With the weather seeming to get hotter every year, now could be time to invest in some shade.
It can be fun to lounge around in the summer sun, that is, until you get sunburnt! Sunblock is just a band aid solution to what could be the next addition to beautifying your patio!
Best for Commercial Use
If you’re looking to buy some shelter for your outdoor space, I’ve done the research to find the best patio umbrella that the market has to offer at the moment.
Let’s take a look at your choices!
Best Patio Umbrellas From The Review
In this review, we have 6 of the very best patio umbrellas.
Below, I’ve condensed it down further into my top categories.
Take a quick look before we head to the full reviews…
Top Pick
EliteShade Sunbrella
A 9 ft wide umbrella with led lights and built-in three-tier ventilation system to keep you cool.
EliteShade Sunbrella
The Elite Shade is my top pick overall out of the patio umbrellas reviewed.
The resistant canopy has been created by Sunbrella, and could be the umbrella best for keeping you covered and sheltered in rain or shine.
The Skin Cancer Foundation actually recommends Sunbrella fabrics in shading products, as a part of a protection regimen to aid in preventing skin damage from direct sunlight.
This umbrella is known for being easy to assemble, sturdy, durable, and good value for money.
Best Value
Pure Garden Shade Umbrella
A 10-foot umbrella that won’t just protect from you the elements but also enhance your decor with its sleek design.
Pure Garden Shade Umbrella
Pure Garden is the overall best value patio umbrella from the products I reviewed here.
Because it’s affordable, it means you can splash out more on the base to hold it steady and strong, as they are typically a separate purchase.
It’s not dissimilar to other high-end umbrellas in the market today, but still has all the right features.
It has a tilt shift to follow as the sun moves around during the day. I like the color options for this model, and there’s a choice to add on an outdoor furniture protection plan.
Best For Commercial Use
Le Papillon 15ft Market Umbrella
An outdoor umbrella with a double sided design. It has an air vent system for stability and provides plenty of shade under both of its wings.
Le Papillon 15ft Market Umbrella
The best patio umbrella for commercial use would be the Le Papillon 15ft umbrella.
As this is double sided, it offers perfect coverage for long tables in an outdoor patio environment.
The three small peaks offer a discreet wind vent system, keeping the underneath nice and cool while offering strength during days of high wind.
The canopy and aluminum pole are weather resistant, and the product itself weighs 36.lbs, meaning two staff should be easily able to transport it.
The Best Patio Umbrellas
Here are six of the best patio umbrellas on the market at the moment.
Best Choice 10 ft Umbrella
A 10 ft diameter umbrella with solar powered LED lights so that you can use it even at night.
Best Choice 10 ft Umbrella
With a 10 foot diameter canopy fabric, the Best Choice Umbrella provides shade for an extra large area.
It comes in a choice of 13 different colors, so there’s definitely an option to match any outdoor setup.
Solar Powered LED Lights
The Best Choice umbrella can be used day or night, as 24 solar powered LED lights are attached to the ribs of the umbrella.
The lights need to be charged for 6-7 hours, and will then run for an equal length of time for evening activities.
The bright lights illuminate an outdoor area, and are easily controlled with a switch on the handle.
Mechanism
Also on the umbrella arm are push-buttons labelled with arrows to activate a tilt system, which will provide coverage and protect the user from the sun no matter the time of day.
The umbrella will lift with a crank and pulley system, which is also labelled for ease of use.
Build
Materials of the umbrella arm and aluminum frame are coated in a protective spray to increase longevity.
The polyester canopy umbrella will protect you from the sun’s rays, wind and rain!
Specs
- Canopy: 10 foot
- Height: 8ft
- Pole diameter: 1.5”
- Weight: 14.2lbs
Pros
- High durability fabric.
- LED lights will run for 6-7 hours
Cons
- Does not come with umbrella base
EliteShade Sunbrella
A 9 ft wide umbrella with led lights and built-in three-tier ventilation system to keep it stable.
EliteShade Sunbrella
The EliteShade Sunbrella is a 9 foot wide canopy umbrella with 80 built in LED lights.
The three tier ventilation system on this futuristic patio umbrella means the hot air and even wind will pass through the vents quickly, helping the umbrella stay strong during breezy days.
Fabric
The fabric of the umbrella is made of an acrylic coated polyester and has been created by a forward thinking company, Sunbrella, that specializes in textiles.
The 100% solution dyed fabric is said to provide a 5 year non-fade top and a water, mold, mildew, and oil resistant protection! The corrosion free materials can even withstand bleach during cleaning.
Build
The 8 ribs and frame of the umbrella are made from a rust free coated aluminum, which helps provide longevity and prevent rust in case the umbrella is left outdoors.
It’s easy to use the lift mechanism; a crank handle is attached to the pole and there is a push button to gently tilt the umbrella according to the position of the sun.
Specs
- Canopy: 9ft
- Height: 8.3ft
- Pole diameter: 1.5"
- Weight: 17lbs
Pros
- Sunbrella fabric is approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
- 5 year fade resistant polyester acrylic.
Cons
- Base not included
FrenzyBird 10 foot Umbrella
It has a three tier system to help circulate cool air and let warm air out. The tier system also helps prevent the umbrella from tipping over in the wind.
FrenzyBird 10 foot Umbrella
The FrenzyBird 10ft patio umbrella is used to shade and prevent UV exposure. It has a three tier system to help circulate cool air and let warm air out. The tier system also helps prevent the umbrella from tipping over in the wind.
Materials
The umbrella canopy is made of a polyester fabric, which is waterproof, fade resistant, offers UV protection, and is easy to clean. This umbrella also has a 1.5 inches in diameter aluminum umbrella pole to help provide better support and provide a backbone for the crank and tilt handle – all for maximum shade!
Setup
Customers say that it’s an easy to assemble umbrella, although the cover case is a bright shade of red (so might not always blend in with your outdoor space!).
Colorways
The umbrella is available in a choice of three colors: an ash red orange, an RAF style blue, and a beige which would complement almost any outdoor area.
It could be an especially good option for people who live in windy coastal areas.
Specs
- Canopy: 10ft
- Height: package size 5ft
- Pole diameter: 1.5 inches in diameter
- Weight: 14.7lbs
Pros
- Good value for money.
- Three tier system gives sturdiness.
Cons
- No lights.
Best For Commercial Use
Le Papillon 15ft market umbrella
An outdoor umbrella with a double sided design. It has an air vent system for stability and provides plenty of shade under both of its wings.
Le Papillon 15ft market umbrella
Next we’re looking at Le Papillon 15ft market umbrella, which has been designed for both commercial and residential use.
This extra large patio umbrella has a slightly thicker aluminum pole of 1.89”, needed to support the canopy.
Design
Le Papillon, meaning ‘the butterfly’ in French, is double sided, meaning instead of having 8 ribs that splay out from the center, it’s like having two umbrellas in one, with just 3 center points of the umbrella.
It provides plenty of shade under both of its wings throughout the day and sits nicely over a table.
Air Vent
It has an interesting air vent system, where instead of stacking the vents like its competitors, it has three small peaks spanning across the surface of the top umbrella material, giving a more discreet aesthetic while enhancing stability.
Fabric
It has been made from polyester fabric, which will be weather and fade resistant – long lasting and easy to clean! It comes in two colors: red or green, so you can find the umbrella best suited for your commercial operations.
Specs
- Canopy: 15 foot
- Height: 8.9 foot
- Pole diameter: 1.89"
- Weight: 36.2lbs
Pros
- Different shape vent peaks to reduce wind pressure.
- Large.
Cons
- Price difference between colors.
Best Value
Pure Garden Shade Umbrella
A 10-foot umbrella that won’t just protect from you the elements but also enhance your decor with its sleek design.
Pure Garden Shade Umbrella
The Pure Garden Patio Umbrella would sit nicely next to a pool, balcony, backyard, or fit through a table.
The sleek looking 10 foot umbrella canopy comes in a choice of nine different colors (my favorite is the dusty green!).
Mechanism
Like most outdoor umbrellas, it employs the easy-to-use crank lift handle to lift and close the umbrella in just seconds.
Next to the crank is the push button, which provides comfortable, ample shade and will move up to an ideally engineered 60º angle!
Fabric
The polyester umbrella has been created to withstand weather, from drizzling rain to a hot summer heat wave. It has a smaller tier system than its competitors, yet an effective ventilation system to help let cool air in and warm air out.
Build
The aluminum brolly pole and 8 supporting steel ribs have been coated in a rust preventative powder. A heavier umbrella base may be needed, as the Pure Garden Patio umbrella is slightly lighter.
It could enhance your outdoor décor, season after season, with its slimline and sleekness.
Specs
- Canopy diameter: 10 foot
- Height: 9 feet
- Pole thickness: 1.9"
- Weight: 13.5lbs
Pros
- Tilts up to 60º for all round protection.
- Good height.
Cons
- No base.
Sunnyglade 9ft Patio Umbrella
A 9 ft canopy made with heavy-duty fabric specially designed to keep you cool and comfortable.
Sunnyglade 9ft Patio Umbrella
The Sunnyglade patio umbrella features heavy duty fabric specially designed to keep you cool and comfortable.
The 9 foot canopy is large enough to fit a small table and up to six chairs underneath, providing a protective solution from the sun’s rays or a drizzle.
Fabric
The polyester material is light and breathable with vents that help filter the air. It’s resistant to weather and easy to clean.
The patio umbrella comes with a crank lift to open and close the canopy, a push button tilt mechanism, and a single air vent to withstand sudden gusts.
Colorways
It’s very affordable, and customers can choose from a variety of 7 different colors and patterns, from black or navy stripes for a nautical theme to block color patterns.
The same functions are featured on both this product and more expensive patio umbrellas.
Durability
Sunnyglade must know what they’re doing when it comes to patio umbrellas. Customers state how resilient this umbrella and fabric are, withstanding all types of weather including storms! The canopy material appears to be thicker on this product, giving it a longer serviceable life.
Specs
- Canopy diameter: 9 foot
- Height: 9 foot
- Pole thickness: 1.5"
- Weight: 19.7lbs
Pros
- Affordable.
- Provides enough canopy shade for a table of six.
Cons
- Smaller than other models.
Umbrella base
Outdoor patio umbrellas don’t typically come with a base stand, so you need to think about investing one of those too.
Most commonly, a stand is an empty plastic vessel that can be placed underneath a table. You will need to fill the base stand with water or sand to hold it down while it supports your umbrella.
My top umbrella bases are:
It has hidden wheels for maneuverability.
This is filled with water, and comes in options of different shapes and colors.
Why should I buy a patio umbrella?
It’s nice to relax outside on a warm day, but when you’re feeling the heat, it can end up getting in the way of your fun.
An umbrella offers protection from the sun, allowing you to continue to enjoy the warm weather.
Not only that, but most are water resistant, meaning they will withstand drizzle, so you can sit and enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather.
How do I choose an umbrella?
Good question…
When choosing the right patio umbrella for you, it’s important to have considered everything first.
A patio umbrella and stand can be costly, and will typically (hopefully) last a lifetime, so it might not be a purchase you want to make twice!
I’ve compiled a list of the top things to consider to make sure you don’t overlook anything.
Things to consider:
Purpose
It’s important to think about when you want to use your patio umbrella. If it will be functioning during the day and night, there are products which have solar lights built in, saving you money on an electricity bill.
Cantilever umbrellas may provide more leg room in social or commercial environments.
Price
The price of the umbrella is only one component, as generally a base will have to be purchased separately.
The price ranges from under $50 – $1000, depending on the type and brand. The more affordable umbrellas are usually perfectly good and will do their job well.
TIP
Most manufacturers will offer at least a 5 year warranty on their product, so be sure to check.
Material
Most umbrellas nowadays are made from a polyester style material which provides UV protection as well as water, oil, mold, and mildew resistance.
Be sure to check the material style specifics before you buy your umbrella if you plan to use it year round.
You will want a high-quality, water and fade resistant fabric to use for years of enjoyment.
Fabric
Sunbrella is a popular protection fabric that has been approved to help prevent sun-damage to the skin by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
TIP
Ensure the pole has been coated in a rust free powder or spray to protect it from the elements!
Size
Patio umbrellas come in all different shapes and sizes, from square, rectangular and circular.
It’s important to consider the shape of the umbrella best suited for an outdoor space.
There are different options in terms of pole placement.
A cantilever’s base will sit nicely tucked away behind a seating area, saving on leg room and helping to avoid the ‘pole in the middle’ photo opportunities.
TIP
Don’t forget to think about where the brolly will be stored when it’s not in use to prevent damage during the colder months.
Design
Most umbrellas actually look pretty similar, although they differ in style and shape, e.g. octagon, square, rectangle or circle.
The canopy can have a variety of colors and patterns, although I prefer neutral colors to match a serene patio space.
TIP
If you live in an extremely hot environment, consider the color, as darker colors tend to absorb the heat better and keep you cooler underneath.
Weight
Like most furniture and household appliances, a brolly and umbrella stand can be weighty.
Be mindful when purchasing a product that is particularly heavy, as you may need to ask for help during assembly.
You can buy an umbrella stand that’s been filled, and that has wheels to move it around your outdoor space.
Features
Features of an umbrella are pretty basic, but still could be make or break when making a purchase.
A pretty cool green feature in some outdoor umbrellas are LED lights that are solar generated, but obviously this would be an expensive waste if you will never make use of them.
Push Button Tilt
Another idyllic safety feature is the push button tilt of the canopy.
This means no matter which way the sun is, you are able to move the umbrella to keep yourself in the shade for protection throughout the day.
FAQS:
Market umbrellas vs patio umbrellas?
Nowadays there isn’t much difference between the style of a market umbrella and a patio umbrella.
Market Umbrella
A market umbrella has been engineered to block the sun for a market table and should withstand wind, ultraviolet rays, and other harsh elements.
Market umbrellas had thicker aluminum poles and were used with stands. Cantilever market umbrellas are a popular choice for giving shade to stallholders.
Patio Umbrella
A patio umbrella has been specifically designed to shelter occupants either in commercial or residential environments and may have a slightly smaller umbrella pole so it can easily squeeze through a hole in a diner’s table.
NOTE
Typically, a market umbrella and a patio umbrella are of the same quality standard now and can be used interchangeably.
Why are black umbrellas used during the summer?
In summer seasons, temperatures can be very high. In comparison to other colors, a black umbrella being dark absorbs most of the heat and UV rays and will get heated.
It will then radiate the heat back into the air, rather than storing it, keeping the person or people underneath cooler than if they were to use an alternative color.
What color is best for sun protection?
As mentioned above, we know that dark colors such as black help store and keep the sun’s ultraviolet lights.
It might seem counterintuitive to wear black or use a black umbrella – I mean, who wants to get hotter, right?
But dark or bright vivid colors such as red or neon green actually absorb UV light and UV rays far better than light or pastel colors.
Cantilever umbrella vs traditional umbrella
Traditional
A traditional patio umbrella has a pole in the center of the canopy which is held up with a stand.
The stand is either placed in the middle of the patio space or under a table
A traditional umbrella has ribbed canopies and a lift mechanism pulley system or crank. They usually reach sizes of up to 16ft in diameter.
Cantilever
With a cantilever umbrella, there is no pole in the center of the canopy, so there is a lot more room to place furniture. The market umbrella styles are still operated with a crank lift, and can offer a push button tilt system too.
You can watch a cantilever umbrella in action in the video below.
Space Occupied
Using a traditional umbrella limits you to arranging furniture in the space around the umbrella pole and stand.
By using a cantilever umbrella, you can place a lot more furniture underneath, while keeping the pole out of the way.
The best cantilever umbrellas are popular in the hospitality sector, managing crowded outdoor areas with heavy foot traffic.
Traditional umbrella:
Pros:
- Easier to store and put away
Cons:
- Space restricting
Cantilever umbrella:
Pros:
- Can utilize the shaded space more.
- Offset umbrellas are easily angled and fit anywhere
Cons:
- More expensive
How Important Is a Push Button Tilt?
A push button tilt can make your life easier when angling your umbrella to shade certain areas.
While it’s not completely necessary, it might be worth purchasing a model with a button to save yourself the arm workout from a crank!
Here’s a quick video to demonstrate how the push button tilt work.
How do you maintain a patio umbrella?
When it comes to an outdoor area, your umbrella is going to be one of the most noticeable features, especially in a commercial environment.
An effective care and cleaning regimen is crucial.
After all, you have just invested in this ‘brella, it’s important to take care of it!
- Make sure to inspect it every two weeks or so, close scan the canopy, center pole, and base.
- Be sure to check for any mold that might have taken to the root of the canopy.
- Brush away any loose dirt and dust from the top of the umbrella using a light brush.
- Clean the base with soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. You can clean the canopy as well, by spraying soapy water on the material and wiping with a cloth, then leaving to dry.
TIP
Definitely check the manufacturers’ guidelines before using any chemicals on your new umbrella. They will come with cleaning guidelines.
Conclusion
And there you have the list of the best patio umbrellas on the market today! Just to recap:
Best for Commercial Use
Top Pick
My top pick is the Elite Shade Patio Umbrella.
It’s a good size for most outdoor spaces, it’s compatible with most patio furniture, the crank system is simple and I love the LED light feature.
Best Value
The best value patio umbrella is Pure Garden.
This is a really high quality umbrella with a library of different colors to choose from!
Best for Commercial Use
The best patio umbrella for commercial use is of course Le Papillon – the butterfly.
This umbrella is perfect for covering an outdoor bar, stage, or long table.
Stay Cool
A patio umbrella will bring you cover and sun protection no matter the weather.
It will be a staple part of your outdoor area and with an abundance of choice, I know there will be one that’s just right for you!
On a different note, if you’re looking for a medicine cabinet, I just reviewed some of the best ones here.
