“The most common and best outdoor fabrics are Sunbrella and Ottertex,” says Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science. Sunbrella is a hydrophobic (does not absorb water) acrylic fabric, while Ottertex is a polyester, and both are colorfast and UV protected, as they are densely woven, she adds. To help you decide on the right one, we purchased 28 patio umbrellas, of different styles, shapes, colors, and features, and tested them in The Lab on a bright, sunshiny, 90-plus-degree day. After we evaluated how quickly and easily each umbrella assembled out of the box, we assessed how well they provided cooling shade that made viewing a laptop screen outdoors possible, and how easy it was to adjust the umbrella for maximum coverage. Finally, we wetted them down to check their rainwater resistance and even applied artificial bird droppings to note how well each patio umbrella could be cleaned. Each tester then rated their umbrella on value, as to whether the stated price was reasonable. To further test the durability and performance of these umbrellas, we sent 12 umbrellas home with volunteer testers, who shared their evaluations with us after one month of home use. The sturdy, durable EliteShade Sunumbrella 9-foot 3-Tier Market Umbrella was our overall winner, for its effectiveness in keeping the sun off a large area, as well as a multitude of other factors. Here are our top choices for the best patio umbrellas, as tested by The Spruce in The Lab and at home. We also found that the EliteShade’s thick, acrylic fabric repelled rainwater well, and we could completely and quickly clean up the artificial “bird doo” we introduced. (The manufacturer claims the acrylic-material canopy doesn’t fade for at least 5 years.) The ample 13-color assortment—from black to natural, and “sunflower yellow”—was far greater than most products we tested, and should easily complement any deck or patio decor.The only downside is the package lacks a base, which, depending on the materials, can cost $50 or more. (In fact, it was rare to find a standard-style-type product that did.) Despite this, we find the EliteShade an excellent value. Price at time of publish: $200 While perhaps not as large as some products we tested, the Better Homes umbrella still effectively shaded a couple seated at a round table and, based on our testing, could likely accommodate a table that seats up to four people. The fabric cleaned easily and didn’t permit rainwater to leak through. On the downside, this product lacks an included base and doesn’t provide UV protection, as some higher-priced products we tested, and the frame seemed heavier than others. We sent this umbrella home with a volunteer tester, who set it up on her outdoor patio for long-term testing. After one month of using this umbrella consistently, she said her family is very pleased with the shade it provides and they frequently use it for outdoor lunches at a four-person table. Our tester did find that the crank for this umbrella can unwind on its own, if not clicked into a locked position, especially when it’s very windy outside. Despite this minor design issue, we enthusiastically recommend this umbrella for small decks or patios. Plus, its versatile, minimalistic color scheme makes it easy to add to any patio or design style. Price at time of publish: $60 However, setting up the umbrella challenged our tester, who noted that though the assembly instructions were clear, the product took 40 minutes to put together. Fortunately, he said, the package included a helpful video. What wasn’t included was the recommended 220 pounds of sand for the included base, so we used sandbags inside the base as a temporary solution. Despite these downsides, we recommend this for larger decks or patios. After one month of testing this umbrella on her completely exposed back deck, our tester said she loves the large amount of shade that this umbrella provides, especially since it protects her puppy’s paws from the summer heat. She added the solar lights don’t last “hours and hours,” but they do provide a decent amount of light in the evening. She also loved that it can withstand a decent amount of wind, even as a cantilever-style umbrella. Price at time of publish: $578 In less than 1 minute, our tester inserted the lightweight alloy-steel pole into the base (not included) and opened the acrylic canopy with the plastic hand crank. The product tilted with the press of a button, but we believe some people might find it hard to reach. We sent this umbrella home with a volunteer, long-term tester, who said she loved using it to shade her children’s toys on their patio. This umbrella provided ample shade for them to comfortably play outside in the peak, midday heat. Price at time of publish: $52 Initially, the canopy material appeared to be on the cheaper side, but our tests confirmed its durability. It provided enough shade to comfortably view a laptop screen; water beaded up and rolled right off, and the fabric cleaned up completely. The price struck us as somewhat high. But if you’re looking for a chic-appearing patio umbrella, this might be the pick for you. After using this umbrella for a month in her partially shaded backyard, our long-term tester said she could easily work on her laptop while sitting under the umbrella without any glare issues. She said the light fabric did not leak any sunlight, but she did notice that any debris or buds could be easily seen through the canopy. While this is not necessarily a drawback of the umbrella’s performance, it may be a concern for anyone especially worried about aesthetics. Price at time of publish: $199 We found that the umbrella assembled effortlessly out of the box during lab testing, and the crank took no extraordinary effort to open and close the canopy. (We noted that the design includes tilt capability, but our tester said he could not figure out how to accomplish this, despite the instructions.) Nevertheless, we recommend the Athens umbrella for its laptop-readable shade, water repellency, and effortless cleanup of natural and artificial gunk. Our at-home tester said she had never used a patio umbrella before testing this one and that it was a complete game changer for her second-story deck experience. She said she had no issues using a standard umbrella stand, and she loved that this umbrella was large enough to shade her entire outdoor dining table. It even stood up well against a recent wind storm (Our tester collapsed it closed during the storm). Price at time of publish: $207 The Kellie umbrella also was easy for one person to set up alone. The metal pole and ribs added to the perceived durability. However, we found that navy blue is not the best color when trying to clean off “bird doo,” as it left a noticeable stain after easily scrubbing away. (The product is also available in a light beige.) Our at-home tester said this umbrella is very easy to open and close, and it has not faded in the month that she’s had it. She did point out that a recent wind storm completely lifted the umbrella (which was closed) out of its stand and tossed it across her patio. She wished there was a better way to secure it within the stand. Despite this experience, she said they’ll continue to use this umbrella on their back deck or patio for shade and will most likely store it during any future storms. Price at time of publish: $196 However, this product has some downsides. As a cantilever, its setup takes more effort than a standard patio umbrella. Also, the durable pole and mechanisms, rigid in calm air, tend to shake in a moderate breeze. That also could cause the canopy to move, annoyingly shifting the shade coverage. But this is still a solid choice for patio shade if your outdoor table doesn’t include an umbrella hole. Our long-term tester praised this umbrella for its expansive shade, which covered her large deck area completely. She said she also loved the offset, cantilever style because her seating arrangement does not allow for a centered umbrella. This umbrella also held up well during a few thunderstorms with no tipping or breakage. Our tester’s only complaint was the listed “cream” color is more of “sun-washed yellow” in person and easily shows debris and dirt. Price at time of publish: $80 Our lab wasn’t as enthusiastic about the canopy, noting that even though it cleaned up easily, and while the manufacturer claims it’s UV-resistant, it didn’t block out all the sun, and she needed to “squint a bit” to read her laptop. Still, she praised the product, available in 12 colors, for its overall value. Our at-home tester said this umbrella was a great addition to her front porch, which is exposed to the sun during the morning and afternoon. She also said she loved being able to read, work, or eat meals outside without worrying about becoming too hot or sunburnt. Price at time of publish: $75 First, our testers assembled the umbrellas on tables we hauled outdoors, checking for ease of following the manufacturer’s directions and how quickly the umbrella went from uncrating to deployment. Next, we opened the umbrellas, judging how easy it was for an average person to accomplish, based on the product’s design. That gave us a good opportunity to assess each product on how easy it was to adjust, rotate or tilt, and whether that improved better shade or cover. Since many work-from-home folks elect to use their decks or patios as an “outdoor office,” we set up laptops and reported how well the umbrella shaded the area, so the screen could be seen. Each tester then stepped away to consider their umbrella’s sturdiness of materials, including the covering and frame, as well as its attractiveness. Finally, testers intentionally stained their umbrellas with artificial “bird doo” and reported how easy the goo cleaned up, and whether it could be machine-washed, if necessary. After each tester closed the umbrella, reporting the ease in doing so, they gave it a value-based score, determining whether the price was justified. We also sent 12 umbrellas to our volunteer testers’ houses to note how they performed in real-world situations. We asked our home testers to not only consider each umbrella’s long-term durability but also consider how it has enhanced, if at all, their day-to-day lives.
What to Look For in an Outdoor Patio Umbrella
When you need shade to make your outdoor entertainment space more comfortable, a deck or patio umbrella acts like an anti-spotlight, keeping your table and chairs cool and glare-free. Here are imperatives to consider when shopping for a patio umbrella:
Construction
A standard patio umbrella consists of a canopy, often made of an outdoor UV-resistant fabric (Sunbrella is the most common brand); and a frame, which can be wood, fiberglass, or, most commonly, aluminum. Most canopies are round, but we have been seeing rectangular ones as well, which are a better choice for rectangular tables. Wood is the most attractive (and the costliest) frame material, but if you regularly experience severe thunderstorms, fiberglass or aluminum are better choices. Compared with aluminum, fiberglass is lightweight, flexible, non-corrosive, and holds up to weather. Testers rated all our recommended products a 4 or 5, which means the frames are sturdy and the canopy material is fade-resistant, resists stains and cleans up well.
Type
Patio umbrellas come in different types, for different uses. The most common type is inserted into a hole in your table and held in place by a stand (generally not included with the umbrella). While the most common canopy shape is round, you also can find market umbrellas, which are octagonal and cantilever umbrellas, which arch over the table and get their support from a stand placed a short distance away.
Size
Most patio umbrellas measure anywhere from 5 to 11 feet in diameter; generally, an 11-foot umbrella comfortably shades a table seating four to six adults.
Mechanics
To open and close their canopies, most patio umbrellas operate with cranks, which require a human to turn. Locking mechanisms, such as a pin, keep it open. (Higher-priced models may accomplish this with pushbuttons.) Other models employ pulley systems, which can be harder to handle. If you intend to keep your umbrella open all season, a pulley type may suffice. But if you need to close your umbrella—in case of high wind, for example, which can send an umbrella soaring—opt for the crank. Our testers rated each patio umbrella on ease and practicality of assembly and setup, as well as opening and closing the canopy. With one exception, our recommended products received a rating of 4 or 5.
Maintenance
Open patio umbrellas are sitting ducks for flying ducks—and other birds to remind you of their presence. Consider how easy it is to clean the canopy, whether by simply spraying with a garden hose, or by needing more extensive cleaning, perhaps with a sponge and soapy water. Don’t use a power washer or any harsh chemicals, as the fibers holding the canopy together may give way, Young warns. Frames can gunk up as well; you can clean most with a damp cloth. “If you’re looking for durability and longevity, give it [your umbrella] a rest,” says Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science. “Close it up and even put it away when not in use—it will simply last longer.” Each recommended product was rated 4 or 5 based on how easily our testers removed fake bird droppings from the canopy and cleaned the frame.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Ira Lacher is the Senior Editor for Garden, Outdoor and Home Improvement at The Spruce, and has written and edited articles about outdoor products for a number of publications over a number of years. For this article, he was on hand at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, where over 28 products underwent thorough testing. Emma Phelps, an Updates Writer for The Spruce, added one-month, long-term testing insights to this roundup, and reached out to Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science, for additional insight into the best umbrella canopy fabrics.
