You’ve read up on the basics of creating the perfect patio, and your outdoor living space is customized just to your liking. What more could your outdoor oasis need? Shade! Remember that shade is always in when the sun is out. Read on to see how you can cool down this season with the perfect shade umbrella for your patio, porch or deck!

Time to Get Shady!

The demand for shade products has increased as more and more people realize that the perfect patio or deck space isn’t complete without a little place to retreat from the often-intense heat of the sun. Nobody wants their perfect summer day or party ruined by sunburnt skin or melted food. Shade products to the rescue!

If your porch, patio or deck is limited on space, look for a market umbrella that can be placed in your table. This way you’re not sacrificing on space while still getting optimal shade during your outdoor dining experience. Most standard patio table market umbrellas are 9 feet in diameter and offer an easy-to-use hand-crank feature to open and close the shade. Shade placement can now also be controlled by tilt mechanisms built into most umbrellas. Pay attention to your umbrellas specifications to see if it comes with a base, as umbrellas do not. If not, there is a wide variety of base styles and weights available to purchase. For smaller spaces, 7.5’ (or even 6’) market umbrellas are available. For larger spaces, specialty umbrellas in 10’, 11’, plus square, rectangle and oval sizes are available.

A quality umbrella will also come with a specially designed cap at the top to vent out hot air. This ensures that a forceful gust of wind won't take your umbrella for a ride through the skies Mary Poppins style. Many sun umbrellas also come in fabrics that have been specially treated with protective dyes and finishes that resist fading and damage from inclement weather. Customization is key, as you can find umbrellas in a rainbow of canopy and pole colors and tilt options to match your outdoor decor.

Cool for the Summer

An outdoor pergola or gazebo is fantastic for larger backyards and patios. These solid structures come in a variety of materials and styles from straight and modern lines to curvy, wooden romantic structures. Dress them up with crawling vines, fabric curtains, all-weather fabric tops for more shade and even mesh netting to keep out pesky critters. They are great for sectioning off areas of your outdoor space, easily creating a cozy conversation corner or a functional dining zone.

Don’t have a built-in shade solution in your outdoor living space? Don’t fret! A 10-foot, 11-foot or 13-foot Cantilever umbrella can make for the perfect addition to your sun deck as they can easily be swiveled to shade a portion of your pool or dining area, providing a quick retreat from the sun’s rays. These umbrellas paired with a stylish cushioned wicker patio set and a table full of icy cold beverages help make sunny days with family and friends more enjoyable.

Supplement your shade!

A pre-filled weighted umbrella base is the perfect way to add value to your standard or market umbrella, ensuring it will stand tall when you need it most. Safeguard your patio investment with a protective umbrella cover. These durable covers are specially designed to easily protect your patio umbrella from excess sun fading while also keeping it dry and clean when not in use.

Outdoor furniture covers also protect from accidental opening from wind gusts and help keep critters from making a home in the umbrella. Protective covers last about 2-4 years and are sold separately by size.

Continue your fun into the night with help from under umbrella lights, a device that adds a touch of illumination.

Enjoy the patio season in cooling comfort with a patio umbrella or pergola. Whether you’re just starting to create your patio space or you’re a seasoned patio veteran, a shade product can certainly save the day. Remember to look for products made of high-quality materials and performance fabrics, such as Sunbrella, to ensure longevity and durability. Whichever shade product you choose you will surely be ready to take on the summer sun in style!