A Perfect Fit
Choosing patio umbrellas to best fit your needs.
1. A pretty pattern that you think looks nice
2. The diameter is at least twice as large as the area intended for shade
To be more specific, the outdoor tables on our site fall into three size categories:
30-36 inches in diameter (or squared) requires anywhere from 6 to 8.5-foot patio umbrellas
38-48 inches in diameter should have patio umbrellas between 9 and 10.5 feet in diameter
54-60 inches in diameter need patio umbrellas 11 feet in diameter or larger
And with the selection of irregular outdoor tables, large and small, your best bet is probably shaped patio umbrellas made specifically for your patio tables.
Equally Important
Getting that new patio umbrella to stay put should be tops on your priorities. Before you tighten wooden patio umbrellas to their patio umbrella stands, make sure it is orientated the way you want it. If you have tilting patio umbrellas, you'll probably want them to tilt toward that notorious, early evening, low sun so fond of spoiling your summer dinner fare. Unless, of course, you prefer to enjoy your patio furniture in the morning hours with, say, coffee and croissant. We aren't telling you how to enjoy your patio furniture, merely suggesting you mind the sun and its damaging effects on outdoor leisure.
Find patio umbrella stands that best fit your patio umbrellas.
If your patio umbrellas are on the smaller end, 9 feet in diameter or smaller, you should anchor it with at least 50 pounds. If you are in a windier climate, push that up towards 75 pounds. For patio umbrellas larger than 9 feet, start at 75 pounds and add 10 to 20 pounds depending on wind.
Freestanding and offset patio umbrellas usually come with a simple "X" base with metal lips on which paver stones are placed. The weight of paver stones varies, but we recommend each paver being at least 16 x 16 and weighing 50 pounds each. They can be acquired at your hardware store for pennies on the pound.
