A patio umbrella is an essential piece of outdoor furniture. It provides shade and shields you from the sun so you can enjoy the warm summer weather all day long. But you have to make sure it’s properly secured — the last problem you want is for a big gust of wind to send it tumbling into your swimming pool or a neighboring yard. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your patio umbrella in place.

Do:

Use an umbrella stand.

Even if your patio umbrella is supported by a table, it still needs to be secured by an umbrella stand to withstand wind and stay in place. Getting the correct weight for your umbrella’s size is essential — typically, a 7.5 to 9-foot patio umbrella with a table needs a weight of 40 to 55 lbs, while a free-standing patio umbrella will need at least 100 lbs. 

Add extra weight.

It’s never a bad idea to buy yourself a little more stability by adding extra weight on and around your umbrella stand. There are round, weighted bags sold specifically for this purpose, made of durable canvas and VELCRO® enclosures for a simple and sturdy fit.

Don’t:

Leave your patio umbrella open when it’s not in use.

A stylish and colorful patio umbrella can look so nice when it’s open that you may be tempted to keep it up all the time. Try to resist this habit. Your patio umbrella will stay in better shape for a longer period of time and will be much less likely to crack or fall over if you keep it closed and securely tied when it’s not in use.

Use a wood-framed patio umbrella.

While patio umbrellas with wood frames may look nice, they’re not as durable as umbrellas made of aluminum or fiberglass. If you live in a very windy area, a patio umbrella with fiberglass ribs is your best bet. The material can bend and flex, so it’s much less likely to break or snap than it’s aluminum and wood counterparts.

 

If your patio umbrella has broken or been badly damaged due to inclement weather, contact the outdoor furniture experts at Backyard Adventures of Iowa in Urbandale. For more than 15 years, they’ve helped families find everything they need for outdoor summer fun, from patio umbrellas and patio furniture to backyard playsets and basketball hoops. Check out their website to learn about their special offers, and call (515) 270-2433 to speak with a member of the staff today.