need to make sure that the fabrics and materials used on your umbrella meet all-weather requirements. If you live in windy areas, you may want to consider fiberglass umbrellas that are flexible and are designed to bend slightly. Likewise, aluminum is very durable and is still a viable option.
As far as fabrics go, you’ll want to look for a few key phrases that will indicate a quality outdoor umbrella. All weather, waterproof and UV resistant fabrics, and breathable designs that prevent mold and mildew are highly recommended. Sunbrella is the most well-known names in outdoor fabrics. They began making awning in the early 1960’s. They now make fabrics for umbrellas as well. Learn more about Sunbrella Fabrics.
Buy Patio Umbrella Covers Here.
For more insight, I’d suggest these Additional Patio Umbrella Resources:
- Buying Guide: Find The Best Outdoor Patio Umbrella For Your Home
- What to Look for While Shopping for Some Shade
- How to Pick a Patio Umbrella That Performs
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size
- Fully extend your umbrella so all ribs are completely fanned out. Measure from the top of the rib arm to the bottom of the rib arm. This will give you the radius of the umbrella. Now multiply this measurement by 2 to get the total diameter of your patio umbrella.
As you can see above, the umbrella “ribs” are the long wood/metal rods that extend from the pole to the edge of the umbrella. Umbrella ribs are used to measure the size of a umbrellas.
- What Size Patio Umbrella for 48″ Table?
- A 48″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 11′.
- Q: What Size Patio Umbrella for 42″ Table?
- A 42″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 10′.
- Q: What Size Umbrella for 54″ Table?
- A 54″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 11′ or larger.
- Who Makes the Best Patio Umbrellas?
- Treasure Garden, Bambrella, California Umbrella, and Hospitality Rattan make the best patio umbrellas.
- Patio Umbrella Wood vs. Aluminum
- Aluminum is more durable than traditional wood umbrella poles however, wood offers a higher density so it stays put if you are experiencing high winds. Aluminum is lightweight, making it easy to move and is often powder coated to make it rust-resistant. This means that you won’t have to worry about any weather related deterioration. If you’re considering wood, Bambrella makes an exclusive line of bamboo umbrellas that are incredibly durable. Their umbrellas are resistant to warping, splitting, rotting, molding, or mildewing, and will neither splinter or leach
No More Fighting for a Spot in the Shade
The 12′ x 12′ Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella from Treasure Gardens.
It’s quite plausible to replace a gazebo with Treasure Garden’s Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella. You’ll still be able to enjoy evening dinners under a covered area with a few additional perks. For one, you can take this umbrella with you in the case that you had to move. Luxury drapes provide privacy and give you the VIP Cabana feeling for a fraction of the cost to build a gazebo.
More Patio Furnishing Buying Guides
About the Author
Cheryl Khan is an interior designer and avid freelancer who enjoys tanning poolside while enjoying a good book! She encourages people to become more socially-conscious buyer in an effort to change the beauty of the world around them! Follow her on Twitter.
How much material would I need for a 10 foot outdoor umbrella
Hey Nancy – that depends. You want to use a custom fabric for an existing umbrella frame you already have? What is the shape of the frame, i.e. is it designed as a market umbrella for a round or octagonal canvas shape, or is it a cantilever frame designed for a square or rectangular shape, or something else? The geometry of the resulting canvas based on what your umbrella frame can support will determine how much material you need for the canvas.
I cannot find the diameter of the pole that extends from the base for the umbrella. I have a table with a 1 & 7/8″
opening. My umbrella has a 1&1/2 dia. pole. The table bottom is 6″ to the cut hole from the ground . Is there a base that will slide though that hole and fit the umbrellas 1&1/2″ pole?
When describing an umbrella base as a “50 lb base” are you saying that the base actually weighs 50 lbs, or that it can handle 50 lbs of weight/force to keep the umbrella stable? I had assumed you meant the weight of the base, but some website imply that its the latter. I have a 7′ x 9′ umbrella and would like to make sure my base is heavy enough. It’s in a table. Thank you –
The weight refers to the weight of the base itself. If it’s in a table, that will help reduce any sway but there is always the danger of the wind simply picking up the umbrella and carrying it away. This could damage your table if it’s made of glass. Therefore, it’s important to have a base with the proper weight to ensure the umbrella doesn’t just fly away.
Please refer to our Buyer’s Guide for more help. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We are glad to help.
https://www.patioproductions.com/blog/patio-furniture/patio-umbrella-buyers-guide/
What size rectangular umbrella would I need for a rectangular table measuring 66″x40″?
For a table of that size an 11 ft. umbrella is recommended.
Check out our Patio Umbrella Buyer’s Guide for more information. If you have any more questions don’t be afraid to ask. We’ll be glad to help.
https://www.patioproductions.com/blog/patio-furniture/patio-umbrella-buyers-guide/
Can you clarify for me. In #1 above, you say that a 4 ft diameter table (48″) would require an 8 ft umbrella (2 ft added on each side). Then in the examples you show that a 48″ table (4 ft) would need an 11 ft umbrella! Why wouldn’t it need an 8 ft umbrella as in the explanation verbiage?
Thank you.
Sorry for any confusion. You can use an umbrella between 8 ft and 11 ft for a 48″ table. It’s really up to your personal preference. Some people prefer a wider umbrella because they like the extra shade it provides.
A free standing tilting umbrella just with a base is enough to hold straight? Or a table is recommended so the umbrella doesn’t fall? Could a heavier base helpful. I can’t go with a cantilever umbrella since hey only come in diameter of 10 feet whereas my patio is only 7.5 feet. Thanks.
Great question. I own a freestanding tilting umbrella myself and would definitely recommend using a table. The problem with tilting umbrellas is once you start tilting them the weight is shifted to the side, making them easy to tip over. Add wind into the equation and it gets even worse, especially if the umbrella is tilted, catching the wind like a sail. A table does a great job of providing much needed support around the pole’s mid-section. A heavier base can be helpful, but might not be as practical. Especially if you plan on moving the umbrella around. Hope this helps.
I have a rectangular table that is 132″x48″. Do I need to special order an umbrella? What size would you recommend? Thanks!
The rule of thumb says the umbrella should extend at least 2 feet beyond the edge of a table on each side. Therefore, you would need a 15×8 foot rectangular umbrella for an 11×4 foot rectangular table. Umbrellas larger than 13 feet become harder to find so you may need to special order. Since your table is so large, another option you may want to consider are shade sails. They are very affordable and can cover large areas easily.
I have a 10ft. sq. deck. I don’t an umbrella table, so what size and kind are best suited for the deck. If i get a tilted one, what sort of base is needed and weight size.?
What are the exact dimensions of your deck? The length and width of your deck will determine the best size umbrella to use.
I have a 59″ square table. Can I use a 11 ft rectangule umbrella? Thanks
A rectangular umbrella with a square table can be tricky because you want to make sure the umbrella provides enough shade for everyone. But as long as your umbrella extends the recommended 2 feet beyond the edge of the table on each side then you should be fine.
What size umbrella would I need for my deck which is 5ft wide
The rule of thumb is that you want the umbrella to extend 2 feet on each side of the space you want to cover. So for a 5ft wide space, a 9ft wide umbrella is recommended.
I have a cantilever type and the top flops all over in the wind. Soultion?
Some manufacturers recommend not using your cantilever umbrella at all if it is flopping around in the wind. They are typically made of heavy metal, so the potential for danger is definitely there, and it could also damage the canopy. Wind damage or acts of nature aren’t covered by warranty either.
Can you place a square 10′ cantilever umbrella in a corner and what clearance measurements would I need?
You can place a cantilever umbrella in a corner but you may be limiting the mobility. After all, a great reason for having a cantilever is the ability to rotate and adjust it where you need it. I would recommend taking a close look at the dimensions of each umbrella you’re considering. Different models can have different clearance measurements even if they are the same umbrella size.
Hi,
our rooftop deck is 9’x13′ and we’d love to cover half of it. We’re in NYC, so looking for a solid solution.
What size would you recommend for umbrella and base? And I assume we should stay away from cantilever/tilting solutions for safety reasons?
I’m a little overwhelmed buy making the right decision… 🙂
As long as you don’t use it in windy conditions and don’t leave it alone unattended with the umbrella open then a cantilever umbrella can work just fine. The rule of thumb is that the edge of the umbrella should extend 2 feet beyond the space you want to shade on every side. The best thing would be to figure out exactly what space you want to shade, and then go from there. Covering half of your rooftop (4.5’x6.5′) would only provide adequate coverage for a space of (.5’x2.5′). To provide shade for the amount of space you’re talking about, you would need to cover most of rooftop.
We have a smaller rectangle table do you have to do a rectangle umbrella or can you do a larger circle umbrella?
As long as the umbrella provides the coverage desired then it should be perfectly fine. Remember the rule of thumb, an umbrella should extend 2 feet beyond each side of the table to provide adequate shade.
I have an 8 ft diameter octagon table. What size umbrella should I get?
A 13′ Octagon Cantilever Umbrella will work great. Remember the rule of thumb, 2 feet past the edge of the table on each side.
I have 40″ x 80″ patio dining table and am confused about what size/shape of umbrella I should be getting. Would a round 9ft or 11ft umbrella work?
The rule of thumb is you want the umbrella to extend 2 feet beyond each edge of the table. So for a 80″ table (approximately 6.7′), an 11 foot umbrella should be enough for your needs.
i am looking for a patio umbrella cover for a 7 foot umbrella. It must have an enclosed high reach rod so that I can put the cover on easily. It must be waterproof. Sounds simple, but I cannot find one. I have on from Treasure Island (now out of business) which is perfect but is old and finally falling apart after about 15 years.
Unfortunately we don’t carry any patio umbrella covers with an enclosed high reach rod, but I was able to find a few on Amazon after a quick search for “patio umbrella cover with rod” Good luck on your search.
I will keep in mind when i will go to buy an outdoor umbrella. Thanks for sharing this information!!!!
My table has an opening of 1 3/8 inch opening. I cannot find an umbrella with this small an opening. I did 4 years ago but not anymore. Could I employ someone to make it bigger by cutting the fiberglass? Thank you.
Nowadays the typical size of an umbrella pole is 1.5″, with umbrella holes being slightly larger (around 1 3/4″) to be able to accommodate them. Thankfully fiberglass is a material that can be cut if necessary. Just be sure to use the right tools and procedures or employ someone who is knowledgeable.
Can I use a table top umbrella as a free standing umbrella?
Yes you can, as long as the umbrella is properly supported with a heavy enough base than it should work just fine.
I gave a 75 kb concrete umbrella base. I want to buy a free standining umbrella for our deck. What size umbrella will this support
I have a umbrella with wood frame the pole is three inch does any body sell this any more cannot find one.
The most we have on our website are wooden frames with 2.25 inch poles. I tried searching online myself and I didn’t have any luck either. It could be that they just don’t make them like that anymore. Here are the umbrellas I mentioned:
Rectangular Umbrella
Round Umbrella
I need to replace the pole that attaches to the base for the umbrella stand. Dilly of a time finding that. The one that broke at the weld is 12″ long 2″ diameter and the nut that connects the pole to the base is 1/2″ dia. Can you help?
If you’re a costumer of ours we can try to contact the manufacturer and see if the pole is covered by warranty and find a replacement. Otherwise, it is hard to make a recommendation without knowing the maker and model of the umbrella.
Unfortunately, we don’t offer any replacement parts for umbrellas on our website.
you recommended Bambrella great if you wanto spend $1000 on a umbrella get real
When it comes to commercial outdoor furniture, the price is always going to be higher than what is meant for a residential consumer. Being used in high traffic areas such as hotels, spas, and restaurants requires furniture that can hold up to the abuse. This requires strong, high quality materials. Bambrella even goes above and beyond to test their umbrellas in high speed wind tunnels with winds upward of 120+ mph. Most manufacturers recommend folding away the umbrella at much lower wind speeds for fear of snapping. You can definitely get yourself a much less expensive umbrella for around a few hundred dollars. If you only take it out once a year for the occasional get together that may be all you need.
My cantilever umbrella collapsed/closed during some wild winds. I now cannot wind it back up/open it again. I do not know the brand as I inherited it. I judge it to be several years old. Do you think it is beyond repair?
I need to purchase the umbrella portion only – the arm, pole and base are still in wonderful shape. Can I just purchase the umbrella portion only, Is this possible?
That’s a great question. Your first option would be to contact the manufacturer and ask. But even if they do, you’ll likely have to pay to ship the umbrella to the manufacturer for repair and then pay again to have it shipped back. For an outdoor umbrella this can easily add up to a few hundred dollars, depending on the size/weight. If you’re very handy there’s also the DIY option but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you really know what you’re doing. And the fabric alone can cost you as much as a new umbrella.
When it comes to outdoor umbrellas, the fabric is usually the most expensive part of umbrella unfortunately.
What about the height of the table? We have a 27″ H table along with 38″ H table. Do all umbrella heights fit both?
I moved to a new house, and have a concrete patio round table with the hole. Unfortunately that hole is filled with all small stones. I took it out about 5 inches deep, but it has alot of stones.
My question are:
1) Is those kind of table’s hole should be hallow all the way to the ground hold my umbrella?
2) Is there any easy way to take out all the stones, and make that empty?
These seems to be silly questions, but pls answer.
Yes, the hole for the umbrella should be hallow all the way to the ground. This way the umbrella is properly supported.
There are tools used to pick up small items in hard to reach areas. I searched on Amazon and found this product:
X-Long 36″ Flex-Cable Pick-Up Tool 4-Finger Claw End Retriever Snake by Pro Tools
I think that would help solve your problem.
We just had purchased deck rebuilt and I’ve pulled out our cantilever umbrella to use (we never used it as the deck was unusable). When it’s up I get so paranoid cos it flaps around in the wind. It’s got 4 cement squares weighing it down but I just can’t help but scared that it’s going to to fly away. Is this normal with cantilever umbrellas?
You definitely want to be careful when it comes to cantilever umbrellas and high winds. When a cantilever is tilted, the umbrella can act like a sail and become extremely unstable. There is even the possibility of the pole snapping. We would recommend rolling down or putting away the umbrella during high winds.
Pool builders redid our concrete around pool and suggested reset hole in concrete 10″ for umbrella.. they do not sell umbrellas. My old 9ft market umbrella to short to walk under. How tall are bar height or length of extenders. My table is only 56in h. Prefer no tilt but other may be to tall to put pin in to keep umbrella up. Any ideas?
I have a high top patio table and just bought a really nice tilting umbrella for it; unfortunately due to the table height the umbrella pole is about 6″ short of hitting the ground when the umbrella is closed. I’ve temporarily stacked rocks on the ground to support the pole so it is not dangling off the ground. Unfortunately the tilt mechanism only works when the umbrella is secured in a base. If I keep this umbrella and get a base it is not going to sit down into the base all the way to the ground. Likely I’ll only be able to only use the top most screw of the base to secure the pole. Is this going to be a problem?
For this particular situation, it may be a good idea to get a base that is heavier than recommended. The higher the umbrella is, the higher the center of gravity and higher the chance of tipping over. But you can help offset that by using a heavier base.
Does your umbrella use a pole that detaches? You may be able to contact the manufacturer and order a longer bottom pole to suit your needs. If it’s any of the manufacturers we deal with we would be glad to help by contacting them on your behalf.
We have a base and got a new umbrella for Christmas we went to put it out and realized there is not a pole to connect to the base. We are trying to order one but I can’t figure out what that pole would be called and how long it needs to be. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your question. That’s strange because the umbrella should have come with a bottom pole that attaches to the base. I would recommend double checking the parts list because you may be missing the bottom pole piece. The standard height is around 32″ but that number can change depending on the manufacturer/umbrella model. Pole diameters can vary so it’s important to find the one that is for your umbrella.
Hi, Can you please suggest the best umbrella(6′ or 9′) for 48″ table in a 20′ x 8′ deck?
Thanks
For a 48″ Table, we recommend the 9′ Octagon Auto Tilt Umbrella or the 9′ Octagon Collar Tilt Umbrella.
Both of these models are great for dining tables because of the tilt mechanism. The auto-tilt engages by cranking the lever and the collar tilt is engaged by twisting the collar around the lever/crank. This means you don’t have to reach up to the height of the umbrella to engage the auto-tilt, which can be nearly impossible when trying to reach over a dining table.
If you’re fairly tall and the idea of reaching up doesn’t sound like an inconvenience, the 9′ Octagon Push Button Tilt Umbrella is another option. And it’s also more affordable.
Do any companies manufacture a table with an umbrella hole large enough for an oversized umbrella pole? We are looking at purchasing an umbrella that opens up with 3 vented dome tops; however, the diameter of the pole is much larger than the hole in our table.
From our experience, most manufacturers make their tables with holes between 2-3 inches in diameter. The standard size of an outdoor umbrella pole is between 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Unfortunately, you may need to make some adjustments to your table or hire someone who can. Be sure to consider whether the umbrella may be too big for your table. Also, be sure the umbrella is properly supported with a base that meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
Can I buy a 70 lb base and transfer it around different umbrellas? I bought supposedly UV proof umbrellas but they fade before the season is finished and look tacky. I would rather buy am umbrella for $100-200 without the base (maybe just buy one yearly) and use the base for each new umbrella. That way I wouldn’t have to buy a $400-500 dollar umbrella with the weight and have to toss the whole thing each year.
Sounds strange but I am frustrated with umbrellas not lasting long enough.
Every umbrella manufacturer should provide a minimum weight for your umbrella base. Different umbrella models may need more or less weight depending on factors such as size and materials.
As long as the base meets the recommended minimum, you can use it with as many umbrellas as you’d like. You should also be mindful of the pole diameter to make sure the pole fits the base.
I find it alarming that you are spending $400-$500/year on a new umbrella because of the fabric fading. For that amount of money you can afford an umbrella made with Sunbrella fabric, which comes with a 5 year warranty against fading.
We would recommend taking a look at umbrellas made by Treasure Garden and sticking with Sunbrella, the most reliable outdoor fabric in the industry.
Our table is 5′ x 7′. We purchased an 11′ cantilever umbrella. In what position relative to the sun (south side of table?) should it be positioned for maximum shade over the table? We don’t want to move the umbrella or table once it’s set up. Thank you.
A cantilever umbrella is able to tilt in the angle of the sun, therefore the East or West side of the table would be a good place for the umbrella. This will allow the umbrella to tilt into the sun and provide shade all day long, but also will keep it out of view during sunset and sunrise when you do want a view of the sun.
Hi,
I have a small round bistro table that is “bar” height and found that a regular umbrella is too low. Can you tell me what is the longest pole length that a patio umbrella comes in to get the proper clearance? Thanks!
Very good question. You may have noticed that for many umbrellas, the bottom portion of the pole can be removed and re-attached. This helps for transporting the umbrella but it also means you can get different bottom pole lengths to accommodate the type of table you are using. Treasure garden offers umbrellas with the option to include a 45″ bottom pole that is the perfect height for bar tables. The average bar table is around 42″.
We have a small lite weight round wooden table about 42 inches around. . I’m afraid to get an umbrella that’s too heavy, as it might tip over the table. What do you recommend??
Thank you for your question. Even if you are placing the umbrella inside a table, the umbrella should be placed inside a base underneath the table. So it’s not just the table weighing down the umbrella, but the table and the base combined together. The reason is exactly for the situation you described. If an umbrella is placed inside a table without a base, it runs the risk of tipping over easily or being picked up by the wind. Which is the last thing you want during an outdoor dinner party. For most umbrellas a 150-200 lb base is enough. But heavier umbrellas may require 300-400 lb bases.
I’m buying an 8′ diameter cantilevered umbrella with a base that holds 50 lbs. of sand. Do you think it will be an issue with wind blowing it about? It does have a vent in the top.
It might be enough, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Test it out. If the umbrella sways too much under normal wind conditions then you may need to reconsider the weight of the base. Always refer to the manufacturers’ recommendations.
What size Ball Bearing do I need to repair the winding gear on my Bramblecrest Parasol
Hello, thank you for commenting. We have never dealt with products by Bramblecrest so we are not familiar at all with them. Your best bet might be to reach out to the manufacturer and get the information directly. You can also try talking with the people who sold you the umbrella and see if they can find the information you’re looking for.
my parents have bought a cantilever umbrella that unfortunately does not tilt. I did see somewhere you can buy weights or clips for the umbrella but cannot find them now anywhere. Any ideas? Thank you
That doesn’t sound like a safe idea. Perhaps that is the reason why you can’t find them anymore.
We recently purchased (used) a “bar height” patio table with four chairs. The table has a hole for an umbrella, but I’m concerned about getting the correct pole length for the higher table. Is there a guideline for standard table height versus bar height?
Very good question. You may have noticed that for many umbrellas, the bottom portion of the pole can be removed and re-attached. This helps for transporting the umbrella but it also means you can get different bottom pole lengths to accommodate the type of table you are using. Treasure garden offers umbrellas with the option to include a 45″ bottom pole that is the perfect height for bar tables. The average bar table is around 42″.
I am interested in your 10 foot cantilevered umbrella. I live in a fairly high wind and very sunny area in Santa Fe.
What kind of base do I need? Do I have to have a valance? I cannot find pricing on your website.
The 10 foot Cantilevered Umbrella is available in both square and octagon shaped models. They each come available with 200 lb and 400 lb base options in case you want to play it safe. Of course, you should always put away your umbrella or fold it down if the conditions are too windy to be safe. A valance is not necessary, it is a personal preference. The valance adds a little bit of extra shade when the sun is low and has a different aesthetic appeal altogether. Some might call it a more traditional or old fashioned umbrella style. Not all umbrellas are available with a valance option. Only certain models are.
I am having difficulty finding an 11′ auto tilt umbrella for a balcony (gathering) height patio table. The bar height extension when added is making the umbrella too tall and it looks silly. Who would make an umbrella for a balcony height table.
Great article! All the ins and outs of buying a patio umbrella. Wish you have a “share with FaceBook” button so my friends could read this too!
HELP! I have been scouring the internet to find a replacement canopy for our patio umbrella. We need an 11 X 8 OVAL 8-rib canopy, preferably Sunbrella, but I’m getting desperate so would take anything. No problem finding rectangle, but can’t find oval!!
Hello. Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately oval umbrellas are very rare. None of the manufacturers we deal with even have an oval shaped umbrella. I’m afraid we can’t help you unless you were looking for a new umbrella. FYI, when using Sunbrella fabrics for umbrellas, most of the cost usually lies in the canopy and not the frame. So the price difference between replacing the umbrella completely or just the canopy might not even be that much.
help! I have an existing base and pole that remains from a two piece wooded umbrella. The top section was damaged. I need to buy a top section to screw onto the existing base pole. the diameter is 1 1/4 inch threaded attachment. where can i buy just the top umbrella section with the 1 1/4 screw on attachment so I can thread it onto my existing base pole?n looking fir a 9 or 10 foot umbrella in canvas or sunbrella.
Hello, thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a very specific type of umbrella. We have never encountered an umbrella that screws into the base pole. Most umbrellas simply slide into the base pole. Do you happen to know the name of the manufacturer? If it’s a manufacturer we deal with we can reach out to them and get some more information for you.
Can I use a cantilevered 11ft umbrella on a rectangle 54 inch table if it fits in the center hole? Is there any danger in it?
Placing a cantilever inside a dining table defeats the purpose of a cantilever. The purpose of a cantilever is having a versatile source of shade that can be easily moved and angled according to the position of the sun, providing maximum shade any time of day to a specific area. But that area is the space beneath the canopy, not around the cantilever pole. In fact, the space around the cantilever pole may not get any shade at all.
Also, one of the best benefits of a cantilever is having the pole out of the way and not having it directly in the middle of your space (sticking out of your dining table).
Another thing to consider is how the cantilever will close and if it will be able to close when sticking out of a dining table. If you can’t close the umbrella, it will become extremely dangerous being attached to a dining table when wind speeds pick up.
I just bought a 10ft. offset umbrella. The cloth is Yellow in colour, and the shade is bright and it seems it does not keep the shade cool. Is there any remedy or I have to live with it. Thanks. Andu
Sounds like you have an umbrella with a very thin fabric that does not reflect the rays of the sun completely. You could try getting a different umbrella with a better fabric. It’s also important to consider that the shade doesn’t make outdoor temperatures cooler, it’s contact with the direct sun that makes it feel 10-15 degrees hotter than the outdoor temperature. It’s cooler in the shade, yes. But all outdoor temperatures are taken in the shade. So if you check your local weather and they say it’s 82 degrees. That means it’s 82 degrees in the shade.
I have a stand alone umbrella that needs new fabric. There is currently none. There are eight arms on the umbrella, However, the arms are not all the same length. Measuring each arm clockwise, the measurements of each arm are as follows: 5’4″, 5’4″, 4’4″, 4’4″, 5’4″, 5’4″, 4’4″, 4’4″. Any suggestions?
Hello, thank you for your comment.
Do you happen to know the manufacturer and model of your umbrella? It’s impossible to make any suggestions without knowing exactly which umbrella we’re talking about.
If it’s a manufacturer we deal with, we can look into finding a replacement canopy for you.