Most patio umbrella frames are made from wood, fiberglass or metal. Wood patio umbrella frames are elegant and go well with tropical or traditional settings. Metal and fiberglass umbrella frames have a lot of features and can blend with almost all patio settings. For Commercial Patio Umbrellas or high traffic areas, we recommended patio umbrellas with the least moving parts. This will usually be patio umbrellas with single pole or strong couplings, manual or pulley lift available in wood, fiberglass and aluminum. Learn more about corporate sales of commercial patio umbrellas.
Wood Patio Umbrellas:
Frames and poles are usually made of teak or Asian hardwoods (Ramin, Chinese White Oak, Nyatoh).
Umbrellas have a center pole that comes in one or two pieces, measuring 1.375 inches to 2 inches in diameter.
Poles usually feature a manual lift or pulley mechanism and a holding pin.
Poles and frames usually don't tilt.
Ribs are sturdy, but cannot absorb strong gusts of wind. Ribs are easily replaceable if broken.
Fiberglass Patio Umbrellas:
Is now an option for umbrella poles making the frame lighter, but sturdier than aluminum or wood, but in limited finishes.
Poles can come as a solid piece or two-piece pole.
Umbrella ribs are ideal for wind-resistant market and patio umbrellas because they can absorb strong wind gusts.
Ribs last four to five times longer than wood or aluminum poles.
Aluminum Patio Umbrellas:
Patio umbrella poles can be one or two pieces.
Umbrellas open and close with a crank, manual lift, pulley mechanism, quick lift or remote control.
Poles features push-button tilting, non-tilting, auto-tilting and full rotations (offset umbrellas).
Frames and poles come in a large selection of finishes.
Poles are powdercoated, anodized or laminated for weather protection.
Crank and tilting functions should be avoided if umbrella will be used in high-traffic or commercial applications.
