Sunny days are great for swimming or stretching in the lounge. But if your patio or deck is well-decorated and there is no shade, the scorching sun will most likely ruin your fun moments. Therefore, adding a shade to your seat-out ensures you maximize your outdoor moments. 
When looking for a patio umbrella online, there are some things you should consider. The tips below will help you get an amazing shopping experience.
1. What Are You Shading?
If you want a shade for just 2 to 8 people dining tables, a market umbrella may be your best bet. It features a pole in the center that you mount through another hole in the middle of the dining table. It also has a ripped canopy, and it opens and closes using a simple pulley or a crank.
Furthermore, if you want to shade large seating areas or bigger dining tables, a cantilever or offset umbrella will be a good choice. The mounting pole is heavy, and its long arm stretches out such that it holds the canopy to one side. This ensures that the pole does not stay in the middle while shading the large area.
2. What Is the Shape and the Size of the Area You Want to Shade?
Patio umbrellas come in various styles, but there are 2 categories: offset and center pole.
Centre pole
This type has a long pole that goes straight from the top to a secured base. It is either single or double. You can stabilize the pole with a fixed or mobile base. This type is common and has been in vogue for many years.
There are different types of center pole umbrellas. They are:
- Market Umbrella
It is a popular type in this category and has an octagonal or round shape with clean edges. Some canopies have vents for airflow to cool the people underneath. The vents also help the umbrella to withstand wind. 
- Half Umbrella
This type has one flat side such that you can place it against a wall. If you want to shade a small porch or balcony with a confined space, a half umbrella will do a good job. It is like a mobile awning. The canopy is straight or round with a clean edge, valance, or drape.
- Beach Umbrella
This is more like a minimalist thing. Its shape is round with a hanging valance around its edges. Most beach umbrellas use a basic spiked bottom that is inserted in the beach sand.
Cantilever or Offset Umbrella
This category features a jointed or arched pole that is positioned to an off-side. The canopy gets support from the top and the side, which enables it to freely hang over various tables and seating configurations. You may want to read this article to see how to set up this type of umbrella.
The major benefit of this category is that unlike the center pole type, it shades large areas without obstructions. This is particularly important if you want to shade a table that has no umbrella hole or your hot tub. Most offset umbrellas can rotate to give 360 degrees coverage. This makes them versatile.
3. What is the Climate in Your Location?
Different locations experience different climates.
Windy Areas
Patio umbrellas are like sailing ships, so places with strong wind require some considerations. Gusts of wind can break or bend the snap poles and ribs of the canopy. It can even pull out the umbrella from its base and send it flying down the street. Therefore, if your location is windy, consider the following:
- Buy a top-quality umbrella with canopy ribs that are flexible and replaceable.
- Ensure the pole has a big diameter and an extremely heavy base.
- When you are not using the umbrella, keep it closed.
High Altitude
Those living around such areas are closer to the sun. Therefore, more intense sun rays will beam down on the canopy. This can accelerate deterioration and lead to fading over time. Ensure that the umbrella you buy has UV protection, mildew resistance, and an enduring color to prevent fading.
Close to the Ocean
If your home is close to the ocean, ensure you get a pole that is made of aluminum that won’t rust or spoil due to salty air and moisture. Also, ensure that the fabric is easy to maintain, mildew-resistant, and UV-protected.
4. How Much Do You Want to Spend?
If you want a good quality, long-lasting patio shade, you should be ready to pay for it. If you are tempted to purchase some cheap products from one of those big box stores, you may learn the hard way. The canopy fabric will tear and fade, the ribs will break and can’t be replaced, the pulley systems will break or bind up, and we can go on and on.
If you want to spend quality time on your patio, investing in quality shade won’t be a bad idea. It should be one that can endure the weather conditions and still provide shade all through many seasons. You may want to check out https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-patio-umbrellas-shade/ to see different types of patio shades.
Conclusion
Summer periods are good for creating happy moments outdoors and we do not want to make a mess of it. Invest in a good shade for your patio and ensure you use the tips we shared before buying online.
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