A Guide to Commercial Patio Umbrellas

The weight needed to secure your umbrella safely in place will depend upon the size of your umbrella canopy. You may choose a heavier base if you’re operating in a location known for high winds and violent weather.

• 40 lb. - 50 lb. Weight: A 40 lb. - 50 lb. base is all that will be required for umbrellas with diameters between 5 feet and 8 ½ feet. These umbrellas are small and require less weight to counterbalance the canopy.
• 55 lb. - 70 lb. Weight: Bases that weigh between 55 lb. – 70 lb. are considered sufficient for medium-sized umbrellas. You can safely secure an umbrella with a diameter between 9 feet and 10 feet with this base.
• 100 lb.+ Weight: These bases are meant for the largest commercial umbrellas. Any umbrella with a diameter larger than 10 feet should be secured with a 100+ lb. base. This also may be the best choice for patio umbrellas located in geographic regions known for high winds and stormy weather.

• Cast iron fits well in a high-end environment. It comes in a variety of designs and the weight comes from the iron itself, so you won’t need to fill it with sand or gravel to keep it in place.
• It's a good idea to invest in a powder coating to prevent rust in high humidity.
• The notable downside of a cast iron base is that it is incredibly difficult to relocate around your patio. While it isn’t impossible to move, it’s certainly not an easy task. 

• Resin is a great choice if you think you would like to relocate your patio umbrellas. If you like to redesign and remodel from time to time, resin umbrella bases will give you the freedom to do just that.
• Heavy-duty resin won’t rust, flake, or crack.
• Resin itself is very lightweight, the downside of which is that it can be a laborious process to fill the base with water, which runs the risk of freezing and cracking from the inside if left outside during the winter, or gravel, which can get messy.

• Steel bases are sturdy, strong, and resist denting and damage.
• Galvanized or stainless steels are better options for outdoor furniture because they resist rust and are long-lasting when exposed to the elements.
• Untreated steel bases are prone to rusting just like cast iron. A rusting base can leave unsightly marks on your patio that are difficult or even impossible to clean, so it’s important to powder-coat your steel base to prevent such deterioration with time.

Umbrella pole material can be an overlooked facet of the umbrella. Still, the pole will take quite a beating after months and years of raising and lowering the umbrella canopy. It's important to find a pole that can handle the pressures of the elements and long-term use.

• Twinkle Lights: There’s no reason to close your umbrellas at night when you have twinkle lights! These lights add a gentle glow as the sun starts to set and look fantastic draped along the ribs of the umbrella right under the canopy. There are even solar-powered options to help you impress your eco-minded guests.
• Pole Tray Attachment: Use the pole of your umbrella to hold napkins, condiments, and even utensils with a tray attachment. A tray is an easy way to keep table items collected and sanitary, and saves table space for your guests’ drinks, appetizers, and entree dishes.
• Extra Weights: Do you operate in an extra-windy or stormy geographic region? Consider investing in extra weights for your patio umbrella to keep it grounded and secure under the elements.
• Bug Net: Swarms of mosquitos and gnats are perhaps the biggest challenge to outdoor dining, and you certainly don’t want to use harsh chemicals to keep bugs at bay while you’re serving your signature dishes. Try a hanging bug net! There are nets specifically marketed for use with umbrellas; their lightweight nature makes them safe to attach along the edges of the canopy and reach all the way to the floor to keep bugs away from the table.

• If your canopy appears to be fading in color, use a UV-protection spray. Since UV rays are damaging to fabrics, applying a protective barrier in the form of an inexpensive spray will keep your canopy looking brighter, longer.
• Always keep your umbrella canopy closed when it’s not in use.
• If you won’t be utilizing your patio space (for example, during the winter months) always relocate your umbrella to a dark, dry place in your storage room to protect it from water and weather.
• Consider investing in a high-quality umbrella cover. An umbrella jacket will protect your investment against wear and tear, rain, snow, and sun. It also keeps the canopy tightly compact to prevent damage during high winds.