Children of today spend more time indoors than they do outdoors. They are always in front of their laptops or television sets that they neglect to exercise outdoors. Although doing activities indoors at the comfort of your own home is the normal thing to do, there are many worthwhile activities that you and your family can do outside of your home. It does not have to be grand as going out camping or fishing in the lake; outdoor activities may involve even the simplest things such as hanging out and bonding with your family on your outdoor deck or patio. 

Hanging outdoors in your deck or patio can be fun and healthy for you and your children. Exposure to sunlight enhances your body’s production of vitamin D which is involved in the good development of teeth and bones. However, spending too much time in the sun is not healthy since there are harmful UV rays which can cause skin cancer. This is why it is important to install an outdoor umbrella in your patio or deck. 

However, when you are choosing your first outdoor umbrella, you have to know which one will be perfect for your home. There are a lot of outdoor umbrellas to choose one and therefore purchasing one, especially if it is your first time to do so will not be as easy as you think it will be. You should know what to look for when purchasing the perfect outdoor umbrella for you. You might end up buying a very large and expensive outdoor umbrella even when a small patio umbrella might have been as effective. Here are some tips in buying outdoor umbrellas:

• Know what type of outdoor umbrella you will need. Outdoor umbrellas come in lots of sizes and styles to choose from but generally they all fall under two main types. The first type is the central-pole type of outdoor umbrella. These commercial patio umbrellas look similar to the regular rain umbrellas where the pole is located at the center of the canopy frame. The poles of these umbrellas are meant to be slid through a tube which is connected to a wide and heavy circular base. When a base is not available, the poles of these central-pole umbrellas may be slid through a hole of a picnic table. The table in this case will act and function as the umbrella’s base. 

Commercial market umbrellas also belong to the central-pole designed umbrellas. Although a lot of people say that a market umbrella is the same as a patio umbrella; a lot of people differentiate them apart from the shape of their canopies. Some people describe the patio umbrella as an outdoor umbrella having a circular canopy with a central-pole design. On the other hand, a market umbrella has a square canopy. Market umbrellas are frequently used in commercial establishments. Still, many believe that the difference between a patio umbrella and a market umbrella is their canopy design. Patio umbrellas according to some people are the outdoor umbrellas with canopies that do not have valences while market umbrellas have them. 

The second type of outdoor umbrella is the side-post design. This differs from the central-pole design because this type of outdoor umbrella does not have the pole fixed at the center of canopy frame rather it is located at the side. The offset umbrella and the cantilever umbrella are two examples of outdoor umbrellas that adhere to this unique design. The bases of these umbrellas are also different from those of the central-pole umbrellas because of the need for these bases to be able to counter the weight of the canopy which is at the other side of the umbrella. The advantage of an offset or cantilever umbrella is that it allows more activities to be done underneath its canopy since its pole is located on the side. 

Each of these two types of outdoor umbrella designs has their own advantages and disadvantages. Picking one over the other will have to depend on a person’s taste and the area that needs to be shaded. 

Because of the current threat of global warming, people are becoming more and more conscious about being exposed too long under the sun. This is why outdoor commercial umbrellas are becoming more and more popular. Homeowners are now installing outdoor umbrellas at their outdoor patios or decks so that their families can hide under the umbrella’s shade when the heat of the sun becomes uncomfortable. The outdoor umbrella has now become a necessary installation in almost every backyard or patio. It is time to know more about the poles and bases the outdoor umbrella.

Poles and Bases. There are numerous styles of outdoor umbrellas to choose from. They may differ from each other by the type of poles and bases that go with them. Patio umbrellas are designed in such a way that their poles are fixed at the center of their canopies. These poles are meant to be slid through a hole of a patio table or through a base that is either weighted or screwed into the ground, wood or concrete (whatever your patio surface may be). Bases are mostly circular. The diameter of the circular base increases along with the canopy size. When you are choosing a base for your patio umbrella, you must make sure that the base is heavy enough and wide enough to be able to hold and balance the canopy of the umbrella. 

Poles should also be made of durable materials so that they will not break easily because of the weight of the canopy. Stronger poles also mean that they can withstand inclement weather elements such as strong gusts of winds. Aluminum and cast-iron poles offer more durability that the poles made of wood. However, aluminum poles may be more expensive depending on their designs. Most outdoor patio umbrellas used at homes are made up of wood while those of commercial umbrellas are made up of aluminum. 

Bases of outdoor umbrellas may be sold separately and differ also in their design and functionality. The base of an outdoor umbrella is basically composed of a hollow tune attached to a heavy and wide circular base. The poles of the outdoor umbrellas such as those of commercial market umbrellas are meant to be slid through the tubes. Most often than not, the tubes have some sort of a tightening mechanism or locking mechanism so that the poles will not easily get removed after they are slid in place. Some bases however do not adhere to the traditional circular base design. The base of a commercial offset umbrella for instance is designed in a way that the weight is concentrated on one side. Because the poles of the offset umbrella is not fixed at the center of the canopy and is instead fixed on one side, the design of the base is critical to offset the weight of the canopy.

Some bases are designed to be screwed in place on the surface of your patio or deck. They have holes where screws can be inserted to further secure your outdoor umbrella. While these bases offer a more sturdily and permanent option, these will not allow you to transfer your outdoor umbrella to another area as easily you can if they were not screwed in place. 

When you are planning to purchase an outdoor umbrella that will be installed at your outdoor patio, deck or backyard; you must first know some information on the product that you are planning to purchase. Studying about the different parts of the outdoor umbrella will make give you a better understanding on the umbrella’s durability and therefore you will know that what you are purchasing is a worthwhile investment. Knowing a little something about the poles and the bases of outdoor umbrellas will help you in deciding which outdoor umbrella to purchase for your home. 

Different outdoor umbrellas have different canopy styles and sizes. There are a plethora of canopy styles that you can choose from when you are purchasing patio umbrellas. A patio umbrella’s canopy style may be different from that of a market umbrella. So how can you know which outdoor umbrella to choose based on its canopy? Here is a short guide. 

Canopy size and styles. Canopies of different commercial outdoor umbrellas differ in size and styles. You can choose the size of canopy that you will need depending on the size of the area that you want to be covered. Choosing a canopy that is too small will make your family compete for shading. It is better to have the canopies of market umbrellas larger than the intended areas that needed to be covered. This will ensure that people will not cramp and huddle together in the shade.  

Before buying your very first outdoor patio umbrella, make sure that you consider the amount of shade that you actually need. You can do this be measuring the area that you need to be covered. Commercial umbrellas have different canopy sizes that will suit any area. A six-feet-by-six-feet canopy can shade a 30-inch coffee table with two chairs. The largest patio umbrella has an eleven-foot radius which can shade a 60-inch diameter table with 6 chairs. Commercial outdoor umbrellas on the other hand have far larger canopies than patio umbrellas. Canopies of commercial umbrellas may reach as large as twenty feet diameter or 20x20 feet square. 

Cantilever umbrellas on the other hand do not have canopies which are really large. This is because the canopy is at an offset position to the pole. However, a manufacturer can customized the size of the canopy of an offset umbrella as long as the pole of these umbrellas are made of sturdy materials and are planted securely in one place.

Canopy fabrics. The canopies of outdoor umbrellas are made up of different types of fabrics. Some fabrics are more durable than others and choosing an outdoor umbrella based on the fabric used may be a difficult task. Outdoor umbrellas may have canopies that are made out of fabrics that can only block sunlight but are not waterproof. This means that once it rains whatever and whoever is under the canopy will eventually get wet. These outdoor umbrellas are only suited to be used during summer months and should be folded and stored when rainy and cold seasons come in. 

When choosing canopy fabrics, choose a fabric that will not easily be damaged from harsh weather conditions such as snow or rain. One way of telling whether the fabric is durable or not is by looking at the warranties that their manufacturers give out on them. If a manufacturer only gives out 1 year warranty, this means that the fabric will most likely last longer than a year but may have a strong chance of not getting through the second year. If a canopy’s fabric has a warranty of 3 years or more, this means that the manufacturer is confident enough of the durability of their fabric that they are willing to stake their name on it. Be careful however on the costs of these fabrics. You might end up spending a lot of money for an outdoor umbrella. However, if you and your family are the type that spends every weekend outdoors, then spending more for a more durable fabric is well worth it. 

Another thing to consider about canopies is their color. Light colored materials reflect more light than dark-colored materials. Your choice of canopy color should match your need. If you are planning to use your outdoor umbrellas only during the summer months, then you should choose a canopy color that is light. This will help cool down the temperature under the canopy by as much as ten degrees. 

Knowing a little something about an outdoor umbrella’s canopy can be very helpful in making you choose your very first outdoor umbrella. 

Because of the advent of new development in technology, children are now spending most of their time indoors sitting in front of the television or laptops. Gone are the days when children spend their times outdoors and asking their friends to play in the streets. Nowadays, children during their free time are locked in front of their laptops browsing the internet or making friends through social networking cites. Several studies have shown that inactivity leads to an unhealthy lifestyle and therefore, children who spend more time indoors are prone to have an unhealthy life style when they grow up. 

As parents, we have the obligation to encourage our children to spend more time outdoors so that they could have the right amount of exercise and the right amount of exposure to sunlight to keep their bodies healthy. However, in order to do this, we should make sure that spending time outdoors in your backyard or patio is conducive to our children. We can do this by making sure that our deck or patio is well-furnished and our backyard has a lot of objects and installations that our children can play with. 

Another way of encouraging our children to spend time outdoors is by providing them adequate protection against the elements such as extreme heat of the sun and the occasional drizzle is to install outdoor umbrellas in places where they spend their outdoor time in. There are a lot of outdoor umbrellas to choose from and they vary in sizes, design and functionality. As parents, we should know what outdoor umbrella will best suit our family’s needs. Here are the different types of outdoor umbrellas to choose from. 

Patio umbrella. A patio umbrella is an outdoor umbrella design which has the main purpose of providing shade over patio tables. A commercial patio umbrella is a larger version of this patio umbrella is being used to cover patio tables of street side cafes or restaurants. A patio umbrella looks a lot like a regular rain umbrella in which the canopy can be collapse using an apparatus that is connected to a central pole. Similarly, a patio umbrella also has a central pole that can be inserted through the hole of a patio table so that it will stand. 

Small patio umbrellas which are large enough to cover only a small table good for two are usually made out of wooden materials. These wood umbrellas offer a classy look when they are installed in an outdoor patio or deck. An advantage of a patio umbrella is that they can easily be removed and stored when not in use. Patio umbrellas are also portable that they can be carried and used when you and your family go to the beach. 

If you have a small patio or deck that can only fit a small patio table, you can install a patio umbrella on it. The patio table can function as an outdoor study table for your children.

Commercial umbrella. A market umbrella is similar to a patio umbrella in terms of their poles being at the center of their canopies. However, the difference between the two is that market umbrellas tend to have square canopies and are larger in terms of the area that they can cover. Commercial umbrellas, another name for market umbrellas, are being used by different business establishments to make their customers comfortable. These outdoor umbrellas are being used to shade customers at outdoor dining areas or as waiting areas for customers of overcrowded establishments. Commercial establishments prefer a market umbrella than patio a umbrella because of the valences around the circumference of the canopy. This design makes them more elegant than patio umbrellas. Commercial establishments use the valences around the canopy by writing their brand names on them. 

Offset umbrella. An offset umbrella is an outdoor umbrella that has its base and pole standing to the side of the canopy instead of the traditional center. Offset umbrellas enable people to have a shaded area that is free from obstruction because it doesn’t have a pole in the center. An example of an offset umbrella is the cantilever umbrella where its design is suited to hold the canopy even if the pole is not in its center. 

Successful business owners are successful because they know exactly how to make please their customers. These owners know that in order for their businesses to become successful, they will need to have a lot of repeat customers which means that a customer will want to go back and do business with his/her establishment again and again. One way of ensuring this is to make customers comfortable while they are doing business. One device that that gives comfort to customers is an outdoor umbrella. 

There are a lot of ways business owners use outdoor umbrellas for their businesses. The main purpose that they have in mind for these commercial umbrellas is to provide comfort for their customers by giving them shade from the direct heat of the sun or from the occasional precipitation. Here are some ways in which commercial outdoor umbrellas are used for businesses: 

1. Shading people who are waiting in line. A number of business establishments especially those that are the more popular ones have a lot of people lining up in order to avail of their goods or services. Take out counters or kiosks that sell the most amazingly delicious food are often the sites for long lines of customers eager to taste their famous delicacies. These people will often line up for several minutes at a time. Owners of these establishments will often provide offset umbrellas so that those who are in line will not have to suffer the extreme heat of the sun. Other government institutions such as the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) also have long lines of license applicants that most often than not the lines extend outside. An offset umbrella can be used to shade those people who are outside. 

2. Providing additional area for dining. Probably one of the largest users of outdoor umbrellas is the restaurant industry. Restaurants which are more famous than others have a regular influx of diners that they are usually filled to the “brink” with diners. That is why these restaurants look for additional dining area for their diners. This is also why these restaurants convert their outdoor decks or sidewalks into additional dining area. Market umbrellas are used by these establishments so that their outdoor dinners will be protected against long exposure to the sun and the unexpected drizzle.  

The advantage of market umbrellas being used by restaurants is that they are easy to be transported because they are easily portable. This means that these umbrellas can easily be stored when they are not in used such as during times when the number of diners is small enough to be accommodated indoors. 

3. Providing additional advertisement for business. Commercial outdoor umbrellas may also be used by businesses as a form of advertisement. Big businesses or corporations donate outdoor umbrellas to different parts of the city to be used by their residents for shade. However, these outdoor umbrellas carry the name of the businesses that install them. An example of big businesses that donate outdoor umbrellas is Coca-Cola which donates thousands of outdoor umbrellas to beaches across the world. This has proven to be a successful investment for Coca-Cola because people around the world instantly associate a red and white outdoor umbrella with Coca-Cola products. 

4. Cooling down under the sun. Swimming pools and beaches are also major users of outdoor umbrellas. Even though their customers are gunning for a sun tan, being exposed too long to direct sunlight can cause skin cancer. Owners of business establishments that are along the beach or near swimming pools know this that is why they provide their customers an adequate number of outdoor umbrellas so that they can cool down when the sun gets too hot for their taste. 

Business owners make use of different types and sizes of outdoor umbrellas for their business establishments. Whatever type of umbrella they choose; they make use of it to provide a comfortable place for their customers. Remember, that businesses are only as strong as the number of their customers. 

Choosing an outdoor umbrella that will be used for your backyard, patio, or deck is not an easy task. There are a lot of things to consider when you purchase your first outdoor umbrella. You have to consider the style, the function that it will serve and the durability of its materials before you can choose which outdoor umbrella is perfect for your outdoor use. Here are some of the things that you will have to consider. 

The location of where you want your umbrella to be installed in is one of the first things that you need to consider when you are planning to install an outdoor umbrella. Different locations will need a different type of outdoor umbrella so that you can be certain that it will work best for you. For example, if you are planning to spend time on the beach but do not want to bask in direct sunlight the whole day, you can carry a small beach umbrella with you. However, if you plan to have a picnic at the beach and want to cover a larger area so that your family is shaded when you are eating, then a central-poled market umbrella will work for you. The central pole can be buried under the sand until the umbrella can stand on its own. 

Another consideration before buying an outdoor umbrella is the size of the area that you want to be covered. Since outdoor umbrellas come in different sizes, they are able to provide shading to different area sizes. You should carefully choose the market umbrella that you will need so that it will be sufficient for the area that you want covered. The smallest of the outdoor umbrellas is the patio umbrella which can be used to shade a small patio table with two chairs. If you want to have a larger area covered with shade, you will need to purchase one of the commercial patio umbrellas that are available in the market. These commercial umbrellas can come in canopy sizes as large as 20 feet in diameter if it is circular in shape. Some market umbrellas are available in square canopies which can also be as large as 20 feet by 20 feet in area. These umbrellas can shade a larger outdoor table with a maximum of 8 to 10 chairs. 

The third thing to consider when you are planning to buy an outdoor umbrella is the area to be covered. Would you want your shaded area free from any obstruction so that you and your family can do more activities under it? If this is the case then you should probably stay away from market umbrellas that have their poles fixed at the center of their canopies. A regular patio umbrella or a market umbrella has a central-pole design which means that their poles are at the center of their canopies. These outdoor umbrellas are installed by inserting their poles through a hole located in the center of a patio or picnic table. Larger commercial patio umbrellas likewise have the central pole designs but they are supported by a very heavy and sturdy base. The only problem with central designed umbrellas is that the shaded area will have an obstruction in the form of the pole in the center. This limits the amount of activities that can be done under the canopy. 

An offset umbrella, on the other hand, is another design of the outdoor umbrella however, instead of having the pole fixed at the center, the pole is located at one side of the canopy. The umbrella’s design is engineered in such a way that the base and the poles will counter-balance the weight of the umbrella’s canopy. A commercial offset umbrella is a larger version of the offset umbrella which is being used by a lot of commercial establishments to keep their customers comfortable. These umbrellas are being used to shade lounge chairs at beaches or at pool sides. Restaurants also make use of these offset umbrellas especially if their dining couples do not want to eat dinner with a pole obstructing their view of one another. There are also offset umbrellas that are large enough to cover a small swimming pool or outdoor hot tub. 

To relax comfortably in your outdoor garden, get a patio umbrella that will make the experience more enjoyable.  They offer people a cool and safe place to hang out whether it is in their own backyard or at a café or restaurant with outdoor seating.  Based on their construction, patio umbrellas are referred to by many names like cantilever umbrellas, market umbrellas, commercial umbrellas etc.  Market umbrellas are usually used in sidewalk cafés, by roadside vendors etc., and are made from wood or aluminum.

Commercial patio umbrellas are similar in construction but stronger and used in heavy traffic areas.  Both commercial and market umbrellas are identified by the air vents and absence of valance in the canopy.  This makes them more stable and gives a sleek look.  Patio umbrellas are available in innumerable shapes, styles, designs and colors.  They can stand upright on a table, have a pole that goes through the center of a table or stand to one side with an offset pole.  

Patio umbrellas have synthetic and waterproof canopies in different shapes and the entire umbrella can usually be folded and stored away during inclement weather or when they need to be transported.  More expensive patio umbrellas like the cantilever umbrella come with automatic adjustment facilities to open, close and tilt the umbrella to any desired angle.  This means that people can use these types of patio umbrellas to provide protection through the day.  Your choice of patio umbrella size usually depends on the coverage area, height and weight of the umbrella.

The height and weight of the umbrella and its base must synchronize so that the patio umbrella will be stable and not tilt over during strong winds or thunderstorms.  Certain cantilever models also have a base that can be filled with sand or water to increase its weight and therefore its stability.  Get expert opinion or read up tips on the best way to go about choosing the best patio umbrellas or commercial market umbrellas.  For example, a patio umbrella must have enough height to allow head room for those walking or standing under it.

When choosing outdoor umbrellas take into consideration the following points that will help you make the right choice.

• Construction

• Canopy

• Frame

• Base

• Open-close mechanism

As already mentioned, the main difference in outdoor umbrellas is in their construction.  Hence, homeowners or businessmen must first decide what these outdoor umbrellas will be used for – at the beach, in the garden or lawn or at the poolside; to protect plants, kid’s play area, outdoor spa or Jacuzzi etc.  

Beach umbrellas are similar in construction to handheld umbrellas with a floppy canopy that can easily open and close and a simple base that can be embedded in the sand.  Outdoor umbrellas on the other hand can be the cantilever or centered models with a base that is heavy or one that will be locked into the ground.  While the center pole model is suitable for dining tables, coffee tables and such, the cantilever or offset models are more suited to protect a play area, garden patch, poolside, spa or Jacuzzi.  This is because the base is to one side and the entire canopy will cover the area that requires protection.

The canopy of an outdoor umbrella is the part that adds color and provides protection for users.  These come in bright colors, lovely designs and in waterproof and UV protected material.  Canopies of market umbrellas have a special weave with an air vent to allow air to circulate freely on the top of the umbrella and this keeps it more stable while at the same time makes the canopy last long.  The frame of outdoor umbrellas has a single or double pole with ribs.  The frame is usually made from wood, aluminum or fiberglass and customers can choose the material depending on where the umbrella will be placed and how long it will be left outside.

We have already mentioned that the base must be strong and round or square in shape.  The open-close and tilt features all add to the cost of outdoor umbrellas.  Homeowners must not sacrifice ease of usage for cost.  For, a cheaper umbrella could have poor mechanisms that will give way after awhile.  Make sure outdoor umbrellas are purchase from reputed dealers with a warranty to protect users from any manufacturing defect or malfunctioning of mechanisms.  Take into account these points and you will not go wrong in your choice of the best outdoor umbrellas. 

To relax comfortably in your outdoor garden, get a patio umbrella that will make the experience more enjoyable.  They offer people a cool and safe place to hang out whether it is in their own backyard or at a café or restaurant with outdoor seating.  Based on their construction, patio umbrellas are referred to by many names like cantilever umbrellas, market umbrellas, commercial umbrellas etc.  Market umbrellas are usually used in sidewalk cafés, by roadside vendors etc., and are made from wood or aluminum.

Commercial patio umbrellas are similar in construction but stronger and used in heavy traffic areas.  Both commercial and market umbrellas are identified by the air vents and absence of valance in the canopy.  This makes them more stable and gives a sleek look.  Patio umbrellas are available in innumerable shapes, styles, designs and colors.  They can stand upright on a table, have a pole that goes through the center of a table or stand to one side with an offset pole.  

Patio umbrellas have synthetic and waterproof canopies in different shapes and the entire umbrella can usually be folded and stored away during inclement weather or when they need to be transported.  More expensive patio umbrellas like the cantilever umbrella come with automatic adjustment facilities to open, close and tilt the umbrella to any desired angle.  This means that people can use these types of patio umbrellas to provide protection through the day.  Your choice of patio umbrella size usually depends on the coverage area, height and weight of the umbrella.

The height and weight of the umbrella and its base must synchronize so that the patio umbrella will be stable and not tilt over during strong winds or thunderstorms.  Certain cantilever models also have a base that can be filled with sand or water to increase its weight and therefore its stability.  Get expert opinion or read up tips on the best way to go about choosing the best patio umbrellas or commercial market umbrellas.  For example, a patio umbrella must have enough height to allow head room for those walking or standing under it.

When choosing outdoor umbrellas take into consideration the following points that will help you make the right choice.

• Construction

• Canopy

• Frame

• Base

• Open-close mechanism

As already mentioned, the main difference in outdoor umbrellas is in their construction.  Hence, homeowners or businessmen must first decide what these outdoor umbrellas will be used for – at the beach, in the garden or lawn or at the poolside; to protect plants, kid’s play area, outdoor spa or Jacuzzi etc.  

Beach umbrellas are similar in construction to handheld umbrellas with a floppy canopy that can easily open and close and a simple base that can be embedded in the sand.  Outdoor umbrellas on the other hand can be the cantilever or centered models with a base that is heavy or one that will be locked into the ground.  While the center pole model is suitable for dining tables, coffee tables and such, the cantilever or offset models are more suited to protect a play area, garden patch, poolside, spa or Jacuzzi.  This is because the base is to one side and the entire canopy will cover the area that requires protection.

The canopy of an outdoor umbrella is the part that adds color and provides protection for users.  These come in bright colors, lovely designs and in waterproof and UV protected material.  Canopies of market umbrellas have a special weave with an air vent to allow air to circulate freely on the top of the umbrella and this keeps it more stable while at the same time makes the canopy last long.  The frame of outdoor umbrellas has a single or double pole with ribs.  The frame is usually made from wood, aluminum or fiberglass and customers can choose the material depending on where the umbrella will be placed and how long it will be left outside.

We have already mentioned that the base must be strong and round or square in shape.  The open-close and tilt features all add to the cost of outdoor umbrellas.  Homeowners must not sacrifice ease of usage for cost.  For, a cheaper umbrella could have poor mechanisms that will give way after awhile.  Make sure outdoor umbrellas are purchase from reputed dealers with a warranty to protect users from any manufacturing defect or malfunctioning of mechanisms.  Take into account these points and you will not go wrong in your choice of the best outdoor umbrellas.

Cafés are the most common places where commercial umbrellas can be found.  These umbrellas usually made out of wood look good and give a rustic setting to a pub or small café especially if it is combined with wooden tables.  These umbrellas usually made from strong Asian hardwood can resist even massive thunderstorms and are considered a worthy investment by most owners of restaurants, bars, cafés and bistros which have outdoor spaces where they can install a few extra tables.

Commercial market umbrellas are identified by:

• Large size

• Absence of valance

• Strong wooden or aluminum center poles

• Air vents

They can be used to:

• Increase patronage

• Help in promoting a business

While most commercial market umbrellas will be made from wood, aluminum is also a wonderful choice for if it is made from good quality metal, it will look modern and contemporary while at the same time be able to withstand rain or sun.

Commercial offset umbrella while not found in high traffic areas can be found by the poolside of big resorts where they can provide protection for a part of the pool and also deck chairs scattered around the edge of the pool.  By necessity, commercial offset umbrellas must have a strong and large base so that they will not tilt over during strong winds or thunderstorms thereby damaging property or even injuring anyone under it.  Most commercial umbrellas will not have a valance which gives them a sleek look and also allows the installation of an air vent on top of the umbrella.

Air vents are essential for those commercial umbrellas found in high traffic areas so that air can easily circulate within the umbrella and this keeps it more stable.  Patio umbrellas found in hotels, pubs, cafés etc., will help increase patronage at these places.  Since these are mainly places where people go to eat and drink, having a few extra tables outside will attract more customers.  They will provide protection from rain or sun and after a long shopping spree, nothing is more relaxing than enjoying a drink at an outdoor café while being cooled down by a gentle breeze.

Patio umbrellas found in sidewalk cafés at town squares are a good way to attract tourists to your place.  Tourists enjoy sitting outdoors while soaking in the atmosphere of a new place and a few well place patio umbrellas will attract people to your café as opposed to a café which has only indoor seating.  Some restaurants, pubs etc., can even go the extra mile and install patio heaters along with their patio umbrellas so that customers can enjoy the outdoors even during chilly weather. Apart from increasing patronage, another great benefit of commercial umbrellas is that they serve as promotional pieces.

The main reason why commercial umbrellas are used to promote a business is that they have large printing space where a company logo can be printed.  This is also a cheap way to promote a business since commercial umbrellas, if found on pavements can be viewed from a distance and attract customers.  Sometimes, commercial umbrellas found at sidewalk cafés can even advertise products other than the company logo like a brand of cereal or ice cream.  This is a good way for the café owner to earn extra money by offering his umbrella space for others to advertise on.

Commercial umbrellas or promotional umbrellas as they are also called can be used in beaches, ballparks, fairs or carnivals too.  These promotional umbrellas can be used by businesses to sell their wares or even give information on their products.  For example, if you visit a home life exhibition, different commercial umbrellas can have products like water heaters, coolers, foot care products etc sold under their protection.  Businesses will print their logo on the umbrella so that people can see them from a distance and if interested visit the stall and learn more about the products.

In ballparks or carnivals, commercial umbrellas can be used over food or drink carts where people will congregate to have a snack.  Large commercial umbrellas that are attractively decorated will attract business for they will stand out in a large area.  People will come to take a closer look and could end up ordering a product too, especially if is offered at a discount.  Hence, commercial umbrellas offer colorful, cheap and multisided advertisement for any business.  

 

Commercial outdoor umbrellas allow people to spend more time outdoors whether it is in their own patio or in outdoor restaurants and sidewalk cafés.  Commercial and market umbrellas come in big sizes and can protect an entire dining table that seats even 8 people.  Outdoor umbrellas therefore increase living space in a home by providing a safe place outdoors to relax or even throw a party.  Since, most of these umbrellas come with UV protective canopies, people can be safe from the harmful rays of the sun.

The most common places where market umbrellas are used in a home are by the poolside or garden area.  While the pool can have deck chairs with a few patio offset umbrellas scattered around, a coffee table could have a market umbrella with the center pole.  Of course, the number and size of these umbrellas really depends on the space you have. Even those with small garden areas can throw parties while their well placed patio umbrellas provide the necessary protection from rain or sun.

Another type of umbrella found in many homes is the cantilever umbrella or offset umbrella.  Those who wish to spend more time in the summer lounging near their pool or soaking in the atmosphere of their summer blossoms can get cantilever umbrellas to provide them the necessary protection.  Cantilever umbrellas can be easily identified because of their unique design.  The base of a cantilever umbrella supports a curved pole that tilts at the top at an angle from which a canopy is suspended.  The usual shape of cantilever umbrella canopies are square, rectangle, round or hexagon.

Cantilever umbrellas offer many advantages like:

• Unobstructed view for everyone under the umbrella

• Provides protection to different areas of the garden like poolside, spa or kids play pen

• Can be used to protect delicate blossoms from excessive sun or rain

• The unique tilt option ensures all day protection to users

• Easy open and close mechanism

• Comes with various accessories like remote control, umbrella lights etc.

The special design of cantilever umbrellas ensures guests can enjoy conversation across the table without their view being blocked by the pole.

These uniquely designed patio umbrellas bring the garden or poolside to life.  What is more with easy-to-use mechanisms, homeowners can open and close or tilt the umbrella to whatever angle they prefer at the touch of a button.  these umbrellas can even be spotted providing protection to a child’s sand box in the garden.  Cantilever umbrellas are usually lightweight and need a solid base to anchor them in place without tilting over.  Hence commercial umbrellas that have the cantilever design are usually found in secluded and not high traffic areas.  

Another specific use of cantilever umbrellas is to protect a sensitive garden plot.  Since the base is off-center, these umbrellas can be placed at the side of a flower or vegetable garden, while the canopy extends over the area to be protected.  This style of umbrella also allows the gardener to move freely under it and work on his garden.  What is more, if you have the means and can invest in one with an auto-tilt facility, then you can turn the canopy 360 degrees and protect your garden bed all through the day.  Apart from private gardens, cantilever umbrellas can even be found in nurseries.

When purchasing cantilever or offset umbrellas, make sure it is installed properly for wrong installation can lead to some problems as seen here.  When not anchored properly, cantilever umbrellas can tip over and injure those under it.  Some models require customers to purchase a separate base.  Make sure this is solid and suits the umbrella you buy so that it is kept stable.  Another method to prevent cantilever umbrellas from tipping over is to buy a model that allows you to permanently fix the umbrella onto the deck or patio.

Unlike market umbrellas, the base of cantilever umbrellas is at the side and not protected by a table.  Hence, the chances of people tripping over the base are greater.  So, make sure the umbrella is fixed in a place where there is not much foot traffic and that the base is low on the ground so that it does not jut out.  Keeping the umbrella to one side will ensure safety for everyone.  Finally, unskilled people should not install cantilever umbrellas.  So, get professional help to ensure these umbrellas are fixed securely, so that they will not collapse.