Its shelter offers a cool respite from the sun and cheery cover from the errant summer drizzle. If you have questions about your membership or products you've purchased at Costco, please visit the membership counter at your local Costco or Contact Customer Service. The umbrella does not come with an umbrella cover.
We spent about eight hours cranking each of the umbrellas up and down, measuring the canopies, and getting the fabric dirty and then cleaning it. We paid attention to material, knobs, finishes, and assembly instructions. The compact, 19-inch-diameter base is a solid, cast piece of fine-textured black concrete whose bullnose curves remind us of a Boston Cream doughnut. Katie Okamoto is the lead editor of sustainability at Wirecutter. CQ J/} ImDt"zq The relative superiority of this Treasure Garden umbrellas richly colored and thickly textured Sunbrella fabric was evident as soon as we had our five umbrellas set up side by side in a California backyard. The base is an ultra-thin and flat solid steel disc that measures 27.5 inches in diameter, wider than most bases we tested. All of the bases we tested were fairly simple to set up, but we found this to be the most fiddly and least intuitive, especially when comparing the drawn instructions with the physical parts, and at least one Home Depot reviewer agreed. The base is beloved by reviewers on Amazon, Costco, and Overstock. A patio umbrella is an invitation to laze and linger. The umbrella comes with a two-year limited warranty from Home Depot, where this is an exclusive (Hampton Bay is the company's in-house brand). Our umbrellas come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. For manufacturer warranty information, please contact us. But in our dirt tests, we had to really massage the particles into the fabric to get them to set. One umbrella will see its sixth seasonon two coastsand so far has no color fading, rusting, or other issues. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 476 reviews. The wheels are small and short, making the bases exposed concrete underside likely to catch against an uneven hard surface. We decided to focus on umbrellas that cost less than $350 (though our top pick, configured with Sunbrella fabric, has gone up in price since we first published this guide). If you close your umbrella between uses, you should be able to get away with less weight. It was easy to take out of the box and maneuver it around our outdoor space. The practical, no-nonsense plastic resin base comes empty, weighing only about 20 pounds, also making it the easiest to tote around before committing to a location. The pole comes with a two-year limited warranty, which is the same as on our top pick. The Hampton Bays canopy is made of Olefin, a durable and thick fabric thats more affordable (but less durable) than the popular Sunbrella fabric. Most of the stands required modest assembly, and we timed those efforts and noted how difficult the bases were to move around and tighten around our umbrella posts. Second, aluminum umbrellas are much more likely to come with easy-to-use crank-lifting systems (as opposed to line pulleys), as well as with tilting functions that allow you to shift the head of the umbrella to the side, providing you with more control over your shade. Tobacco products cannot be returned to Costco Business Delivery or any Costco warehouse. If our main pick is out of stock, or youre looking for a less expensive option, consider the Hampton Bay 10 ft. Aluminum Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella from Home Depot. But we think a lot of people will appreciate having a passable option in that price range. But our top umbrella pick, the Treasure Garden, is now entering its fifth summer and has weathered two coasts, first in Los Angeles and now in Portland, Maine, and there is still no noticeable fading. Please try again at a later time. The Treasure Garden will last 10 to 15 years. Jesse Mezger, manager at nearby Patioworld, agreed, noting, Three- or four-hundred dollars is inexpensive if its going to last you 15 years or so. Mezger also recommended Treasure Garden umbrellas as standing head and shoulders above cheaper brands: We have customers who come here to buy something quality after having something fail from Home Depot or Costco.. People buy umbrellas that are too small all the time, and theyre useless, said Russ Cletta, a Los Angeles landscape designer. Looking to keep your outdoor umbrella looking new for seasons to come? Durability separates an okay patio umbrella from a great one, and the 9-foot-wide Market Aluminum Push Button Tilt Umbrella should last longer than any of the other umbrellas in our test group. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 3058 reviews. However and wherever you plan to use your umbrella, youll want a sturdy and heavy base to keep it in place. Another fabric option, Obravia, costs about $100 less, and is still a nice option, but its not as durable or fade-resistant as Sunbrella. After these tests, we added two new picks, the Hampton Bay 10 ft. Aluminum Auto-Tilt Market Outdoor Patio Umbrella and the Sunnyglade Patio Umbrella. The second and third umbrellas simply got shredded by some combination of temperamental Santa Ana winds and incessant UV damage, after a little more than two years of year-round use. The original author of this guide, Kalee Thompson, lived for more than a decade in Los Angeles, where the near-constant sun fuels an equally constant quest for more and better shade. Delivery is available to commercial addresses in select metropolitan Calvin Abe, landscape architect, principal, AHBE, phone interview, February 4, 2017, Andy Balderson, landscape designer, phone interview, February 5, 2017, Russ Cletta, landscape designer, phone interview, February 8, 2017, Maggie Lobl, landscape designer, phone interview, February 8, 2017, Naomi Sanders, landscape designer, email interview, February 5, 2017, Veronica Hoodless, sales associate, Fishbecks, Pasadena, California, interview, February 17, 2017, Jesse Mezger, manager, Patioworld, Pasadena, California, interview, February 17, 2017, Jesse Bawsel, manager, Armstrong Garden Centers, Pasadena, California, interview, February 17, 2017, Allen Gant III, casual market manager, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, phone interview, April 13, 2017, David Taylor, founder, Rolling Umbrellas, phone interview, May 17, 2017, The Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide Cool in the Breeze, Patio Productions, April 29, 2014, Patio Umbrella Buying Guide (PDF), Patioworld.com. But for around $50, this model may seem like an excellent value to people who are happy to view a patio umbrella as a semi-disposable purchase. Shes been studying, working in, and writing about the complexities of sustainability since 2005. Youll encounter exceptions, such as umbrellas made of marine-grade fabric or sailcloth, but those are outside the scope of what we think most people want. Another tester believes the button broke because I accidentally knocked it over pretty hard while cleaning it one day. Our tester admits this was a user error on her part and hasnt looked into fixing it yet since she rarely uses the feature. It felt smooth under our hands and was relatively easy to move, thanks to the generous gaps tucked below its base. This is also a good size to move around a deck to provide shade for reading or playing. Not everyone needs an umbrella that will last in the wind, rain, and sun for several years. Each of the 9-foot-diameter market umbrellas we review here can do double duty, as a table shade (most outdoor dining tables include a hole for an umbrella, and a 9-foot umbrella is the perfect size for such use) and as a standalone umbrella to shield a couple of lounge chairs or a play area. If you decide to return the base, youll have to pay a sizable $49 restocking feemore than half the price you paidand if you forget to save your packaging, an additional $50 repackaging fee. Pinched between fingers, the fabric felt thicker and coarser than the thinner, smoother fabrics of the other umbrellas. This would have been the simplest of our picks to set up had it not been for one small but irritating detail: Without its neck attached, the heavy steel plate base is nearly impossible to pick up off the ground when lying flat. And the double screw knobs were the nicest ones we encountered in testing, made of sturdy, smooth plastic and generous in size for good leverage, making it both faster and more pleasant to screw the umbrella pole snugly in place. Carelessly left up, that umbrella was lifted by the wind and converted into a dangerous projectile that stabbed into a neighbors hillside (no, it didnt hurt anyone, and, no, Kalee and her family were not using a base). The first was never the same after an epic 2011 windstorm. She holds a bachelors degree in environmental studies, as well as a masters in architecture, and has covered the overlaps between sustainability and other topics for publications including The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Catapult. The Fiberbuilt base comes in four colors (beige, bronze, black, and white). If youre placing a 9-foot umbrella within a table, you can get away with using a lighter stand that weighs at least 50 pounds. While it seems like a small detail, the knobs were the biggest and smoothest of any of the bases we tested, which made securing the umbrella pole easier and more pleasant. The Sunnyglade umbrella is easy to maneuver, and, at about 10 pounds, it is the lightest of all our pickscompared with 16 pounds for the Treasure Garden and 14 pounds for the Hampton Bay. The underside of the base reveals unsealed concrete that has been poured into the powder-coated steel casing, and it shed some powder and concrete chips as we moved it around the patio. Our tester has been using this base for about a year in Los Angeles, where its lived outside in high heat and dry conditions (though with a notable week of torrential rain), and she hasnt observed any wear. The manufacturer does not claim fade resistance, and we correctly expected that this red umbrella would eventually lose some of its color. (Just make sure not to completely tighten the screw cap down before inserting the umbrella pole, or the pole wont fit.) The designs simplicity means there is less to break over time. We chose to focus on umbrellas with aluminum poles, rather than wood, for a couple of reasons. You can add a pop of color, and they look really nice.. This has been true for our testers under extreme sun and wind in Southern California, the High Sierra in California, Colorado, and in coastal New England. e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K The most important thing you can do to extend your umbrellas life is close it when youre finished using it. Weve been long-term testing a wheeled version of this base (which we discuss below) for about a year, and its held up very well. Rated 4 out of 5 stars based on 70 reviews. We strongly recommend double- and triple-checking the size of your umbrella pole before you click. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 334 reviews. Once the neck was secured to the base, our initial tester found it easy enough to use the neck as gentle leverage to turn the base onto its side. The base should work with an umbrella with a pole diameter of 1 inches, a standard size. The Sunbrella will run you about $100 more than the O'bravia, but all the experts we spoke to recommended Sunbrella for its longer durability and five-year fade-free guarantee. Whether youre looking to illuminate a backyard or balcony, or a picnic table or tent, we have recommendations for 8 delightful and weather-safe options. The 9-foot Abba Patio Market Aluminum Patio Umbrella with Push Button Tilt and Crank was the least expensive of the umbrellas we testedand it showed. The Shademobiles standout feature is its ability to roll and pivot across decks or patios. In our second round of base testing, in May 2021, we considered 20 new stands and tested five. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 75 reviews. The push-button tilt frame carries a one-year warranty; and both fabrics have great warrantiesthe Sunbrella fabric is guaranteed not to fade for five years, and the O'bravia version is guaranteed for four years. Please select another option for additional availability. And weve moved it a few times in the year weve been testing it. During our tests, we rubbed dirt into the fabric and then washed it off with some dish soap, water, and elbow grease. Enjoy free maintenance support with ThinQ Care. Be aware that many online descriptions of umbrella bases obscure the bases actual weight; many of the least expensive bases weigh just 25 or 30 pounds, which is not enough to be reliable. And she looked at the models from upscale umbrella suppliers Tuuci and Santa Barbara Designs; the latter company makes gorgeous umbrellasincluding some that look like flamenco skirts or a shade for a popsicle cartthat are so expensive the prices go unlisted in the companys printed catalog. Subscribe now for unlimited access. However, this is by far the most expensive base we tested within the 50-pound weight class; you are paying for the solid steel disc and aesthetic more than function (youll still have to close your umbrella if using the base without a table). Summer is the ideal time for relaxing by the pool or enjoying a good book in the shade. But even with this weakness, considering that this umbrella costs a fraction of the price of our other picks, the Sunnyglade is a solid budget choice for a patio umbrella. The canopy is made from Olefin fabric, which is not as weather- or fade-resistant as Sunbrella, but it is still known for durability and colorfastness. In 2021, one of our testers ordered a double-vented version of our top pick umbrella, which took six weeks to ship out. In spring 2017, we examined the specs of 16 umbrellas and ultimately tested five popular models. If you think youll need to nudge your stand only a few inches in one plane of direction, you prefer not to have to lift your base, and you also want the extra security that a heavier base affords, this is a decent, lower-cost compact option. In more recent testing, in spring 2020, we tested five budget models in the $110-or-less range and found two that we liked, which weve added as picks here. To expand her personal experience with patio umbrellas, Kalee spoke with AHBE principal architect Calvin Abe; Washington, DCarea landscape designer Andy Balderson; and Los Angeles landscape designers Russ Cletta, Maggie Lobl, and Naomi Sanders (through email), all of whom have helped customers consider and select sun shades. This model opened and closed more smoothly than other similarly priced umbrellas we tested. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 537 reviews.
Kalee unboxed all the stands and set them up on the same day in a sunny Los Angeles backyard. We knew after talking with store managers and landscape designers that its possible to get a high-quality umbrella that will last a long time within this price range. We focused on 50- and 55-pound bases in this round of testing, but we also tested the California Umbrella 75-pound Steel Patio Umbrella Base as a possible rolling option, since it has two wheels. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 1581 reviews. The Shademobile Rolling Umbrella Base is unusual among bases because of its ability to roll and pivot across a smooth deck or patioa crucial feature for anyone who may not be strong enough to easily lift 50 pounds or more. Our Costco Business
We liked that the Paima base has two screw knobs for extra security. The wheels roll on only one axis, so you still have to leverage the base up and turn it to change direction. But it costs just a couple dollars less than our top pick, which we felt had smoother details, less to break, and overall nicer handling. Although you can order the Treasure Garden Market Aluminum umbrella in near-infinite styles, ordering certain options may involve a delay of several weeks, and stock has been in and out for certain styles. Be sure to check our incredible selection of covers, including ones made specifically for patio umbrellas. Jesse Bawsel, manager at the Pasadena location of Armstrong Garden Centers (a chain located only in California) told us that Treasure Garden was the only umbrella brand his store carried. Unlike the Costco umbrellas wrinkly appearancethat model was one of two others we tested made with Sunbrella-brand fabricthe Treasure Garden umbrella appeared pleasingly taut when open. ! We spent a sun-blasted afternoon setting them up with our top pick and budget pick umbrellas, moving them around the space, stepping on them and dusting them, and two weeks observing how they held closed umbrellas in the wind, sun, and dust. Costcos are maybe one-third of the price, said Hoodless, whose store sells 9-foot Treasure Garden umbrellas from about $250. Several umbrella brands offer both types of tilt; others, just one. And Kalee found that once the Shademobile base was filled, it moved quite smoothly over the cracked concrete patio area in her Los Angeles backyard. In August 2020, Ellen Airhart updated this guide to include a wider variety of umbrella picks in different price ranges. (We made an exception for the Shademobile Rolling Base, our also-great pick, which can be filled to weigh up to 125 pounds and has wheels that allow it to roll and pivot, thus offering far more functionality than any other umbrella base we found.). In 2017, we focused on mostly utilitarian bases that cost less than $100. While more expensive for the same weight, this minimalist base is completely flat, making it a good choice if youre looking for something super-sleek and low-profile. (You can buy sand or bricks at the hardware store.) One major caveat to consider: Article is a direct-to-consumer company, so unlike some of our other picks, you wont be able to check it out in person before you buy. It does NOT include set up or package removal. For an umbrella on its own, a base thats 75 to 90 pounds is safestbut lighter will do if you close your umbrella when its not in use. It comes with a hefty 6-inch-long hex key for securing the neck to the base from the bases underside, and the umbrella pole inserts directly into the shaft of the neck and secures with two screw knobs, like our top pick. Some areas are subject to longer transit, delivery and scheduling times and will require an additional 2 - 3 weeks. 1998 2021 Costco Wholesale Corporation. The most common mistake people make with umbrella bases is not buying one at all (they are almost always sold separately) or choosing one that is not heavy enough. PatioLiving, one of their main online authorized sellers, offers more customization optionsincluding more than 100 fabric choices, far more than any other umbrella we testedif you order under its standard or non-stock Sunbrella configuration option (these will take four to six weeks to ship). Delivery is available to commercial addresses in select metropolitan One tester, who has been keeping the umbrella out under LAs glaring rays for about a year, said the color has faded. Southern California in-store experts Bawsel and Hoodless both said that even though a Treasure Garden umbrella is likely to last a decade, some fading of the fabric is occasionally noticeable after about five years. 360 Degree Rotation Gant explained to us that this process was what allowed Sunbrella fabrics to retain their color far better than polyester and other yarn-dyed goods: If you take a radish and you expose it to UV and weather, youre going to get to a white core. Initial set-up was straightforward and took less than two minutes, and we barely needed the accompanying illustrated instruction sheet.
To tighten the umbrella in place, it has a single, generously sized screw knob. But she said this has diminished neither her enjoyment nor the umbrellas performance. Shop by brand or by design! The hex key gave an extra bit of leverage that made us feel confident in the sturdiness of the connection. But if winds unexpectedly pick up, that umbrella could easily be lifted from beneath, fly through the air, and crash-landpotentially injuring someone, damaging property, or breaking spokes or tearing fabric (the latter has happened to us). This reliable umbrella will resist sun and wind damage more effectively than cheaper models and will likely last four times as long. For maximum safety, some experts recommend buying a standalone base that weighs 10 times the size of the umbrella (so a 9-foot-wide umbrella would require a 90-pound base). Article offers free exchanges but not free returns within 30 days. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 (2021 Release) and Ring Stick Up Security Cam Bundle. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 487 reviews. It comes with solar lights, but we didnt test this feature for this round. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 158 reviews. Kalee examined the umbrella inventory at local stores, including Costco, Home Depot, IKEA, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Walmart, and systematically examined the much more extensive online offerings from the same, as well as from Amazon, Armstrong Garden Centers, Crate & Barrel, Design Within Reach, Lowes, Overstock, Restoration Hardware, Target, Wayfair, and West Elm. Center warehouses are open to all members. The umbrellas we looked at all have poles that are 1 inches in diameter, a standard size that will generally fit the hole in any outdoor dining table, as well as in the vast majority of umbrella bases. The plastic knobs are small compared with those on our upgrade pick, the Abba Patio Round Steel Market Patio Umbrella Base, but they were nonetheless comfortable to handle, thanks to the rounded finish of their edges at the back, a detail that more expensive bases that we tested did not always include. Youve colored that material at the liquid level, said Allen Gant III, great-grandson of Glen Ravens founder and a current company manager.
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We have left our umbrella in the base, folded up, for about a year in a windy valley of Los Angeles, through serious wind storms that sent our tester rushing to the deck to make sure everything was okay. In 2017, we examined the specs of 12 popular bases, after which we narrowed our list to test five that ranked among the most highly recommended, offered excellent value, or both. Though the dirt we applied was likely a more aggressive saturation than the layer of dirt that will coat most outdoor umbrellas over time, we didnt find any stains after washing. Without the volume or handholds of our top pick, it was difficult to get a grip. But it is also the most expensive for its weight, just 55 pounds (the same weight as our top pick). Kalee and her family have been using the Shademobile to hold their Treasure Garden umbrella since 2017, and its still in great shape, showing no signs of deterioration even after moving from Southern California to coastal Maine. Order Online and pickup at your local Costco. In testing, we liked its very simple assembly: Just screw the neck, with its pre-threaded plastic washer, onto the round base. Beyond offering Sunbrella fabric, the Treasure Garden brand has the most style options weve seenincluding dozens of colors and patterns, rare double wind vents, and a choice of models with a push-button or crank tilt. And weve only had to intervene once, on a gusty afternoon while the umbrella was fully opena good lesson in why you should always close your umbrella before going inside. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. areas. This is an exception to Costco's return policy. Many of the umbrellas youll find on Costco.com are maneuverable as well, so you can find shade, no matter what direction the sun is coming from. Its almost like the tail wagging the dog, he told us. At a maximum of 125 pounds, the utilitarian Shademobile Rolling Umbrella Base is far heavier than any other umbrella base we tested. We independently review everything we recommend. We quickly realized that many people make the mistake of buying a base that isnt heavy enough (lighter bases typically cost much less) or forgoing one entirely. For those who want more options, this may be a detractor. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :ks+$LaZr6!q;::NVU= (&H~gX,GMU`w8K LQ>fgd-c Fl4TU*g-,p*W :ilYVEy X7O] xUN `m?`C6R8y"Jb!bYeZ*B`B>q ;M)d=`z GEqXbtA|GX}~g;`]JI{NQhNRDXm%iQdt That said, the threading alignment on the neck did not make for smooth threading, leaving about a quarter-inch gap between the neck and the base, no matter how many times we tried. We appreciated the grippiness of the ridged screw cap, and it still felt sturdy after we removed and reinserted the umbrella several times. We focused on bases in the 50- to 55-pound weight range that cost less than $130 but offer a sleeker aesthetic. We found that the crank-tilt option is easier and faster, especially for shorter people, who may have to stand on a chair to reach the push button near the top of a push-tilt models pole (though all of the push-button versions we tried functioned just fine). Some of our picks do come in versions with wood poles and spokes, though, which many people may prefer for aesthetic reasons. Otherwise, unexpected winds may send it flying or tip it over (the landing may break spokes or cause tears) or simply exert pressures that will eventually degrade the fabric. She has been a writer on the emergency-prep and outdoor beats at Wirecutter and has also covered natural disasters for Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines. If youre looking for a light, serviceable option to use for a few seasons in your backyard or on your apartment balcony, our budget pick is the Sunnyglade 9 Patio Umbrella.
We spent about eight hours cranking each of the umbrellas up and down, measuring the canopies, and getting the fabric dirty and then cleaning it. We paid attention to material, knobs, finishes, and assembly instructions. The compact, 19-inch-diameter base is a solid, cast piece of fine-textured black concrete whose bullnose curves remind us of a Boston Cream doughnut. Katie Okamoto is the lead editor of sustainability at Wirecutter. CQ J/} ImDt"zq The relative superiority of this Treasure Garden umbrellas richly colored and thickly textured Sunbrella fabric was evident as soon as we had our five umbrellas set up side by side in a California backyard. The base is an ultra-thin and flat solid steel disc that measures 27.5 inches in diameter, wider than most bases we tested. All of the bases we tested were fairly simple to set up, but we found this to be the most fiddly and least intuitive, especially when comparing the drawn instructions with the physical parts, and at least one Home Depot reviewer agreed. The base is beloved by reviewers on Amazon, Costco, and Overstock. A patio umbrella is an invitation to laze and linger. The umbrella comes with a two-year limited warranty from Home Depot, where this is an exclusive (Hampton Bay is the company's in-house brand). Our umbrellas come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. For manufacturer warranty information, please contact us. But in our dirt tests, we had to really massage the particles into the fabric to get them to set. One umbrella will see its sixth seasonon two coastsand so far has no color fading, rusting, or other issues. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 476 reviews. The wheels are small and short, making the bases exposed concrete underside likely to catch against an uneven hard surface. We decided to focus on umbrellas that cost less than $350 (though our top pick, configured with Sunbrella fabric, has gone up in price since we first published this guide). If you close your umbrella between uses, you should be able to get away with less weight. It was easy to take out of the box and maneuver it around our outdoor space. The practical, no-nonsense plastic resin base comes empty, weighing only about 20 pounds, also making it the easiest to tote around before committing to a location. The pole comes with a two-year limited warranty, which is the same as on our top pick. The Hampton Bays canopy is made of Olefin, a durable and thick fabric thats more affordable (but less durable) than the popular Sunbrella fabric. Most of the stands required modest assembly, and we timed those efforts and noted how difficult the bases were to move around and tighten around our umbrella posts. Second, aluminum umbrellas are much more likely to come with easy-to-use crank-lifting systems (as opposed to line pulleys), as well as with tilting functions that allow you to shift the head of the umbrella to the side, providing you with more control over your shade. Tobacco products cannot be returned to Costco Business Delivery or any Costco warehouse. If our main pick is out of stock, or youre looking for a less expensive option, consider the Hampton Bay 10 ft. Aluminum Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella from Home Depot. But we think a lot of people will appreciate having a passable option in that price range. But our top umbrella pick, the Treasure Garden, is now entering its fifth summer and has weathered two coasts, first in Los Angeles and now in Portland, Maine, and there is still no noticeable fading. Please try again at a later time. The Treasure Garden will last 10 to 15 years. Jesse Mezger, manager at nearby Patioworld, agreed, noting, Three- or four-hundred dollars is inexpensive if its going to last you 15 years or so. Mezger also recommended Treasure Garden umbrellas as standing head and shoulders above cheaper brands: We have customers who come here to buy something quality after having something fail from Home Depot or Costco.. People buy umbrellas that are too small all the time, and theyre useless, said Russ Cletta, a Los Angeles landscape designer. Looking to keep your outdoor umbrella looking new for seasons to come? Durability separates an okay patio umbrella from a great one, and the 9-foot-wide Market Aluminum Push Button Tilt Umbrella should last longer than any of the other umbrellas in our test group. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 3058 reviews. However and wherever you plan to use your umbrella, youll want a sturdy and heavy base to keep it in place. Another fabric option, Obravia, costs about $100 less, and is still a nice option, but its not as durable or fade-resistant as Sunbrella. After these tests, we added two new picks, the Hampton Bay 10 ft. Aluminum Auto-Tilt Market Outdoor Patio Umbrella and the Sunnyglade Patio Umbrella. The second and third umbrellas simply got shredded by some combination of temperamental Santa Ana winds and incessant UV damage, after a little more than two years of year-round use. The original author of this guide, Kalee Thompson, lived for more than a decade in Los Angeles, where the near-constant sun fuels an equally constant quest for more and better shade. Delivery is available to commercial addresses in select metropolitan Calvin Abe, landscape architect, principal, AHBE, phone interview, February 4, 2017, Andy Balderson, landscape designer, phone interview, February 5, 2017, Russ Cletta, landscape designer, phone interview, February 8, 2017, Maggie Lobl, landscape designer, phone interview, February 8, 2017, Naomi Sanders, landscape designer, email interview, February 5, 2017, Veronica Hoodless, sales associate, Fishbecks, Pasadena, California, interview, February 17, 2017, Jesse Mezger, manager, Patioworld, Pasadena, California, interview, February 17, 2017, Jesse Bawsel, manager, Armstrong Garden Centers, Pasadena, California, interview, February 17, 2017, Allen Gant III, casual market manager, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, phone interview, April 13, 2017, David Taylor, founder, Rolling Umbrellas, phone interview, May 17, 2017, The Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buyers Guide Cool in the Breeze, Patio Productions, April 29, 2014, Patio Umbrella Buying Guide (PDF), Patioworld.com. But for around $50, this model may seem like an excellent value to people who are happy to view a patio umbrella as a semi-disposable purchase. Shes been studying, working in, and writing about the complexities of sustainability since 2005. Youll encounter exceptions, such as umbrellas made of marine-grade fabric or sailcloth, but those are outside the scope of what we think most people want. Another tester believes the button broke because I accidentally knocked it over pretty hard while cleaning it one day. Our tester admits this was a user error on her part and hasnt looked into fixing it yet since she rarely uses the feature. It felt smooth under our hands and was relatively easy to move, thanks to the generous gaps tucked below its base. This is also a good size to move around a deck to provide shade for reading or playing. Not everyone needs an umbrella that will last in the wind, rain, and sun for several years. Each of the 9-foot-diameter market umbrellas we review here can do double duty, as a table shade (most outdoor dining tables include a hole for an umbrella, and a 9-foot umbrella is the perfect size for such use) and as a standalone umbrella to shield a couple of lounge chairs or a play area. If you decide to return the base, youll have to pay a sizable $49 restocking feemore than half the price you paidand if you forget to save your packaging, an additional $50 repackaging fee. Pinched between fingers, the fabric felt thicker and coarser than the thinner, smoother fabrics of the other umbrellas. This would have been the simplest of our picks to set up had it not been for one small but irritating detail: Without its neck attached, the heavy steel plate base is nearly impossible to pick up off the ground when lying flat. And the double screw knobs were the nicest ones we encountered in testing, made of sturdy, smooth plastic and generous in size for good leverage, making it both faster and more pleasant to screw the umbrella pole snugly in place. Carelessly left up, that umbrella was lifted by the wind and converted into a dangerous projectile that stabbed into a neighbors hillside (no, it didnt hurt anyone, and, no, Kalee and her family were not using a base). The first was never the same after an epic 2011 windstorm. She holds a bachelors degree in environmental studies, as well as a masters in architecture, and has covered the overlaps between sustainability and other topics for publications including The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Catapult. The Fiberbuilt base comes in four colors (beige, bronze, black, and white). If youre placing a 9-foot umbrella within a table, you can get away with using a lighter stand that weighs at least 50 pounds. While it seems like a small detail, the knobs were the biggest and smoothest of any of the bases we tested, which made securing the umbrella pole easier and more pleasant. The Sunnyglade umbrella is easy to maneuver, and, at about 10 pounds, it is the lightest of all our pickscompared with 16 pounds for the Treasure Garden and 14 pounds for the Hampton Bay. The underside of the base reveals unsealed concrete that has been poured into the powder-coated steel casing, and it shed some powder and concrete chips as we moved it around the patio. Our tester has been using this base for about a year in Los Angeles, where its lived outside in high heat and dry conditions (though with a notable week of torrential rain), and she hasnt observed any wear. The manufacturer does not claim fade resistance, and we correctly expected that this red umbrella would eventually lose some of its color. (Just make sure not to completely tighten the screw cap down before inserting the umbrella pole, or the pole wont fit.) The designs simplicity means there is less to break over time. We chose to focus on umbrellas with aluminum poles, rather than wood, for a couple of reasons. You can add a pop of color, and they look really nice.. This has been true for our testers under extreme sun and wind in Southern California, the High Sierra in California, Colorado, and in coastal New England. e6)EIgf"{lf||U7$8GzR'F5'_)F]TH_rGetd|lF hV23dp",5g;p~Y7U?K The most important thing you can do to extend your umbrellas life is close it when youre finished using it. Weve been long-term testing a wheeled version of this base (which we discuss below) for about a year, and its held up very well. Rated 4 out of 5 stars based on 70 reviews. We strongly recommend double- and triple-checking the size of your umbrella pole before you click. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 334 reviews. Once the neck was secured to the base, our initial tester found it easy enough to use the neck as gentle leverage to turn the base onto its side. The base should work with an umbrella with a pole diameter of 1 inches, a standard size. The Sunbrella will run you about $100 more than the O'bravia, but all the experts we spoke to recommended Sunbrella for its longer durability and five-year fade-free guarantee. Whether youre looking to illuminate a backyard or balcony, or a picnic table or tent, we have recommendations for 8 delightful and weather-safe options. The 9-foot Abba Patio Market Aluminum Patio Umbrella with Push Button Tilt and Crank was the least expensive of the umbrellas we testedand it showed. The Shademobiles standout feature is its ability to roll and pivot across decks or patios. In our second round of base testing, in May 2021, we considered 20 new stands and tested five. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 75 reviews. The push-button tilt frame carries a one-year warranty; and both fabrics have great warrantiesthe Sunbrella fabric is guaranteed not to fade for five years, and the O'bravia version is guaranteed for four years. Please select another option for additional availability. And weve moved it a few times in the year weve been testing it. During our tests, we rubbed dirt into the fabric and then washed it off with some dish soap, water, and elbow grease. Enjoy free maintenance support with ThinQ Care. Be aware that many online descriptions of umbrella bases obscure the bases actual weight; many of the least expensive bases weigh just 25 or 30 pounds, which is not enough to be reliable. And she looked at the models from upscale umbrella suppliers Tuuci and Santa Barbara Designs; the latter company makes gorgeous umbrellasincluding some that look like flamenco skirts or a shade for a popsicle cartthat are so expensive the prices go unlisted in the companys printed catalog. Subscribe now for unlimited access. However, this is by far the most expensive base we tested within the 50-pound weight class; you are paying for the solid steel disc and aesthetic more than function (youll still have to close your umbrella if using the base without a table). Summer is the ideal time for relaxing by the pool or enjoying a good book in the shade. But even with this weakness, considering that this umbrella costs a fraction of the price of our other picks, the Sunnyglade is a solid budget choice for a patio umbrella. The canopy is made from Olefin fabric, which is not as weather- or fade-resistant as Sunbrella, but it is still known for durability and colorfastness. In 2021, one of our testers ordered a double-vented version of our top pick umbrella, which took six weeks to ship out. In spring 2017, we examined the specs of 16 umbrellas and ultimately tested five popular models. If you think youll need to nudge your stand only a few inches in one plane of direction, you prefer not to have to lift your base, and you also want the extra security that a heavier base affords, this is a decent, lower-cost compact option. In more recent testing, in spring 2020, we tested five budget models in the $110-or-less range and found two that we liked, which weve added as picks here. To expand her personal experience with patio umbrellas, Kalee spoke with AHBE principal architect Calvin Abe; Washington, DCarea landscape designer Andy Balderson; and Los Angeles landscape designers Russ Cletta, Maggie Lobl, and Naomi Sanders (through email), all of whom have helped customers consider and select sun shades. This model opened and closed more smoothly than other similarly priced umbrellas we tested. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 537 reviews.
Kalee unboxed all the stands and set them up on the same day in a sunny Los Angeles backyard. We knew after talking with store managers and landscape designers that its possible to get a high-quality umbrella that will last a long time within this price range. We focused on 50- and 55-pound bases in this round of testing, but we also tested the California Umbrella 75-pound Steel Patio Umbrella Base as a possible rolling option, since it has two wheels. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 1581 reviews. The Shademobile Rolling Umbrella Base is unusual among bases because of its ability to roll and pivot across a smooth deck or patioa crucial feature for anyone who may not be strong enough to easily lift 50 pounds or more. Our Costco Business
We liked that the Paima base has two screw knobs for extra security. The wheels roll on only one axis, so you still have to leverage the base up and turn it to change direction. But it costs just a couple dollars less than our top pick, which we felt had smoother details, less to break, and overall nicer handling. Although you can order the Treasure Garden Market Aluminum umbrella in near-infinite styles, ordering certain options may involve a delay of several weeks, and stock has been in and out for certain styles. Be sure to check our incredible selection of covers, including ones made specifically for patio umbrellas. Jesse Bawsel, manager at the Pasadena location of Armstrong Garden Centers (a chain located only in California) told us that Treasure Garden was the only umbrella brand his store carried. Unlike the Costco umbrellas wrinkly appearancethat model was one of two others we tested made with Sunbrella-brand fabricthe Treasure Garden umbrella appeared pleasingly taut when open. ! We spent a sun-blasted afternoon setting them up with our top pick and budget pick umbrellas, moving them around the space, stepping on them and dusting them, and two weeks observing how they held closed umbrellas in the wind, sun, and dust. Costcos are maybe one-third of the price, said Hoodless, whose store sells 9-foot Treasure Garden umbrellas from about $250. Several umbrella brands offer both types of tilt; others, just one. And Kalee found that once the Shademobile base was filled, it moved quite smoothly over the cracked concrete patio area in her Los Angeles backyard. In August 2020, Ellen Airhart updated this guide to include a wider variety of umbrella picks in different price ranges. (We made an exception for the Shademobile Rolling Base, our also-great pick, which can be filled to weigh up to 125 pounds and has wheels that allow it to roll and pivot, thus offering far more functionality than any other umbrella base we found.). In 2017, we focused on mostly utilitarian bases that cost less than $100. While more expensive for the same weight, this minimalist base is completely flat, making it a good choice if youre looking for something super-sleek and low-profile. (You can buy sand or bricks at the hardware store.) One major caveat to consider: Article is a direct-to-consumer company, so unlike some of our other picks, you wont be able to check it out in person before you buy. It does NOT include set up or package removal. For an umbrella on its own, a base thats 75 to 90 pounds is safestbut lighter will do if you close your umbrella when its not in use. It comes with a hefty 6-inch-long hex key for securing the neck to the base from the bases underside, and the umbrella pole inserts directly into the shaft of the neck and secures with two screw knobs, like our top pick. Some areas are subject to longer transit, delivery and scheduling times and will require an additional 2 - 3 weeks. 1998 2021 Costco Wholesale Corporation. The most common mistake people make with umbrella bases is not buying one at all (they are almost always sold separately) or choosing one that is not heavy enough. PatioLiving, one of their main online authorized sellers, offers more customization optionsincluding more than 100 fabric choices, far more than any other umbrella we testedif you order under its standard or non-stock Sunbrella configuration option (these will take four to six weeks to ship). Delivery is available to commercial addresses in select metropolitan One tester, who has been keeping the umbrella out under LAs glaring rays for about a year, said the color has faded. Southern California in-store experts Bawsel and Hoodless both said that even though a Treasure Garden umbrella is likely to last a decade, some fading of the fabric is occasionally noticeable after about five years. 360 Degree Rotation Gant explained to us that this process was what allowed Sunbrella fabrics to retain their color far better than polyester and other yarn-dyed goods: If you take a radish and you expose it to UV and weather, youre going to get to a white core. Initial set-up was straightforward and took less than two minutes, and we barely needed the accompanying illustrated instruction sheet.
To tighten the umbrella in place, it has a single, generously sized screw knob. But she said this has diminished neither her enjoyment nor the umbrellas performance. Shop by brand or by design! The hex key gave an extra bit of leverage that made us feel confident in the sturdiness of the connection. But if winds unexpectedly pick up, that umbrella could easily be lifted from beneath, fly through the air, and crash-landpotentially injuring someone, damaging property, or breaking spokes or tearing fabric (the latter has happened to us). This reliable umbrella will resist sun and wind damage more effectively than cheaper models and will likely last four times as long. For maximum safety, some experts recommend buying a standalone base that weighs 10 times the size of the umbrella (so a 9-foot-wide umbrella would require a 90-pound base). Article offers free exchanges but not free returns within 30 days. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 (2021 Release) and Ring Stick Up Security Cam Bundle. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 487 reviews. It comes with solar lights, but we didnt test this feature for this round. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 158 reviews. Kalee examined the umbrella inventory at local stores, including Costco, Home Depot, IKEA, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Walmart, and systematically examined the much more extensive online offerings from the same, as well as from Amazon, Armstrong Garden Centers, Crate & Barrel, Design Within Reach, Lowes, Overstock, Restoration Hardware, Target, Wayfair, and West Elm. Center warehouses are open to all members. The umbrellas we looked at all have poles that are 1 inches in diameter, a standard size that will generally fit the hole in any outdoor dining table, as well as in the vast majority of umbrella bases. The plastic knobs are small compared with those on our upgrade pick, the Abba Patio Round Steel Market Patio Umbrella Base, but they were nonetheless comfortable to handle, thanks to the rounded finish of their edges at the back, a detail that more expensive bases that we tested did not always include. Youve colored that material at the liquid level, said Allen Gant III, great-grandson of Glen Ravens founder and a current company manager.
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We have left our umbrella in the base, folded up, for about a year in a windy valley of Los Angeles, through serious wind storms that sent our tester rushing to the deck to make sure everything was okay. In 2017, we examined the specs of 12 popular bases, after which we narrowed our list to test five that ranked among the most highly recommended, offered excellent value, or both. Though the dirt we applied was likely a more aggressive saturation than the layer of dirt that will coat most outdoor umbrellas over time, we didnt find any stains after washing. Without the volume or handholds of our top pick, it was difficult to get a grip. But it is also the most expensive for its weight, just 55 pounds (the same weight as our top pick). Kalee and her family have been using the Shademobile to hold their Treasure Garden umbrella since 2017, and its still in great shape, showing no signs of deterioration even after moving from Southern California to coastal Maine. Order Online and pickup at your local Costco. In testing, we liked its very simple assembly: Just screw the neck, with its pre-threaded plastic washer, onto the round base. Beyond offering Sunbrella fabric, the Treasure Garden brand has the most style options weve seenincluding dozens of colors and patterns, rare double wind vents, and a choice of models with a push-button or crank tilt. And weve only had to intervene once, on a gusty afternoon while the umbrella was fully opena good lesson in why you should always close your umbrella before going inside. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. areas. This is an exception to Costco's return policy. Many of the umbrellas youll find on Costco.com are maneuverable as well, so you can find shade, no matter what direction the sun is coming from. Its almost like the tail wagging the dog, he told us. At a maximum of 125 pounds, the utilitarian Shademobile Rolling Umbrella Base is far heavier than any other umbrella base we tested. We independently review everything we recommend. We quickly realized that many people make the mistake of buying a base that isnt heavy enough (lighter bases typically cost much less) or forgoing one entirely. For those who want more options, this may be a detractor. /Rttm%fH~ 0Dw).TQPfK7_jN"jqp- \0%am=Un0}#4kaF iP"O': :ks+$LaZr6!q;::NVU= (&H~gX,GMU`w8K LQ>fgd-c Fl4TU*g-,p*W :ilYVEy X7O] xUN `m?`C6R8y"Jb!bYeZ*B`B>q ;M)d=`z GEqXbtA|GX}~g;`]JI{NQhNRDXm%iQdt That said, the threading alignment on the neck did not make for smooth threading, leaving about a quarter-inch gap between the neck and the base, no matter how many times we tried. We appreciated the grippiness of the ridged screw cap, and it still felt sturdy after we removed and reinserted the umbrella several times. We focused on bases in the 50- to 55-pound weight range that cost less than $130 but offer a sleeker aesthetic. We found that the crank-tilt option is easier and faster, especially for shorter people, who may have to stand on a chair to reach the push button near the top of a push-tilt models pole (though all of the push-button versions we tried functioned just fine). Some of our picks do come in versions with wood poles and spokes, though, which many people may prefer for aesthetic reasons. Otherwise, unexpected winds may send it flying or tip it over (the landing may break spokes or cause tears) or simply exert pressures that will eventually degrade the fabric. She has been a writer on the emergency-prep and outdoor beats at Wirecutter and has also covered natural disasters for Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines. If youre looking for a light, serviceable option to use for a few seasons in your backyard or on your apartment balcony, our budget pick is the Sunnyglade 9 Patio Umbrella.