Wind Resistant Patio Umbrellas
Buy the best wind resistant patio umbrellas selected and recommended by interior designers. By Tara Gosselin.
If you have ever opened an umbrella in the wind, you know how quickly a strong gust can destroy it, or pull it out of your hands and carry it off to a far away place. The large the umbrella, the bigger the risk. But not with wind-resistant patio umbrellas. These brilliant items are designed to function as an umbrella should, without allowing a sudden gale to steal it away from you.
Wind Resistant 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.
The best wind-resistant patio umbrella for all home types is one that’s made of a heavy-duty, weather-resistant material such as duck canvas or a polyester blend. When you’re selecting a patio umbrella for your home, you’ll want to think about size. After all, typically, the larger the umbrella, the higher the chance that wind will simply blow it away. You’ll want it to be big enough, however, that you and your friends or family can sit beneath it.
Wind-resistant patio umbrellas are cunningly-engineered to withstand gales and stay put, no matter what. Get one that’s a good size for your space or table—about three feet in diameter larger than your table is a good rule of thumb—and make sure that it’s designed to withstand high winds.
Purchasing wind-resistant patio umbrellas is the best way to keep your umbrellas in one place. These windows are made of heavier materials that are specifically engineered to stay put. However, if you’re looking for additional strategies, consider adding concrete blocks under the table around the base of your patio umbrella, closing your patio umbrella when you expect a storm to hit, and placing your patio umbrella on the side of your property that receives the least amount of wind.
When surveying the types of wind-resistant patio umbrellas that you could purchase, look for heavy bases and durable fabric.
A high-quality polyester or duck canvas for the material would be a good thing to see, along with heavy-duty metal for the central pole and retracting mechanisms.
Finally, the base should be heavy enough that you have a hard time moving it yourself—this will help make sure that your new umbrella is as wind-resistant as possible.
These days, umbrellas are made of UV resistant synthetic materials and come in all colors of the rainbow. Some of the more commonly known umbrella materials include:
Polyester
Polyester is a popular, affordable option for umbrellas as it is colorfast and quick drying. Opt for spun polyester as it is more durable and offers a high-end look compared to standard polyester fabrics.
Olefin
Olefin is a budget-friendly option that is slower to fade than cotton or polyester and more affordable than acrylic. It is water and UV-resistant, making it ideal for warm climates with high humidity. It comes in a wide range of styles so you can create a cohesive outdoor look with your other furniture.
Thatch
Eco-friendly and evoking a tropical oasis, thatch-topped umbrellas are breathable to keep you cool and protected. They are also low-maintenance and not prone to mold. Simply clean by hosing it down and letting it air dry. Perfect for by the pool or to coordinate with a coastal garden.
Acrylic
Acrylic is the standard fabric for outdoor umbrellas. This material does not fade or deteriorate. If you have other outdoor furniture, you can match your umbrella to the fabric since acrylic fabric is often used for other outdoor furnishings due to its high durability.
There are two types of patio umbrella mechanisms available: pulley and crank.
- Pulley umbrellas have the simplest type of mechanism and rely on your strength to pull down on a rope to raise the ribs of the frame. The rope is then tied or anchored to the central pole to secure the umbrella in place.
- Crank style mechanisms use a winding handle to open the umbrella, which automatically locks in place. This is a more convenient option found in high-end umbrellas and larger models.
Patio umbrellas can range from 4-12 feet wide. Your patio umbrella must exceed the diameter of your table setting or outdoor area to offer the optimal amount of shade and sun protection.
To measure your table setting for an umbrella, position your chairs, so they are a comfortable seating distance from the table. Measure the diameter from the edge of the backrest of one chair to the chair opposite. Add 2-3 feet to the total diameter for a reliable estimate of the size of the umbrella you will need.
If you want to shade an outdoor area without permanent tables and chairs, roughly measure the width and length of the space, and add 2-3 feet of space to the measurement.
Unless you have an outdoor table with built-in umbrella support, you are going to need a base to prevent damaging your lawn and to stabilize your umbrella. The minimum safe weight for an umbrella base is 50 lbs.; however, the larger the umbrella, the heavier the base needs to be.
Multiply the diameter of the umbrella by 10 to find the ideal base weight. For example, a 10-foot umbrella needs a base that weighs 100 lbs.
- Your patio umbrella should reflect your home's aesthetic as well as fulfill your sun protection needs. Choose from free-standing, cantilever, or tilting styles to find an umbrella that offers the most shade.
- The fabric of your umbrella should be UV and water-resistant but also coordinate easily with your other outdoor furniture. Acrylic fabric is the top-of-the-line material for umbrella canopies that is valued for its durability and style.
- The frame is the supporting structure of the umbrella and must be strong and flexible to withstand high winds without breaking. Fiberglass is the most durable option, while wood offers exceptional style.
- To find the right size umbrella, measure your outdoor space or your table and chair setting, and add 2-3 feet to estimate the minimum diameter of the umbrella.
- If your outdoor table does not have a hole or support for your umbrella, you will need a base. The base should weigh 10 times the diameter of the umbrella for the best safety and stability.