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A great way to relax is to soak up some sun-rays on your garden patio. But if you live in a reasonably hot climate you will know that to feel comfortable, you also need to take breaks and cool off in the shade. And this is where the humble patio umbrella comes into it’s own.

Patio umbrellas are often much bigger and thicker than a normal rain umbrella. But they can also they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are many different styles and you shouldn’t have a problem finding the ideal umbrella for your particular patio.

There are so many types and varieties of patio umbrella available that you should be able to easily find the ideal one for your patio. An example of this is the offset umbrella which is offset to the side - this means that you can sit under it, while also keeping the center of the table clear from obstruction, thus providing more space.

There is also an umbrella type called the market umbrella. This also goes into a hole in the center of the table like a traditional patio umbrella but it lighter and much more portable. They can also be used freestanding, which is ideal if you wanted to use it to shade you while lying on a sunbed, for example.

The gazebo umbrella is probably the most adaptable of them all. It usually has a net attachment that keeps bugs away which is particularly handy if you are eating food on the patio table. The gazebo is usually the most popular choice and it can easily be removed and washed in a washing machine.

Before rushing out and buying your new umbrella, it’s wise to spend a little time on your patio envisaging how it will look with a new umbrella. Consider the purpose of the umbrella (in order to be able to choose the right type) and also try and decide on a certain shade or color that is going to compliment the surroundings. You might also want to work out if the umbrella is going to be subject to rough treatment or weather and if you should factor this into your decision.

You may want to buy an umbrella that comes with a protective cover. Or, you may already have a storage space set aside so that you can put the umbrella away when it is not being regularly used. Be sure to know the dimensions of this space when going out to make the purchase, so that you can buy one that will fit in this space.

Finally, it’s worth looking if the umbrella that you plan to purchase is made of fade resistant material - particularly if it is likely to be exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods of time. Hopefully these hints will help you to buy the perfect umbrella for your patio.

Filed under: Home & Garden