Better Homes And Gardens 11ft Offset Umbrella

Last Updated on July 15, 2020 by

Patio umbrellas are a vital part of your outdoor decor and are among the most desired outdoor furniture accessories to complete your patio's look. They come in many different sizes, styles, weights, shapes, and forms. If you've ever purchased a cheap personal umbrella, you know that you're in for a surprise. In the same way, investing in a quality outdoor umbrella will make sure that your time is spent enjoying conversations with close friends instead of chasing umbrellas across the yard.

outdoor-umbrella

To be sure you're not disappointed with your next patio umbrella, check out this comprehensive Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide that will teach you everything about patio umbrellas! By the time you're done with it, you'll be an outdoor umbrella expert!

Table of Contents (Click to Jump to Section)

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Section A. Patio Umbrella Dimensions

What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy?
Patio Umbrella Pole Diameter
Umbrella Base

Section B. Types of Umbrellas

Tilting Umbrellas
Cantilever Umbrellas
Table & Free-Standing Umbrellas
Ventilation

Section C. Fabrics & Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size
What Size Patio Umbrella for 48″ Table?
What Size Patio Umbrella for 42″ Table?
What Size Umbrella for 54″ Table?
Who Makes the Best Patio Umbrellas?
Patio Umbrella Wood vs. Aluminum

Section A. Patio Umbrella Dimensions

1. What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy?

The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. How much space do you need? What's your budget? How much space do you have available? These are all things that must be taken into consideration before purchasing an outdoor umbrella. Choosing an oversized umbrella will be overwhelming and throw off the balance of your outdoor arrangement.

Your umbrella should typically extend over your dining table by 2 feet on each side. If you have a 4-foot rounded table, this means you need an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter. Below you'll find some simple solutions, courtesy of Lisa Hallet Taylor from PoolandPatio.About.com.

Table = 30-36 inches — Umbrella = 6-8 feet
Table = 38-48 inches — Umbrella = 9-11 feet
Table = 54-60 inches — Umbrella 11 feet or larger

2. Patio Umbrella Pole Height and Diameter

Your patio umbrella pole diameter is an important measurement to check for because it's crucial to the stability of your umbrella. For maximum umbrella stability, you want your umbrella pole diameter and base diameter to be as close as possible while still fitting. We looked through our collection of patio umbrellas and found that most had a pole diameter of at least 1.5″ and some went up to 2.5″. If you choose an umbrella with a pole diameter of 1.5″, you want the base to diameter to be at least 1.5″ and at the most, .25″ larger. As a rule of thumb, your base diameter should not be more than .25″ larger than your umbrella pole.

Pro Tip: Beach umbrellas are slimmer than patio umbrellas, make sure you double check before purchasing!

If you have the option to buy your patio umbrella in person, we highly recommend doing so. Being able to pick out an umbrella that's the perfect fit for your patio while also finding the right base will make your life much easier in the long run.

The height of your umbrella is another important factor. You want enough clearance so that taller individuals don't have to stoop down when they are under the umbrella. Still, it can't be so high that the shade is covering your dog instead of you! In general, you want your umbrella to be at least 7 feet tall. You can also look for patio umbrellas with tilting and cantilever functions to adjust where the shade lands. We'll talk about that in the section below.

3. Umbrella Bases

The base of your umbrella is one of the most important factors. If your base is not heavy enough, your umbrella will flop and fly in the wind. Below you can find the suggested Umbrella Base Weight Recommendations:

20 lb. Base – Used for smaller table umbrellas. Only suitable for 6′ table umbrellas.
30 lb Base – Used for 6.5′ table umbrellas.
40 lb Base – Minimum weight for freestanding umbrellas up to 4.5′. It can be used for table umbrellas up to 7.5′.
50 lb Base – Accommodates up to 7.5′ free-standing outdoor umbrellas. It can also be used for table umbrellas up to 9′.
70+ lb Base – These bases can be used for most free standing umbrellas up to 11′. If you live in areas that experience high winds, you should consider a commercial cantilever outdoor umbrella.

Santa Ana winds can wreak havoc on a backyard party. You don't want to be the host that has to stand on the base of the patio umbrella every time the wind picks up. Do yourself a favor and order one of these weighted patio umbrella bases that won't move!

Section B. Types of Umbrellas

1. Tilting Umbrellas

treasure garden 11 foot octagon collar tilt navy umbrella

The 11′ Octagon Collar Tilt Umbrella from Treasure Garden

As the sun moves, the angle changes the projection of the shade. This can be a hassle. You don't want to play musical chairs and have everyone rearrange their seats every 30 minutes just to remain in the shade. Bright idea, move the umbrella instead of the party! A tilting patio umbrella lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella. They're definitely worth the money.

2. Cantilever Umbrellas

Cantilever Patio Umbrellas are similar to tiling umbrellas but they offer an increased range of motion. They are the deluxe version when it comes to patio umbrellas. Cantilever umbrellas are the commercial models used to furnishFive Star Hotels.They are extremely sturdy and capable of handling anything that Mother Nature can throw at them.

Cantilevers are the ultimate option for those who want the best of the best. Not only is the base very heavy, everything from the frame to the fabric of the umbrellas fan is made of heavy-duty materials to prevent tearing. Cantilever umbrellas offer full functionality, allowing you to move your umbrella up and down and side to side. The 10′ Deluxe Square Cantilever Umbrella is one of the most popular models.

3. Table & Free-Standing Umbrellas

There are tables and free-standing umbrellas. Most tables use a standard 1.75″ hole for patio umbrellas but it's always a good idea to check to make sure. 1.75″ is the standard size for Treasure Gardens Umbrellas. Sometimes, umbrella poles are 2″. These work well for dining tables. Free-standing outdoor umbrellas are ideal for poolside furnishings.

4. Ventilation

Umbrella ventilation is something to consider depending on the climate that you live in. Single ventilation umbrellas are the standard for most umbrellas you'll come across. They allow for average heat dissipation and hold up under average winds. If you live in a particularly windy or hot area, double ventilation is the way to go. The double ventilation allows for more heat dissipation and handles wind better than a single ventilation umbrella.

Section C. Fabrics & Materials – Best Patio Umbrella Fabric

Just like the fabrics of your outdoor furniture, you need to make sure that the fabrics and materials used on your umbrella meet all-weather requirements. If you live in windy areas, you may want to consider fiberglass umbrellas that are flexible and are designed to bend slightly. Likewise, aluminum is very durable and is still a viable option.

As far as fabrics go, you'll want to look for a few key phrases that will indicate a quality outdoor umbrella. All-weather, waterproof and UV resistant fabrics, and breathable designs that prevent mold and mildew are highly recommended. Sunbrella is the most well-known name in outdoor fabrics. They began making awning in the early 1960s. They now make fabrics for umbrellas as well. Learn more about Sunbrella Fabrics.

Buy Patio Umbrella Covers Here.

For more insight, I'd suggest these Additional Patio Umbrella Resources:

Buying Guide: Find The Best Outdoor Patio Umbrella For Your Home
What to Look for While Shopping for Some Shade
How to Pick a Patio Umbrella That Performs

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size
- Fully extend your umbrella so all ribs are completely fanned out. Measure from the top of the rib arm to the bottom of the rib arm. This will give you the radius of the umbrella. Now multiply this measurement by 2 to get the total diameter of your patio umbrella.

How to Measure Patio Umbrella Size

As you can see above, the umbrella "ribs" are the long wood/metal rods that extend from the pole to the edge of the umbrella. Umbrella ribs are used to measure the size of umbrellas.

What Size Patio Umbrella for 48″ Table?
- A 48″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 11′.
What Size Patio Umbrella for 42″ Table?
- A 42″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 10′.
What Size Umbrella for 54″ Table?
- A 54″ table needs a patio umbrella that is 11′ or larger.
Who Makes the Best Patio Umbrellas?
- Treasure Garden, Bambrella, California Umbrella, andHospitality Rattan make the best patio umbrellas.
Patio Umbrella – Wood vs. Aluminum?
- Aluminum is more durable than traditional wood umbrella poles however, wood offers a higher density so it stays put if you are experiencing high winds. Aluminum is lightweight, making it easy to move and is often powder coated to make it rust-resistant. This means that you won't have to worry about any weather-related deterioration. If you're considering wood, Bambrella makes an exclusive line of bamboo umbrellas that are incredibly durable. Their umbrellas are resistant to warping, splitting, rotting, molding, or mildewing, and will neither splinter or leach

No More Fighting for a Spot in the Shade

It's quite plausible to replace a gazebo with Treasure Garden's Square Garden Pavilion Umbrella. You'll still be able to enjoy evening dinners under a covered area with a few additional perks. For one, you can take this umbrella with you in the case that you have to move. Luxury drapes provide privacy and give you the VIP Cabana feeling for a fraction of the cost to build a gazebo.

More Patio Furnishing Buying Guides

The Patio Buyers Guide
Guide to Outdoor Wicker Furniture
A Guide to Wrought Iron Patio Furniture