You’ve got the perfect alfresco dining area and kitchen, as well as the soothing lounging oasis for that much-needed rest and relaxation after eating, plus the right water feature in the form of a pool or spa tub, but there’s one crucial detail that could harsh your mellow – the scorching sun. Sure, catching some of the rays can be beneficial, as a little sunbathing can enhance your tan as well as provide you with the much-needed dose of vitamin D, but too much of a good thing can also be bad.

Unless you want the sunny days to shorten your stay in your lovely outdoor area, and decrease your overall comfort, it’s time to introduce the perfect feature: the right outdoor sun umbrella cover to provide you with the ideal shade. Still, with so many options available online and in physical stores, it’s difficult to decide. What makes a good quality umbrella? Here are the ways to find out.

The Type of Material

While this aspect may not seem all too important at first, it’s an essential consideration not only for the durability, and ability to withstand the wear and tear from the sun but also in terms of maintenance. Opting for something lightweight yet sturdy and affordable would get you a polyester canopy patio umbrella that’s not only fade-resistant and UV-resistant but waterproof too. 

If you’re up for investing in something even sturdier and more durable, that requires even less maintenance and care, then consider acrylic. This option, especially the solution-dyed one, is very tough. Regardless of this, and despite how durable the choice may be, it’s still considered part of your basic maintenance to keep the umbrella closed when not in use to prolong its lifespan, protecting it not only from the harsh UV rays but also from unexpected winds and rain. 

Fabric can also be present in the form of detailing, such as tassels, suitable for those who are after some more ornate beauty. Material, however, isn’t only in the form of a canopy; there’s also the pole you ought to check out. Since the feature is an addition that serves its purpose outdoors, you have the chance to pick from sturdy and durable choices such as wood, steel, and aluminium. If you’re after something that can truly stand up to damage, then steel is a no-brainer, although it’s a bit heavier than aluminium so keep that in mind when the time comes to move the cover element.

The Mechanism

The comfort of an investment such as the outdoor sun umbrella cover can also be seen in how easy it is to operate the mechanism. There are two aspects to consider here: the lift and the tilt mechanisms. 

• The first gives you a clue about the simple opening and closing operation, with options like: 
• The crank with a rotating handle functions both clockwise (to open the umbrella) and counterclockwise (to close it).
• The lever and latch, with the lever being pulled down and the latch securing it into position.
• The push-up, where you get to manually push the support structure to open it and secure it with a locking system. 
• The second gives you a clue about the directions you can position the shade in, with options like: 
• The push and manual where you’re able to push a button and then manually position the canopy in the desired angle. 
• The crank is when you tilt the umbrella with continued cranking, giving you the chance to choose different angles.
• The collar is when you have the above-crank element that you get to twist to get the wanted angle.

The Size

Imagine finding out the model you decided to buy turns out to be the wrong one for your area after you brought it home. To avoid this hefty and time-consuming mistake, it’s advisable to consider the space you have available in the area, along with all of the elements already present there. 

From the furniture and accessories, to the landscaping parts, there should be enough space for the outdoor umbrella to be opened and closed without getting in the way of the traffic area, or affecting the proper use of the rest of the elements. If you choose a design that’s freestanding, there should be enough room to accommodate its mobile base too. On the other hand, if you choose a design you’d incorporate in the setting with a fixed base, it should be able to fit the structure properly without taking up too much of the usable surface. 

For those spaces where there’s also a heater present, it’s imperative to keep the umbrella away from it, to avoid a fire hazard. This includes both when it’s open and closed. Be sure to measure up the area, along with the traffic space, and all the elements, and then compare the numbers to those of the models of umbrellas available. This would also give you an idea of the perfect shape that would work in your oasis, based on the table shape, and seating area configuration you have.

The Features

A regular umbrella may be the most affordable there is, but when you have outdoor enjoyment to take care of, a few extras can come in handy, which is worth the investment. Consider what this would be for you, and how much you’re willing to spend on such an advantage, as you take your pick from LED integrated lights, speakers, ventilation, heaters, or even a multi-canopy design. 

The usual pulley and pin, give you control over the operation with a rope and a pin to secure the position, which are inserted into a hole just below the hub.