Best Material For Patio Umbrella Pole

As the sun is right around the corner, many of us are looking to get out on our porch and enjoy our yard again. We want to be able to set up our table with a place setting and some ice tea, change into our bathing suit and relaxation get began.  

No matter what part of the nation you live in, or what season it is, your patio umbrella pole will be exposed to all weather conditions. If we do not have one already then that is where we will begin.  

As the tropical sun is cranking out millions of heat from its surface, we need to make sure that we choose the proper material for patio umbrella pole. 

What are the common materials used on patio umbrella? 

The umbrella pole is what connects the canopy to the base of your patio umbrella. It can be made from different materials such as aluminum, steel, plastic, wicker and more. The material used in the making of your pole will determine some things like durability, strength and cost.  

As with anything else, there are pros and cons to each material used in making an umbrella pole. Let’s have a look at each one of these and try to decide which one is best for you… 

Steel 

It is said that steel is one of the most common material used to make patio umbrella pole. It has been used as a great alternative to wood. Steel patio umbrellas are easy to assemble and require less maintenance. 

The first reason why steel is the preferred material for making patio umbrellas is its durability. You can use it outdoors and it will last longer than the wooden ones. The second reason is because steel can be painted in various colors. You have options of painting your patio umbrella in different colors to match your outdoor décor. 

Plastic 

Plastic is one of the most common materials used for patio umbrella pole. This material is very lightweight, and it is also very easy to find. It can be found in a number of different colors, and there are even some patio umbrellas that are made out of clear plastic. These are perfect for sunrooms where you want to make the most of the natural sunlight. 

Wicker 

As we all know, wicker is a material that has been used for several years for different purposes. In fact, it is said to be one of the most common materials used for patio umbrella. It does not only look good but is also durable and affordable as well. 

Tropical and stylish, this material can complement any outdoor decoration. It is not only used for providing shade from the sun, but it can also be used as a set of furniture in your backyard or even in your home’s patio area or terrace. 

Wicker is made by weaving together different kinds of fibers to form a strong and flexible basket-like weave that can be formed into different shapes and styles. 

After all these benefits and uses of wicker you might be wondering what else it can do for you. The answer is simple, because it is also eco-friendly. This means that people will have no problem using this type of material in their homes because they are not harming the environment in any way whatsoever. 

Because of its wonderful features, many people have started using this material for making various items such as furniture and accessories. 

Fiberglass 

Fiberglass has been the most common material used in patio umbrella poles since they were invented. The fiberglass is hollow and lightweight and is made from a combination of glass fibers and resin. It is very strong, yet easy to work with. The fiberglass can be molded into any shape or size making it perfect for creating patio umbrellas. 

Wood 

Wood is another popular material that has been used for patio umbrella poles for many years. Wood is more expensive than fiberglass, but it is also stronger, more environmentally friendly, and lasts much longer. Wood can be treated with wood sealant to help protect against weather damage and insects. Cedar wood has become very popular because of its natural resistance to rot, insects, and decay. 

Aluminum 

When it comes to patio umbrellas, aluminum is one of the best materials to use. It is very strong and durable. Aluminum can withstand the test of time and will never rust or rot. It is also very light weight compared to other metal poles. 

The finish that you choose on your aluminum patio umbrella pole can make a big difference in its appearance. The finish that you choose will depend on how you want your patio umbrella to look in your backyard. If you want it to look casual, then you may want to go with a matte finish. For something more formal, then you might want to consider a high gloss finish for your aluminum pole. 

Aluminum poles don’t require any maintenance since they are resistant to rusting and rotting. It is also possible to get an aluminum pole that has been finished with an anti-UV coating so it won’t fade over time if exposed to a lot of sunlight. Aluminum patio umbrella poles are suggested for people who don’t want a lot of maintenance with their outdoor furniture. A good quality aluminum pole will last for years as long as it is taken care of properly. 

Which is the best material to use? 

It’s best to go with a strong, durable material if you want your umbrella to last a long time. There are several different materials that can be used for the construction of umbrella poles. Let’s take a look at some of the options. 

Treated wood: This is usually the cheapest option when it comes to umbrella poles. The treatment helps resist rot and insects; however, it can crack or splinter over time. 

Fiberglass: A type of plastic reinforced with glass fibers, this is a very strong pole. Because it is made from plastic, you will need to add a sleeve in order to make it look more attractive. 

Aluminum: A lightweight material that won’t rust or corrode, aluminum poles are also very attractive and come in many finishes. One disadvantage is that aluminum poles tend to absorb heat from the sun, which can cause them to warp if they get too hot. 

Carbon fiber: Extremely strong and lightweight, carbon fiber is corrosion-resistant and may never need repainting. On the downside, this material tends to be quite expensive. 

Does the patio umbrella pole matters? 

Yes. If you are looking to purchase a patio umbrella, you probably have already considered the size of the umbrella, color and design. However, there is one more thing that you should consider – the height of the umbrella pole. In general, most patio umbrellas come with adjustable umbrella poles that can be extended.  

The height of your umbrella pole determines how much shade your umbrella will provide for you to sit in. A standard patio umbrella pole is 7 feet tall. If you want more shade, then you should consider buying an 8 or 9 foot high patio umbrella pole.  

The higher the pole, the more shade it will provide. However, if you are planning on placing your patio umbrella inside the house or building, then a 7 foot pole will suffice. When purchasing your patio dining set or furniture, think about how tall your ceiling is to determine what height patio umbrella will work best for you. 

Conclusion 

If you are looking for a patio umbrella pole, there are some things to think about first. There are poles made of a variety of materials like metal and wood, but they can be expensive.  Wicker is nice but it is not the most practical thing around your swimming pool.  

Fiberglass is an option since it is inexpensive and looks good, however, the material may fade in the sun after a few years leaving you with a tattered fence.  

If you want something that will last for several seasons to come and will look great for many years of use, you may want to consider aluminum patio umbrella poles.