Heavy Duty Patio Umbrellas
Buy the best heavy duty patio umbrellas selected and recommended by interior designers. By Tara Gosselin.
Patio umbrellas provide much-needed shade during the summer heat and prevent sunburn, so you can enjoy spending time with friends and family. Umbrellas also protect your outdoor patio furniture from weather damage and harmful UV radiation, prevent fading, brittleness, and damage. A heavy-duty patio umbrella can also withstand gusts of wind that could damage or overturn lighter and less strong options. Here are five of the best heavy-duty umbrellas available to protect your patio.
Heavy Duty Patio Umbrellas
Buying Guide
Tara Gosselin
Interior Design Expert
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
Umbrellas for outdoor use have to be strong, lightweight, easily foldable, and stain-proof at the same time. That may sound like a tall order for some, but there are products that are capable of providing all these qualities like heavy duty patio umbrellas. They aren't just available in several colors and patterns, but they also provide the durability you require.
A patio umbrella that’s 9 feet in diameter can fit a table that’s around 36 inches in diameter. If you have an extra-large table, an even larger umbrella, one that’s around 11 feet is right for you.
Make sure that your heavy-duty patio umbrella is larger than the size of the sitting area in your patio or else you won’t get as much sun protection. A general rule of thumb when selecting the size of a patio umbrella is to get one that’s a few feet wider than your patio table.
- A Freestanding Patio Umbrella - This type is best for mobile shade and all-around yard protection. You'll be able to move it wherever your guests or kids wish to sit. This type is ideal for a large yard with a lot of open space. You'd be happy to know that a level ground is not important for the setup of a freestanding umbrella. This means you can set up yours on the grass with ease or any ground surface for that matter. The problem with this type of patio umbrella is it does not have ample support. If you are done using it, you’d be advised to store it inside your home as it can be blown by the wind.
- A Table Umbrella - Table umbrellas are used together with tables that have holes at the center. The holes of the tables act as the support of the umbrellas so they’re kept in place. The table and the umbrella may be sold together or separately. The problem with this particular type of heavy-duty patio umbrella is it can’t be moved easily. It also requires a level surface in order to prevent wobbling. If your outdoor living area is leveled with plenty of unused space like a large deck or poolside, then this is a good option.
Ease of use is one of the most important features to look out for in heavy duty patio umbrellas. These umbrellas are designed to be set up and stowed away in just a matter of seconds to give you the most convenient and hassle-free shade option. High-quality products have mechanisms that allow for ease of use like the pulley system, push-up mechanisms, tilt mechanism, and lift mechanism. Any of these systems will ensure that you can open and close your mobile canopy conveniently and with minimal effort.
Bonus tip: A heavy-duty patio umbrella can work as a decorative element for a backyard as it adds interest and beauty to a home’s landscape. So, when you’re choosing the right patio umbrella to use within your property, look for the design and color that will blend cohesively with your home’s prevailing architectural style.