An outdoor business means you will need some kind of outdoor shade for those extreme weather days. After all, you do not want your customers to be turned away from your place simply because it is wet or too hot, do you?

This is where the commercial patio umbrella comes in. The main difference between the commercial version and the normal one is that the commercial ones are usually larger and hardier. And indeed, they have to be because they have to last a lot longer in order to be cost-effective. Since they will be used almost continuously, they will have to withstand arduous wear and tear, especially during harsh weather conditions. The continuous strong sun coupled with the wet rain and dampness of dew will definitely wear out the umbrella. However, the longer you do not have to do any replacement on the umbrella, the better.

The commercial patio umbrella comes in a few types:

– Wooden. Usually preferred by beach resorts and places of business with a rustic theme, these are freestanding and heavy items that are often beautiful by design. They are pretty expensive, though, which makes them all the more appealing as a classy piece of outdoor decor.

– Aluminum. More lightweight than wooden ones, these can be more common than wooden ones as they fit any decor theme and are usually cheaper than their wood counterparts. They are also lighter which means they can be more easily moved about.

– Stainless steel. These well-liked as they are rust-proof and often beautiful to touch and look at. However, they are better off in their original form and unpainted.

– Plastic. About the same cost as aluminum ones, plastic patio umbrellas are usually used in more private settings or those that are not too exposed to harsh weather conditions. This is because plastic is less durable than aluminum in certain ways; their paint, for example, peels away much faster and easily than those on an aluminum base.

– Wrought iron. These are beautiful, ornately decorated umbrella sets. Unfortunately, they are also extremely heavy and thus, usually used in a permanent spot. They are also considerably expensive. However, wrought iron is extremely beautiful and often appreciated for their distinguished classiness.

If you are looking for something unique yet practical, it would be a good idea to explore the different shapes the commercial patio umbrella comes in. You will be amazed at how an outdoor umbrella in a different shape can really change about how a space looks like. Some shapes, however, have the equal balance of aesthetics and practicality while others are for purely aesthetic purposes. It is, therefore, pretty important that you weight each option carefully before purchase.

There are a few basic options available in the market:

– The square umbrella is, by far, the most popular. This is simply because by its very shape, it provides ample shelter and can fit most spaces quite easily. Most spaces are pretty squarish in shape, so having an umbrella in a similar design will fit in nicely.

– The rectangle umbrella is a little less common. Slightly elongated on its sides, it is a good shade choice for longer dining tables or for groups of little tables strung together.

– The round umbrella is ideal for smaller clusters of guests. As round tables are often more casual, this type of shade is perfect for beach resorts, sports complexes and pool sides.

– The triangle umbrella is another unique sight. Often, this is chosen more for its looks and uniqueness than anything else, as it can be difficult to position this one. It is not often that you would find a commercial patio umbrella in this shape.

– The octagonal umbrella is growing in popularity simply because its shape allows for more shade beneath. Due to its eight sides, it is usually larger in size, making it conducive for commercial spaces.

– The hexagonal umbrella, like its octagonal counterpart, is just as practical sometimes. It covers a smaller area than its eight-sided cousin but is able to provide more shade than a square or rectangle umbrella.

Commercial spaces require more innovative and decorative ways of providing shade. Balancing practicality with aesthetics can be quite tricky at times so knowing all your options from the beginning is a smart move. While there are many types of commercial patio umbrellas for you, not all will be what you need.

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

Category: Home Management
Keywords: commercial outdoor umbrellas, market umbrella