Collection: Market Umbrellas

About Outdoor Market Umbrellas

What Is A Market Umbrella.

A market umbrella is a type of outdoor umbrella designed primarily for shading purposes in commercial and residential settings. It typically features a large canopy that can span several feet in diameter, providing ample shade coverage for outdoor dining tables, lounging areas, or seating arrangements. Market umbrellas are often found in outdoor markets, cafes, restaurants, and residential patios or gardens. They are distinguished by their sturdy construction, which includes a central pole typically made of wood, aluminum, or steel, and a canopy made of weather-resistant fabric such as Sunbrella or other acrylic materials. Market umbrellas can be manually operated or equipped with mechanisms like pulleys or cranks for easy opening and closing. Their versatility and functionality make them popular choices for enhancing outdoor comfort while also adding a decorative element to outdoor spaces.

Benefits Of A Outdoor Market Umbrella.

Market umbrellas offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for shading outdoor spaces:

Enhanced Comfort and Sun Protection: The primary function of a market umbrella is to provide shade, shielding individuals and furniture from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays. This helps to create a cooler and more comfortable outdoor environment, especially during hot and sunny days. By reducing exposure to direct sunlight, they create a shaded area where people can relax, dine, or socialize without worrying about sunburn or overheating.

Versatility: Market umbrellas are versatile and can be used in various settings such as outdoor dining areas, poolside lounging spots, patios, gardens, and commercial spaces like cafes or markets. They come in different sizes and designs to suit different needs and aesthetic preferences.

Weather Protection: Besides shielding from the sun, market umbrellas can also provide some protection from light rain showers and wind gusts, depending on their design and quality. Waterproof or water-resistant fabrics are often used in their construction.

Aesthetic Appeal: Market umbrellas come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, allowing them to enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces. They can complement existing outdoor furniture and decor, adding a touch of elegance or whimsy depending on the chosen design. Adding a market umbrella to your outdoor space is a great way to show off and highlight your unique style.

What To Look For When Buying A Market Umbrella?

When choosing a market umbrella, Today’s Patio recommends you consider several key features to ensure you select one that meets your needs and preferences:

Size and Coverage: Determine the size of the umbrella canopy based on the area you need to shade. Consider the diameter of the canopy and how much space it will cover when open. Small cafe sets can usually be covered with a 7.5’ market umbrella while a standard patio dining set will usually need a 9’ market umbrella to provide enough shade coverage. Larger dining sets and seating groups will often need a 11’ market umbrella to keep your guests comfortable.

Material and Components: Pay attention to ensure the materials used for the umbrella frame and canopy are high-quality. Common frame materials include wood, aluminum, and steel, each offering different levels of durability and aesthetics. Today’s Patio recommends aluminum or steel umbrella frames for their durable nature and resistance to weathering. Canopy materials should always be made of acrylic, or Sunbrella fabric, known for their weather resistance and UV protection. Other canopy materials, like polyester or olefin, are inferior and will deteriorate quickly with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Lift and Tilt Mechanisms: Look for ease of operation. Market umbrellas may feature manual mechanisms like pulleys or push-up systems, but Today’s Patio recommends advanced options like crank handles for opening and closing, or tilt mechanisms for adjusting the angle of the canopy. Additionally, some crank mechanisms even feature an auto-tilt feature that is much easier to operate than a traditional push-button tilt.

Style and Design: Consider the aesthetic appeal of the umbrella, including color options, patterns, and overall design. Choose a style that complements your outdoor decor and personal taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match complementary colors to create a unique outdoor space.

Warranty and Customer Reviews: Check the manufacturer's warranty to understand what is covered and for how long. Reading customer reviews can also provide insights into the umbrella's performance and durability over time. It’s important to note that no umbrella manufacturer warranties their product against wind damage - be sure to put your umbrella down when not in use.

Do You Need An Umbrella Base?

At Today’s Patio, we always recommend using an umbrella base. Quality market umbrellas have enough weight to them that the dining table alone is rarely enough to keep your umbrella upright and safe when gusts of wind come along. If you’re placing your umbrella in a table, a 50 lbs base is usually enough to secure it. If you intend to free-stand your market umbrella, you should either add an umbrella base weight or look for an umbrella base that weighs at least 75 lbs.

Popular Market Umbrellas

Treasure Garden 7.5’ market umbrella: Perfect for small dining sets and bistro sets, the Treasure Garden 7.5' Market Umbrella combines classic style with practical functionality. Featuring a sturdy aluminum frame and a durable Sunbrella canopy, this umbrella offers reliable UV protection and is built to withstand outdoor elements. With easy-to-use crank operation and a variety of color options, it's an ideal choice for adding shade and style to any outdoor space.

Treasure Garden 9’ Market Umbrella with Auto Tilt: Crafted with a robust aluminum frame and a resilient Sunbrella canopy, this umbrella provides excellent UV protection and is designed to endure outdoor conditions. Its auto-tilt feature allows for effortless adjustment of the canopy angle to maximize shade throughout the day. Available in various colors to suit different outdoor settings, it's a versatile choice for enhancing comfort and aesthetics in any patio or garden area.

Frankford 9' Octagonal Monterey Crank Auto Tilt Market Umbrella: Featuring a sturdy aluminum frame with Sunbrella canopy, this Frankford umbrella is one of the highest quality market umbrellas in the industry. The auto-tilt mechanism allows effortless adjustment of the canopy angle to maximize shade throughout the day, while the crank lift system ensures easy opening and closing. Available in a range of colors, this umbrella is an excellent choice for adding quality, functionality and style to any patio.

Treasure Garden 11' Market Umbrella: Built with a sturdy aluminum frame and a large Sunbrella canopy, it ensures durability and UV protection, making it suitable for prolonged outdoor use. This umbrella features a crank lift system for easy opening and closing, while its wide diameter and high-quality materials make it ideal for larger outdoor spaces and gatherings. Available in multiple colors to complement various outdoor décors, it combines functionality with sophisticated design for enhanced outdoor comfort.