What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need?
What Does Your Patio Look Like?
When choosing a patio umbrella, you need to take one main factor into account, and that's your patio space. What kind of patio furniture do you have, and how much of it are you trying to shade? You'll need to know the dimensions of just how much square footage you'd like to shade as well. Once you take all these factors into account, you can answer the question "What size patio umbrella do I need?"
How To Measure Your Space
You don't want to invest in an umbrella that's too small, so it's best to get accurate measurements. To do so, grab a tape measure and measure the area around your seating space or dining area. Once you have the square footage, you'll need to add a little extra room. Your umbrella should extend at least two feet beyond each side of a dining table, too.
Market Umbrellas or Cantilever Umbrellas?
Before going further to answer "What size patio umbrella do I need?" it's important to cover the umbrella categories. There are two types of umbrella you should consider for your outdoor space: a market umbrella and a cantilever umbrella. Market umbrellas look the most traditional, and are likely what you imagine when you think of an "outdoor umbrella". A pole in the center holds up the umbrella's canopy. Meanwhile, a cantilever umbrella allows the canopy to hang overhead or at an angle while supported by a cantilevered pole off to the side. The goal for a cantilivered version is to remove the pole in the center. Both are great for patios, backyards and other outdoor spaces, but in different use cases.
Market umbrellas are sometimes called center-pole umbrellas. These work best in the center of a dining table or when placed between two chairs or dual chaise lounges. Meanwhile, cantilever umbrellas are sometimes called offset umbrellas. The side-mounted nature allows for unobstructed space just beneath the canopy, making these a flexible option for all kinds of seating and dining cases. They're popular for creating shade over the pool or in your yard, too.
What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Choose?
"So, what size patio umbrella do I need?" That's all about accurate measurements. Now that you have your square footage (and the added 24 inches), check our handy guide below.
- 6-7 foot umbrella: best for compact spaces like bistro tables for two and balconies. Provides up to 44 square feet of shade.
- 8 foot umbrella: made for classic patio tables that can seat four to six people or two lounge chairs. Provides up to of 56 square feet of shade.
- 9 foot umbrella: ideal for dining tables that seat 6-8, pool areas, decks and smaller lounge spaces. This is the most popular umbrella size. Provides up to 64 square feet of shade.
- 10 foot umbrella: great for large dining tables for 8 to 10, mid-sized lounge spaces and shading a pool. Provides 100 square feet of shade.
- 11 foot umbrella: best for extra large dining tables and larger conversation sets and outdoor sectionals. Provides 95 square feet of shade.
- 13 foot umbrella: one of the largest umbrellas you can find, this size shades massive areas of your outdoor space and can be great for oversized outdoor furniture. Provides over 133 square feet of shade.
Umbrella Canopy Shape
There are a few other factors to consider when asking "What size patio umbrella do I need?" What about canopy shape, tilting capability and base weight? When it comes to an umbrella's canopy shape, round, square or rectangular models all produce different amounts or shapes of shade. With so many different options, how do you know which is right for you and what size patio umbrella you need? Round umbrellas have that classic look and are designed for round dining tables, while square umbrellas are great for square or rectangular dining sets and offer a more contemporary design. Finally, rectangular umbrellas. These are great for shading spacious areas of your patio, whether you're covering dining sets or wide seating areas like lounge chair collections or sectionals.
When it comes to measuring for shade in different shapes, things can get a little dicey. For example, an 8'8" square umbrella and a 9' round umbrella both provide nearly the same amount of shade. Which shape you choose depends upon the space you're trying to cover; for example, round umbrella canopies are best for round tables. Before you buy, take your space's shape into account.
The Benefits of a Tilting Umbrella
If you're hoping to invest in shade that lasts all day, consider a patio umbrella that tilts. As the sun moves across the sky, it makes your shaded area smaller and smaller. But with a tilting umbrella, you can adjust your umbrella's canopy and move it between your space and the sun to create the most shade possible. You can find tilting features in both market umbrellas and cantilever umbrellas, so there's bound to be something that fits your needs in the shape that you want.
Finding the Right Base Weight
Once you've picked out your umbrella's size, shape and ability to tilt, you'll want to finish it off with the right base weight. With the correct base weight, you anchor it to the ground and don't have to worry about it falling or blowing over in bad weather (and you're less likely to have it cause any damage to your outdoor space). Check our list below for popular recommended base weights for both market and cantilever umbrellas. Since cantilever models have an offset post design that sends weight off to the side, you often need more weight to keep them properly anchored.
For Market Umbrellas:
- 7.5 feet and smaller: 20-30 pounds
- Between 7.5-9 feet: 30-50 pounds
- Between 9-11 feet: 50-75 pounds
- 12 feet: 100 pounds or higher
For Cantilever Umbrellas:
- 7 feet: 210 pounds
- Between 8-9 feet: 240-270 pounds
- Between 9-11 feet: 270-330 pounds
- Over 11 feet: Over 330 pounds
Discover the Right Umbrella for You at Abt
Whether you're updating your existing patio or creating a whole new space for backyard relaxation, finding the right-sized umbrella isn't as difficult as it seems. Answer the question "What size umbrella do I need?" when you shop umbrellas at Abt and find the perfect size, type and color. Order yours online, or call Abt at 800-860-3577 if you have any questions. We'll help you complete your outdoor space.
Umbrella Size FAQs
What size umbrella should I use for my patio table?
The umbrella size you'll need for your patio table depends on the size and shape of your space. You'll want to measure how large your table is, then extend another two feet on each side to account for seating. Use those measurements to choose your patio table.
What size patio umbrella do I need?
Whether you're choosing an umbrella for a dining table, an outdoor sofa or a pair of chaise lounges, the best way to tell what size patio umbrella you need is by measuring the length and width of your space. Follow the 2-foot rule and choose an umbrella with a canopy that's two feet longer on all sides than the edge of your seating area.
What size umbrella base do I need?
Umbrella bases keep these patio necessities anchored, and the weight of the base you need depends on the umbrella's size and type. The larger the umbrella, the more weight it needs to keep it anchored. Cantilever umbrellas need even more weight to hold them down due to the offset post design.
