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by flatworldsedge

Market umbrellas – Focus on your requirements

Do you own a restaurant or café and want to protect your guests from the harsh elements while they are enjoying their refreshments in open air? Or do you wish to add a touch of style to your patio table at home? Either way, a market umbrella can be perfect addition to your establishment. These umbrellas are characterized by a straight-edged canopy instead of hanging valances, as in other varieties. These umbrellas usually have either a rectangular or square shaped top with a frame having 6 or 8 ribs. Many of the umbrellas also have a built-in tilt option, allowing the owner to align these in the perfect direction so as to block out most of the Sun’s rays. Umbrellas in light colors can resist the UV rays of the Sun as well, protecting the people underneath.

Before you go about purchasing a market umbrella, you should do a little planning about your exact requirements.Market umbrellas are available in a host of options of sizes, frame types and fabrics, so as to fit both your requirements and your budget. Choose yours carefully, based on the following criteria to make sure you get the right one for your establishment.

The size of the umbrella

Market umbrellas come in various sizes. Choose according to the size of the table, so as to ensure maximum coverage. Keep the following information in mind to make sure you pick the right umbrella:

7-foot long umbrellas are good for providing a comfortable shade over any café table up to 35 inches in length.

Tables up to 48 inches in length need shade from a 9-foot umbrella.

10-foot patio umbrellas can provide lots of cover from the elements over tables that are up to 60 inches long. These umbrellas are usually offset, allowing you to place those wherever you need.

11-foot market umbrellas are perfect for covering rectangular tables up to 72 inches in length. Some 11-foot umbrellas are oval in shape and will look absolutely in place over your oval-shaped patio table.

The type of frame

Umbrella frames come in wood or aluminum. Both are excellent in terms of looks and durability, so let your personal preferences and wallet guide you to your final choice.

Wood – Wooden frames are more expensive, but undoubtedly the classier option among the two. These are well-suited for wooden decks and patios. Choose an umbrella with a well-polished wooden frame, and you can be assured of years of faithful service.

Aluminum – Umbrellas with aluminum frames stand up to the elements and stay in good shape for years. The corrosion-resistant property of aluminum serves well here, lending unmatched durability to the frame and providing excellent value for money.

The type of fabric

The fabric used in the umbrella is another thing that you must look out for, while shopping for a market umbrella. There are several popular varieties of fabrics, including Sunbrella, Olefin and Spun Poly. Here’s the lowdown on these fabric types, to help you in making a decision.

Sunbrella – It is an acrylic fabric that characteristically resists the harsh elements, like sunlight, rain, and wind. The fabric is solution-dyed, which locks the color into the fabric, preserving it for years. Sunbrella fabric can also be washed whenever required, using mild soap and water. It will still retain its color without fading out.

100% Solution dyed fabric – These are available under a number of brand names. All 100% solution dyed fabrics are made from 7 to 9 oz., solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that are lighter in weight than Sunbrella. Solution dyed fabrics retain the bright colors for years and do not look faded or washed out, because the manufacturing process locks the colors into the fabric itself.

Olefin – It is a weather-resistant, lightweight, 8oz. solution-dyed fabric that also comes with a 1-year warranty. Market umbrellas made of Olefin fabric retain color and last for years, providing good value for money.

Spun Poly – It is a special kind of polyester fabric characterized by high strength, smoothness, uniform quality, and fast colors. Spun Poly fabric resembles cotton fabric by virtue of its flexibility, but compared to cotton it is stronger and greatly resists mold and mildew, something that cotton fabrics simply cannot do. Market umbrellas made of spun poly are best for single-season use, and greatly resist adverse weather conditions.

These criteria are what you should look out for when purchasing a market umbrella for your establishment. No matter whether you want an umbrella for a backyard barbecue, or your new open air restaurant, there is always something to suit your needs. Just keep your requirements in your mind at all times, and keep an eye on your wallet. That should allow you to get your hands on the umbrella that is perfect for your every need.

Music video by Rihanna performing Umbrella. (C) 2007 The Island Def Jam Music Group

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