There are times and places when typical outdoor umbrellas will work just fine.  We are talking about the traditional market style umbrella that is most often seen inserted into the hole in the middle of the round patio table.  Usually, this provides enough room for four or six people to gather.  However, there are times when the standard style of patio umbrella is not suitable.

The 9′ cantilever umbrella is one of the smaller sizes that is most affordable.  The amount of shade (protection from the sun) provided is equivalent to the typical market umbrella.  Although both the cantilever and the market style will provide about the same amount of shade, it is important to note that the cantilever will provide more useful shade.

9′ Cantilever Style

Typical 9′ Market Umbrella

It is easy to see that while the market umbrella with the support shaft in the middle of the umbrella is a good option for a round table, the cantilever will provide a better solution for two chairs side by side.  A couple could enjoy the evening sunset and a beverage by placing two chairs separated by a small table beneath the cantilever.  The canopy can tilt to provide shade at the best angles.

When to Select the 9′ Cantilever

The 9′ selection in the offset style is best used in a smaller area, such as a smaller deck or a smaller garden area.  It is important not to overwhelm the patio with an umbrella that is so large that it dominates the entire area by extending well beyond the deck rail.

This size and style is also most appropriate in the garden area where there is no table.  Unless at the beach for an afternoon, the cantilever provides the best coverage as well as a lovely visual appeal.

When selecting any umbrella it is important to note that proportion is important visually.  With so many canopy colors available, the style of the umbrella and the color of the canopy can create a welcoming setting in an intimate area of the yard or on the smaller patio.

Bring sunshine to the yard, garden or patio with this bright yellow market umbrella that has a large diameter of a full nine feet.

Sometimes we need to add some color to our surroundings.  Many of us now have yards that are primarily filled with shrubs rather than flowering plants.  Others of us have small areas where a light and bright color would be welcomed.  And, some of us just love color!  For those of us who really need to add a spot of sunshine to a patio or garden spot, this yellow market umbrella is the perfect answer.  The solid color allows for a variety of blends of stripes or floral patterns for the patio cushions.

Product Features

• Yellow color 180 g (6.3 oz.) Polyester top cover
• Pulley and Rope lift/lower system
• Beautiful 1-1/2″ diameter Teak finished hardwood Pole
• 8-rib matching wood frame
• Pole unscrews at middle for compact storage (Aluminum, brass Plated threaded fitting)

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This beautiful 9′ canopy outdoor market umbrella comes in the neutral color called driftwood.  This is the perfect color for those of us who live in a wooded area or thrive in the shade.  Driftwood blends rather than accents, leaving a variety of colors for patio chair cushions and other accessories. 

One of the most highly rated market umbrellas, this unit features:

Product Features

• Driftwood color 180 g (6.3 oz.)
• Polyester top cover
• 8-rib matching wood frame
• Beautiful 1-1/2″ diameter Teak finished hardwood Pole
• Pulley and Rope lift/lower system
• Pole unscrews at middle for compact storage (Aluminum, brass Plated threaded fitting)

(details, pricing, shipping…)

The navy blue market umbrella is one of the most selected choices for outdoor patio use.  Navy blue is a very neutral color and sets the tone for patio furniture cushions and accessories.  This dark shade of blue works well with more patio themes. 

The market umbrella is one of the most popular styles for easy use and affordability. 

Product Features

• 9ft market umbrella in navy blue.
• Made of local hardwoods with a teak finish and navy blue polyester top.
• Measures 108in wide x 100in high when open.
• Eight ribs for extra durability.
• Two section, 38mm thick pole with brass plated connector. Resin hub and runner.
• Resin finial. Brass plated single pulley system.

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The burgundy market umbrella is a perfect selection for the patio.  Burgundy is much easier to work with than true red as many floral patterns used in patio chair cushions will either match or complement the umbrella canopy.

This market umbrella is designed to fit into the patio dining table or as a stand alone unit.

This beautifully constructed burgundy unit includes the following features:

Product Features

• 9′ Outdoor Patio Market Umbrella
• Burgundy color 180 g (6.3 oz.) Polyester top cover
• Treated with water repellant fabric protector
• Pulley and Rope lift/lower system
• Pole unscrews at middle for compact storage (Aluminum, brass Plated threaded fitting)

(details, pricing, shipping…)

A hunter green market umbrella is the ideal umbrella for the round patio table or as a stand alone in an umbrella stand.  The beauty of the color is that it reflects the deep green of late sping and summer.  The market umbrella is the standard among umbrellas for patio use.

Product Description

Market umbrellas have adopted the unique name because of their use for advertising in outdoor cafes.  Years ago, this simple style of umbrella was the only design and style used as patio or garden umbrellas.  Cantilever umbrellas are a relatively new adaptation of the umbrella style while the market umbrella is about as basic as it gets.

That is not to say that the canopy of the umbrella has not taken on new adaptations, such as the raised vent to allow air flow.

Market umbrellas are generally the most affordable style for non-commercial home use, often costing a fraction of some of the higher end and larger cantilever umbrellas available for patios today.

During the spring market umbrellas can be bought for prices ranging from approximately $40 to several hundred dollars.  It is up the the purchaser to decide how much time will be spent using the umbrella and how often he is willing to replace the umbrella.

Market umbrellas, like all umbrellas, will begin to show wear over time.  The most common reason to replace an umbrella is that the canopy has begun to fade.  There are protective coatings that can be sprayed onto the fabric of the canopy either at the factory or after purchase that will hinder the fading process.  However, some umbrellas, depending on quality, will fade significantly in one year while others will retain their color for several years.

Many people lower the canopy of the market umbrella when not in use.  While this may be a good practice to prevent the wind from catching the umbrella and upturning it, it can also cause the umbrella to fade in a non-uniform manner.  While none of us enjoy a faded umbrella, since we know it is going to fade over time, it is best to leave the canopy raised if it is left in the sun during the spring and summer months or remove the umbrella to the shade or to indoor storage when not in use.

Cantilever umbrellas have become quite popular over the past few years and with good reason.  Of course, this is not to discount the uses of the standard outdoor patio umbrella that fits into the center of an outdoor dining table.  But, with a cantilever umbrella the options are almost infinite.

As shown in the picture above, the umbrella is set up so that two lounge chairs may be places side by side without the interruption of the the umbrella shaft.  Instead, the cantilever umbrella allows the dome of the unit to define the outdoor room, providing shade from the sun’s harsh rays.

While the standard center shaft umbrella is still most often seen shading the outdoor dining table, as shown above, the cantilever can provide shade in ways a standard center shaft umbrella cannot.  An advantage of the cantilever outdoor umbrella over the standard center shaft umbrella is that the cantilever can be moved as well as tilted to offer greater protection from the sun’s direct rays.  We have all sat around a table and tilted the standard outdoor umbrella to provide shade only to discover that the dome was too close to protect the entire table from the sunlight and often when one stands up, the head can be bumped.

With the cantilever umbrella, the base is often easily moved, creating a larger shadowing effect.  Additionally, while providing the much needed shade, the dome is not so close as to interefere with guests rising from the table.

Another distinct advantage of the cantilever umbrella is the variety of shapes.  While most standard center shaft umbrellas are still round. the cantilever is easily found in shapes other than the perfect circular style.  As shown above, the square umbrella not only provides the needed shade, it also provides a style that is incomparable.

All in all, there are times and setting when the standard umbrella is appropriate.  However, when you want to show your style with a modern design, the cantilever umbrella is the outdoor umbrella to select.

Patio umbrellas are the most updated decorative and functional accessory to the patio or deck.  Once upon a time the only reason to have an outdoor umbrella was to protect one from the hot rays of the sun.  Today patio umbrellas are as much a part of the decor as the furniture or the plants.

Year ago patio umbrellas were used for shade only.  Most often at night the umbrella would be closed and in some cases removed from the center of the table.  Those days are gone.  Today the outdoor umbrella is not only useful during the daylight hours, it is a part of the decor and ambience of the patio during the evening hours giving outdoor umbrellas greater use and giving us more for our money.

There is something about patio umbrellas that allow them to create a focal point and make everyone beneath the dome feel as intimate as if they are in an outdoor room.  In fact, before the cantilever umbrella was put to use on patios, occasionally the umbrella post would be an obstacle more than a accessory.  With the advent of the cantilever patio umbrella, the dome of the umbrella floats overhead with no intrusion into the scene whatsoever.

Even patio umbrellas that still have the shaft that fits into the middle of the dining table have taken on a new use.  With the use of solar string lights, the dome of the umbrella now doubles as a ceiling in a room with no walls.  The dim light offered by solar lights is sufficient to create the perfect setting for an intimate dinner for two or a gathering place for an outdoor pool party at night.

With the selection of patio furniture, one should immediately consider the size, shape, and style of the patio umbrella.  It goes without saying now that without an outdoor umbrella as the finishing touch, you will not have the complete patio.

After purchasing the patio furniture umbrellas are the finishing touch.  Regardless of the type or style of patio furniture purchased, there is an outdoor umbrella that is the perfect complement to the style and look of the perfect patio.

The umbrella selected should complement the style of the patio furniture.  Believe it or not outdoor umbrellas can either be an appealing addition to the patio or can detract from the overall setting.

Round Patio Umbrellas for Round Table Settings

The umbrella to the left is a neutral tan that complements the colors in the patio furniture.  While it is easy to see that the umbrella itself is a relatively ordinary looking style, it is the perfect umbrella for the setting.

The umbrella span is larger than the width of the table giving good coverage.  The umbrella itself is slightly lighter in color than the table, but picks up the lighter shades in the cushions of the furniture.  It is easy to see that the umbrella completes the decor, offers eye appeal, and covers the diameter of the table.  The furniture appears to be comfortable and the umbrella completes the scene.

Although the table to the left is oval, the umbrella is still round.  This is totally appropriate and the best choice.  Once the shape has been determined for the patio furniture umbrellas are easy to select if one keeps in mind that it is always a safe choice for the shape of the umbrella to mimic the shape of the table. 

Note how the bright color of the umbrella matches the cushions of the wood chairs.

Selecting Patio Furniture, Umbrellas for Poolside

The double cantilever umbrella is a perfect addition to the patio furniture next to the pool.  In this case the double umbrella offers respite from the sun for those who have enjoyed time in the pool.  This double umbrella is a cantilever style that gives full room beneath its span.  It is worth noting that the two side by side cantilever umbrellas to the left are not round but square complementing the setting and the general design of the area.

Inexpensive Patio Furniture, Umbrellas for a Splash of Color

It is easy to see that this is a small backyard patio with a weathered fence for privacy.  The furniture is not plush or expensive.  However, please note that the table is white and the round umbrella carries the color upward while adding the bright splash of hot pink.  What a wonderful choice!  With weathered grey boards surrounding a clean white table, the round umbrella adds all the color that is needed.  Of course, a few potted plants with hot pink flowers would really be the finishing touch.

These are only a few examples of the value of an umbrella for more than shade.  It is easy to see that whether the area is a deck of a pool, an elaborate barbecue, a concrete patio in the open or a small private patio behind an apartment there is an umbrella that can add the finishing touch to the outdoor decor.