A patio umbrella is defined as being any umbrella that is specifically designed for outdoor use with someone’s home. More expensive versions are usually made with wood while the less expensive are generally constructed out of aluminum.
Wood umbrellas are sometimes confused with the term market umbrella but the word “market” really pertains more to the style itself. All of them serve the same purpose though. These nifty umbrellas can be propped up beside a pool to add some shade, stationed in between lounge chairs, or they may be found in the center of an outdoor patio table. The idea is to provide shade from the bright sunlight but they can also be implemented for decorative purposes as well.
However, it’s important to note the fabric used in the patio umbrella’s construction. Not all of them are made with weatherproof material. Only a select few are designed with both waterproof and stain resistant fabric. Having durable material will not only make for a lasting purchase, but will also offer low maintenance and shade to keep skin safe and healthy during those long, hot sunny days.
Key Features
The main features to look for in the best patio umbrellas are size, fabric type, and mechanism used to adjust the umbrella. Once the use has been determined, the features will be easier to select. Start with size first. Will the umbrella be used to cover just one chair or two chairs? Is it going to be offered as shade beside a frequently used swimming pool? Or will one be needed for four or more chairs a busy patio table? The best patio umbrella size for a table seating four persons would be no larger than five feet across. For six people that width should be adjusted to seven foot. If the patio table seats eight or more, consider upgrading to an umbrella with an 11
foot span.
Once a specific size has been decided upon, the next thing to consider is the mechanism used to adjust the umbrella. There are three different ones to choose from:
- Manual
- Crank
- Pulley
Manual cranks require more effort to adjust. They are not recommended for shorter individuals as the lock can be more difficult to reach. Crank patio umbrellas utilize a lever for adjustments.
Pulley umbrellas are adjusted using a rope to raise it up and down, making them the most convenient of all the mechanisms offered.
The choice in fabric is more personal choice. Does the fabric need to be weatherproof or stain resistant? Should it be fade resistant as well? The most commonly made fabrics for popular patio umbrellas are as follows:
- Canvas – Standard option for budget friendly and comes in a variety of colors and patterns
- Polyester – mildew resistant
- Acrylic – Suitable umbrella material for use with pools
- Olefin – Cheapest material; fade resistance is stronger than polyester
- Sunbrella – UV, stain, and weather resistant material that is the most popular choice for most shoppers
- Thatch – Insect resistant, rot resistant
Top 10 Best Selling Patio Umbrellas in November 2025
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Patio Umbrellas Q&A
Which patio umbrellas are the best?
The answer to which patio umbrella is the best really falls down to personal choice. The fabric for these umbrellas are commonly circular or octagonal in design but some offer more full coverage from the shape of a square. However, the cantilever-styled umbrella is the most popular because the tilt of the umbrella is so easy to adjust.
What size patio umbrella should I get?
The best patio umbrellas are available in a variety of different sizes: 9′,10′, 11′, 15′ (double-sided). Each patio umbrella has a different use that it is rated the best for. First determine what the primary use will be:
- Best for Budget – If unsure how often the patio umbrella will be used, one can be purchased for under $50 from various online retailers. If it’s a hit, a more expensive one can always replace it later.
- Best Against Strong Winds – Search for umbrellas with a wind vent to minimize damage from high winds.
- Best Cantilever – Most usually come with their own bases and are super easy to operate. Affectionately known as “off-set umbrellas”, this design does not come with a pole in the middle. Instead, the pole is over the top of the umbrella, making it the most luxurious in design and functionality.
- Best Large Patio Umbrella – These umbrellas have to be anchored due to their extreme size. They are good for large groups of people or protecting large patio furniture from the elements.
- Best for Lights – Search for LED lights to be added to the umbrella. Cheaper versions usually come with them and aren’t very high quality.
What color patio umbrella is best?
The best patio umbrella color is a very personal choice and should be left to the consumer to decide. Red evokes a sense of passion and boldness. Black, although not a color but a shade, is a popular choice because it goes with anything. Blue is very calm if a tranquil look is desired. A deep green is also a popular choice. No matter what color is selected, all of them will look stunning if patio umbrella lights are added to the underside. Some designs even sell the umbrellas with lights already included. The choice is up to the consumer in what would look best in his or her own backyard.
What size patio umbrella for 6-person table?
For a table seating up to six people, a seven-foot patio umbrella would be the best size for maximum coverage. Anything smaller wouldn’t work and a larger size would give a disproportionate appearance to what it is supposed to cover (furniture, table, chairs, etc).
How to keep patio umbrella from falling over?
The best patio umbrellas will always be easily held in place with a proper base. These are usually sold separately. Most standard umbrellas will easily pair with a fifty-pound base. Most bases are commonly made out of recycled plastic. The fifty-pound bases are compatible with umbrellas using 1.5″ to 2″ poles and an umbrella with an 11′ span. If searching for more reinforcement, these bases can have sand or water added to act much like an anchor. This way, high winds can not accidentally tip the pole over and damage the umbrella.
