Umbrellas

Patio umbrellas and cantilever umbrellas

Patio umbrellas are the fastest way to put shade over an outdoor space: no anchoring, no concrete, no installation. This collection covers 9′ aluminum crank umbrellas for tables, 10′ round cantilever umbrellas for seating groups, replacement covers in a range of fabrics, and the weighted bases that hold them upright.

What is the difference between a crank umbrella and a cantilever umbrella?

A crank umbrella has a pole through the centre and opens with a hand crank, while a cantilever umbrella hangs its canopy from an offset arm to one side. The crank umbrella is designed to sit in a table's umbrella hole and shade the people around it. The cantilever umbrella keeps the space underneath completely clear, which suits a lounge set or a spot where there is no table to anchor the pole in.

Do I need a base for a patio umbrella?

Yes — every freestanding umbrella needs a weighted base, and cantilever umbrellas need substantially heavier ones than centre-pole models because the canopy is offset. A 10′ round cantilever umbrella typically ships with a base around 105 lb. A crank umbrella set into a table's umbrella hole still needs a base underneath to keep it from lifting in wind.

Can I replace just the umbrella cover?

Yes. Umbrella fabric wears out from UV and weather long before the frame does, and replacement covers are sold separately for exactly that reason. Replacing the cover restores the umbrella at a fraction of the cost of a new one, provided the ribs and frame are still straight and the crank mechanism works.

How long do patio umbrellas last?

Frame life and fabric life are different. Aluminum frames resist corrosion and typically outlast several covers, while fabric degrades from sun exposure over a few seasons depending on climate and whether the umbrella is closed when not in use. Closing the umbrella between uses and storing it over winter is the single biggest factor in how long a cover lasts.

Looking for permanent shade instead? See Shades.