Components of a Patio Umbrella

Components of a Patio Umbrella

Base. The base anchors your patio umbrella. Freestanding bases feature a stem for insertion of the pole of your umbrella, with bolts used to tighten the fitting. A heavy, flattened disk or weight balances the force of wind blowing into the umbrella, keeping it in place. Ground insert bases connect the umbrella to the ground or cement patio. Deck bases attach to a deck or dock.

Crank. The crank opens the umbrella. These devices feature either a manual open lift or a pulley system (rope) lift. In some aluminum patio umbrellas the crank can also be used to tilt the umbrella towards the angle of incoming sunlight.

Finial. The decorative and functional finial appears at the top of the umbrella. Although aesthetically pleasing, the finial serves as an anchor point for the fabric of the umbrella.

Pole. The pole of the patio umbrella commonly comes in two pieces for ease of storage, shipping, and set up. Wood or aluminum predominates, with some wooden pole patio umbrellas produced as a single solid unit.

Ribs. These metal or wood bones of the umbrella frame spread the shade out and balance the weight and drag of the umbrella. A greater number of ribs in the umbrella's construction indicate a stronger, sturdier product.

Shade Cover. The shade cover is the fabric portion of your umbrella. Typically constructed from PVC weave, olefin, or acrylic, the shade cover is the fabric portion of the umbrella. Some umbrellas feature detachable shade covers for convenient cleaning.

Wind Vent. An optional design feature, wind vents promote air circulation in the region covered by the shade. A small space between the primary shade cover and the pole allows air to flow freely. A second piece of fabric, raised slightly off the plane of the original, prevents sunlight from beaming through, but maintains the ability of the patio umbrella to allow cooling breezes to penetrate. Single wind vents have one extra flap of fabric and one space; double wind vents have two extra flaps of fabric and two spaces to further increase the airflow.