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Get a Patio Umbrella Larger Than Your Sitting Area

For properly shaded space, you’ll need a patio umbrella a couple of feet wider than the table or area where you’re sitting. Most home patio umbrellas are nine feet wide, fitting tables six to seven feet across. Large tables require even larger umbrellas or shade sails to provide shade for everyone.

If you only want a single-person or a small table umbrella, then 6-1/2-feet should be fine. But in general, larger is usually better.

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Pick a Durable Fabric for Outdoor Use

Patio umbrella fabrics need to be lightweight, strong, stain-proof and easy to fold. That’s a tall order, but there are fabrics out there that can handle it. One of our favorite umbrella fabric producers is Sunbrella, which lets you pick patterns and colors while providing the durability you need.

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Use a Tilting Umbrella for Adjustable Shade

A tilting umbrella can be angled to protect against sunlight from a specific direction. If you use your patio in the early morning or late evening when the sun is low in the sky, go with a tilting patio umbrella. They’re also useful in wide-open spaces where there are no buildings nearby to add extra shade.

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