Garden Umbrellas

Garden umbrellas are simply umbrellas that are designed to be placed within a garden, but may also be used as cover for a table and seating area as well. Basically, a garden umbrella is an umbrella that is used within a garden area. There are different requirements for umbrella designs when dealing with umbrellas for garden use, so you will have to take the time to figure out what you need.

Everyone wants to have their own sanctuary where they can retreat and relax and some people find that oasis in their own backyard garden. Gardens are a place where one can enjoy the scenery and soak up the visual pleasures of all of their plants and the work they have done to create a beautiful garden. Garden umbrellas are a nice feature to add to a seating arrangement and help to set the stage for an inviting place to sit.

Landscaping your garden can be the way in which you get to design a special area that is designed just for you. Some people like to add things such as rock gardens and a water feature, and these are also visually pleasing items that can make your backyard unique to you. Garden umbrellas can match specially chosen furniture sets and compliment arrangements adding a special touch to your garden.

While most furniture arrangements can already be very inviting, adding garden umbrellas makes a statement. This addition basically invites you to have a seat for a very long time – several hours during the day if you like, because an umbrella will protect you from the hot sun and allow you to spend more time enjoying your surroundings.

One great feature of garden umbrellas is that they are very portable. You do not have to permanently install them in one specific place, and instead, you can move them around wherever you need to. If you enjoy moving your furniture around from place to place just to change things up, you can easily move your umbrella along with the furniture. A base with a pin is a good accessory to consider for those windy days. The umbrella simply sits in the base and then a pin is run through the base and umbrella, keeping it in place.

When the weather turns from fall to winter, you will want to bring all of your items indoors or store them in a sheltered area so that they will be as bright an inviting next year as they were this year. It is always a good idea to protect your investment in furniture and accessories for the outdoors by storing them when the weather is not so nice.

Your back yard can be transformed by the purchase of a few simple pieces of furniture to set up in your garden area. Garden umbrellas can provide the added touch that you have been looking for in a place to sit and talk with friends and family. It can be a place where you go to read your favorite book, drink a relaxing cup of tea or just escape from the world.

When looking at the different options of garden umbrellas there will be many different choices of designs and styles. The major difference when looking at designs of this type of umbrella is whether it is an offset style or not. Offset style refers to an umbrella that has the shaft and base positioned off to the side of the umbrella. This allows for the whole area underneath the umbrella to be covered instead of having to put the control mechanism underneath, which would likely be right in the middle of your plants. The swing arm style allows you to be able to utilize all of an area without the nuisance of a pole in the centre of your table or other seating arrangement. The umbrella can be swung around from its anchor point to shade any area you need shaded within its reach.

Garden umbrellas can be difficult to shop for as they are often treated as an accessory that is not needed. However, there is an actual functional use for this particular type of umbrella. If you do not already know what you need this style of umbrella for, then you should definitely think about the ways that you may put it to use. This will allow you to get a better idea on the particular style that you require, especially in regards to whether the umbrella should feature an offset design.

When looking for garden umbrellas, you will also want to consider the specific design of the umbrella. This is not a top concern for most people, but it is especially important if you have a common area in the garden. You will want to go through the various designs of garden umbrellas and find one that suits your preferences. To be able to accomplish this, it will be necessary that you actually take the time to shop around. This is easier said than done though as garden umbrellas are not found in many local stores.

Garden Umbrella Fabric Options
Outdoor umbrellas are available in numerous fabric types such as vinyl, cotton, polyester and olefin, among several others. The following are some features of each type of fabric for your garden umbrella.

1. Sunbrella
This fabric type can withstand harsh elements such as the sun and rain without fading because of the locked-in color features. It can also retain the original quality of colors even after several years, as compared to other materials available in the market. Furthermore, the material prevents accumulation of mildew, as long as you prevent organic matter or dirt on the umbrella’s exterior. The material can also offer over 90 percent UV protection, so you can spend hours outdoors without worrying about the sun’s heat.

2. Olefin
This material is composed of 100 percent solution-dyed fabric that ensures colorfastness. It is a high density type of fabric, yet lightweight for easy maintenance. Olefin is capable or resisting fading while retaining the brightness of colors for years. Most people choose Olefin fabric for their garden umbrella because it is hassle-free to clean, stain-resistant, durable and resists abrasion. Lastly, the material provides protection from UV rays and natural elements.

3. Suncrylic
Just like sunbrella and Olefin, the material is a solution-dyed type of acrylic fabric that ensures the good quality of color even when exposed to harsh elements. It is easy to clean, so you can maintain its excellent condition and improve its life span.

4. Polyester
As with acrylic, polyester is a manmade or synthetic fabric. It is breathable and light, and is typically used in clothing. The material is known for its capability to retain color and dyes. The only drawback of outdoor umbrellas made of polyester is that it is not water-resistant. Some manufacturers coat the fabric with polyurethane, so the umbrella may be ideal for outdoor use. When in the fabric form, the chemical polyurethane can create a kind of watertight shield to prevent absorption of moisture.

Bottom Line
Choosing the type of fabric affects the lasting appeal and durability of the patio or garden umbrella, as well as the cost of this item. With this in mind, you should determine how often you plan to use the umbrella and the amount that you are willing to spend when you choose a product that meets your needs. Make sure you compare the features and benefits offered by each fabric type for garden umbrellas when deciding on the one to buy. You should also consider the ease in cleaning and maintaining the cover, so you could retain the lovely appearance of the umbrella.

Garden umbrellas are definitely not needed, but they can be beneficial to any garden. If this is an investment that you have planned, then it would be a good idea to figure out what you require. Think about the specific style (offset, standard, etc.) and design (colors, pattern, base, etc.) that you want. Ultimately, if you take the time to compare your options of garden umbrellas between many local and online stores, it will not be difficult to find a garden umbrella that suits your needs.