Heavy Duty Patio Umbrellas

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.

Updated 01/12/2021

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.

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Our Picks

Tilda 98 4252” Square Cantilever Umbrella

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Tilda 98 4252” Square Cantilever Umbrella

Arlmont & Co.

What we like: Durable cantilever design for better coverage

What we don’t like: No height adjustability

One of the most functional heavy-duty umbrella designs, cantilevers use an offset pole and a solid base to support the canopy. Made from durable steel components, this cantilever umbrella uses a 200-gram waterproof and UV-resistant canopy material to keep you, and your guests dry in the rain and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

In addition, the canopy has a wind vent to promote air circulation and increase stability. The eight iron ribs resist heavy wind, and the metal parts are treated with anti-oxidation spray paint to protect them against rust.

The cantilever umbrella is easy to open and close using the integrated crank lift handle.

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Willowood 108” Lighted Market Umbrella

Arlmont & Co.

What we like: 40 solar-powered LED lights

What we don’t like: There’s no way to replace the solar cell

Built using a heavy-duty iron pole, the canopy of this market umbrella provides sufficient coverage to protect your outdoor table and six to eight chairs. The waterproof canopy is made from 100% polyester fabric and can provide up to 98% protection against ultraviolet radiation.

The canopy also has an air vent for gust resistance, and the frame consists of eight durable ribs. The umbrella also features a push-button tilt function and an easy-to-use crank lift handle.

Where this heavy-duty canvas patio umbrella really shines, however, is its lighting system. There are 40 solar-powered LED lights on the underside of the canopy, five on each rib, that illuminate your patio table and chairs during evening parties or gatherings.

To match your outdoor décor, you can choose between either beige or dark green color for the canopy.

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Kimolos 144” Cantilever Umbrella

Sol 72 Outdoor™

What we like: Auto-lock system

What we don’t like: Prone to tipping if the base is not filled with sand or water correctly

This extra-wide and sturdy patio umbrella provides 144” or 12’ of outdoor coverage, more than most options on the market. A cantilever design, this model requires the use of counterweights (included) to ensure stability. Made from double-coated polyester, the octagonal canopy is highly durable and available in two colors: Champagne and brick red. The frame is made from aluminum.

While this metal is more resistant to corrosion than steel alloys, the manufacturer also applies a powder-coated surface finish to provide further protection against the elements. You can open and close the canopy with a crank handle, and there’s a push-button tilt function, allowing you to adjust the angle up to 90°. The umbrella also has an auto-lock system so you can set the opening angle to the position you like best.

The base includes wheels, allowing you to move the assembly with minimal effort, making it ideal for pool side seating areas. It is also a great option for businesses looking for heavy-duty commercial patio umbrellas for al fresco dining areas.

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Keven 90” Market Umbrella

Arlmont & Co.

What we like: Smooth hand-crank opening mechanism

What we don’t like: No stand included

For those interested in a traditional heavy-duty outdoor umbrella, this market-style umbrella attaches securely to the center of a patio table. It provides vertical protection against rain and the sun. However, a locking tilt joint and button allow you to adjust the canopy’s angle to block the sun as it’s rising or setting.

The canopy provides UPF50 protection against sunlight, and the frame uses six steel ribs for support and prevents warping or twisting. This umbrella is available in eight stunning colors, ranging from cool neutrals to bold primary shades.

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Swinson 120” × 78” Rectangular Market Umbrella

Swinson 120'' x 78'' Rectangular Market Umbrella

Swinson 120” × 78” Rectangular Market Umbrella

Arlmont & Co.

What we like: Rectangular polyester canopy; wide coverage

What we don’t like: Limited color options

Looking for something different? This market umbrella features a rectangular canopy, made from 100% polyester, covering 120” × 78”. The canopy is also available in your choice of burgundy, chocolate, or red colors. Completely waterproof, the canopy material is also resistant to fading and easy to clean.

The frame of the patio umbrella is made from powder-coated steel. This protects the metal against rust. To support the canopy, the frame uses six steel ribs for a strong, sturdy design.

This umbrella’s modern style includes a vent for promoting airflow, perfect during hot summer days. The crank handle allows you to easily open and collapse the canopy, while the push-button tilt lets you find the perfect angle to block the sun at its peak intensity.

The umbrella is also easy to install and doesn’t require tools.

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Heavy Duty Patio Umbrellas

Buying Guide

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.

How to get the right size heavy duty patio umbrella?

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.

What types of patio umbrellas are there?

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.

What features to look for in heavy duty patio umbrellas?

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.