About Outdoor Umbrellas

Throwing shade has never looked so good! An outdoor umbrella is your bodyguard against UV rays, keeping you sunburn-safe. It creates a more comfortable, inviting outdoor space that you can enjoy even on the brightest of summer days. Take your patio from too-hot to super cool with our outdoor umbrellas.  

What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Umbrellas?

Outdoor umbrellas for home use typically come in two styles — market and cantilever. Here's a rundown of each. 

Market Umbrellas 

Also known as patio umbrellas, these are your standard shade solution. They have a pole running straight up through the center that you can place into the hole on your patio table. Stand-alone options have a heavy base. Some market umbrellas include a hinge on the pole to tilt the canopy. Instead of playing musical chairs to escape the sun's glare, you can simply move the shade. 

Cantilever Umbrellas 

A cantilever umbrella is like a market umbrella that took yoga classes. Its curved, jointed pole lets it stretch for more shade with less pole obstruction. Many cantilever umbrellas also boast 360-degree rotation, allowing you to swivel the canopy for all-day shade. These flexible shade solutions have a heavier base for stability.

Which Umbrella Materials Suit Outdoor Use? 

The answer is a two-parter. To stand up against the elements, you need a strong frame and canopy.

Frame Materials

 If you've ever had an umbrella turn inside out during a storm, you know the importance of a resilient frame! Popular materials include:

• Aluminum: This low-maintenance frame material is lightweight and durable. Many aluminum frames have a powder coating to resist corrosion, which is handy in wetter climates. 
• Fiberglass: Glass fibers reinforced with resin give fiberglass strength and flexibility. Choose fiberglass if you live in a windy area — it can bend in the breeze without snapping. Some umbrellas mix fiberglass ribs with an aluminum pole for the best of both. 
• Wood: These frames add warmth and charm to your outdoor space. While some wood species resist insects, moisture and rot, wood frames often need more maintenance. Over time, they can fade. They also offer less durability than aluminum or fiberglass.

Canopy Fabrics

Look for canopy fabrics that are UV-resistant, waterproof and anti-fade. These are the most common canopy fabrics:

• Acrylic: Solution-dyed acrylic is an outdoor superhero. It defies fading, mildew and water while defending against UV rays. 
• Polyester: This fabric option is more affordable than acrylic, but fades more easily. It offers UV protection, mildew and water resistance. 
• Olefin: Made from polyolefin, olefin has a higher UV rating and resists fading better than polyester. Like the other materials, it resists moisture and mildew. 

These fabrics come in a rainbow of colors to match your outdoor aesthetic.

What Size Umbrella Should You Choose?

It all depends on the size of your patio and outdoor furniture. Unless you want to block out the sun entirely, go for a canopy that provides enough shade without overwhelming the space. For example, a 5-foot to 6-foot canopy pairs well with a table of 30 inches or less. A 7-foot umbrella works well with a 36-inch table. For a 36- to 40-inch table, choose a 7.5- to 8.5-foot umbrella. 

Get Shady With Outdoor Umbrellas From Ingrams Water & Air

Ready to turn up the cool factor on your outdoor living space? Shop the selection at Ingrams Water & Air to find your perfect partner with top-quality products in the coolest styles.