Shades & Umbrellas

Shade structures and umbrellas for patios, decks and pool areas

Shades & Umbrellas covers every way to put shade over an outdoor space: permanent cantilever shade structures, freestanding patio umbrellas, and the replacement canopies, bases and extension kits that keep both working. The right choice comes down to how much area you need covered and whether the shade needs to stay put or come down at the end of the season.

What is the difference between a shade structure and a patio umbrella?

A shade structure is a permanent installation anchored to concrete or held down by weighted ballast bases, while a patio umbrella is freestanding and packs away. Shade structures cover more area, block more UV, and can often be extended; umbrellas cost less, set up in minutes, and move wherever you need them. If the shade has to survive a season unattended over a fixed seating area, a structure is the answer. If you want shade you can reposition or store, choose an umbrella.

How much area does an outdoor shade cover?

Coverage depends on the type. A standard cantilever shade structure covers around 80 square feet from a single offset post and can be extended in sections; a 9′ crank patio umbrella covers a table and its chairs; a 10′ round cantilever umbrella covers a small seating group. Measure the area you actually use before choosing, because shade that falls short at 3pm is shade nobody sits under.

What should I look for in outdoor shade fabric?

Look for the UV block percentage and whether the fabric is breathable. Fabric that blocks a high percentage of UV while still letting air pass keeps the space under it cooler than a solid panel, which traps heat. Also check whether the canopy is removable, since being able to take fabric down ahead of a storm is what determines how long it lasts.

Browse by type

  • Shades — permanent cantilever shade structures
  • Umbrellas — freestanding patio and cantilever umbrellas
  • Shade Parts — canopies, bases, extension kits and poles