Although, the cantilever patio umbrella is becoming increasingly popular these days, many still are unfamiliar with this terminology. The cantilever umbrella is also referred to as the offset patio umbrellas. Simply said, the cantilever umbrella is a patio umbrella that has the umbrella post located to the side of the sunshade. Therefore, the sunshade is offset from the pole, hence the other name for these umbrellas is offset patio umbrellas. And yet to just confuse you more, it has yet another name is the side post umbrella. The advantages of having the sunshade of the patio umbrella located to the side, is that there is no wasted space due to the space of the post of the patio umbrella. So, whether you call it a cantilever umbrella, offset umbrella, or even a side post umbrella it may be the right option for you!!
Posts Tagged ‘cantilever umbrellas’
Cantilever Umbrella-What Exactly Does that Mean???
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010Winter-The Best Time to Buy a Patio Umbrella?
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009Winter is almost upon us, so why would anyone buy a patio umbrella in the winter months?
Well, for people in the Southern States winter is the best ime to think about investing in outside products. As winter in the Southern and warmer states is the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors. In addition many manufacturers are offering sales and specials for their outdoor products. So, you can many times get a great deal on a centerpost umbrella or an offset umbrella.
For people in the Northern states, although winter is not the time to enjoy the outdoors, it is also a great time to buy a sidepost umbrella or a market umbrella. Stores in the Northern areas are looking to make room for the cold weather items and out summer seasonal items on clearance for great prices.
So, even if winter does not seem like the best time to invest in outdoor products, such as patio umbrellas, think about purchasing your patio umbrella 
now and beat the summer rush!
Patio Umbrella Valances-New Ideas
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Offset Patio Umbrella with Castle Border
For a more elegant look to your patio umbrella, think about adding a valance to your patio umbrella. A umbrella valance is when the fabric of your umbella over hangs and extends over the sides of the umbrella canopy. Leading to a polished look to your centerpost umbrella or offset umbrella.
There can also be many different options in umbrella valances. First, the trim of the sidepost umbrella or market umbrella can be done in an alternating color than the fabric of the patio umbrella, as in the picture. This will emphasis the valance and lead to an elegant look.
Next, there are many different borders that are available for your side arm umbrellas. There are straight valances, castle patterns, and wave patterns.
All of the different colors and styles of patio umbrella borders, will give y a one of a kind custom patio umbrella for you to enjoy!
Winterize Your Patio Umbrella
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009The fall season is upon us and those in the nothern states are feeling the cold. With the winter season do not forget to “winterize” your patio umbrellas! This is the perfect time to do your yearly cleaning on both your centerpost umbrellas and your offset umbrella. This way when you pull out your umbrellas for the spring season, they will be ready to enjoy. Also leaving the dirt and whatever else dropped on your market umbrella will only allow the stains to penetrate deeper. Please read the blog below on cleaning your centerpost umbrella or side arm umbrella.
Another good thing to do when cleaning your patio umbrella is to oil the post if necessary. This will bring out the color of the wood and prevent it from cracking and splitting next season. Please refer to your manufacturer for specific oil to use for your umbrella.
Most smaller centerpost umbrellas are best to be stored inside for the winter. With larger umbrellas, such as offset umbrellas, the structure can be stored outside and only the fabric canopy be brought in for the winter. Again, for specific recomendations please refer to your umbrella manufacturer.
How to Care for Your Umbrella Winch
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Offset Patio Umbrella Winch
Umbrella winches are the part of the patio umbrella that raises and lowers the canopies. These winch systems are also used on sailboats. Most people do not even think that maintenance is required on the winches of side arm umbrellas alike sailboats. Servicing winches is a messy job. But, the winch mechanism is one of the most expensive items of your cantilever umbrella, so it needs to be taken care of!
First you must disassemble the side arm umbrella winch. Remove the drum from the base of the winch using the screw at the bottom. Unscrew it, pull the socket out, and the drum can be lifted off. Now comes the messy part! Remove all the winch gears and bearings. Remember, you will be putting this back together, so if you have a good memory try to remember where everything goes. But I recommend, using a camera and taking multiple pictures of the winch prior to cleaning this will ensure that everything is put back to its original place.
Place the gears and bearings in a small can or bucket and then add mineral spirits to the can and soak the gears and bearings. After allowing them to thoroughly soak, take a small brush and brush off any remaining stubborn old grease from the parts. Do not forget to rinse the parts in hot water! As leaving the mineral spirits on will break down the new grease you will put on! Dry the parts with a clean rag to remove any excess water.
As you put the gears back into place, take a close look at how the pawls are working. If they don’t open and close smoothly, then the drum could spin backwards.
Then piece all the winch parts back into the casing. This is where your photo could come in handy. Lightly brush on clean winch grease. Do not over grease ! You will have a big mess on your hands!
The only thing left to do is remount your patio umbrella winch and re feed your wire! And you did it, you have successfully maintained your cantilever umbrella winch!
Patio Umbrellas-New Options in Lighting
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Patio Umbrellas have come a long way from simple center post market style umbrellas to now large side post umbrella designs that can easily range up to 26 feet! Along with the innovations in the manufacturing of the umbrellas, the accessories for patio umbrellas have come a long way as well. As people are now using their outdoor spaces much alike their indoor spaces, people now expect lighting options for their umbrellas. LED lighting is now available for outdoor umbrellas. Some cantilever umbrellas even come with mounting brackets for lights. Image the canopy of a large 26×26 foot side arm umbrella illuminatied at night, beautiful!
Maximize Your Restaurant’s Space with Patio Umbrellas
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
Side Post Patio Umbrella
One way to increase the seating capacity of your restaurant is to think about using the outside space of your restaurant. Not just use the outside space, but maximize this space! In these ecomonic times, it is much more cost effective to use exsisting space.
Using patio umbrellas to shade the outside space makes this space usable and enjoyable for your patrons. Although, many restaurants use small centerpost patio umbrellas to shade their outdoor space, it provides small areas of shade. But now there are more options to consider. Umbrellas now come in large sizes, just think how many tables could fit into a 20 ft x 20ft umbrella!! It looks more like an outdoor room than an umbrella.
The newest trend in patio umbrellas is the side post umbrella. This simply means that the post of the umbrella is located to the side, therefore this allows for more tables to be able to fit underneath the umbrella. And more table space means more revenue!
Another new option in patio umbrellas is linking the umbrellas together to create a large covered area. Link the patio umbrellas together using a gutter system to protect your clients from the elements. Therefore you can use this outdoor space even in light rain.
Think outside your indoor restaurant space and maximize your seating capacity. With umbrellas sizes ranging from 6ft to 20×20ft, there is a size for everyspace!
Another Way to Stay Safe in the Sun-Patio Umbrella
Friday, June 12th, 2009
Side Post Umbrella
Summer is now in full swing and so are those harmful UV rays. Protect yourself this summer from the sun’s harmful rays. We always think about sunscreen and hats, but also think Patio Umbrellas!! Patio Umbrellas are a great way to protect yourself from sun damage.
Many manufacturers of patio umbrellas have outdoor fabric that are UV rated. So think about getting a centerpost umbrella, this model of umbrella is perfect for sun protection as you can move these umbrellas around your yard for protection in multiple locations.
Also think about a tilting umbrella to protect yourself from those rays in the early morning and late afternoon. Even those non peak time sunshine can be damaging.
Another idea for protection in the pool, where the UV rays can be projected upwards and stronger is the cantilever umbrella or side post umbrella. These types of umbrellas are perfect for protection in the pool because they can be swung over the pool when the pool is in use and when needed outside the pool you can swing the umbrella in the other direction. As most cantilever umbrellas are available with a 360 degree rotating post.
But, of course even with the protection of a patio umbrella, don’t forget the sunscreen. Enjoy the summer!!!!
Get the Most for your Money with Patio Umbrellas
Friday, June 5th, 2009This year everyone is trying to cut back and what they do spend their hard earned money on, should last. This includes your Patio Umbrellas. There are several things to look for when buying your patio umbrellas so they can last for years to come!
1. Look for an offset umbrella or centerpost umbrella with all replaceable parts. This means that if a single piece of the umbrella breaks it can be replaced without throwing the umbrella away.
2. Look for a warranty from the manufactuer of the centerpost umbrella or cantilever umbrella. Many manufacturers have different warranties for the structure and the tops. Look for a structure warranty of 1 year or more and for the top many warranties are 3 or more years.
3. Look for a cantilever umbrella or market umbrella that the canopy top of the umbrella can be changed and re ordered in a different color. Therefore, after years the top of the umbrella may look faded or you change the color of your patio area you can simply just change the canopy top and not have to buy a whole new umbrella!
4. If buying a wood market umbrella, look for one that has a one peice pole, this means that the umbrella is made from one piece of wood and not shreds of wood glued together. This will greatly increase the strength of your patio umbrella.
With these tips on getting the most from your patio umbrella, you will have an umbrella to last and that’s good for your pocketbook!