What to look for in an outdoor umbrella

June 20th, 2017 · Published to Outdoor Umbrellas

If you’re thinking of investing in a portable shade structure, then you should seriously be considering outdoor umbrellas. Outdoor umbrellas are immensely versatile, easy to use and most importantly, they’re cost-effective.

But before you start shopping for outdoor umbrellas on the Gold Coast, there are a few important considerations to make. These considerations will ensure you choose the right umbrella for your space, needs and budget.

Continue reading as I explain what to look for when purchasing an outdoor umbrella on the Gold Coast.

1. Understand your needs

The first – and most important – thing to consider when buying an outdoor umbrella is your personal requirements. What is the sole use of the umbrella – are you looking to create pool shade, shade over your entertainment area/ courtyard or setting at a restaurant or café etc.

Then, look at the location where you want to place the umbrella. Think about the direction of the sun and the area you want to cover with shade. This will help you determine what type of outdoor umbrella you need.

As a basic rule of thumb, a 6-foot umbrella will cover 2 patio chairs, an 8-foot umbrella will cover 2 lounge chairs, a 10-foot umbrella will cover a small patio seating set while an 11-foot umbrella will cover a full patio seating set. Choose your umbrella size according to the size that area you want to cover.

2. Style

Once you’ve considered your personal requirements, you can move onto choosing the outdoor umbrella style that will suit these needs. Outdoor umbrellas are available in a range of styles and designs for you to consider. Some popular styles include café style umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas, wall mounted umbrellas and tulip umbrellas, among others.

Of all these options, I recommend cantilever umbrellas, as they can be used both in commercial and domestic settings. Cantilever umbrellas consist of a side support post which is attached to an overhead canopy. Unlike traditional outdoor umbrellas, they do not have a centre support post – meaning that they offer a lot more usable space.

Cantilever umbrellas, such as those we offer at Global Shade, also include a handy tilting mechanism. This allows you to rotate and adjust the shade area with the changing direction of the sun. This is one of the main reasons why cantilever umbrellas are so much more popular than other styles.

Global Shade’s range of cantilever umbrellas feature a durable aluminium frame and can be installed on any surface. Whether you want to install an outdoor umbrella on concrete, slabs or timber decks, you can do it easily with this choice of outdoor umbrella.

3. Shade fabric and accessories

With the style chosen, the last things to consider are the fabric and accessories. Choose an outdoor umbrella that uses quality fabric is vital. Superior shade fabrics, such as those that we use at Global Shade, offer up to 99% UVR protection. Moreover, these fabrics come in a variety of colour options for you to choose from.

Here, at Global Shade, we can also customise outdoor umbrellas to include various accessories. Whether you want to include lights, heating elements, outdoor blinds or waterproofing to your umbrella, we offer it all. Additionally, we can also custom design outdoor umbrellas to match your colour scheme. And, if you needs mean providing shade for a restaurant or café, then be conscious of the fact that you can also include your logo on your umbrellas. Whether you need outdoor umbrellas for domestic or commercial applications, Global Shade can provide a great solution for you.

Conclusion:

When it comes to purchasing an outdoor umbrella on the Gold Coast, you should make a few considerations. First of all, determine your personal requirements. Next, consider the style of outdoor umbrella you need. Finally, choose an umbrella that uses quality shade fabrics and decide whether you want any accessories to be included in it.

For the best outdoor umbrellas on the Gold Coast, look no further than Global Shade. Contact us to discuss your outdoor umbrella requirements today!