A patio umbrella is a convenient and economical way to keep cool in the sun. They add a customized flair to any front/backyard and are easy to set up. Many different styles and types exist to match any décor and style.
There are a couple ways to hold an umbrella. The first being an in-table mount. Find an outdoor table with a built in umbrella mount if you are looking for a place to dine and converse in the shade. The umbrella slides easily into the table to provide shade underneath. Some tables come with the umbrella included to match the mount and style or the table.
Another type is the free-standing variety. These kinds are more heavy-duty and attached to a mount. You can place these anywhere you desire to achieve shade in an area. If you have a larger area you need shade for, this is a great solution. Free standing units are flexible because you can put any type of furniture you want underneath to make a customized sitting area.
Consider different umbrella shapes and sizes to provide the shade you need. Square shaped umbrellas are more common on the free standing units and can provide quite a bit more shade depending on the size. Also, the square shaped ones can easily go up against a wall. More commonly you will find the circular shaped ones. To determine what size you need, measure the length of the area you want to cover. This will be the rough diameter of the umbrella. Keep in mind that the sun will change positions throughout the day, so you may want to get one that is larger than the space you want to protect.
Another way to counter-act the changing positions of the sun is to get an umbrella with a tilt feature. An easy to use tilt mechanism allows you to angle the shade to the position you need. When not in use, most metal framed patio umbrellas have a convenient crank lever that closes it up. If you have patio umbrella lights attached, however, you may not be able to close the umbrella completely.
Patio umbrella lights are the perfect way to enjoy outdoor space at night. The lights easily attach to either the umbrella veins or the center pole. Choosing the right umbrella can make a world of difference to your front or back yard and add a personal touch that is sure to turn heads.
