Today there are hundreds of designs of market and patio umbrellas-something for everyone. The styles run all the way from a simple traditional one-color market umbrella made to cover a bistro table and two chairs to elaborate geometric configurations made to fit snugly against a wall for those urban settings where space is at a premium. There are hand-painted varieties in pre-designed motifs such as the example shown above, or made to suit your fancy with everything from your dog’s portrait to your favorite Earnest Hemingway quote!
There are intricate laser-cut designs and layers of texture that resemble a really full blossomed flower for those with a taste for the cutting-edge, but before you begin your search for the perfectly designed market umbrella, a few basics will narrow the field.
Will the umbrella be placed over a table? If so, it is important to use the following guidelines for proper coverage. It should always extend a minimum of 4″ beyond the table on all sides. You aren’t restricted to using a square umbrella with a square table or a round umbrella with a round table but be sure that the overall dimension allows coverage from all angles.
The material used for the canopy can vary greatly and this is where pricing differences are seen most often. Sunbrella, solution-dyed-acrylic outdoor fabric will stand up to years and years of full sun without fading. There are other brands of solution-dyed-acrylic which perform equally well. Also, heavier more tightly woven options are available for umbrella canopies and boat cushions. Inexpensive substitutes in polyester or other fabrics may fade before one season comes to a close.
It takes approximately 8-9 yards of fabric for the construction of the canopy and fabric costs per yard can vary dramatically so it doesn’t take long for the range in price to be significant. There are times when the purchase of an inexpensive patio umbrella serves it’s purpose well in one season, just make sure that if you are looking for a lasting investment that you know what you are buying.