Perhaps you've seen them around your friends pool or in your neighbors yard. They are the latest kinds of outdoor umbrellas - they are called cantilever umbrellas. Unlike a traditional patio umbrella that has the base at the center and goes straight up, a cantilever outdoor umbrella features an offset base so that the umbrella essentially overhangs to the side giving you more room to sit and enjoy the shade. Offset umbrellas are perfect for backyards, pool areas, lawns, ... you name it. If your patio gets too much sun at the heat of the day, then adding a cantilevered umbrella will provide the shade and space so you can relax. I helped my brother set his up last weekend and I must say it was much sturdier and durable than the regular garden umbrella I have at my house. You will find these umbrellas in stores like Home Depot, Target, Walmart and Sears under all sorts of names - just go to their outdoor umbrella section and you will them.
Choosing an offset umbrella for your yard - Umbrellas make the perfect compliment to any yard on a hot day, allowing you to sit in the shade and enjoy the warm weather without being directly in the sunshine. You will need to consider things like size, shape, base, material, frame design, color, and price. Here are some things to consider before buying:
*Base/Stand - most important feature since you don't want the umbrella to tip over. The base needs to be heavy - minimum of 30 pounds with some going up to 100+lbs.
*Shape - umbrellas are available in all shapes - oval, rectangular, square, octagonal, hexagonal, etc.
*Height - The majority of offset umbrellas will be between 9 and 11 feet tall. You can find some 8 footers and a few are even up to 15 feet high.
*Material - We found several reviews for the Sunbrella fabric which features fade resistant fibers that also offer UV ray protection. This material is perfect for an umbrella that might go over a toddlers sandbox. Other material choices include polyester, olefin, and solution dyed.
RECOMMENDED - We suggest shopping online at Amazon.com since they carry all the leading brands and offer some of the lowest prices on the Internet. You can browse the best selling cantilever umbrellas here. Read reviews posted by actual owners, see photos, and learn about what each product features.
Best Cantilever Umbrella:
Without a doubt the best selling cantilever umbrella is the Coolaroo. The Coolaroo 10 Foot Round Cantilever Freestanding Patio Umbrella receives near perfect reviews from consumers and is ideal for any backyard setup. The knitted fabric is easy to clean and it resists mold and mildew. Parents can also feel good that it provides up to 90% UV protection (keep your kids safe from the sun). The 10 foot freestanding patio umbrella features a premium crank mechanism and a 3 position tilt aluminum pole. Owners say it's sturdy, gives off plenty of shade, and holds up well. You can buy a blowmolded base for the umbrella as well as a cover to help maintain its life even longer. View all top rated cantilever umbrellas here.
Offset Umbrella for Patio:
We like the offset umbrellas found near pools and patios. They allow for tables, loung chairs, etc. to be placed underneath them without the hassle of having to fit the pole into a base which often gets in the way. An offset patio umbrella solves all that and yet still gives you all the shade you need. Some cost upwards of $1000, but you should be able to find a reasonable garden cantilever umbrella for under $300. Blue Wave and Oakland Living make nice selections for pools areas (they are expensive though). The 10 Foot Brown Cantilever Offset Umbrella is a nice choice at less than $200. The diameter of the umbrella is 10 feet and the height is about 9 foot. The sand base holds up to 135 pounds of sand - more than enough to keep this umbrella steady and in place. Goes great on patios, decks, pool areas, and even your lawn.
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