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Where is the best place to put my umbrella?
One of the first things to consider is where the umbrella will be going. Is there a flat surface for the umbrella to sit? Are you going to fix it down to your deck/patio? If you are fixing permintely is there sufficent substance in the materials you are fixing to?
Also take into consideration the surroundings of the area like wether the umbrella will touch the guttering or roofing of your building as there is some movement in slightly windy conditions. UltraShade also have the capability of providing guttering solutions from the umbrella to the building and in between umbrellas.
Another thing to think of is where the sun will be in what time of the day. Normally most people like to get away from the afternoon sun or the western sun. Keep this in mind when working out the location of your umbrella in your area.
What is the best size of umbrella to buy?
The total amount of shelter and shade will be determined by the size of your umbrella. Think about the area you wish to cover. If you are trying to cover a table, you would want the umbrella to be larger than the table to get the most shade.
Be very mindful of not going too big! This can really overpower the area and take away from the ambiance.
Construction materials and the elements
Not all umbrellas use UV rated materials. This can dramatically reduce the life of your umbrella canopy not to mention put your friends, family or customers at risk to harmfully UV rays. At UltraShade we provide the highest quality acrylic awning fabrics as well as a range of PVC that is UV rated. Our stitching even comes UV rated.
Most modern umbrellas are constructed with aluminium rather than wood. The benefits of aluminium greatly outway that of timber umbrellas. Aluminium frames provide a strong yet lighht structure, generally with a powdercoat finish you wont need to worry about the elements. Timber, on the other hand, can become a host for mold and mildew, it can rot and splinter and generally weighs more.
Types of umbrella posts and fixing options
Your area and application will determine what kind of umbrella you will need. Generally on the market there are three types of umbrella;
1. Heavy Duty/Commercial Umbrella
These umbrellas are generally used in a commercial application such as; schools, playgrounds, theme parks, restaurants and public areas. They are non-tamper mechanisims that are usually wind rated to withstand the rigors of the Australian climate.
2. Side Post or Cantilever Umbrellas
This kind of umbrella usually requires to be fixed down either by concrete or bolting down a base plate to exsisting concrete slab. Great for pools or where you find a centre post umbrella to be in the way. These umbrellas have a choice to be wall mounted to save even more space. The flexibilty of shade options with these umbrellas are endless as they use a 360 degree swivel to cover a very large area.
3. Cafe or Patio/Home Umbrellas
Perfect for the cafe with footpath dining or just to shade a smaller area. Very lightweight, with options on the base like full mobility with weight bags or socket and sleeve type inground bases for footpath areas to conform with local council regulations. These umbrellas often get printed with branding for coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants.
