An umbrella is a device that was first developed to protect people from sun and rain. These handheld devices have been available from ancient times. There are many pictures of kings and queens being followed by people holding huge umbrellas when they go out in public. These large, ungainly contraptions slowly gave way to the smaller handheld models like pretty parasols in soft colors with matching lace or cotton fringes that elegant ladies held when they went for a walk in the garden; or the more hardy rain umbrellas that most people cannot leave home without.

From being devices with a long wooden, walking stick style handle, the umbrella slowly developed into smaller and smaller folding models. These days, you can get tiny models that can fit into a lady’s purse and yet when opened out be sufficient to protect a person from rain or sunshine. People have always been using the outdoors and initially, overhanging trees, concrete patio structures or steel structures over which a tarpaulin like material was stretched provided protection.

Soon, people realized that the handheld umbrella can be evolved to make outdoor umbrellas and so came into existence:
– Beach umbrellas
– Golf umbrellas
– Market umbrellas
– Patio umbrellas
– Awnings
– Shade sails
Freestanding umbrellas first made their appearance on the beach as beach umbrellas where people wanted to enjoy sand, water and sun without getting burned. No beach is complete without the sight of gaily-striped beach umbrellas dotting the sand with lovely occupants stretched out on beach towels, tanning themselves.

Golf umbrellas are used to protect the golfer and his cart and caddy from the sun and rain. These are larger than the beach umbrellas and are designed mainly for a golf course. However, the large size and sturdiness of thee umbrellas means they are used even by non-golfers in homes or in commercial establishments. Market umbrellas are so called because they are large, sturdy umbrellas with a center pole and were first used in the marketplace to protect vendors and their wares from rain or sun. While the canopy comes in many shapes, it is usually circular. The pole is made from strong aluminum and may not have a coupling so that it is strong and will not bend easily.

Market umbrellas are also used in restaurants, pubs, resorts or sidewalk cafes that have outdoor seating. When used by businesses, these umbrellas are also called commercial market umbrellas. The canopy can be in the colors of the business along with a graphic logo. Some market umbrellas will carry small advertisements that are a way for a small businessman to earn additional revenue. Market umbrellas are even used in homes with large patios to protect a big dining table or a BBQ area. Using large market umbrellas allows homeowners to entertain more guests.

While market or commercial umbrellas are also referred to as patio umbrellas, the kind used exclusively for residential areas can be distinguished by the many varieties available. The best-known patio umbrella is the one that goes through the center of a patio table and opens out on top. This is known as the tabletop umbrella and comes with a crank to open and close the umbrella. The offset, side post or cantilever umbrella is the most versatile of patio umbrellas. The pole will be at the side, with an extra strong base and it will go straight up and then bend slightly on top and dip down from which the canopy will hang.

This type of umbrella comes with rotate and tilt options that allow users to adjust the angle of the patio umbrella so that even slanting rays of the sun will not affect them. They provide more room under the umbrella since there is no center pole, so more furniture can be accommodated. All patio umbrellas come in any number of colors, designs and materials. Some canopy shapes can be round, hexagon, oval, rectangle or square. Poles, hubs and ribs can be made from wood, aluminum, steel or fiberglass.

Awnings and shade sails provide greater protection for these are anchored to more than one post. They can be used in homes or public places where there are large outdoor areas that need protection. As you can see, there is a variety of patio umbrellas to choose from, so, understand your specific requirements like – area to be protected, climate in your home, purposes of the patio umbrella – and make an informed choice. Buying patio umbrellas is a major investment; so do not rush into any decision.

Author Bio: Article by Kenny Leichester of http://www.patioshoppers.com, a website with the best patio furniture information on the web.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: A Variety Of Patio Umbrellas To Choose From