Tiki umbrellas offer a number of features; use this brief overview to determine your needs - TikiBars.com.

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Components of a Tiki Umbrella

The base, crank, finial, pole, ribs, shade cover, and wind vent comprise the various elements of an outdoor tiki umbrella. Learn how each part contributes to creating the ultimate outdoor oasis. Components of an Outdoor Tiki Umbrella An outoor tiki umbrella field guide Tiki Umbrellas Base The base anchors your outdoor Tiki umbrella. Freestanding tiki umbrella bases feature a stem for insertion of the pole of your outdoor umbrella, with bolts used to tighten the fitting. A heavy, flattened disk or weight balances the force of wind blowing into the outdoor umbrella, keeping it in place. Ground insert tiki umbrella bases connect the outdoor umbrella to the ground or cement patio. Deck patio umbrella bases attach to a deck or dock. Tiki Umbrella Crank The patio umbrella crank opens the outdoor umbrella. These devices feature either a manual open lift or a pulley system (rope) lift. In some aluminum tiki umbrellas the crank can also be used to tilt the tiki umbrella towards the angle of incoming sunlight. Tiki Umbrella Finial. The decorative and functional finial appears at the top of the tiki umbrella. Although aesthetically pleasing, the finial serves as an anchor point for the fabric of the tiki umbrella.

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

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

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

Tiki Umbrella Wind Vent An optional design feature, tiki umbrella wind vents promote air circulation in the region covered by the shade. A small space between the primary shade cover and the patio umbrella 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.