Patio umbrellas
Getting enough vitamin D is critical for maintaining good health. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, humans need sufficient vitamin D to regulate calcium levels and potentially fight illnesses such as heart disease and even cancer. In addition to eating foods that contain vitamin D and taking vitamin D supplements, spending time in the sun is one way to meet your daily vitamin D requirement.
However, sunbathing can also come with risks. Too much sun exposure increases the chances of skin cancer. Patio umbrellas can help you enjoy time outside, getting that all-important vitamin D while having some shade when you need it. A quality patio umbrella is an important addition to any outdoor relaxation area. Consider adding one over your outdoor dining set as well as any lounge chairs. Keep in mind it is still important to wear sunscreen when sitting outside, even under an umbrella.
What features should you look for in a patio umbrella?
The sun is constantly changing positions throughout the day. A patio umbrella with a tilting canopy allows you to adjust your shade to match the sun’s arc. Wheels can also be helpful, as they let you bring your umbrella with you as you move about outside.
When it comes to materials, many would argue that Sunbrella is the best. It’s weather-resistant, doesn’t stain easily, and is tough. Olefin is another durable material that is weather- and stain-resistant. Acrylic is commonly found in outdoor umbrellas. In fact, the popular Sunbrella fabric is actually made from solution-dyed acrylic, but you can find other affordable options made with acrylic fabric. Another good choice is polyester, which is tear-resistant, and — in the case of patio umbrellas — has often been treated to be water-resistant.
Even when patio umbrellas are weatherproof, it’s still smart to put a protective cover on them when they’re not in use.
How to protect your patio umbrella
Always close your umbrella when not in use to minimize the chances of it blowing over or inverting in the wind. Even though most patio umbrellas are made with color-fast materials, it’s a good idea to bring them out of the sun when you aren’t using them to prolong the canopy’s life. Make sure the base is properly weighed down with sandbags or weights to further stabilize your umbrella on gusty days.
Best patio umbrellas
EliteShade Sunbrella Three Tiers Market: available at Amazon
The canopy on this umbrella is made of long-lasting Sunbrella fabric, which is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and is available in multiple colors. Its vented design keeps it stable on windy days and it is easy to open and close.
Hampton Bay 11-Foot Cantilever Solar: available at Home Depot
With 40 solar-powered LED lights, this umbrella is ideal for day and night use. Its offset base design makes it ideal for putting it over a table setup or a set of lounge chairs and its tilting canopy helps users set it to the perfect angle for optimal shade.
Sun-Ray Nine-Foot Lighted Market: available at Home Depot
This energy-efficient umbrella has a square solar panel on top that powers its light bulbs beneath the canopy for up to 12 hours. Its polyester canopy resists fading and its push-button tilt system makes it easy to adjust. Plus, it has a durable powder-coated aluminum frame.
Freeport Park Frances Rectangular: available at Wayfair
When fully open, this umbrella is 15-feet wide and 9-feet deep and can easily provide shade for six individuals seated at a table. It comes with a stand and is available in red, beige or navy blue.
Highland Dunes Jersey 82-Inch Square: available at Wayfair
This umbrella has scalloped edges for an attractive look and a vented canopy to prevent it from inverting. It opens via a traditional crank-lift mechanism and has a sturdy steel pole as well as a UPF rating of 180.
Blissun 10-Foot Rectangular Market: available at Amazon
Offering 70 square feet of shade and a waterproof canopy, this umbrella should keep users comfortable in a variety of climates. Its vented canopy allows for good airflow and its five color options make it easy to match to many styles of outdoor furniture.
Best Choice Products Nine-Foot Half: available at Amazon
If you have a small outdoor area, this half-canopy model offers a clever way to escape the sun because its flat side can be pushed flush against a structure. Its shade is made of fade- and weather-resistant polyester and its steel frame won’t rust.
Abba Patio 360-Degree Rotating: available at Amazon
With a rotating and tilting design, this umbrella makes it easy to block out sun coming from nearly any angle. It’s vented to remain stable on windy days, has eight steel ribs and comes with a stand and base weights.
Zipcode Design Jericho 108-Inch: available at Wayfair
This umbrella is a budget-friendly and versatile option. It can either provide shade during the day or create ambiance at night, thanks to its 24 LED bulbs lining the ribs. It opens via a traditional crank-lift mechanism and can be tilted to multiple angles.
RST Portofino Comfort Resort: available at Home Depot
Thanks to its swiveling design and rolling base, this umbrella can be quickly moved and adjusted to block the sun. It’s rotated using a foot-activated pedal and offers 100 square feet of shade.
Purple Leaf Double Top Deluxe Wood: available at Amazon
With six height settings, angle adjustments, and 360-degree rotation, this umbrella makes it easy to customize your shade experience. Its frame has been treated with an anti-oxidation spray and has eight sturdy ribs.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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