What can be more annoying than setting up your patio beautifully and then having the umbrella fall over constantly?
I had been facing the same problem, and it kept happening no matter how many times I tried to prevent it. That’s when my neighbor, Angie, stepped in and told me her secret to having the perfect patio set up.
Hello! I am Stacy Smith, and I am here today to make your patio experience better. Having moved to a new house post-retirement, I have been trying to enhance the decor for a long time. And finally, I decided to write down this detailed guide which will help you keep the umbrella in place while you can enjoy a great day outdoors.
The next portion is divided into two parts with the significant points to consider, followed by some exclusive tips shared by Angie.
Grab a cup of coffee and read on to find out how to keep patio umbrella from falling over.
Major Points To Consider
1. Sturdy Patio Table
A good patio table is key to keeping your umbrella in place. The table will hold it securely and will prevent it from falling even on windy days. Always make sure that there is a hole in the center through which the pole will enter.
I would suggest checking the dimensions in case you have a unique pole that is thicker than normal ones. An aluminum table with a solid built is a great option to consider.
The table will also help you keep snacks and essentials while your family gathers under the shade for an outdoor lunch. If you are wondering how to tilt patio umbrella with the table, do not worry! The point from where it can be tilted is above the table, and you will easily be able to move it in any direction you want.
2. Say No To Light Frames
While a frame made of wood or plastic will always be the cheaper alternative, it is not very sturdy and won’t withstand strong winds. It can break easily and will need more support to last long.
If you ask me, I suggest going for a steel or aluminum frame instead, which is 10 times stronger and will last for much longer. This shouldn't be a problem if you're going for a sun umbrella.
3. Check For Air Vents
I was initially surprised to hear about the benefits of an air vent from Angie but on testing it, I found it to be of great help. The theory behind having these vents on the top of your umbrella is to let some amount of air pass through it.
Now, during windy days, when air passes through these vents, the pressure on its outer body reduces, and the umbrella does not topple over. It also works well on sunny days, and it kept me cool underneath.
In case you have already bought an umbrella with no vents, you can take it to the tailor who will create these on top. This is the cheapest and the most effective way to deal with such a situation.
4. Pick A Strong Base
A stand will only work well if it has a strong foundation. So, consider this to be the secret behind an umbrella that never falls. If you can get a heavy-duty base, it will stand against wind and light to medium rain efficiently.
Always opt for a metal base which can be tightened and comes with a knob and bolt. These ensure that the umbrella is right in place and will provide you with maximum stability.
Some Additional Tips
A sturdy metal base can take care of a light storm, but what if it's an extremely windy day? While the points above should ensure that the umbrella stays in place, there are additional things that you can do to prevent it from falling even on very windy days.
1. Add To The Base
I have noticed that no matter how strong the base is, some extra support will always be good. It will help lower the risk of the umbrella falling over. So, coming to what you can use, I would suggest not to spend additional money on it.
Use whatever you can already find around you, which is heavy and can stand on the metal base. These can include heavy sandbags, gravel, old tiles, or metal or wood blocks.
2. Block The Wind
A powerful storm can be quite disastrous, and honestly, it becomes very difficult for an umbrella to withstand it. I have learned it the hard way, and hence, I would advise you to place it in front of a building, wall, or fence. It will act as a barrier and will prevent the wind from hitting your patio accessories directly.
3. Close The Umbrella Every Time
Practice closing the unit every time you use it. I know how good it looks when kept open, but this is a precautionary measure that you should take, especially on cloudy or rainy days.
If you are going to leave the house for some time or go out to work, it is best to keep the umbrella closed and strapped. This will prevent it from flying away in case it becomes very windy.
Final Words
I am sure you would want to enjoy sitting outdoors under the shade, and the last thing you would want is to be worrying about the umbrella getting damaged. Let me tell you that the tips and tricks I shared in this guide have been extremely beneficial for me.
So, before I take my leave, I would love to suggest one last thing. In case the weather forecast says that a storm is coming, or it has been snowing for long, don't think twice about bringing the umbrella inside and storing it till the conditions are better. Especially if you have a top quality umbrella like the ones we've reviewed in this guide.
With this, I will take my leave. I hope you have a wonderful time setting up your patio!