Square Umbrella

A new square umbrella is not the most expensive piece of patio equipment which you are likely to buy. If you are looking at buying one of these useful shading devices then you probably already have a nice set of patio furniture and maybe a barbeque set and a few other things to help you and the family make the most of those hot summer days out of doors. Having said that, before making any purchase of a square umbrella, no matter how big or small it may be, it is always well worth considering the features which are most important to you:

1. The size of the umbrella. I know this sounds really obvious, but the size of the shaded area offered by the square umbrella will be determined by the size of the umbrella itself. If you have a large family, or simply have a large patio dining table, you will want to get hold of one of the bigger models. If you have more modest needs then you could consider a smaller one, although you might first want to think about your future requirements or alternative uses for the patio umbrella, to avoid buying something which quickly becomes less than ideal for you.
2. The base. A really good, sturdy base will ensure that high winds and other weather conditions don’t cause your umbrella to topple over. In general terms, the bigger the surface area of the umbrella the bigger and heavier the base you will need. You should also consider the weather conditions which your own patio area tends to experience. If you have an exposed garden which the wind usually whips through at high speed you will want to make it a priority of yours to get the best base you can find.
3. The fabric or material used. Modern patio umbrellas are specially made of strong, resistant material, which is just as well, as they have to withstand a lot of weather conditions. If you consider the number of hour’s worth of sun, rain and possibly even snow and hail which you will be expecting your new square umbrella to put up with it is no wonder that this is one of the top priorities on the list.
4. The extra functions it might have. This is a “nice to have” item, rather than a “must have”. If you find an umbrella with a tilt function, for example, that can be handy for regulating the shade you receive throughout the afternoon.
5. The warranty it comes with. A good quality, modern sun protection umbrella will last you a long time. However, as with any reasonably big or important purchase it is always a good idea to get hold of one which covers you against unexpected problems. You shouldn’t expect this to cover you against damage caused through normal wear and tear or accidents but malfunctioning umbrellas and others which experience unusual defects should be covered by a good warranty.
6. The additional uses you may have for it. It is worth considering before buying what other uses you might have for your new square umbrella. If it could come in handy for a car boot sale, kid’s play area shade or some other use then you need to take this into account before choosing a model.