How to Make a Patio Umbrella from a Parachute

Making a patio umbrella out of a parachute is a fun way to recycle an unused parachute. This patio umbrella provides a wide amount of shade and protection from the rain. Depending on the size of the parachute, you may be able to park your car under this umbrella. Parachute material is rainproof and durable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 round parachute with cords still attached
• Scissors
• 1 large metal grommet with a hole that is 1 3/8 inch in diameter
• Drill
• 1 1-3/8 inch steel pole cut 10 feet in length
• 2 3-inch bolts
• 2 nuts to fit the bolts
• 1 55-pound concrete umbrella stand
• Tent stakes or large hook screws

1. Cut a hole in the middle of the parachute 1 3/8 inches in diameter. Place the grommet into the hole with the grommet installation tool or a hammer.

2. Drill a hole 1 inch from the top of the 10-foot metal pole, and another hole 3 inches from the top of the metal pole. These holes need to be large enough for the bolt to slide all the way through the pole.

3. Place one nut into the bottom hole. Slide it all the way through the pipe. You need to have at least 1/2 inch of bolt on each side of the pole. Secure the nut to the end of the bolt to hold it in place.

4. Slide the parachute onto the pole. Place the other bolt in the other hole with 1/2 inch of bolt on each side. Attach the nut to the bolt.

5. Raise the pole and slide it into the base. Tighten the base screw to hold the pole in place.

6. Secure the parachute umbrella to the ground. Attach each cord to a tent stake or hook screw driven into the ground. Put the cords tight to the ground at an angle to find the location for each tent stake. You need to tie the cord tightly around the stake to ensure the parachute is secure to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not assemble this parachute umbrella in windy weather.

Resources

• Find different plans and ideas for patio furniture.