Purchasing outdoor umbrellas for your patio can be a tricky decision, considering the range of available options. With the modern architectural designs available, you can seamlessly translate your indoor spaces to outdoor ones. With lavish outdoor furniture and elaborate decks, you can customize these spaces to your taste. Of course, the design, style, material and features of your outdoor umbrella would go a long way in determining the overall look of your outdoors.
In case you have decided to purchase outdoor umbrellas Sydney, here’s the ultimate guide for you. Depending on your budget, environment and preferences, you need to personalize your purchase.
Choosing the style of your outdoor umbrella
Selecting the style of our umbrella is among the initial decisions you make. Consider the outdoor furniture layout, space constraints and usage while opting for the umbrella. Lastly, you have your personal preferences for making the selection.
In this context, you can make the selection from two categories: Centre pole and cantilever umbrellas.
Centre pole umbrellas
In these umbrellas, a straight pole is present, securing the base of the umbrella to the top of the canopy. The pole may consist of a single piece, or two separate pieces joined together. You may stabilize a centre pole umbrella with a fixed or mobile base.
Centre pole umbrellas are quite popular, as they offer a significant protection against sunlight, while diffusing UV radiation. There are three broad categories of centre pole umbrellas:
- • Beach umbrella: The minimalist style in this umbrella makes it ideal for beaches. The round canopy has valances hanging around its edge. In general, the base is spiked, which has to be inserted in the sand.
- • Market umbrella: In terms of popularity, this variant is the most popular centre pole umbrella. The edges are clean, and they come in octagonal or round shapes. Some of these umbrellas are designed to foster better airflow. In the process, the below area remains cool. These umbrellas can also withstand wind.
- • Half umbrellas: This is a special type of umbrella, where one of the sides are flat. Therefore, one can place them easily against flat surfaces like walls. In case you want to shade small porches or balconies with confined spaces inside, you can opt for these umbrellas. These umbrellas may have straight or rounded canopies with drapes, valances or clean edges.
Cantilever umbrella (Offset umbrella)
Also known as cantilever umbrella, offset umbrellas have a jointed or arched pole, which is positioned to a single side. These umbrellas have a support to the canopy from the above and sides. Therefore, they can freely hang from different table or seating settings.
The prime benefit of a cantilever umbrella is its ability to provide shade to a large space without any obstruction (which is a problem in case of a centre pole). These are ideal for shading a hot tub or dining table, where you do not have a central pole.
Some of these umbrellas are designed to rotate 360°, ensuring a complete coverage. Therefore, they are more versatile, as compared to other outdoor umbrellas. However, offset umbrellas for patios need heavier bases, as compared to the ones with centre poles. If you are willing to purchase cantilever umbrella Sydney, please note that these are more expensive.
Determining the size of your outdoor umbrellas
Outdoor umbrellas come in different sizes. Here’s a standard guide, that would help you to choose the most appropriate size, as per your requirements.
- • Shade area of 36 inches: Umbrella canopy of 8 feet
- • Shade area of 48 inches: Umbrella canopy of 9 feet
- • Shade area of 60 inches: Umbrella canopy of 10 feet
- • Shade area of 72 inches: Umbrella canopy of 11 feet
- • Shade area of 84 inches: Umbrella canopy of 12 feet
- • Shade area of 96 inches: Umbrella canopy of 13 feet
- • Shade area of 108 inches: Umbrella canopy of 14 feet
What materials should you choose?
You can choose the following materials for your outdoor umbrellas.
- • Wood: These umbrellas come with a natural organic appeal. However, they need to be maintained to resist decay and infestation by insects.
- • Metal: Stainless steel or aluminium may be a good option, considering their looks and durability.
- • Fibreglass: They are durable and lightweight. Besides, they are more flexible and doesn’t break when bent.
Get your outdoor umbrellas customized to perfection. Reach out to one of the reputed manufacturers and suppliers to narrow down your preferences.
