What is the best patio umbrella?

There are many things to consider when buying a patio umbrella.

Modern architectural design incorporates a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.

Elaborate decks and lavish outdoor furniture allow you to enjoy nature, without sacrificing style or comfort.

As spring and summer arrive, you’ll spend more and more time outside entertaining or lounging poolside.

To keep you and your guests cool and protected from the hot sun, it’s important to have ample shade.

Patio umbrellas from SBF INTERIORS AND OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS LIMITED are a prudent solution, in lieu of more permanent construction. However, choosing the right outdoor umbrella can be challenging. Based on your home, environment, budget and preference, there are many factors to take into consideration. This guide will help you gain a better understanding of patio umbrellas, their styles, materials and features. This knowledge will help take the uncertainty out of your buying decision and ensure that you can relax outdoors for years to come.

What style of outdoor umbrella is right?

The first decision you have to make when buying a patio umbrella is what style you want. Your outdoor space constraints, furniture layout and expected usage can all factor into which style is right for you. Even after considering all of these variables, your own personal taste is the final determinant. So what is out there? There’s a wide variety of umbrellas to choose from, but they all essentially fall into one of two categories: center pole umbrella or cantilever umbrella

Center Pole Umbrella

The defining characteristic of center pole patio umbrellas is the presence of a straight pole that extends from the top of the canopy to a securing base. It may be a single, solid piece or two separate pieces that are joined together. It’s important to note that center pole umbrellas may be stabilized by either a mobile or fixed base. This is the most common style of outdoor umbrella and it has been around for a long time. This type of outdoor umbrella can be effective protection against direct sunlight but reflected or diffuse ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sides diminishes the overall shade protection. Within the center pole category, there are a number of variations.

  • Market Umbrella– This is the most popular style of center pole umbrella. It has a round or octagonal shape with a clean edge. Some canopies are vented to encourage airflow, which cools the area below and helps the umbrella withstand windy conditions.
  • Beach Umbrella– This type of umbrella tends to have a minimalist style. The canopy usually has a round shape with hanging valances around the edge. Many beach umbrellas utilize a simple spiked base, which is inserted into the sand.
  • Half Umbrella– This specialized umbrella is constructed with one flat side, which allows it to be placed flush against a wall. It’s perfect for shading balconies or small porches that have confined spaces. Think of it as a portable awning. Canopies are rounded or straight with clean edges, drapes or valances.

Cantilever Patio Umbrella

Offset outdoor umbrellas, also known as cantilevers, feature an arched or jointed pole positioned off to one side. The canopy is supported from the side and above, which allows it to hang freely over a variety of seating and table configurations. The main benefit of modern cantilever umbrellas is that they can shade a large area without the obstruction that a center pole causes. This is especially important if you are shading a dining table that does not have an umbrella hole or a hot tub. Many cantilevers can also rotate to provide 360° coverage, which makes them even more versatile. Offset patio umbrellas require heavier bases than center poles and are typically more expensive.

For more information you can contact us on 0798882837 or email us info@sbf.co.ke