How are Patio Umbrellas Measured? 3 Easy Ways

Patio umbrellas are great decorations for not only beautifying your patio but also providing shade during inclement weather. However, selecting a lovely umbrella that will blend in with your patio and give ample shade is a difficult task.

One of my friends, Jerry, went shopping for a patio umbrella because he had just finished constructing his patio and the umbrella was the final touch. He was ecstatic until he tried to set up the umbrella, which was, regrettably, huge, absolutely overwhelming, and entirely ruined his outdoor setup.

Thus, to avoid disappointment like Jerry’s, it’s critical to acquire the appropriate answers to how are patio umbrellas measured before going shopping.

How are Patio Umbrellas Measured?

1. Measure the diameter

The canopy’s diameter is the most crucial factor; acquiring the right specifications will ensure you have ample protection from the sun.

If you already have a patio umbrella and wish to replace it, you can take the dimensions with the previous one. To achieve the proper measurements, open the old umbrella and make sure it is fully stretched. Hold a tape measure at the canopy’s center point and measure to the tip, noting the measurements.

If you’re buying a new patio umbrella specifically for your outdoor table, measure the table and make sure it stretches 2 feet more in every direction to ensure you get the most shade. Please get a patio umbrella that matches the shape of your table. The same approach can obtain an umbrella for your outdoor seating spaces.

The canopy is the most significant feature of a decent umbrella that will properly perform its purpose.

2. Measure the pole diameter

Another significant factor to consider is the pole’s diameter, especially if it will be placed in the center of your outdoor table. Considering you’ll need to choose an umbrella that will fit through the table’s hole exactly.

Most patio tables have a 2-inch hole, while some may have a larger opening. The diameter of the umbrella on your pole must be small enough to fit on your outdoor table.

If you don’t plan to utilize your patio umbrella on your outdoor table, however, a thicker pole will prevent you from chasing your umbrella across your yard in the event of a gust of wind. A thicker pole will be more durable because it will add weight to the umbrella.

A patio umbrella’s base is usually sold separately from the umbrella. A base is essential since it will give sufficient support for your umbrella, so make sure you pick one that fits precisely in the pole. Even the tiniest breeze should not cause your umbrella to sway.

Also read: Heavy duty wind resistant patio umbrella

3. Measure the length

Now that you’ve figured out the rest, the next item to consider is how tall your patio umbrella should be.

It is critical to purchase a patio umbrella that allows you to stand beneath it without breaking your back; this will ensure that you are comfortable and suitably protected from the sun’s rays; it would be inconvenient to have to squint because you had a very tall umbrella.

You’ll need a taller umbrella to go with a taller table, but how will you know whether it’s tall enough? Knowing the cranking height is the best reference to finding the ideal height. A cracking height is the distance between the umbrella’s base and the cranking mechanism.

Also read: Heavy duty umbrella base with wheels

Most umbrellas have a cranking mechanism; therefore, you need to select an umbrella with a taller crank height than your table to make a perfect patio table umbrella. Keep in mind to factor in the base to end up with the correct height.

The height measurement is as important as the canopy’s measurement is. Furthermore, the height of a patio umbrella contributes to the aesthetic attractiveness of your outside space, so it’s critical to get it precisely right.

What size patio umbrella do I need?

The size of your patio umbrella will be determined by its position. Consider having tall potted plants in your yard that are almost touching the canopy of your umbrella, as well as your house roof reaching out to your patio umbrella. It is not a pleasant sight.

When buying a patio umbrella, keep in mind that the shape of your umbrella will determine the size of the canopy.

While examining the many designs of patio umbrellas that will provide balance, elegance, and still appear elegant on your patio, keep in mind that the shape you choose will influence the size of your patio umbrella.

Most patio umbrellas, but not all, are round; however, various designs, such as square canopies and rectangular canopies, will fit nicely into slender patios while providing adequate coverage. A rounded canopy with the same dimensions as a rectangular canopy will take up a lot of room, so don’t go for a circular canopy if you want to shade a balcony.

A small canopy is the best solution for a smaller patio; however, try a tilted umbrella if a little canopy does not give enough shade. A titled umbrella will meet your needs because you can angle the canopy to where you need it.

Even a smaller canopy can serve its purpose well for slanted umbrellas because you don’t need a wider area to protect you from the sun’s rays. However, if you require a greater surface area for your umbrella, feel free to purchase a larger model.

There are many different patio umbrellas, but the most important factor to consider when selecting a patio umbrella is the size. Having a shaded area is vital during extreme weather, and having the correct size umbrella can ensure that you have an optimal cover.

If you’ve been thinking, “What size patio umbrella do I need?” this post will go over the most important things to consider when choosing the right size patio umbrella.

how are patio umbrellas measured

What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need? 4 Important Considerations

1. A patio umbrella that fits your space

It is critical to evaluate your landscape when purchasing a patio umbrella. Examine your outdoor environment, particularly the garden, because the plant will interfere with your patio umbrella.

The size of your patio umbrella will be determined by its position. Consider having tall potted plants in your deck that are almost touching the canopy of your umbrella, as well as your house roof reaching out to your patio umbrella.

It is not a pleasant sight.

If you have a small patio, make sure there is plenty of space between your umbrella and the plants or roof. Take into account every obstacle in your outside space.

You don’t want to make your already cramped patio even more crowded because it would obstruct traffic flow in your outside space.

Nothing is worse than having a little patio covered by a big patio umbrella.

Thus the size of your patio umbrella will be heavily influenced by your space. It is critical to estimate your space before purchasing an outdoor umbrella.

Fade resistant outdoor umbrellas

2. Purpose of your umbrella

Another thing to consider is the intended use of your umbrella. The question is, where do you want the umbrella to cover?

Consider whether you need a patio umbrella to shield you from the summer elements as you prepare a barbecue for your friends. Because of the risk of fire, you will never choose a short patio umbrella.

Also read: Heavy duty waterproof shade sail

Consider a patio umbrella if you only need to shade one pool lounger. You would not choose a larger umbrella since it would be too enormous for its purpose and would be overwhelming.

Being practical is essential for giving your outdoor space a sassy appearance and a welcome vibe.

3. Shape is key

When buying a patio umbrella, keep in mind that the shape of your umbrella will determine the size of the canopy.

While examining the many designs of patio umbrellas that will provide balance, elegance, and still appear elegant on your patio, keep in mind that the shape you choose will influence the size of your patio umbrella.

Most patio umbrellas, but not all, are round; however, various designs, such as square canopies and rectangular canopies, will fit nicely into slender patios while providing adequate coverage.

A rounded canopy with the same dimensions as a rectangular canopy will take up a lot of room, so don’t go for a circular canopy if you want to shade a balcony.

Also read: Best canopy porch swings

What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need?

4. Tilted for shade

A small canopy is the best solution for a smaller patio; however, try a tilted umbrella if a little canopy does not give enough shade.

A titled umbrella will meet your needs because you can angle the canopy to where you need it.

Even a smaller canopy can serve its purpose well for slanted umbrellas because you don’t need a wider area to protect you from the sun’s rays.

Reasons why your patio umbrella is fading

However, if you require a greater surface area for your umbrella, feel free to purchase a larger model.

The nice thing about tilting mechanisms is that you don’t even have to break a sweat to tilt your umbrella in a specific position because various tilt options are available, such as auto-tilt. 

Smart ways to your keep patio umbrella from spinning

FAQs About Patio Umbrellas

Which umbrella is better, nylon or polyester?

Both nylon and polyester have excellent properties. For example, they are both chemically resistant and have low moisture absorption.

However, as compared to polyester, nylon is a much stronger material, making it the finest choice for a patio umbrella.

Also read: Well-rated fade-resistant outdoor umbrellas

How do you open a patio umbrella without a crank?

It is simple to open an umbrella that does not have a crank mechanism. All you have to do is make sure it’s securely fastened and then gently take the umbrella canopy’s ribs away from the pole.

Can you use an umbrella without a base?

A patio umbrella’s base is an essential component, and your umbrella will be useless without one. While relaxing, wind could easily blow your patio umbrella away, leaving you exposed to the sun.

Do you need a cover for an outdoor umbrella?

You have bought your lovely outdoor umbrella, and what is next is to protect it. However, covering it is not the best way to protect your umbrella. The best thing about patio umbrellas is that they are easily portable.

Hence you do not need to cover it; all you need to do during the extreme weather conditions is remove it and store it.

Is a square or round umbrella better

Go for an umbrella that is the same shape as your outdoor table. But a square one gives your outdoor space a sassy look 

How do I choose a patio umbrella?

The best umbrella size of your patio table should be 2 inches more than your table wide in every direction.

However, because the majority of the patio table is 36 inches broad, acquire a nine-foot patio umbrella.

What is the standard height of a patio umbrella?

Purchase an umbrella that will allow you and your visitor to stand comfortably beneath it.

I would recommend obtaining an 8-foot umbrella, which is large enough to provide adequate shade since not many of us are taller than 6 feet.

Should I leave my patio umbrella outside?

It is acceptable to leave your umbrella outside during normal pleasant weather, such as summer.
During the winter, however, it is not advisable to leave your umbrella and other outdoor furniture outside.

Due to corrosion, your umbrella is unlikely to endure a season if left outside in the winter.
Easy ways to waterproof your patio umbrella

How does patio umbrella work?

Most aluminum patio umbrellas now incorporate a cranking mechanism that makes opening the umbrella simple. The crank mechanism has also been altered so that it tilts when opening as you turn it.

This is possible because the system includes a number of levers and joints in the pole.

Patio umbrellas are necessary since they protect our precious furniture and cushions from the elements. They also provide a touch of elegance to our deck. If you’re looking for a patio umbrella, make sure to use the criteria listed above to determine how patio umbrellas are measured.

 A large umbrella will throw off the balance of your lovely patio setup, while a small umbrella will not give adequate shade as you take in the scenery. Furthermore, the modest patio umbrella will not adequately cover your furnishings from the weather.

As a result, knowing the exact dimensions of a patio umbrella that will fit your patio is critical. Get the numbers right to avoid having an excessive or little patio umbrella.  

If have you ever wondered how are patio umbrellas measured? You now know!

Author

  • Ricky

    Hi, I’m Ricky. I’ve been involved in lawn care and landscaping from when I was 15. To be honest, I didn’t like the idea of pushing mowers, collecting grass clippings, and maintaining flowerbeds at the time. But having seem the passion my parents had for gardening and outdoors and the effort they put in maintaining the health and beauty of our landscape, I couldn’t help but not only admire their hard work but also I became a part of it. As someone who loves to spend time with nature’s best, I find myself learning a lot more about gardening and outdoors on a daily basis. Not to mention I love to share the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years with my readers at We Mow Dallas. To be clear, I don’t have a Master’s degree in gardening or anything like that. Everything I’ve learned about gardening, landscaping, and lawn care spring from passion and engagement with my parents. And with a ton of free information out there, plus the ability to run tests and determine what works best for lawn care and landscaping, every day is an opportunity to learn and implement something new. My goal with We Mow Dallas is to teach you exactly how to maintain your lawn and landscape. And since I walk the talk in reality, you shouldn’t hesitate to join me in this wonderful world of landscaping and lawn care.

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