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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
It’s always relaxing to sit outdoors on nice days, but if the sun is shining, you may want to switch to a shadier spot for some relief. Whether you’re trying to read on your patio or enjoy lunch by the pool, an outdoor patio umbrella can help solve these woes, offering shade from the sun while you enjoy the nice weather.
Patio umbrellas come in all shapes and sizes—round, square, rectangular, and more—so you’ll want to know a few tips before buying a patio umbrella so it can best suit your needs. You should also consider what type of lift and opening mechanism will work best for your available space; almost all umbrellas are either manual, crank, or pulley. Think about what type of fabric would be both durable and express your personal style, as well.
To help you find the right outdoor patio umbrella, we tested some of the top picks that will help you beat the heat so you can better enjoy your outdoor space.
Best Overall: Abba Patio 9 ft. Outdoor Market Umbrella with Push Button Tilt and Crank
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Size: 9 feet | Canopy Shape: Round | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Crank lift | Umbrella Stand: No
Classic appearance
Wide range of colors
Fade-resistant fabric
Convenient push-button tilt
Only tilts 45 degrees
Thin fabric
Whether you’re hoping to cover your pool lounge chair or outdoor dining table, the Abba Patio 9-Foot Umbrella has you covered—literally! This umbrella has a 9-foot circular canopy made from durable polyester fabric, and it’s mounted on an iron pole that’s 1.5 inches in diameter and features a crank system and push-button tilt, allowing you to quickly adjust the angle of the umbrella to best block the sun.
The Abba Umbrella is available in several pretty colors, and its canopy is UV-, water-, and fade-resistant for long-lasting durability. It’s supported by eight steel ribs that keep it steady, even on breezier days, and there’s a vent at the top of the umbrella to allow airflow. When the umbrella is closed, you can use the sewn-in Velcro straps to secure it shut.
Our product tester noted that this is a great budget pick that has lasted for a few summers.
"Though the 9-foot-round umbrella is designed to shade a four-person round table or two lounge chairs side by side, we found it cast enough shade to almost completely cover our 84-inch-long, six- to eight-person rectangular table." — Danielle Centoni, Product Tester
Best Budget: Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella
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Size: 10 feet | Canopy Shape: Round | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Crank lift | Umbrella Stand: No
Attractive fabric and color options
Large canopy
Easy to open via crank
Wind-resistant
Fabric isn't fade-resistant
Color varies slightly from online photos
Patio umbrellas can get pricey, but the Pure Garden Aluminum Umbrella is a great value, especially considering its size. Its round polyester canopy is a whopping 10 feet in diameter, allowing you to easily cast shade over a table or seating area. The umbrella is mounted on a powder-coated aluminum pole that’s 1.5 inches in diameter, and the best part is that the canopy can be tilted to help you stay in the shade.
This patio umbrella comes in a range of bright colors to suit your style, and the top of the canopy is vented for better airflow and wind resistance. A crank handle can be used to raise and lower the canopy, and despite its reasonable price, the Pure Garden Patio Umbrella is well-built and attractive, making it an ideal option for any outdoor space.
Our tester noted this a great option for those looking for a simple and affordable umbrella.
"The price suggests a plain Jane model, but I found this umbrella just as attractive as more expensive options on the market. The powder-coated pole goes unnoticed, and the fabric looks like canvas despite being polyester, which matched my other umbrella over my outdoor couch." — Justin Park, Product Tester
Best Large: Le Papillon 15 ft Market Outdoor Umbrella
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Size: 15 feet | Canopy Shape: Oval | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Crank lift | Umbrella Stand: No
Large size
Easy to store
Reasonable price for its size
Requires special base
Not fade-resistant
Limited color choices
You’ll be able to cover a huge area with the Le Papillon Market Outdoor Umbrella, which is a whopping 15 feet long. This unique product looks like three standard umbrellas were merged together, and its extra-long design is ideal for providing shade over a long outdoor dining table. The canopy is controlled by a standard crank, and there are three vents along the top of the umbrella to allow improved airflow and increase its stability in the wind.
Given its large size, it makes sense that the Le Papillon Umbrella is mounted on an oversized pole with a 1.89-inch diameter. (This may not fit in all tables, so be sure to measure before you buy.) The umbrella also requires a special base, which you’ll have to buy separately.
"Underneath the umbrella, there’s an intricate criss-cross of black 'ribs' which are the arms holding up the canopy. Personally, we found all that hardware overhead a bit visually overwhelming, but after a while, we stopped noticing. It seems that’s the price that must be paid for a huge cover that can be easily be retracted and stored." — Danielle Centoni, Product Tester
Best with Lights: Best Choice Products 10ft Solar LED Lighted Patio Umbrella with Tilt Adjustment
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Size: 10 feet | Canopy Shape: Round | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Crank lift | Umbrella Stand: No
Integrated solar-powered LED lights
Fade-resistant canopy
Wide range of colors
Lights could be brighter
Crank is positioned too high
Keep the party going after dark with the Best Choice Products Lighted Patio Umbrella, which features 24 solar-powered LED lights on the underside of its canopy. The umbrella has a 10-foot diameter and stands 96 inches tall, and it’s mounted on an aluminum pole that’s 1.5 inches in diameter. The product comes in a wide range of colors, and the canopy is made from UV- and fade-resistant fabric for durability.
The Best Choice Products Lighted Umbrella has a push-button tilt system, and it opens and closes via a convenient crank handle. However, the main appeal of this umbrella is its built-in lights. There are three bulbs on each of the eight ribs, and the panel needs around six hours of direct sunlight to charge them up.
Best Patterned: Frontgate 9-Foot Round Outdoor Market Umbrella
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Size: 9 feet | Canopy Shape: Round | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Pulley | Umbrella Stand: No
Wide selection of colors and patterns
Choice of aluminum or teak frame
Durable Sunbrella fabric
Certain fabrics are very expensive
Long shipping times
A lot of patio umbrellas are only available in solid colors, but if you’re hoping to add a pop of interest to your outdoor living space, the Frontgate Outdoor Market Umbrella is a high-quality option that’s available in a wide range of fun patterns. The Sunbrella canopy can be decorated with colorful stripes or bold floral patterns, and you also have the choice between an aluminum or teak frame.
This umbrella has a 9-foot canopy with a vent on top, and the performance fabric resists fading, stains, mold, and mildew. If you choose an aluminum frame, there are several finishes available. The pole will feature a classic crank, but the teak frame is equipped with a double-pulley opening system. With either choice, the pole has a 1.5-inch diameter that will fit into most umbrella bases.
Best Splurge: L.L. Bean Sunbrella Market Umbrella
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Size: 9 feet | Canopy Shape: Round | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Pulley | Umbrella Stand: No
Durable wooden construction
Fadeproof Sunbrella fabric
Easy-to-open pulley system
Expensive
Limited color selection
For a high-end, durable umbrella that you’ll be able to use for many years, you won’t be disappointed in the L.L. Bean Sunbrella Market Umbrella. Unlike many umbrellas available today, this product has a solid wood pole and wooden ribs that are not only extremely sturdy but attractive, as well. The umbrella has a 9-foot diameter and stands 100 inches tall, and it’s available in a handful of classic colors.
In addition to its wooden construction, the L.L. Bean Market Umbrella is covered with heavy-duty Sunbrella fabric, an acrylic material that’s fade-proof and mildew-resistant. The top of the canopy has a skirted top to protect it from gusts of wind, and you can easily raise or lower the umbrella using the inner pulley system.
Best for Wind: EliteShade Sunbrella 9-Foot 3-Tier Market Umbrella
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Size: 9 feet | Canopy Shape: Round | Type: Market | Opening Mechanism: Pulley | Umbrella Stand: No
Durable Sunbrella canopy
Double-vented design for wind resistance
Easy push-button tilt
Expensive
Crank can be hard to operate
An unexpected gust of wind can send your patio umbrella flying across the yard, so to save yourself the hassle of chasing down a rogue canopy, you may want a product like the EliteShade Market Umbrella. What makes this patio umbrella special? Its 9-foot canopy has a unique three-tier design—sometimes referred to as a double wind vent—allowing more air to pass through the umbrella and preventing it from being tossed around in the wind. Plus, it will help to keep you cool on those super-hot days.
This umbrella comes in a dozen colors, all of which are made from Sunbrella performance fabric. The canopy is supported by an aluminum pole with a 1.5-inch diameter, as well as eight powder-coated ribs. There’s a push button that allows you to tilt the umbrella in any direction for a more precise shade, and the covering can be opened and closed via a convenient crank handle on the pole.
Best Cantilever: Hampton Bay 11 ft. Aluminum Cantilever Solar LED Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella
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Size: 11 feet | Canopy Shape: Octagon | Type: Cantilever | Opening Mechanism: Crank lift | Umbrella Stand: Yes
Olefin fabric canopy resists fading for years
Very sturdy and durably built
Canopy can rotate 360 degrees
Very hard to move once assembled
The base takes up a large footprint
While often more expensive than traditional market umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas offer the unique benefit of being off-set, meaning you aren’t stuck looking at a pole in the center of your table or seating area. The Hampton Bay Aluminum Cantilever Patio Umbrella is a great way to provide a wide area of shade on your deck or patio, as it has an 11-foot octagon canopy that can be adjusted to different angles to suit your space.
This durable umbrella is made to last with a rust-resistant, powder-coated aluminum frame and an Olefin, UV-protected fabric canopy that can resist fading, and withstand the elements for years. It also provides ambiance with 40 tiny LED lights that are powered by a solar panel at the top of the umbrella.
"We found the dense fabric provided deep shade and an immediate relief from the blazing hot sun. It’s vented so that hot air trapped under the canopy can escape and so the umbrella won’t catch in the wind. A large hook-and-loop fastener strap sewn to the edge allowed us to tie the canopy to the pole so it didn’t blow around." — Danielle Centoni, Product Tester
The Abba Patio 9-Foot Umbrella is a great choice for any outdoor space, as it comes in a variety of colors, has a durable canopy, and can even be tilted to better block the sun. If you're looking to cover a larger area, we recommend the Le Papillon 15 ft Market Outdoor Umbrella. Even at its larger size, it is easy to retract and store.
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The Spruce / Lara Antal
What to Look for in an Outdoor Patio Umbrella
Size
Patio umbrellas come in a wide range of sizes—some cover just a single chair, while others are large enough to cover a table for four or more. A 5-foot umbrella is suitable for four people and a 7-foot umbrella provides enough shade for six. If you need something to accommodate eight or more, consider an 11-foot umbrella.
Mechanism
There are three different options for lifting an outdoor patio umbrella: manual, crank, and pulley. Manual umbrellas require a little more work to lock the canopy into place and can be challenging for shorter people to operate. Crank umbrellas are easier to operate by turning a lever. Pulley umbrellas are the most convenient; Simply pull a rope to raise and lower the canopy.
Fabric
Sunbrella is the most popular material for outdoor patio umbrellas because it’s durable, as well as stain- and weather-resistant. Other commonly used material includes canvas, acrylic, polyester, and olefin.
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How do you measure for an outdoor patio umbrella?
Patio umbrellas are measured from one edge to the other. You can do this for yourself by measuring from the center to one edge and multiplying by two. When an umbrella is marketed as a 10-foot umbrella, this means that it is 10 feet across at its widest point. You will also want to be aware of the crank height, which you can measure from the bottom of the crank mechanism to the base of the umbrella.
When measuring your space, you should make sure that you have enough room to lift and extend the umbrella. This is especially important for a cantilever umbrella since the base is offset to one side. If your umbrella can swing around, you will want to provide additional space around the base for it to function. If you plan to use your umbrella with a patio table, you will want to make sure that you can still reach the crank mechanism to lift and extend the umbrella when it is installed.
Generally, your umbrella should extend beyond your seating area by 1 or 2 feet. This makes sure that the entire area stays in the shade even as the sun moves. This is subject to some personal preference, however.
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How do you clean an outdoor patio umbrella?
The best way to clean an outdoor patio umbrella depends on its construction and materials. Most umbrellas are made of easy-to-clean outdoor fabric, such as Sunbrella. Simply spray it down with a standard garden hose or pressure washer on low, similar to cleaning other outdoor furniture. You can use a mild detergent to remove grime and dirt off the umbrella.
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How do you properly secure an outdoor umbrella?
If your umbrella comes with a securing strap, usually with Velcro or snaps that attach the folded umbrella to the pole, this is the best way to secure the umbrella when not in use. You can also add bungees for extra staying power if needed. If you plan to put the umbrella away for a longer period of time, you can detach the pole from the base by reversing the steps required to construct the umbrella. If the base is weighted with water or sand, it is best to remove these fillers for long-term storage.
Secure the umbrella itself using a securing strap or bungees. Store it in a cool, dry location. It is good practice to periodically take the fabric portions out to make sure that they have not been impacted by mold or mildew while in storage. A fabric made for outdoor use will make this less likely, even while in storage.
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Can you leave an outdoor umbrella open during inclement weather?
One of the biggest issues for outdoor umbrella use is the tendency for umbrellas to blow over. This is especially true during inclement weather. If you have rain, your umbrella will likely be able to withstand it without any problems. It can even help wash and clean the fabric. But if there is any wind, it’s best to close the umbrella or risk it blowing onto its side, to the other side of your yard, or even up onto the roof of your home.
At a minimum, you should make sure that the umbrella is not positioned vertically. This creates the largest area for wind to hit. If left in this position, the umbrella will act as a sail and will almost certainly tip over, even in very light winds.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, who is a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce, The Spruce Pets, and The Spruce Crafts. With a background in textiles and design, she's an expert when it comes to selecting the best fabrics for household products and outdoor furniture.
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