The shade solution that has you covered
Are you looking for the finishing touch to your outdoor setting? Something that not only looks great but keeps you cool while enjoying the outdoors under the warm Aussie sun? Create a resort vibe in your outdoor space with an outdoor umbrella. Here’s everything you need to know about finding the perfect style for your patio.
Types of outdoor umbrellas
Not to be confused with beach umbrellas, outdoor umbrellas are large, freestanding structures used in outdoor areas for shade and sun protection. The style and materials of patio umbrellas vary in size, weight and shape which means you can choose the best type for shade coverage over your outdoor dining table, outdoor lounge settings, or sun lounges.
You can even transport your outdoor umbrella to picnics, markets or festivals for all-day portable shade and sun protection. This patio umbrella buying guide is packed with all the information you need to buy the right outdoor umbrella for your outdoor living needs.
What is the best patio umbrella?
The best outdoor umbrella is one that suits your space, has the right size canopy for the patio furniture you need to shade, and is easy for you to operate. Available in centre pole and cantilever designs and varying lift and tilt mechanisms, consider which features suit your needs from the following options:
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Round or square tilt umbrella on a centre pole
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Cantilever umbrella on a side post.
Center pole umbrella vs cantilever umbrella
Centre-pole Umbrella - If you have a patio table with an umbrella hole, a round or square tilt umbrella pole will sit firmly in a patio umbrella stand beneath the table.
Cantilever Umbrella - This umbrella style is similar to an offset umbrella in that it has a side post instead of a post in the middle. This means they offer a lot of shade and free space under their canopy and are a good shade solution for a dining table without a centre hole. They’re also perfect for outdoor lounge settings and poolside sun lounges and day beds. Some styles of offset umbrellas can also be fence or wall-mounted.
Operating features to look out for
There’s no need to work up a sweat opening and closing your outdoor umbrella when you have mechanisms that do the hard work for you.
Amart’s range of outdoor umbrellas has the following features:
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Lift Mechanisms - a wind-up crank mechanism to effortlessly crank lift your umbrella canopy open and closed.
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Tilt Mechanisms - a push button tilt mechanism is featured on both the round and Square Shade Master MK2 Square Tilt Umbrella which allows you to tilt the canopy throughout the day as the sun moves position.
Choose your umbrella base
A quality, heavy base is essential for the safe operation of your outdoor umbrella.
Choose from the following styles:
Square Umbrella Base - compatible with our Shade Master MK2 Square Tilt and Round Tilt Umbrellas.
Corner Umbrella Base - designed for our cantilever umbrellas. A minimum of two of these bases is required to hold your umbrella through all seasons.
What style of outdoor umbrella is right?
A stylish outdoor umbrella and other outdoor accessories like outdoor cushions and outdoor rugs can work together to increase comfort in your outdoor space and create a welcoming look.
The right style of outdoor umbrella depends on where you require shade. Which outdoor furniture are you looking to cover? To determine the best style, consider these three elements:
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Canopy shape - round or square.
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Canopy size - the larger the canopy, the more shade.
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Umbrella style - centre pole or side pole.
Round or square - which shape of outdoor umbrella is best?
Did you know the shape of your umbrella canopy is about more than just looks? The umbrella canopy shape determines the shape of your shade.
Square shape umbrella - ideal for dining areas to shade an outdoor dining table and chairs.
Round (octagonal) shape umbrella - perfect for a couple of sun lounge chairs around the pool or garden.
If you’re looking for more quality pieces for your outdoor space, browse our outdoor living furniture online or in-store. You’ll find everything from bar settings and drinks trolleys to beach chairs and fire pits.
Suggested patio canopy sizes
Shop outdoor umbrellas in the size you need. Here’s a quick guide to the amount of shade provided by our most popular umbrella sizes:
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2.5m outdoor umbrella - shades a 4-6 person dining set or an outdoor lounge.
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2.7m outdoor umbrella - shades a 6-person dining set, lounge set or pair of sun lounges.
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3m outdoor umbrella - shades a 6-8 person dining suite or lounge set.
What pole or frame material should I use?
Some outdoor umbrellas on the market have poles and ribs made from wood. The wood umbrellas are made from timber like teak, eucalyptus and other hardwoods and have a pulley-operated rope system for opening. Other outdoor umbrella frames are made from marine-grade fibreglass or aluminium. Here at Amart, we make our high-quality outdoor umbrellas from powder-coated metal so they are heavy-duty and can withstand windy conditions.
Canopy fabrics and care explained
Outdoor umbrella canopy materials are made from hard-wearing, fade-resistant, and mildew-resistant materials to protect you and your furniture from UV rays and provide shade from the hot Australian sun.
Quality outdoor umbrella canopy fabrics designed for UV protection include:
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Olefin
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Acrylic
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Solution-dyed polyester
You can care for and clean your outdoor umbrella in just a few simple steps:
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Keep the canopy closed when not in use to prevent any breaks due to strong windy conditions.
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During prolonged periods without use, store your market umbrella in your shed or garage.
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Cover your umbrella when not in use. The Shade Master MK2 Imperial Cantilever Umbrella comes with a cover. Otherwise, umbrella covers are sold separately.
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To clean your outdoor umbrella canopy, begin by brushing off or vacuuming excess dirt from the umbrella fabric. Then use laundry detergent in warm water to scrub stubborn dirt. Leave this solution on for around 15 minutes before hosing it clean, then open the canopy to dry completely in the sun.
That’s all it takes to increase the longevity of your outdoor umbrella well past its warranty period so you can enjoy splendid shade and style for many years to come.