Patio Umbrella

A patio umbrella is great for enjoying the outdoors while seeking refuge from the beating sun, and sitting under the patio umbrella when outside can help prevent damage to your skin and eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. Not only is it functional, but a patio umbrella can be an attractive and stylish addition to a yard. A patio umbrella is often seen on a patio, deck, terrace and next to the pool.

Since they come in a variety of colors, it is easy to find a patio umbrella to match your patio furniture. The average patio umbrella is a solid color or decorated with stripes, although there are some beautifully patterned umbrellas available.

You can even buy a thatch covered patio umbrella for an island getaway look. One type of patio umbrella has strings of lights attached for enjoying the outdoors at night.

The patio umbrella pole can be wood or metal, depending on what style you prefer. Rotating a crank on the side of the pole raises a crank patio umbrella. This type of patio umbrella is popular because it is so easy to use. A popup patio umbrella works much like a handheld rain umbrella. Some types of patio umbrella can be tilted in different directions to block the sun from all angles.

While many patio tables have a hole in middle to accommodate a patio umbrella pole, some do not. On an offset patio umbrella, the pole is located at the side of the patio umbrella rather than in the middle of it. An offset patio umbrella can stand next to the table so that the umbrella will hang over it. This type of patio umbrella is also useful for shading outdoor hot tubs or sections of swimming pools.

A base can be purchased to use with a patio umbrella. With a base, a patio umbrella can easily be moved around to provide shade in different areas of the yard. A base can also be used beneath a table with a patio umbrella running through it, to stabilize the patio umbrella and prevent it from tilting.