Choosing the right patio umbrella can protect you from the damaging ultraviolet rays and give you and your family a cool and relaxing place to soak up the warmth. In fact, investing in a high-quality patio umbrella is a sensible option as it can transform your patio or deck into a comfortable outdoor space while providing maximum shade, privacy, and protection from sunlight.

With a wide array of sizes, designs, colors, fabrics, and shapes, it could be a daunting undertaking to choose the right outdoor umbrella for your space. Here are a few easy tips and tricks that can help you choose an outdoor umbrella that perfectly suits your needs.

The Size of Your Patio Umbrella

The size of your umbrella is a crucial factor that determines the amount of shade your space will receive. When it comes to choosing an outdoor umbrella for your patio, meticulously think about how much shade you want and your available space. Choosing an over-sized umbrella for your small deck will be overwhelming and destroy the aesthetics of your home. Some expert landscape designers suggest that umbrellas should be extended by 2 feet on each side over your patio table. For instance, if you have a 4-foot rounded table, an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter would be a perfect fit.

The Height of Pole

Another important factor that you should keep in mind while selecting a patio umbrella is the height of the umbrella pole. Poles that are usually 7-8 feet high are considered as standard height.

Umbrella Base

An adequate umbrella base is a crucial factor. Choose a heavy-duty support that provides enough stability and is able to withstand any weather and keep your umbrella erect at all times. If you live in areas that experience high winds, choosing a cantilever outdoor umbrella is a sensible option.

Position

When choosing an outdoor umbrella for your deck, patio or backyard, you should consider the location of the umbrella. There are two categories of outdoor umbrellas – freestanding and table umbrellas. Freestanding umbrellas are a perfect option for large outdoor spaces and offer maximum shade and protect your patio furniture. They allow you to provide shade on a certain part of your patio, for instance, over poolside lounge chairs or patio table. However, if you plan on using a patio table for playing games or serving food, a table umbrella is the best option. It can be placed in the center of the patio table and is used as a focal point of the outdoor area.

Choose the Right Fabric

The ultimate purpose of installing a large outdoor umbrella is to block the harmful rays of the sun. This purpose can only be served when you choose the right fabric for your umbrella. Make sure that the material you choose for your umbrella is water resistant, and can withstand heavy wind, rain, and sunlight. Sunbrella is a well-known name as an outdoor fabric that is fabricated from a synthetic material and is available in a variety of prints, colors, textures, and finishes. You can choose one that best suits your style needs.

The Material of Umbrella Frames

Umbrella frames are usually constructed from fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. The most common material is aluminum which is usually used for creating umbrella poles and can resist all kinds of weather conditions. Wood frames that are made up of pipe, teak or eucalyptus are also considered a popular but costly choice for umbrella frames. On the other hand, fiberglass is lightweight, affordable, non-corrosive and can withstand different weather conditions.

Types of Outdoor Umbrellas

Before making a buying decision, don’t get confused and buy a beach umbrella. Carefully research the types of outdoor umbrellas and choose one that performs well. There is a wide array of outdoor umbrellas available, from pagoda, cantilever, logo umbrella, crank and tilt, center pole to the pavilion. There are many shades manufactures in Dubai that offer all kinds of umbrellas. You can buy one that best fits your style needs.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right patio umbrella needs careful research and planning. Whether you are thinking of purchasing a beach umbrella or a patio umbrella, make sure to buy it from a reputed manufacturer and purchase one that offers the right amount of shade, sturdiness and weather resistance.

The post Choosing the Right Patio Umbrella – Here’s What to Consider! appeared first on Al Zayed Shades.

Let’s have a look at these functional patio covers to see what could work best for you.

1. Lattice Shade Structure

If you want to add a contemporary look to your outdoor space, opting for a lattice-like covering is a great option to invest in. A lattice-like structure is thinner and comprised of shaded pieces that create a rectangular structure. Make sure the wood that is used for lattice structure is durable enough to make the most of it. Cedar, redwood, and teak are a few best outside wood options that you can choose for lattice structure. In addition, adding fabric to lattice structure will give you some flexibility for shading control as well as enhance the overall aesthetics.

2. Install Cantilever Umbrellas

Installing a bright and colorful freestanding umbrella is a great option to spruce up your outdoor space while providing some relief from the scorching sunlight. A large outdoor umbrella can provide much-needed shade while you are outside having morning coffee or lunch. Since there is a huge variety of umbrellas available that you can choose for your outdoor space, installing a cantilever umbrella canopy is a cost-effective option as it can be installed anywhere and provide an optimal coverage and shade to block the sunlight from any direction it comes from. They come in a huge array of designs and colors, that can give your outdoor living space a vibrant look. When it comes to choosing the fabric for an umbrella, factors such as durability, fade resistance, UV protection, mold and mildew resistance and water resistance in mind.

3. Pergola Frames

If you want to give your outdoor space a more traditional look, considering a pergola is a great option. Pergola can add a real sense of a wonderful outdoor living area that is open to the sky, air, and nature. It will provide you a little bit of shade while still allowing you to absorb lots of vitamin D. Pergolas come in a myriad of designs such as traditional columns, rafters, and purlins. The cost of the pergola structure varies widely depending on the style and size you choose. These structures need continuous maintenance, unlike a cantilever shade canopy that can easily be put away after the season. However, choosing low-maintenance materials such as acrylic trim boards, fiberglass columns and woods can allow you to make the most of your outdoor space rather than cleaning, painting, and scraping.

4. Sail Shade

Sail shades are a creative and functional way to cover your patio that provide a lot of benefits. Since there is a wide variety of sun shade sail canopies available to choose from, you can experiment with multiple shades, colors, and configurations to achieve the most appealing and functional patio cover that provides complete shade and weather protection to your outdoor space.

5. Trellis Canopy

You can simply take your trellis to a completely whole new level by simply loading up on greenery. If truth be told, plants are the best patio canopies that provide the most shade needed. You can add some pieces of furniture and outdoor fairy lights to transform the overall look of your patio or deck.

6. Laser Cut Metal Screens

Laser cut metal screens are indeed the most creative option to cover your patio that look aesthetically appealing. These screens not only look beautiful and versatile, but they also provide maximum shade, proper lighting, and ventilation. It is a perfect option to add a wow factor and enhance the aesthetic value of your outdoor space. Decorative screens with fewer holes and greater depth can function as an awning that offers more privacy, protection, and shade.

It’s Time to Spice up Your Patio  

So, these are some exceptional and functional patio covers that you can choose to take the look of your outdoor space to a whole new level while fully enjoying the outdoors without harmful, scorching sunlight. You can choose the patio shade structure that best fits with your style and needs, increases your home’s value, keeps your outdoor space cooler and more comfortable and deliver the maximum sun protection.

The post 6 Stylish Patio Covering Options – Choose Which Will Work Best for Your Space appeared first on Al Zayed Shades.