As outdoor dining continues to grow as an appealing option for customers, patio space is an asset like never before. Guests love indulging in your crisp salads and colorful entrees as they take in the fresh air and atmosphere of your outdoor space. Your patio needs to be comfortable and protected from weather and the elements, which is why patio umbrellas are an absolute must during the summer season. In order to make your patio space as profitable as possible, even in hot weather, use outdoor umbrellas to curate a cool, relaxing, and shady spot for your customers.
Heavy-duty fabric is the preferred material for the canopy of commercial patio umbrellas. Fabrics give slightly so as not to tear and break under the elements, come in a variety of colors and patterns, and serve as a protective barrier between the intense sun and your guests. Consider that thicker fabrics will offer more protection but will cause the ribs and stretchers to work harder to support the weight.
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.
Cast Iron
Resin
Steel
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.
Can handle hazardous weather without buckling or breaking.
Increased flexibility and durability. Great for very windy environments.
A cost-effective option.
Great for upscale settings such as hotels or resorts.
Cantilever
Cantilever umbrellas come with their own base and can be easily relocated. They provide more usable shade, as the pole is located on the outer edge of the canopy.
Crank
Crank lift umbrellas open and close by rotating a crank handle. This style is ideal for large and heavy umbrellas, because the crank does all the heavy lifting.
Pulley Lift
Pulley lift umbrellas open easily using a rope and wheel system. This style requires little physical effort to use.
Push Lift
Push lift umbrellas are simple to operate but require the most physical effort. They can lock into place with a pin.
You need to consider how much shade you’d really like for your patio, and how the sun will change direction and intensity through the day.
Perhaps you want to have one umbrella for each table on your patio. You should be asking, "what size table can my umbrella accommodate? How much shade will my umbrella make? Will it cover this table and all of the chairs around it?" Use the comprehensive chart below to determine what size umbrella you need to cover the desired size of tables and chairs on your patio. Or, you can choose to shade a large area rather than separate tables. In that case, you should be asking "how many umbrellas do I need to shade my patio space?" With the information in the table and a little simple math, you can choose the correct number of umbrellas for your square footage.
Example Situation: "I want to buy 6 1/2 ft. umbrellas to shade as much of my 500 sq. ft. patio as possible. How many umbrellas should I buy?" 500 sq. ft / 40 sq. ft. = about 12 umbrellas for full shade
Canopy Diameter |
Table and Chairs Shaded |
Approximate Area of Shade Produced |
---|---|---|
6 ft. - 6 1/2 ft. |
30" table or smaller 2 - 4 chairs |
Up to 40 sq. ft. |
7 1/2 ft. - 8 ft. |
36" - 40" table 4 - 6 chairs |
Up to 50 sq. ft. |
9 ft. - 10 ft. |
40" - 48" table 6 - 8 chairs |
Up to 75 sq. ft. |
11 ft. |
48" table and larger 10 - 12 chairs |
Up to 95 sq. ft. |
Consistent Styles and Colors
Matching canopy colors and umbrella styles keeps your patio looking cohesive. For high-end establishments that want to maintain a classy look, this may be the best choice. Plus, maintaining similar commercial umbrella styles will be more convenient for your staff in terms of raising and lowering them daily.
Mix-and-Match
Create a fun, lighthearted atmosphere on your patio by mixing canopy colors and umbrella styles. If you’re already working with a color pallet, choose two or three bright, eye-catching shades or shapes. Some commercial patio umbrellas even come in fun prints such as stripes and spots.
Curate a "Vibe"
Does your restaurant or bar establish a theme or style inside the building? Extend the vibe to your outside space, too! Use decorations, text, paint colors, music, and other touches in conjunction with your patio furniture to curate a space that presents an intentional style.
Fans and Misters
Consider mounting fans that are big enough to keep the air moving but don’t take up unnecessary floor space. Plus, make sure to choose fans that advertise their low operating volume. Fans not cutting it? Take it up a notch with patio misters! Misters quietly project water in the form of mist, dusting your patrons with a thin layer of water droplets. Water on the skin has an instant cooling effect and continues to cool the body as it evaporates.
Tall Shade Plants
There’s a reason that paved areas in cities are called “heat bubbles.” Areas that don’t have plants are always hotter than areas that incorporate plants of any kind, especially plants with large leaves. Not only do they produce shade, they also naturally help reflect sunlight away rather than absorbing heat like concrete and brick. Consider leafy shade trees such as maple and birch, large shrubs such as rhododendrons, and even perennials in pots.