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We tested the top performers at home for over six months, subjecting them to various weather conditions.
The Spruce
Through our testing, we determined that an umbrella’s stability and durability were most important.
Another important factor is your umbrella’s size.
This will be determined by the area you’re trying to shade.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
(The manufacturer claims the acrylic-material canopy doesnt fade for at least five years.)
This effectiveness remained the same after six months of use to our delight.
(In fact, it was rare to find a standard-style-throw in product that did.)
The EliteShade Sunbrella Market Umbrella’s acrylic fabric effectively repelled rainwater.PHOTO: The Spruce
Despite this, we find the EliteShade an excellent value.
The manufacturer recommends just filling it with water, but we found that the sand added more security.
While we wish it were lower, we still found it accessible and easy to use.
The fabric hasn’t been torn or damaged, but the color has faded a bit.
Despite these minor issues, we enthusiastically recommend this umbrella forsmall decks or patios.
During rainstorms, we stayed dry underneath.
This option requires two hands to open and close, but the mechanism is simple.
After a year, neither the weather nor intense Los Angeles sunshine affected how great this umbrella looks.
We rarely cleaned the umbrella over the course of the year, as it was still looking fresh.
You’ll have to purchase thebrand’s baseseparately.
The powder-coated base weighs 50 pounds to stay in place.
Otherwise, we love this umbrella that expertly combines style and functionality.
The canopy stretches 11 feet wide, joining ourbest for large spaces pickfor the largest canopy on this list.
During testing, we found ourselves using our patio more than ever before.
The tilt mechanism and its hand crank are easy to operate with minimal effort.
During testing, we noted that the alloy-steel pole and tilting mechanism were high-quality and surprisingly light.
Still, we were impressed with the product’s overall value and wide color selection.
The umbrella is available in nine different solid colors, making it a stylish addition to any outdoor space.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Jason Horn
At home, we loved how easy it was to move around, thanks to its lightweight construction.
We found that it provided ample shade for kids to comfortably play outside in the peak, midday heat.
Plus, we were able to easily disassemble it for simple off-season storage.
Even in the bright Los Angeles sun, the Blissun Patio Umbrella effectively blocked the sun.PHOTO: The Spruce
It comfortably covers a table and six chairs, enough for a 12 x 12-foot deck.
It’s tied for the largest canopy size on this list with ourbest cantilever umbrellabut at a cheaper price.
We love the stylish design inspired by similar umbrellas seen throughout Monacos sun-drenched Mediterranean hotels.
We assembled the umbrella effortlessly and found the crank very easy to open and close.
It’s not very intuitive, but now you know!
We feel like it’s completely transformed how we enjoy our outdoor space.
It even stood up well against high-wind days and storms with no damage.
We love its sturdiness, durability, easy opening and tilting mechanisms, and water resistance.
Our best budget pick, theBlissun 9' Outdoor Patio Umbrella, also impressed us.
We liked its easy-to-clean material and 16 color choices, which would blend well with virtually any outdoor decor.
Effectiveness: After setting up each umbrella, we evaluated the shade it provided.
In some instances, we used our decks and patios as an outdoor office.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Patio Umbrella
Which Durable Material is Best?
While Sunbrella is the best choice for a canopy, polyester is a common option as well.
Bean Sunbrella Market Umbrella), but this isn’t always the most weather-resistant material.
Look for wood that’s been treated or stained to be left outdoors.
While often heavier and more expensive, these umbrellas provide unobstructed shade without the annoyance of a pole.
Locking mechanisms, such as a pin, keep it open.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Elizabeth Leonard
Other models employ pulley systems, which can be harder to handle.
If you intend to keep your umbrella open all season, a pulley pop in may suffice.
Some umbrellas with pins offer different height options, like our best heavy-duty option, theL.L.
The wooden pole and frame of the L.L.Bean Sunbrella Wood Market Umbrella add to its attractiveness.PHOTO: The Spruce
Bean Sunbrella Market Umbrella.
“Close it up and even put it away when not in useit will simply last longer.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
Growing up, Fields remembers wrestling with the huge patio umbrella in the middle of her outdoor dining table.
Other stories by Fields includelawn chairs,outdoor furniture covers, andpatio sets for small spaces.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Mike Navarro
Cantilever umbrellas like the Grand Patio Napoli Umbrella, are large and heavy, so require two people to assemble.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The crank and tilt mechanism of the Blissun 9’ Lighted Patio Umbrella were easy to operate.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella offers a generous shade area for a small patio set or set of loungers.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The stylish Safavieh Athens 11-Foot Umbrella looked this beautiful after months of use.PHOTO: The Spruce
Dera Burreson / The Spruce
The Spruce
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Crystal Hughes
The Spruce
Look for patio umbrellas with special features like the Blissun 9’ Lighted Patio Umbrella.The Spruce
The Pure Garden Patio Umbrella’s olefin canopy was easy to clean with a gentle solution during our tests.The Spruce
