Patio Umbrella, Market Umbrella, Outdoor Umbrella – What Does It All Mean?

The Market Umbrella Conundrum: After many years in the outdoor furnishing business, we continually see a general misunderstanding throughout the industry about what the difference between a patio umbrella and market umbrella is? Conventionally, we have found that a market umbrella usually refers to an outdoor wood type of umbrella or parasol that is typically utilized in the commercial market place, outdoor dining area, bistro, pool side, or basically anywhere the public visits for outdoor activities. In the old days a person would contact their local outdoor furnishings dealer or local warehouse supply and ask to see their selections of market umbrellas for their outside environments with general intentions of finding a wood market umbrella to choose from.

With advancements in technology on the increase, many new types of aluminum umbrellas have taken the place of the old style wood market umbrella due to their strength and resilience in the outdoor elements. Even if a wood market umbrella has been manufactured with a solid one piece pole and has heavy duty rib arms and sealed with several layers of varnish or protective sealant, it may not stand the test of time compared to some of the new aluminum patio umbrellas on the market, strictly due to the flexibility in the aluminum composition. In recent times however, great strides have been made in regards to types of materials and products used in conjunction with wood to make the market umbrella a much sturdier shade structure. Some manufacturers are adding extra options like steel poles or shafts that are inserted into the center of the wood pole to give added strength from wind gusts and challenges caused by persons utilizing the umbrellas.

One of the most recent advancements in wood umbrella technology is a new product called fiber teak, made by a company out of Florida, who adds a resin type compound mixed with wood to give a flexible wood like pole that stand up to 50 mile an hour winds.

Prices for patio umbrellas or market umbrellas can range from an inexpensive thirty nine dollars to several thousand depending on the particular options and mechanisms included, such as Sunbrella fabrics, cranks, pulleys, tilts, metal or brass fittings and thick solid wood poles. There are even patio umbrellas made with remote controls that can be open and closed with touch of a button from inside of your home. The choices you make when deciding on a particular type of patio umbrella for your home and garden area or outdoor patio setting depends on your own experiences and desired goals for the furnishings you require.