When purchasing a Patio Umbrella online, there are a few tips you need to know. In order to understand exactly what you are buying, it is important to read all of the specifications of the umbrella frame. Below are some basic guidelines to help in making an informed decision regarding a different frame types: The Patio Umbrella and Market Umbrella Frame: Several fundamental parts of the frame make up the “skeleton” of the Outdoor Umbrella. Umbrellas with Cranks and Push Pins: Most aluminum patio umbrellas make use of one of two types of canopy lifting devices, the manual push open lift with push button pin or a crank to lift. The umbrella crank functions by being rotated in order to open a patio umbrella. Some aluminum umbrellas have a tilt-mechanism integrated into the crank in order to allow tilting of the umbrella while opening it. Crank Style Umbrellas should not be used in commercial applications.

Pulley and Pin Umbrellas: A push up mechanism or pulley & pin type of feature is the primary methods installed in umbrellas on a wood patio. In the public sector, a manual push up type of mechanism with pin & hole option to keep the umbrella shade open is the most commonly used. Those with pulleys and cranks at commercial operations are often damaged by patrons who are trying to open and close them. This can be a serious safety risk to all those around.

The Top or Umbrella Finial: The finial is the top part of the umbrella. The umbrella finial adds to the decorative functionality by adding the finishing touches to an umbrella. In addition to looking good, the topper holds down the pinnacle of the shade cover or fabric to the umbrella frame.

The Umbrella Pole: Most umbrella poles come in two pieces, thus allowing for easier shipping and packing, but requires some assembly. While there are many different materials used including fiberglass, steel, plastic or resin composite, the most common pole materials are wood or aluminum. Poles made of one solid piece are stronger. This allows them to stand up against high wind pressure and the general use around resort, condominium pool areas, and restaurant applications.

The Umbrella Rib Arms: The parts of an umbrella frame that expand and hold up the fabric in the open position are the rib arms. Stability and strength generally increase with a greater number of ribs. The best ribs are the Fiberglass ones featured on some Wind Resistant Market Umbrellas are fantastic at enduring gusts of wind without breaking lasting four to five times as long than other ribs.

Umbrellas with Tilt Mechanisms: An extra feature on many residential patio umbrellas is a tilt mechanism that provides extra shade options to better protect people from the sun. There are various types of tilt features, including buttons at the top of the umbrella frame underneath the rib hub, or crank feature tilts integrated into the crank handle.

Learn more about Automatic Umbrella here. Stop by David Maslow’s site where you can find out all about Tilt Umbrella and what it can do for you.