Patio and Deck Umbrella Buying Guide
Get ready to soak up the best parts of the season with outdoor living that’s as stylish as it is comfortable. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee on the deck, hosting backyard barbecues, or lounging poolside, creating a shaded retreat is key to making the most of your space. While comfortable seating and a great dining setup are essentials, don’t overlook one of the most important features of all—shade. A well-placed patio umbrella not only adds a polished look to your space, but it also offers a cool escape from the summer heat.
From compact solutions for small balconies to a large market umbrella that covers your entire outdoor seating area, there are plenty of options to suit your setup. And if you're looking for something with more versatility, a cantilever patio umbrella offers flexible coverage and style, making it a popular choice for modern outdoor entertaining. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of outdoor umbrellas available and help you choose the right one to stay cool, protected, and ready to relax all season long.
Why Shade Matters
Outdoor umbrellas do more than just keep you cool—they’re essential for your health and the longevity of your furniture. A well-placed umbrella provides a break from the sun’s harsh rays, helping protect you and your loved ones from harmful UV exposure. They also keep food, drinks, and furniture from overheating during summer gatherings. Whether you’re dining al fresco or lounging poolside, shade lets you enjoy your space longer and more comfortably.
Understanding Umbrella Types
Any umbrella used outdoors is generally referred to as a patio umbrella, but there are different designs to choose from, each suited to different functions and furniture layouts. The two most popular types are market umbrellas and cantilever umbrellas.
Market Umbrellas
Market umbrellas are the classic choice for outdoor spaces. These feature a central pole that supports a wide canopy, often used with outdoor dining tables or as a standalone option with a weighted base, typically sold separately. This style is known for its versatility, with sizes and features to suit everything from small balconies to full backyard patios.
Most market umbrellas feature an octagonal canopy and a metal pole (usually aluminum or steel). Wood poles are also available and can give your space a natural, upscale look, though they require a bit more care. Market umbrellas can either be stationary or come with convenient tilt and crank mechanisms that make them easy to adjust throughout the day.
Key Market Umbrella Features:
Crank-open mechanisms: Allow easy opening and closing.
Auto-tilt: Adjust the canopy angle as the sun moves across the sky by using a tilt mechanism in the crank handle.
Push-button tilt: Once the canopy is fully open, adjust tilt with the press of a button near the top of the pole.
Collar tilt: Tilt the canopy by turning a collar near the middle of the pole, separate from the crank mechanism for adjusting the canopy angle.
Pole materials: Aluminum (lightweight and rust-resistant), steel (strong but heavier and more rust-prone), or wood (stylish and classic, but more high maintenance).
Rib construction: High-quality umbrellas have an eight-ribbed aluminum frame secured to the pole using durable, weather-resistant PVC materials.
Market Umbrella Sizing Guide:
6 to 7.5 feet: Great for small balconies, bistro sets, or cozy corners.
9 feet: A standard size ideal for most dining tables and medium patios.
10 to 11 feet: Perfect for larger patios or wide lounge areas.
Rectangular or square options: Ideal for longer tables or sectionals.
Remember that most umbrellas are sold separately from the base, so be sure to factor that into your purchase.
Cantilever Umbrellas
If you’re looking for a more versatile shade solution that doesn’t get in the way of your dining or seating arrangement, a cantilever patio umbrella is a fantastic option. Unlike a traditional market umbrella, which has a center pole, a cantilever umbrella features an off-set pole that supports the canopy from the side. This design allows the umbrella to hang freely, making it perfect for shading lounge chairs, dining sets, hot tubs, hammocks, or conversational seating without obstructing the view or space underneath.
Looking for flexible shade that doesn’t get in the way of your layout? A cantilever patio umbrella is ideal for areas where a center pole would be obtrusive—like over deep seating, dining sets, or hot tubs.
Key benefits:
Off-set pole design allows for open space under the canopy
360° rotation and tilt features, such as left to right or back tilt, offer easy shade adjustment throughout the day
Great for larger spaces, multi-use areas, and areas without room for an umbrella, such as a pool. Available in 10', 11', and 13' sizes.
What to look for:
Pole material:
Aluminum – lightweight, rust-resistant, easy to move
Steel – stronger but may rust over time unless powder-coated
- Both materials have a variety of color and finish options to choose from.
Canopy fabric:
Natural canvas materials – can be beautiful to start. However, they require extra attention to maintain their look, from exposure fading and cleaning issues on natural materials. Plus, exposure to the natural elements results in faster wear.
Solution-dyed polyester or acrylic – more durable and fade-resistant than standard polyester
Premium grade outdoor acrylic fabrics – like Sunbrella are top tier quality and offer competitive pricing. With careful use and proper care, these fabrics vibrant color retention, fabric strength and durability season after season.
Base stability:
An umbrella used in an outdoor dining table usually starts at a filled 50 lbs weight for standard size umbrellas in a table, 7.5-10', in typical residential environments. Locations with gusty breezes or larger size tables using umbrellas may require 80-100 lb bases.
Choose from sand-filled, water-filled, interlocking plates or even cast-iron base options for secure placement.
*Keep in mind, umbrellas are shade protection, not wind protection, when creating outdoor living spaces.
With their stylish design and flexible functionality, cantilever umbrellas are an excellent addition to any outdoor living space. Pair one with a cushioned sectional, outdoor rug, and a few decorative accents, and you’ve got a chic, shaded retreat perfect for sunny day lounging and evening gatherings alike. Just remember to lower the umbrella and use a protective cover when it’s not in use.
Permanent Shade Solutions
If you’re looking for a more permanent addition to your backyard, consider a pergola or gazebo. These structures not only offer consistent shade but also elevate the style and usability of your space. Pergolas can be customized with fabric drapes, climbing plants, or retractable canopies for added shade and ambiance. Gazebos, with their solid roofs and optional screens or curtains, can turn part of your yard into an all-season retreat.
Permanent structures are perfect for defining zones in a larger yard—think dining under a pergola and lounging poolside under a cantilever umbrella.
Custom Umbrellas and Accessories
While there are plenty of ready-to-go options, HOM Furniture also offers custom order umbrellas that allow you to match your outdoor setup perfectly. Choose from:
Canopy color and pattern
Pole finish and material
Fabric grade (including Sunbrella® and other fade-resistant options)
Base type and weight
Integrated lighting (like LED ribs or canopy lights)
Must-Have Accessories:
Weighted umbrella bases: Ensure your umbrella stays secure, even in a breeze.
Protective covers: Covers are easy to slip on the closed umbrella when not in use. They keep your umbrella clean and dry, preventing premature wear and tear.
LED lighting kits: Extend your outdoor fun into the night with built-in lights or clip-on options.
Storage bags: Handy for storing your umbrella during off-seasons.
Outdoor accessories not only prolong the life of your investment but also enhance your outdoor experience with function and flair.
Tips for a Long-Lasting Umbrella
Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your umbrella looking and performing its best:
Close the umbrella when not in use
Remove from the table or move to a secure place during high winds.
Use protective covers to guard against weather damage.
Clean the canopy fabric with mild soap and water—avoid harsh chemicals.
Check moving parts periodically to ensure smooth operation.
Remember, most umbrellas are not designed for wind, snow, or stormy conditions. Store or secure them accordingly to avoid damage.
Enjoy Outdoor Living in Comfort and Style
With the right shade solution, your outdoor space becomes a cool, comfortable retreat where you can relax, entertain, and make the most of sunny days. Whether you're choosing a small patio umbrella for your bistro set or a large cantilever umbrella to shade your entire patio, it’s important to select a style and size that fits both your space and your lifestyle.
Need help narrowing down your options? Visit a HOM Furniture store near you to speak with a knowledgeable team member. Our outdoor living experts will help you find the perfect umbrella or shade solution to suit your patio, porch, deck, or poolside area. Let us help you create your dream outdoor retreat—cool, comfortable, and perfectly shaded.