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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
A patio or deck umbrella can let you dine, entertain, and for those who can, work outdoors without sweltering in what may be a harsh, glaring summer sun. The canopy construction of an outdoor umbrella is arguably the most crucial part, so be sure to look for a canopy constructed from durable, outdoor fabrics.
"The most common and best outdoor fabrics are Sunbrella and Ottertex," says Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science. Sunbrella is hydrophobic (does not absorb water) acrylic fabric, while Ottertex is polyester, and both are colorfast and UV protected, as they are densely woven, she adds.
To help you decide on the right one, we purchased 28 patio umbrellas, of different styles, shapes, colors, and features, and tested them in The Lab on a bright, sunshiny, 90-plus-degree day. After we evaluated how quickly and easily each umbrella was assembled out of the box, we assessed how well they provided cooling shade that made viewing a laptop screen outdoors possible, and how easy it was to adjust the umbrella for maximum coverage. Finally, we sprayed them with a hose to check their rainwater resistance and even applied artificial bird droppings to note how well each patio umbrella could be cleaned. To further test the durability and performance of these umbrellas, we sent 12 umbrellas home with volunteer testers, who shared their evaluations with us after one month, three months, and six months of home use. Whether you're looking for a lightweight design or an umbrella that has string lights, these outdoor patio umbrellas impressed us across our testing insights.
Testing Stats | |
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Products Tested | 28 |
Hours Spent Testing | 12 |
Tests Performed | 7 |
Unique Testers | 11 |
Best Overall
EliteShade 3-Tier Market Umbrella
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Amazon
Easy assembly
Effective shade
Easy adjustment
Color variety
Base not included
We gave this product, with its aluminum frame and dyed acrylic canopy, top marks for a multitude of reasons: its ease of assembly, sturdiness, durability, one-hand crank and one-button tilt mechanism, and water resistance. We were enthusiastic about how well it effectively kept the sun off a fairly large area—it shaded the area so completely, we didn’t need to increase our laptop's screen brightness while sitting underneath it.
We also found that the EliteShade’s thick, acrylic fabric repelled rainwater well, and we could completely and quickly clean up the artificial "bird doo" we introduced. (The manufacturer claims the acrylic-material canopy doesn’t fade for at least five years.) The ample 13-color assortment—from black to natural, and "sunflower yellow"—was far greater than most products we tested, and should easily complement any deck or patio decor.
The only downside is the package lacks a base, which, depending on the materials, can cost $50 or more. (In fact, it was rare to find a standard-style-type product that did.) Despite this, we find the EliteShade an excellent value.
How It Performed Long-Term
During our long-term tests, we found that this umbrella held up exceptionally well, going above and beyond on both sunny and rainy days. It covered most of our team member's deck, providing much-needed shade on especially hot days.
Price at time of publish: $307
Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 17 pounds | Coverage Area: 6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Aluminum frame, acrylic canopy
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Best Budget
Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Crank Patio Umbrella
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Walmart
Goes well with many decor styles
Easy to clean
Provides ample, deep shade
Somewhat heavy to tilt
Lacks UV protection
For its low price, we appreciated the Better Homes and Gardens 9-foot Round Patio Umbrella's ability to provide ample, deep shade that significantly reduced heat and glare (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith). We liked that it comes in seven colors (the black at a $10 higher price point), including solids and stripes, which could effortlessly blend with exterior decor. An additional plus is the stopped-position three-way tilt mechanism, which adjusts by pinching a latch and letting the umbrella tilt to either side. However, we did notice that it can be a bit heavy to push one way or the other, so you may want to recruit some help while adjusting the tilt.
While perhaps not as large as some products we tested, the Better Homes umbrella still effectively shaded two people seated at a round table and, based on our testing, could likely accommodate a table that seats up to four people. The fabric was cleaned easily and didn’t permit rainwater to leak through. On the downside, this product lacks an included base and doesn’t provide UV protection, like some higher-priced products we tested, and the frame seemed heavier than others. We also found that the crank for this umbrella can unwind on its own, if not clicked into a locked position, especially when it's very windy outside. Despite these minor issues, we enthusiastically recommend this umbrella for small decks or patios. Plus, its versatile, minimalistic color scheme makes it easy to add to any patio or design style.
How It Performed Long-Term
After testing in our lab, we set up this umbrella at home on an outdoor patio for long-term testing. After one month of using this umbrella consistently, our team member's family was pleased with the shade it provides and they frequently use it for outdoor lunches at a four-person table. After six months, we noted that the umbrella held up very well other than a few frayed edges on the fabric. We still think it's a worthy purchase, especially given its durability at under $100.
Price at time of publish: $60
Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 11 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Steel frame, polyester canopy
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Best Splurge
Hampton Bay Cantilever Solar LED Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Solid-steel frame
Durable
Rotates 360 degrees
Solar-powered lights
Challenging assembly
Sand for base sold separately
For a premium price, you get solar LED lights and 360-degree adjustment in this cantilever patio umbrella by Hampton Bay. You also get a steel-and-aluminum frame, which should help this product last several seasons. We also appreciated how it provided complete shade under which we could easily view a laptop screen, and we loved how easily it could be cleaned up. Additionally—although this octagonal 11-foot canopy is large enough to cover six people at a table—it stows compactly. The manufacturer says the canopy also resists UV rays.
Setting up this umbrella proved to be difficult—even though the assembly instructions were clear, the product took 40 minutes to put together. Fortunately, the package included a helpful video. What wasn't included was the recommended 220 pounds of sand for the included base, so we used sandbags inside the base as a temporary solution. Despite these downsides, we recommend this for larger decks or patios.
How It Performed Long-Term
After long-term testing this umbrella on a completely exposed back deck, we have loved the large amount of shade that this umbrella provides, especially since it protects puppy paws from the summer heat. And while the solar lights aren't meant for prolonged use, they do provide a decent amount of light in the evening. The only aspect of the umbrella that has degraded over time is the handle to lift the umbrella, which now takes a bit of force to operate. All things considered, the umbrella still held up exceptionally well through tons of inclement weather. Even after six months, we were impressed that this umbrella could withstand hail, rain, wind, and storms, even as a cantilever-style umbrella.
Price at time of publish: $500
Style: Cantilever | Size: 11 feet | Weight: 68 pounds | Coverage Area: 6-chair table | Tilt: No | Materials: Aluminum and steel frame, olefin canopy
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Best Cantilever
Best Choice Products 10’ Offset Hanging Market Patio Umbrella
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Amazon
Included instruction video
Affordable
Easy-to-clean, sun-blocking canopy
Sways in the wind
Challenging to set up
Cantilever umbrellas require a little more effort to install than standard umbrellas, and this product is no exception, taking 10 minutes from the box to set up. But we recommend this one for its combination of the polyester canopy and steel pole, and budget price—just under $100. We felt completely comfortable and cool under the 10-foot canopy, which could easily cover a table and four to six chairs. Water rolled right off the canopy, which dried almost instantly, and our “bird doo” cleaned right off.
However, this product has some downsides. As a cantilever, its setup takes more effort than a standard patio umbrella. Also, the durable pole and mechanisms, rigid in calm air, tend to shake in a moderate breeze. That also could cause the canopy to move, annoyingly shifting the shade coverage. But we still love the offset, cantilever style for patios with seating arrangements that do not allow for a centered umbrella.
How It Performed Long-Term
After months of consistent use, we were impressed with this umbrella's expansive shade, which completely covered a large deck area. This umbrella also held up well during a few thunderstorms with no tipping or breakage. However, around the three-month mark, the string mechanism that connects to the crank which opens the umbrella broke, rendering it unusable. While we're not sure if this was a manufacturer error or a one-time fluke, it's definitely worth considering before you buy. We do appreciate that you're able to purchase an outdoor furniture accident protection plan for three or five years upon checkout on Amazon, which can give you peace of mind when buying this umbrella.
Price at time of publish: $90
Style: Cantilever | Size: 10 feet | Weight: 29 pounds | Coverage Area: 4 to 6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Steel pole, polyester canopy
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Best for Large Spaces
Safavieh Athens 11-Foot Round Crank Umbrella
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Amazon
Large size
Easy assembly
Attractive pattern
Tilt mechanism unclear
The classic French-style cantilever Athens 11-Foot Round Crank Umbrella by Safavieh comfortably covers a table and six chairs, enough for a 12 x 12-foot deck. The manufacturer says the product was inspired by similar umbrellas seen throughout Monaco’s sun-drenched Mediterranean hotels.
We found that the umbrella assembled effortlessly out of the box during lab testing, and the crank took no extraordinary effort to open and close the canopy. We did note the design includes tilt capability, but we could not figure out how to accomplish this during our tests, despite the instructions. Nevertheless, we recommend the Athens umbrella for its laptop-readable shade, water repellency, and effortless cleanup of natural and artificial gunk.
How It Performed Long-Term
After months of consistent use, we found that this umbrella still works as good as new, with no signs of wear or fading. Our at-home testing team member had never used a patio umbrella before testing this one and it was a complete game changer for her second-story deck experience. Even as the weather got colder, the umbrella was still useful for deflecting falling leaves and seeds, allowing for undisturbed meals outside. We had no issues using a standard umbrella stand, and we loved that this umbrella was large enough to shade an entire outdoor dining table. It even stood up well against high-wind days and storms with no damage.
Price at time of publish: $360
Style: Cantilever | Size: 11 feet | Weight: 15 pounds | Coverage Area: 6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Not listed
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Best 10-Foot Umbrella
Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella
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Courtesy of Amazon
Lightweight
Ample shade
Easy cleanup
Base not included
Tilt button too high on frame
This 10-foot patio umbrella from Pure Garden lacks many features of the higher-priced products we tested—the materials aren't the highest quality. But for the price, it would be a good option for a few outdoor seasons. We appreciated its ample shade and water resistance. We liked its generous shade area for the size—you could definitely fit at least a bistro set under it, and potentially a table and four chairs. It is also easily disassembled for simple off-season storage. You can buy it in nine solid colors.
In less than 1 minute, we were able to insert the lightweight alloy-steel pole into a base (not included) and open the acrylic canopy with the plastic hand crank. The product tilted with the press of a button, but we believe some people might find it hard to reach. If you're looking for a 10-foot canopy, you can't go wrong with this affordable design, especially given its easy setup and storage potential.
How It Performed Long-Term
During our long-term tests in a real-world setting, we found that our favorite feature of the umbrella was just how easy it was to move around the outdoor space. Its lightweight construction allowed it to be swiftly and easily placed wherever it was needed. Our testing team member also loved that it provided ample shade for her kids to comfortably play outside in the peak, midday heat. Over time, we did notice that the crank mechanism became harder to operate and doesn't work as well. However, the rest of the umbrella has held up nicely.
Price at time of publish: $52
Style: Standard | Size: 10 feet | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-to-6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Alloy steel frame, olefin canopy
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Best with Lights
Blissun 9’ Lighted Patio Umbrella
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Amazon
Lightweight but sturdy
Good value
LED lights with eight-hour run time
Not completely opaque
Balmy summer weather makes for perfect deck-sitting nights, and we love the Blisson 9-foot Lighted Patio Umbrella as an option to provide a welcome ambiance to any outdoor space. With four solar-powered LED lights on each of its eight ribs, this umbrella adds a twinkle to festivities. The solar power lights can be an especially nice touch if you like to entertain. Additionally, the tilt mechanism and its hand crank are easy to operate with minimal effort. We found the alloy-steel pole and tilting mechanism to be all good quality, as well as surprisingly light.
However, we weren't as enthusiastic about the canopy, noting that even though it cleaned up easily—and the manufacturer claims it’s UV-resistant—it didn’t block out all the sun so you may need to squint a bit to read your laptop while sitting underneath. Still, we were impressed with the product's overall value and wide color selection.
How It Performed Long-Term
During our long-term tests, we loved how easy it was to set up and take down this umbrella. Our at-home testing team member said she uses her patio so much more with this product. She also said she loved being able to read, work, or eat meals outside without worrying about becoming too hot or sunburnt. This umbrella is a great addition to summer dinners with friends and other outdoor gatherings, and the twinkling lights add a ton of ambiance to any setting. Over time, it held up very well, and the umbrella has no signs of damage or wear.
Price at time of publish: $95
Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 16 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Alloy-steel frame, polyester canopy
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Best Design
Safavieh Milan Fringe Crank Outdoor Auto Tilt Umbrella
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Walmart
Keeps still in wind
Ample shade
Easy to set up
Expensive
A flurry of fringe on top of the navy blue canopy adds a touch of romance to this 9-foot patio umbrella. In addition to its fun detailing, we especially appreciated the ease of setup, as well as how easy it was to open and close the canopy. We were impressed with the ample shade it provided—which seemed more than what you might think for the canopy size. It also negated the need for sunglasses and made it easy to view the details on a laptop screen. On a moderately breezy day, an air vent also keeps the canopy from moving too much.
Initially, the canopy material appeared to be on the cheaper side, but our tests confirmed its durability. It provided enough shade to comfortably view a laptop screen; water beaded up and rolled right off; and the fabric was cleaned up completely. The price struck us as somewhat high at over $200. But if you’re looking for a chic-appearing patio umbrella, this might be the pick for you.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this umbrella for months in a partially shaded backyard, we found that working on a laptop was a breeze and that there were no glare issues while sitting underneath it. Additionally, the light fabric did not leak any sunlight, but we did notice that any debris or buds could be easily seen through the canopy. While this is not necessarily a drawback of the umbrella's performance, it may be a concern for anyone especially worried about aesthetics. Over time, the umbrella proved to be very low-maintenance and easy to operate and store. Even after six months of consistent use, the umbrella held up phenomenally, with no signs of wear or damage.
Price at time of publish: $279
Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 12 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Hardwood frame, polyester canopy
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Best Heavy Duty
Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 108'' Market Sunbrella Umbrella
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Ergonomic crank
Durable canopy fabric
Water-repellent
Expensive
Heavy
The Kellie umbrella stood out thanks to the Sunbrella canopy fabric that easily repelled whatever we threw at it—water and faux bird droppings, among them—with no water coming through. Its weather-resistant materials also proved to be wind resistant. While this umbrella is heavy to tilt, the weight made it feel like it would last several seasons without blowing away or tipping over. The manufacturer also states the umbrella resists UV rays and mildew.
This umbrella also was easy for one person to set up alone. The metal pole and ribs added to the perceived durability. However, we found that navy blue is not the best color when trying to clean off "bird doo," as it left a noticeable stain after easily scrubbing away.
How It Performed Long-Term
After months of use, we found that this umbrella still functioned well and it has not faded over time. However, a wind storm completely lifted the umbrella (which was closed) out of its stand and tossed it across the patio, making us wish there was a better way to secure it within the stand. But within the six months of our long-term tests, this only happened once, and other than that it has stayed in place and held up nicely. In general, it's still one of the sturdier options we've tested and the umbrella does not blow over easily when open.
Price at time of publish: $194
Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 14 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-to-6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Aluminum frame, Sunbrella fabric canopy
Compare
Overall Rating | Design | Effectiveness | Size | Durability | Protection | ||
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Best Overall:
EliteShade 3-Tier Market Umbrella
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Amazon | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
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Best Budget:
Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Crank Patio Umbrella
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Walmart | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
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Best Splurge:
Hampton Bay LED Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella
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Amazon | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | |
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Best Cantilever:
Best Choice Products Offset Hanging Market Patio Umbrella
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Amazon | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | |
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Best for Large Spaces:
Safavieh Athens Crank Umbrella
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Amazon | 3.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
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Best 10-Foot Umbrella:
Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella
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Amazon | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | |
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Best with Lights:
Blissun 9’ Lighted Patio Umbrella
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Amazon | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
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Best Design:
Safavieh Fringe Outdoor Auto Tilt Umbrella
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Amazon | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | |
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Best Heavy Duty:
Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie Sunbrella Umbrella
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Wayfair |
After spending hours in a bright, sun-drenched day testing 28 patio umbrellas in The Lab, our overall top choice is the EliteShade Sunumbrella 9-foot 3-Tier Market Umbrella, which we gave top marks for its ease of assembly; sturdiness and durability; one-hand crank and one-button tilt mechanism; and water resistance. For a budget-friendly alternative, we recommend the Better Homes and Gardens 9 Foot Round Patio Umbrella. We liked its easy-clean material and its seven color choices, which would blend well with virtually any outdoor decor.
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
How We Tested the Outdoor Patio Umbrellas
On a scorching-hot sunshiny day in mid-May, we tested 28 patio umbrellas in The Spruce’s outdoor Lab in Des Moines, Iowa.
First, we assembled the umbrellas on tables we hauled outdoors, checking for ease of following the manufacturer’s directions and how quickly the umbrella went from uncrating to deployment. Next, we opened the umbrellas, judging how easy it was for an average person to accomplish, based on the product’s design. That gave us a good opportunity to assess each umbrella on how easy it was to adjust, rotate or tilt, and whether that offered better shade or cover. Since many work-from-home employees elect to use their decks or patios as an “outdoor office,” we set up laptops and reported how well the umbrella covered the area, so the screen could be seen.
We then took a step back to consider each umbrella’s overall sturdiness, including the covering and frame, as well as its attractiveness. Finally, we intentionally stained each umbrella with artificial "bird doo" and reported how easily the goo cleaned up, and whether it could be machine-washed, if necessary. After we closed each umbrella, reporting the ease of doing so. Finally, we gave each a value-based score, determining whether the price was justified.
In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we also conducted long-term home testing in order to see how the umbrellas held up over time, checking in after one month, three months, and six months. For long-term testing, we chose 12 top-performing umbrellas and sent them to our own team members' houses to note how they performed in real-world situations. We considered each umbrella's long-term durability and noted how it has enhanced if at all, our day-to-day lives. We also considered how often we used the patio umbrellas and whether or not they have improved our outdoor spaces as a whole.
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The Spruce / Lara Antal
What to Look For in an Outdoor Patio Umbrella
Construction
A standard patio umbrella consists of a canopy, often made of an outdoor UV-resistant fabric (Sunbrella, which is used for products like the Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 108'' Market Sunbrella Umbrella, is the most common brand); and a frame, which can be wood, fiberglass, or, most commonly, aluminum. Most canopies are round, but we have been seeing rectangular ones as well, which are a better choice for rectangular tables. Wood is the most attractive (and the costliest) frame material, but if you regularly experience severe thunderstorms, fiberglass or aluminum are better choices. Compared with aluminum, fiberglass is lightweight, flexible, non-corrosive, and holds up to weather.
Type
Patio umbrellas come in different types, for different uses. The most common type is inserted into a hole in your table and held in place by a stand (generally not included with the umbrella). While the most common canopy shape is round, you also can find market umbrellas (like the EliteShade Sunumbrella Market Umbrella, our best overall choice), which are octagonal and cantilever umbrellas (like the Best Choice Products Offset Hanging Market Patio Umbrella), which arch over the table and get their support from a stand placed a short distance away.
Size
Most patio umbrellas measure anywhere from 5 to 11 feet in diameter. Generally, an 11-foot umbrella–like the Hampton Bay 11 ft. Aluminum Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella–comfortably shades a table seating four to six adults. If you're not sure what type or size of patio umbrella to purchase, you can read our guide for picking out a patio umbrella.
Mechanics
To open and close their canopies, most patio umbrellas operate with cranks, which require a human to turn. Locking mechanisms, such as a pin, keep it open. Higher-priced models may accomplish this with pushbuttons. Other models employ pulley systems, which can be harder to handle. If you intend to keep your umbrella open all season, a pulley type may suffice. But if you need to close your umbrella—in case of high wind, for example, which can send an umbrella soaring—opt for the crank.
Maintenance
Open patio umbrellas are sitting ducks for flying ducks—and other birds to remind you of their presence. Consider how easy it is to clean the canopy, whether by simply spraying with a garden hose or by needing more extensive cleaning, perhaps with a sponge and soapy water. Don't use a power washer or any harsh chemicals, as the fibers holding the canopy together may give way, warns Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science. Frames can gunk up as well; you can clean most with a damp cloth. "If you're looking for durability and longevity, give it [your umbrella] a rest," says Young. "Close it up and even put it away when not in use—it will simply last longer."
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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Which style of patio umbrella is best?
This depends on your outdoor area and how you intend to use the umbrella. If you have a table that can accept a patio umbrella through an included hole, your choices can include any type that installs in this manner. If your table doesn’t have an access hole, or if you’re wanting to shade an area apart from a table, opt for a cantilever umbrella, which you can position nearby.
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What do I need to set up a patio umbrella?
All you need is an outdoor area to be shaded! Many outdoor tables include holes to insert umbrella poles. Some standard patio umbrellas include a base to anchor the pole, but not all do; bases sold separately can cost from $45 to $100. If your outdoor seating area doesn’t include a table, opt for a cantilever umbrella, which you can place anywhere but requires a flat surface to prevent it from falling over.
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What kind of fabric should a patio umbrella canopy be made of?
Canopy fabric should be lightweight enough to transport easily yet sturdy to resist heavy rain and wind. It should be easy to clean and opaque to mask out most of the sun. You also can purchase a patio umbrella made with UV-resistant material. "Anything made of polyester, acrylic, or olefin are good outdoor choices," Young says. "Nylon, although it has superior strength and is known for its light weight, does not do well left out in the sun."
Why Trust The Spruce?
Ira Lacher is the Senior Editor for Garden, Outdoor and Home Improvement at The Spruce, and has written and edited articles about outdoor products for a number of publications over a number of years. For this article, he was on hand at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, where over 28 products underwent thorough testing. Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce, updated this roundup to include long-term testing insights. Phelps also reached out to Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science, for additional insight into the best umbrella canopy fabrics.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.