|
Patio umbrellas Patio umbrellas are offered in variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Before you spend your money on a single patio umbrella you better find out what size and type of umbrella you actually need. To determine the size of the patio umbrella for your needs, you will have to measure the area to be shaded. If the patio umbrella is to be fixed to a garden table, then you need to measure up that table.
Patio umbrellas as a focal point in the garden:Patio umbrellas for outdoor use play very practical and also decorative role in your garden. They not only provide nice shade in the summer but are a focal point in your patio. Just imagine how your family is gathered under your patio umbrella for tasty BBQ or relaxing summer afternoon cocktail. The two basic styles on the market are offset and upright patio umbrellas and the offset ones are proved to be more stable and secure but it still depends on certain parameters.
Match the color of patio umbrellas:Most patio umbrellas are made in certain sizes and you will have to choose the closest size to your actual needs. Also it is a good idea to match the color of the patio umbrella with the rest of the patio furniture and garden accessories around. Not a few companies though offer custom made patio umbrellas where you can choose colors, dimensions and even individual text or graphic to be printed on the fabric. In some cases you can even choose the materials for the frames of the custom made patio umbrellas.
 Materials for umbrella frames:
The materials which are used for frames by umbrella manufacturers are solid wood, aluminium (or other lightweight metals) and fiberglass. Patio umbrellas with wooden frame have their old classic appearance but are kind of heavy. This is not a big deal of course if you are not moving it back and forth every day. Aluminium frames make the patio umbrellas very lightweight and easy to be moved around even by one person. Their construction is not as durable as the wooden one though. Umbrella frames of fiberglass make them firm and lightweight at the same time. Besides fiberglass frames are available in variety of colors.
Patio umbrella fabrics:Now after the frame issues are sorted out, it is time to pick up the right fabric for the umbrella. The most important aspects here are UV resistance, less transparency (as we want a good shade, right) and also good quality which will last for years and will keep its original colors. Even if the patio umbrella is made of top quality frame and fabric it still requires proper care in order to serve you many years. It is preferable that you close the umbrella if not using it for some time. When the umbrella is closed it is better protected from sun, heavy rain or intense wind. Store the patio umbrella in dry place in your home or garage for the winter season when it won’t be used outside.
|