The most comfortable way to spend a summer day is by sitting in the shades of trees in your backyard. But these days, the scorching summer heat has made it unbearable to sit in the tree shades. If you want to spend the summer days outdoor, the best option would be to install patio umbrellas. They are the most affordable and comfortable solution for combating the hot days. However, it is important that you should buy the suitable patio umbrellas based on your needs and convenience. A few things should be considered before purchasing the umbrellas.

The primary concern should be the location where the umbrella is to be installed. The place should be appropriate in all ways that it would serve the purpose of providing shade. The location and position is really important. There are generally two ways in which the umbrella can be placed; through table and free standing. The free-standing umbrellas are used in large outdoor areas and can shade any kind of patio furniture depending on the needs. The through-table umbrella is commonly used as the center of the outdoor area and is placed in the middle of the patio table.

The patio umbrella is kept in place by using an umbrella stand. The stand gives support to the umbrella. The stand or base is selected based on the needs. It would be best to select a heavy duty base that would survive any weather conditions. Generally the free-standing umbrellas need heavier support than through-table ones. The umbrella size is determined by measuring its diameter. While measuring the size of umbrella it is essential that you must measure the table, chair and the space that has to be shaded. The rule of thumb is that the umbrella should always be 4 to 5 feet bigger than the area that has to be shaded.

The patio umbrellas are available in metal and wooden frames. You must select the frame based on the ways you are going to use the umbrella. The frame should also match your patio theme. Push button tilts or crank lifts are used in metal frames. This allows the movement of umbrella in any direction. Metal umbrellas are available in a wide variety of colored furnishes in black, champagne and white. The wooden frame is opened manually by means of pulley method and cannot be rotated. These types are commonly available in hardwood and teak.

The patio umbrellas use three types of tilting method; the collar tilt, crank tilt and push-button. In the collar tilt method, the umbrella tilts as you rotate the collar placed on the frame. This method is user-friendly and is widely used. Selecting the appropriate canopy material for your umbrella is yet another concern while buying it. The material of canopy would block the dangerous sun rays which is the main purpose of the umbrella. Usually, PVC, canvas and shade cloth are used as canopy materials. A PVC canopy is best suited as it blocks UV light almost completely and survives bad weather. Canvas canopies and shade cloth are durable but are not completely water proof.

There are different kinds of patio umbrellas available in the market. The common types are Centre pole, Crank and tilt, Cantilever and Pavilion. Each type differs in shape and size. The centre pole is widely used while pavilion type is used for getting large shade.