Outside lounge areas wouldn’t be complete without patio umbrellas. These umbrellas are a fair weather staple. They provide protection against the sun’s harsh rays and help to cool you and your guests off with a blanket of shade on a hot summer’s day. A patio set just wouldn’t be complete without a quality outdoor umbrella. They are available in different colors, lengths, widths and designs to match the other patio furniture in your collection.

Purchasing outdoor patio furniture umbrellas is a fairly simple process. You need to know a few things before you make your purchase though. First you should measure your table to see how big you want your umbrella to be. You want to purchase an umbrella that is big enough in circumference to provide shade to all parts of the table.  Second, when picking your umbrella make sure to choose a style that compliments that rest of the patio set. There is a large variety of patio umbrellas in a number of different styles. From island cabana to French provincial style there is an umbrella to suit your personal style and patio décor. Third, make sure to purchase high quality patio umbrella bases. Patio umbrella bases are available in a variety finishes and are made of different materials. Theses bases can be purchased in fiberglass, plastic, steel or concrete. Depending on the size and weight of the patio umbrella some bases are more preferable than others. Some of the lighter weight bases such as the fiberglass and plastic can be filled with water or concrete to provide more stability for the patio umbrella. Other bases can be bolted down for stability.

An outdoor patio umbrella doesn’t necessarily have to be attached to a table. There are a number of outdoor patio umbrellas that are very portable and freestanding while providing optimal shade coverage. The cantilever umbrella is a great example of this type of umbrella. A cantilever umbrella is a portable umbrella that usually has a metal frame and a firm base. This umbrella has a crank that allows the user to easily open and close the umbrella. In addition, most of these umbrellas have a tilt feature that allows the user to change the slant of the umbrella.  The umbrella itself can be made from a variety of different fabrics but most are made from durable polyester or cloth. Another option for freestanding outdoor patio umbrellas is the freestanding awning. Similar to cantilever umbrellas in its extensive coverage, freestanding awnings have heavy duty metal construction with a large canopy that can be titled in the desired direction.

Patio umbrellas can range in price to the very inexpensive to the very pricey. It is best to pick an umbrella that will provide the best shade coverage, blends well with the other patio furniture and is made a durable material. If you are going to invest in an umbrella it is best to pay a bit more and purchase one that can withstand many years of use. Also, it is recommended that you purchase your patio umbrellas from a local dealer as it allows you as a consumer to see the umbrella up close and to determine if the construction and style is to your liking.

There is nothing better than lounging in the backyard, sipping lemonade and reading a book on a warm summer’s afternoon. The experience is even better while lounging under your choice of quality patio umbrellas.