Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Patio Umbrellas Can Be a Great Way to Update Your Patio on a Budget

If you are hoping to find an inexpensive way to update the look of your patio it can be easily accomplished by purchasing a beautiful outdoor umbrella. You might be very amazed at the difference a bright colored patio umbrella can make to a dreary garden, or how finding just the right match for your existing décor can give your patio a fresh look. Selecting the right size, color and type of patio umbrella can be a bit overwhelming here are some of the basics that will help you choose the right type of umbrella.

The first thing to consider when you are looking for an outdoor umbrella is the type of umbrella you need. There are three key types of patio umbrellas: aluminum, wood and wind resistant. Deciding between aluminum and wood is basically personal preference, but selecting a wind resistant umbrella is based more on need.

Wood outdoor patio umbrellas, or market umbrellas as many call them, are the original outdoor umbrella. The pole and rib arms (the parts that support the canopy) are made of wood. These umbrellas are opened and closed with a manual push and pin motion and are made of a sturdy wood design. This is a smart option to have in commercial settings, because there are a smaller number of pieces that customers can adjust themselves which may significantly add to wear and tear. In subsequent years in the life of the market umbrella the pulley lift system was introduced. This made opening and closing a wood umbrella a lot easier than the push and pin lift system, specifically for residential uses. These umbrellas offer an stylish and stately feel to a patio and have been a classic choice for a long time.

An aluminum outdoor umbrella is a more current development in the world of patio umbrellas. They present a more lightweight option to the wood market umbrella and a more modern look and feel. They give consumers a product that is basically maintenance free and have additional features that wood outdoor patio umbrellas are not able provide. A lot of aluminum patio umbrellas offer easy-to-use crank lift systems and some even have deluxe auto tilt features. These features make it extremely simple to open and tilt your patio umbrella. These outdoor umbrellas are a perfect complement to cast aluminum patio furniture, but can be a great addition to any existing décor. Most aluminum outdoor umbrellas offer extended warranties which add to their appeal.

Now, while your choice between an aluminum outdoor umbrella and a wood umbrella is based on personal preference, your choice to buy a wind resistant umbrella should be based more on need. Wind resistant umbrellas are the right decision for locations that deal with abrupt gusts of wind or for locations near the beach. Wind resistant umbrellas are constructed of flexible fiberglass rib arms that bend with the wind. This allows you more time to get hold of your umbrella and close it if the winds get too strong, keeping it safe from damage. Although these umbrellas do offer you additional time to get to your umbrella and close it, wind resistant does not mean wind proof. The extra flexibility of these patio umbrellas allows them to withstand winds for longer periods than a wood or aluminum umbrella can, but you should always close your umbrella if conditions warrant it.

This information should assist you in choosing the right type of outdoor umbrella for you and your backyard or patio.

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