How to Buy an Offset Umbrella
If you love to spend time in your backyard or on your patio, then you should definitely enhance the experience by buying an offset umbrella. Rather than being stuck with an umbrella that has a post in the middle, an offset umbrella places its post on the side. This allows you to pitch the umbrella in different angles over tables, chairs and patios. Here are some tips on how to buy one.
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Instructions
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Measure the area that you would like to cover with your umbrella. While the entire patio doesn't need to be covered, placing shade over an outdoor eating table or chairs is a good idea. Get out the tape measure and take measurements of the area to be covered. Mark these down so you can take it along with you to the store.
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Determine color and material that you would like to purchase. The color comes down to a personal preference on how you would like the landscape of your yard or patio to look. When it comes to the actual material that the umbrella is made of, you have your choice on everything from a hard plastic to a thick canvas to acrylic fibers. Consider the amount of inclement weather this umbrella will sit through, ease of cleaning and if the umbrella will hold the color over time as the sun beats down on it.
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Research the different kinds of umbrellas online. Sites like nextag.com will allow you to compare offset umbrellas from different manufacturers, utilizing different materials and even different mechanisms to open the umbrella. Most popular is a pulley system analogous to the shades many people have in their home. Other ways to open the umbrella are just like the personal umbrellas we all carry. You simply raise the pole and allow the spokes and umbrella to spread.
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Go to your local home and garden store and check out offset umbrellas in person. Stores like Home Depot, Target, Wal-Mart and Osh carry offset umbrellas. Because this item is so heavy, buying it off a website puts you at a couple of disadvantages. First, the shipping charge will be considerable and secondly because it is a major purchase, it's worth it to take the time to see it in person and make sure you can easily work the umbrella with its pulley or spoke spread system.
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Scan for deals on community sites like craigslist.com and at tag sales. Because offset umbrellas that cover the patio or outdoor table are heavy and expensive to move long distances, they are constantly being unloaded at tag sales. And for an item that can cost a few thousand dollars, you can grab deep savings when people simply want to get rid of it.
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Tips & Warnings
If the umbrella rips, try repairing it. It will be a lot cheaper than replacing it. Many times the company who manufactures the offset umbrella will sell a replacement canvas or top.
