Again, just to confuse the consumers there are many names for patio umbrellas! One very popular term is the market umbrella. This simply means the post of the umbrella is located in the center. Therefore, another term for this is the centerpost umbrella. These patio umbrellas used to be just small backyard type umbrellas, but now they can range up to 20 feet!! In European countries these types of umbrellas are commonly called café umbrellas. As in Europe most restaurants and cafes feature these. So next time when you hear one of these terms, centerpost umbrellas, café umbrellas, or market umbrellas you can be the patio umbrella expert!
Posts Tagged ‘Patio Umbrellas’
Market Umbrella-Again, What Exactly Does this Mean???
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010Cantilever Umbrella-What Exactly Does that Mean???
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
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!!
Base Options for Side Post Umbrellas
Friday, September 11th, 2009
Offset Umbrella Base Plate
There are many options in bases for offset umbrellas. Most people just think about one type of base when purchasing a side arm umbrella. And that is the freestanding base. This is where the base is above ground and usually has some type of stone or cement to weigh the base down. The benefit of this type of base, is that the umbrella can be moved or taken with you when you move! The downfall of this type of base is that it does take up patio space.
Another option in side post umbrella bases is the base plate. This is were the umbrella sits on top of a plate that is mounted into existing concrete. The benefit of this type of base is that no concrete needs to be poured it can be bolted into existing patio concrete. This is a space saver solution for small patio. Please be sure to talk to the manufacturer of your umbrella as to the specifications of the concrete that is needed to do this option.
The final and most permanent option is the in ground base. This is where the base is into the ground in a concrete footer. The benefit of this installation is that this is the most secure way of mounting the cantilever umbrella. Also this type of base is a space saver as well. The drawback of this type of installation is that a concrete footer needs to be poured. As with the other base it is important to speak with the manufacturer of your umbrella to obtain the proper specifications needed for the in ground base option.
There are many options in bases for side post umbrellas, one can fit your needs!
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!
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!
Tips on Cleaning Your Patio Umbrellas:
Thursday, May 21st, 2009For a light cleaning of your patio umbrellas you may clean fabrics while still on an umbrella frame. Brush off loose dirt with a broom or brush. Hose down the fabirc using your normal garden hose or a power washer on a low setting. Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents). Use a soft bristle brush to clean any dirt markings. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric, do not allow the soap to dry. Rinse thoroughly with your water source. Allow fabric to air dry. Please note, do not close umbrella while wet, as this will cause mold.