Balcony to Backyard: How to Choose the Right Patio Umbrella

When the warm weather hits, you can’t wait to get out to your sunny patio or deck. Until, that is, the blazing sun drives you back indoors again.

Sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing.

With a patio umbrella, however, you can enjoy even exposed outdoor areas in comfort.

Outdoor umbrellas are more than just an attractive backyard accessory. In addition to adding color and style to our outdoor decor, they serve several practical purposes.

Patio umbrellas provide shade where and when you need it. On a sunny day, temperatures in the shade can be up to 20 degrees cooler. That means having an umbrella for sun protection can translate to more time spent outdoors.

When furniture is in the shade, it stays cooler. That means it’s more comfortable to sit on and it’s also protected from UV rays. An umbrella for your patio or deck can help minimize sun fade on cushions and decorative pillows, so they stay bright and last longer.

Our furniture isn’t the only thing that needs protection from UV rays. Outdoor patio umbrellas protect our skin from sunburn, shield our eyes from direct sunlight, decrease glare and even reduce headaches and wrinkles caused by squinting!

Do you like to read, work or scroll outdoors? It’s best to keep your phone and other electronics out of direct sunlight, since overheating can drain your battery and potentially damage equipment. Using devices in the shade also protects our eyes from irritating glare and reflections.

When the weather is iffy, a large patio umbrella can even keep the party going during a passing sprinkle or two.

Just about any outdoor space can benefit from an outdoor umbrella. Use one to shade a:

• Patio

• Deck

• Balcony

• Poolside

• Lounge chair

• Hot tub

• Dining table

Patio umbrellas are constructed of sturdy, weather-resistant synthetic materials. The best outdoor fabrics can hold up to the elements season after season.

There are several common outdoor umbrella fabrics on the market. Two things set them apart: how the color is applied and how well they resist moisture, fading and wear over time.

Solution-dyed acrylic is the longest-lasting – and most expensive – option for outdoor fabrics used on umbrellas, cushions and pillows. The color is dyed into the raw acrylic before it is spun into fiber, rather than soaking the finished product in dye.

Acrylic is resistant to weather, mildew and stains, making it an ideal choice for outdoor umbrellas. However, because acrylic fabrics are surface-dyed, rather than solution-dyed, they are less fade-resistant.

Several name-brand outdoor fabrics are made from Olefin (polypropylene or polyethylene), a synthetic fiber known for its strength, durability and resistance to fading and mildew. These fabrics combine solid performance with affordability.

Vinyl-coated outdoor fabrics are highly waterproof and stain-resistant. However, the non-breathable coating doesn’t allow air flow and can crack as it weathers.

Standard polyester is lightweight and budget-friendly, but it tends to fade and is not as durable as other umbrella products.

Overall, solution-dyed fabrics offer the highest quality, while Olefin represents good value. Polyester is the least expensive option. Choose vinyl-coated polyester for rain protection.

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Some common optional features on patio umbrellas make them even more versatile. As you shop, you will likely run across these design and convenience features.

Vents: Vented umbrellas have an opening in the canopy to aid air circulation. A vented umbrella lets hot air escape, increases stability and reduces stress on the frame when it’s windy.

Tilting: Market umbrellas and cantilever umbrellas often have a tilt feature that allows the canopy to be angled and rotated for continuous shading as the sun moves.

Lights: There’s no need to lower your patio umbrella after dark when it is equipped with lights. LED lights attached to the ribs, canopy or around the shaft are a trendy accessory for those who like to entertain at night.  

Outdoor patio umbrellas come in several sizes and styles to suit your needs and aesthetic.

Look for these common varieties:

Patio umbrellas can be an investment, but their usefulness and good looks make them a worthwhile addition for style and improved comfort outdoors.\

With a little knowledge about umbrella types, features and fabrication, you can find a patio umbrella that meets your unique requirements for design, durability and affordability. 

How do I measure a patio umbrella?

The size of your outdoor umbrella will depend on the area you mean to cover. A small umbrella about 5 or 6 feet in diameter might be adequate for an armchair or bistro table, but you’ll want a much larger umbrella to shade a dining table or conversation area.

In general, experts recommend adding two feet all around. For instance, a 9-foot diameter umbrella should cover a 5-foot diameter dining table.

Check the height to make sure it clears low tree limbs, hanging patio lights or overhangs. Umbrellas are flammable, so keep them a safe distance from torches, firepits, grills and patio heaters.

How do you clean a patio umbrella?

Your patio umbrella is designed to take a beating from scorching sun and drenching rain, but proper care can prolong its life.

You can minimize staining by brushing away leaves, buds, twigs and other debris that falls from above.

Bird droppings often can be hosed off. Address stubborn stains with mild soap, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Make sure your umbrella is closed when not in use, especially in breezy weather. If possible, bring your umbrella under cover during windstorms.

To prevent mildew, open your umbrella and let it dry completely before storing it away for the season.

Many outdoor umbrellas are already stain and water-resistant, but sprays designed for use on outdoor fabrics offer additional protection.