Commercial vs Residential Umbrellas and Bases

Residential umbrellas are also known as patio umbrellas. They're designed for outdoor spaces at home, providing coverage and extending your leisure time outdoors. Patio umbrellas are suitable for gardens, patios, dining spaces and poolside. Here are a few considerations when selecting a patio umbrella.

Sizing
First, measure the area that requires shading, including room for comfortable seating. Then add two feet to each side to ensure ample shade. 9-foot umbrellas are the most common size. If you're covering a small conversation area or a bistro table, a 6.5-foot umbrella will suffice. If you're trying to cover a sectional or oversized seating area, you'll need a larger umbrella (11-13 foot).

Material
For a budget-friendly option, consider a standard polyester canopy. It's the least expensive, but it's a water-resistant fabric that's lightweight and good for occasional use. However, it can fade more quickly than other fabrics and typically only lasts up to 3 years. Olefin is a good mid-range fabric, while acrylic is considered a premium option. Acrylic patio umbrellas do cost more, but they'll also fade less, are highly water and mildew resistant and can last up to 10 years. 

Styles & Finishes
There's an endless array of styles and finishes to choose from. Patio umbrellas come in rectangular, round and octagon shapes. Select a solid color or a printed canopy to coordinate with the rest of your outdoor furniture and accessories.

Other Options
Select a patio umbrella that has lights for a relaxing evening outside or select a misting umbrella for those steamy summer days.

Commercial umbrellas are most often used at restaurants, bars and cafes. Here are a few considerations when selecting a commercial umbrella.

Sizing
Similarly to residential umbrellas, you'll need to measure and add two feet to each side of the area that requires shading. The most common size ranges from 9-10 feet in diameter, but larger sizes are available for bigger seating areas.

Material
The materials used for commercial umbrellas are typically stronger and last longer than residential umbrellas. Thee frame is made of thicker aluminum or steel and the canopies are comprised of acrylic, which is water, mildew and fade resistant. Commercial umbrellas can last up to 10 years if properly taken care of.  

Styles & Finishes
Select from octagon, round or rectangular umbrellas in a wide array of colors or patterns. 

Wind Resistance
One of the most important factors to consider in a commercial umbrella is wind resistance. You don't want the umbrella to easily blow over, break or turn inside out. Look for canopies that have venting and a published wind rating. The structural components of the umbrella also need to be strong. Ideally, it has a thick-wall aluminum pole, heavy-duty aluminum or fiberglass ribs and joints, as well as reinforced hubs.

It's important to select the right base for your umbrella because it'll reduce tipping that's caused by adverse weather, wind or repositioning. The most popular materials include concrete, polyethylene, resin and metal. There are also plastic bases available that can be filled with water or sand.

Sizing
The base size is determined by the umbrella's width. You'll also need to measure the base opening to ensure it fits the umbrella pole.

• A 7.5-foot umbrella needs a 40-50 pound base.
• A 9-foot umbrella needs a 50–70 pound base.
• An 11-foot umbrella needs a 75–100 pound base.

Other Considerations

• Easy Mobility: Will you be moving the umbrella around your patio, dining space or poolside? If so, select a base on casters that can be locked once the umbrella is in place.
• Finishes & Designs: Match your base to the rest of your outdoor set-up. Select from black metal, oil-rubbed bronze, fluted plastic tables (as shown) and more.
• Seasonal Storage: If you're putting the base away in the off-season, consider fillable or lightweight designs.