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The Best Patio Umbrella

Last updated on April 21, 2023
Best Patio Umbrella

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Patio Umbrellas

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Best Choice Products Angled Easy Store Patio Umbrella, 10-Foot

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Best Choice Products

Angled Easy Store Patio Umbrella, 10-Foot

This stylish patio umbrella features built-in solar-powered LED lights. You can use the umbrella to create a romantic ambiance for an at-home date night or simply to provide a little extra light when enjoying the fresh night air. The umbrella is available in one of 15 fun colors.

Overall Take

Illuminates Your SpaceThis patio umbrella offers UV protection and can be tilted to a 45-degree angle.

 Runner Up

wikiwiki UV Resistant Anti-Sway Patio Umbrella, 10-Foot

wikiwiki

UV Resistant Anti-Sway Patio Umbrella, 10-Foot

Available in a choice of 11 solid colors, this patio umbrella looks great by the pool or over the table on your back porch. It's made using a triangular structure that makes it more stable and resistant to high winds. With the premium-quality fabric, you'll also enjoy water and sun protection.

Overall Take

Provides Plenty of ShadeSince this patio umbrella is constructed using recycled materials, you can feel good about your purchase.

 We Also Like

Sunnyglade Venting Crank Patio Umbrella, 9-Foot

Sunnyglade

Venting Crank Patio Umbrella, 9-Foot

You can rely on this durable and waterproof patio umbrella. It has an easy crank-open function with a push-button tilt.

Overall Take

Durable and WaterproofThis long-lasting patio table umbrella is waterproof and has a push-button tilt.

 Strong Contender

Blissun Rust-Free Powder Coated Pole Patio Umbrella, 9-Foot

Blissun

Rust-Free Powder Coated Pole Patio Umbrella, 9-Foot

This good-looking 9-foot patio table umbrella is made with rust-resistant aluminum poles and ribs, a 100% polyester fabric, a crank opening mechanism and a push button tilt to shift its position. It's also vented and works well anywhere.

Overall Take

Stylish and Sturdy ProtectionThis modern patio umbrella is a great value for the price. Use it year-round wherever you need a bit of shade!

Buying Guide

A shady patio umbrella is a key element to enjoying your outdoor space. While basking in the warm glow of the sun is nice for a few hours, many people often want to rest in the shade to relax and cool off. If you want to avoid a sunburn while still spending time outdoors, opt for a large patio umbrella that gives you adequate coverage.

There are a few different types of patio umbrellas available depending on your needs. A center-pole umbrella has, as the name suggests, a straight pole that goes from the center of the canopy to a base at the bottom. The base can either be stationary or mobile. Center-pole umbrellas can also be used in conjunction with patio tables that have a hole cut into the table frame for the pole to pass through.

A cantilever umbrella, also known as an offset umbrella, has a jointed pole that is affixed to one side of the canopy. Many people prefer a cantilever umbrella because a center pole doesn’t block any visibility or space under the umbrella. Cantilever umbrellas can also rotate and pivot so it is easy to cover a wide range of area in your space.

What to Look For

  • The frame and pole of a patio umbrella can be made out of different materials. Wooden frames have a classic look, but the material can be costly. Wood also isn’t as hardy as some of the other materials used in umbrella frames. A common choice is metal, typically stainless steel or aluminum. These options are sleek and modern, lightweight, resistant to corrosion and highly durable. Fiberglass patio umbrella frames are extremely durable and even more flexible than other materials. This means that they do not break as easily under strong winds or harsh weather. However, fiberglass can be a costly option.
  • Choose your patio umbrella’s size carefully. If it’s too big, it may take over your space or bump into nearby trees or walls. If it is too small, it won’t give you the coverage you need. Measure the space you need shade in and then add in about two and a half feet to get the right canopy diameter.
  • Patio umbrella canopies come in many shapes, such as round, square and rectangular. The right shape for you will depend on the size of your space, the coverage you want to provide and perhaps the shape of your outdoor table.

More to Explore

If you want to use your patio umbrella even when it’s dark, add on some patio lights to the frame and perimeter of the canopy. They add a magical touch and provide ambient lighting to your space. Opt for LED lights, which generate less heat and last longer than traditional outdoor lighting. This fun accessory will make a regular evening out on the patio feel like a charming fairy tale.

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