How to Buy a Market Umbrella

Adding a market umbrella--or several--to your patio is a stylish way to provide shade. Market umbrellas are similar to patio umbrellas except they do not have valances around the circumference. The lack of valances makes market umbrellas sleeker-looking and easier to move in and out from underneath them. For that reason, market umbrellas are the choice of most commercial establishments, but they add a sense of sophistication to private settings as well.

Instructions

1. Look for market umbrellas that are Scotchguarded or are made of material that is water- and stain-resistant.

2. Look for a quality frame. Outdoor umbrellas are exposed to a lot of abuse, so you'll need a well-built frame to survive windy conditions. Wind vents at the top of the umbrella help with air circulation and keeping the umbrella grounded.

3. Buy an umbrella that resists fading. Unless a market umbrella is made from special sun-resistant fabric, it may not last more than one season.

4. Buy only those market umbrellas that offer a warranty. You won't know how a market umbrella really performs until you test it yourself in real-life conditions. Market umbrellas can be costly, so you want to make sure your investment is protected.

5. Test the lift mechanism for ease. Some market umbrellas have pulley systems that are hard to operate. You want an umbrella that goes up and down without much effort on your part.

6. Find out whether you need to buy a separate base when you comparison shop. Some umbrellas include a base and others do not. Umbrella bases can cost as much or more than the umbrella itself, so be sure to factor that cost into your total budget.

7. Match the color of the market umbrella to the colors in the outdoor furniture. Chair cushions are great places to draw color inspiration. Alternatively, you could use a market umbrella to add a drop of color to a neutral color scheme.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop online to buy customized market umbrellas in the fabric of your choice. While some customized umbrella retailers have minimum order requirements to cater to bulk customers, others will custom make even just one umbrella to order.

• For maximum sun protection, get a market umbrella with a tilt mechanism. Tilt umbrellas bend at the top of the pole and lock into position. This allows you to easily reposition the umbrella as the sun moves so your table and chairs are never exposed.