Patio umbrellas are fun and functional to have around. They are easy to pick and convenient to use. Knowing your patio requirements, usage needs, and budget you can set out to purchase the outdoor umbrella that you need. There are several styles, sizes, types and colors to choose from. Discussed here are few of the most common questions regarding outdoor umbrellas that will answer the queries of many curious Joes out there.

How to pick outdoor umbrellas?

Just as picking any furniture item requires certain parameters to be considered, the outdoor umbrellas too need certain selection requirements. The very first consideration would be their size, which in turn would depend on the area or furniture to be shaded. So have that measurement ready. With this you can determine the size of the umbrella frame and pole. The next thing to consider would be whether you need a fixed pole umbrella i.e. the market umbrella that needs to be mounted to the table or a freestanding offset or cantilever umbrella that can be adjusted for shade direction.

Followed by these would be the consideration of the materials of the pole, canopy and the base. Ranging from aluminum to wood umbrella you can choose any material for its looks, durability, and ease of maintenance. Likewise with the canopy you have different types of fabric. All the outdoor furniture items including the patio umbrellas come treated for weather resistance. So ultimately the choice will depend on your budget. However, for every budget need you will be able to find a combination of best features that would suit your pocket.

What are the uses of patio umbrellas?

The very obvious use of the umbrella no matter what kind it is shade. Outdoor umbrellas are used to shelter not just the humans under them. The furniture under the umbrella gets protection from the harsh sun’s rays and rainfall. Patio heaters can be protected from strong winds by umbrellas especially the offset kind that can be adjusted to the direction of the wind. With appropriate lighting and even heating right inside the canopy, the umbrellas can serve as small romantic outdoor rooms for cold evenings. In many household patios the umbrellas double up as walls providing the necessary privacy. In commercial settings the umbrellas are very useful as promotional mediums to display advertisements. Therefore, the outdoor umbrellas serve more than one purpose wherever they are used.

What are the accessories that are available for the umbrellas?
Outdoor umbrellas are your patio accessories and they in turn have their own accessories that facilitate easy use, easy maintenance, and added facilities. One of the best accessories to invest in for your patio umbrella would be an umbrella cover. When you leave the umbrella outdoors the times it is not being used, it can be kept covered so that it stays clean and is protected from harsh weather conditions. Even if you are going to store your umbrella away in a storage space covering it in appropriate umbrella cover will keep it away from dust and any other damages. The next best accessory for the umbrella would be umbrella lights. There simple functional lights that serve the purpose of just lighting the area and also elaborate lights can be decorative elements. These lights let you use the patio umbrellas even in the nighttime. Then you have umbrella fans that are very suitable for a hot humid day to get some fresh air while enjoying the umbrella’s shade.

How to maintain a wood umbrella?

Wood umbrellas are classy and bring elegance to the outdoor room with its natural background. However, these wood umbrellas need careful cleaning and maintenance to make the investment last long. Usually any outdoor furniture item comes treated for weather resistance. Therefore, a periodic cleaning will help keep the umbrella in shape. Wood umbrella needs light brushing and wiping with a cloth. Avoid using much water for wood. It could also use slight polishing.

Author Bio: Article by Sam Kiesel of BedFramesOnline.com, a website with the largest selections of king bed frames and modern platform beds for your bedroom needs.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: offset umbrella, commercial umbrellas