Common Questions About Patio Umbrella Size

Do you have a patio umbrella? Do you know how much space is needed to accommodate the size of your umbrella?  

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is what size patio umbrella should they buy. This question comes up because there are so many different sizes and shapes to choose from, it can be hard to know which one will best suit your needs. 

This blog post will help answer some common questions about patio umbrellas size. 

Common sizes of patio umbrella 

A patio umbrella is the perfect way to provide shade for your outdoor furniture, but do you know what size will be best? Here are some common sizes of patio umbrellas.  

• 8ft diameter: ideal for covering 6-10 chairs and tables or two sofas  
• 9ft diameter: ideal for covering 7-11 chairs and tables or three sofas   
• 10ft diameter: ideal for covering 8+ chairs and tables or four  

What size patio umbrella for a rectangular table? 

If you have a rectangular patio table, then you will want to purchase a patio umbrella that is the same shape as your table. This will ensure that the patio umbrella provides optimal shade for your furniture.  

A patio umbrella should extend over the edge of your outdoor table by 2 feet on each side. 

What size patio umbrella for a circular table? 

If you have a circular patio table, then you will want to purchase a patio umbrella that has a diameter that is at least 2 feet larger than your table. For example, if you have a 6ft diameter circular patio table, then you will want to purchase an 8ft diameter patio umbrella. 

What type of base do I need for my patio umbrella? 

Most patio umbrellas come with a patio umbrella base, but there are some umbrellas that do not. If you don’t have a patio umbrella base, then you will need to purchase one.  

There are two types of patio umbrella bases – weighted bases and cross-base bases. 

Weighted patio umbrella bases are the most popular type of patio umbrella base because they are the easiest to use and are very sturdy.  

Cross-base patio umbrella bases are a newer style of patio umbrella base that is becoming more popular because it is very stylish and can be used on any surface, including grass or sand. 

How do I know what size my patio umbrella is? 

One of the most common patio umbrella questions we get from our customers is how to know what size patio umbrella they have.  

If you already own a patio umbrella, then here are some simple steps you can take to find out what size patio umbrella it is:   

1. Extend the shade canopy of your patio umbrella. 

2. From the middle of the patio umbrella to the outside edge, measure along one of the rib arms on top with a tape measure.  

3. To figure out the right size of your outdoor patio umbrella, multiply this figure by two. 

Is a 7 ft patio umbrella big enough? 

When it comes to yard and patio umbrellas, bigger is always better. With the right size umbrella, you can keep your guests and family members cool in the summer while staying protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 

Taller umbrellas offer more shade. The most common patio umbrella height is 7 feet tall. This provides plenty of protection for a few people to sit underneath, but you may need to move people around as time passes—the sun moves across the sky, and people naturally shift around when they’re hanging out. 

For a really big umbrella, opt for one that’s 9 or 10 feet high. You’ll be able to see over it without moving your seat or stepping out of the shade. 

Wide umbrellas are best for small spaces: If you have a small patio or porch, look for a 6-foot wide umbrella instead of a 7-foot one. A wider canopy offers more shade on a smaller scale . 

Are all patio umbrellas the same height? 

All patio umbrellas are not the same height – patio umbrella height depends on the size and type of patio umbrella. For example, a patio table umbrella will be much shorter than an outdoor patio umbrella that is in-ground mounted. 

How tall should a patio umbrella be? 

In general, you should look for an umbrella that is at least 7 feet tall. To change the shade landing, search for patio umbrellas with tilting and cantilever capabilities.  

What is a good size for patio umbrella? 

Umbrella manufacturers usually provide the diameter of the cover and the height of the umbrella. Patio umbrellas typically come in 8-foot, 9-foot, and 10-foot diameters, with heights ranging from about 62 inches to 82 inches. 

If you have a particularly large outdoor dining set or are looking to shade more than just a small table and chairs, one of these larger sizes might be right for you. On the other hand, if you’re just looking to add a little protection from the sun while you enjoy your patio or yard, a more petite patio umbrella might be all you need. 

Are all patio umbrella bases the same? 

What you might not know is that the diameters of patio umbrellas are almost always measured across the top. This is important to know when choosing an umbrella base. 

If your umbrella pole diameter is 1.5″, you need a base with a diameter of at least 1.5″, and preferably no more than 25″ larger than that. If your umbrella pole is 2″, you need a base with a diameter of at least 2″ and preferably no larger than 50″ larger than that. 

There are other considerations too, like whether or not you want a crank to open and close your umbrella and the height above your deck or patio area where you’ll place the base. But if you want to make sure your umbrella stands don’t look like they’re about to topple over in the wind, go by the diameters given here. 

How to choose the right size patio umbrella? 

The patio umbrella should always be slightly bigger than the table it sits under. A patio set with a patio dining table and patio chairs looks best when the patio umbrella is equal to, or larger than, the size of the outdoor dining area.  

For example, if your patio dining table has an octagonal tabletop that measures 36 inches across on each side, then you need to purchase patio umbrellas that are at least 37-38 inches in diameter. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there are many patio umbrella size charts available online, including patio umbrella height and patio umbrella diameter. It is important to note that patio umbrellas can measure their diameters differently depending on where you measure it from.  

The most common patio umbrella height is 7 feet tall, but you will need to decide what height of a patio umbrella best fits your needs. If you have a small patio area, patio umbrellas with a 6-foot width might be more suitable for you.  

In general, larger patio umbrellas may better suit your needs if they are intended for use in balconies or poolside areas.  

Figuring out what type of patio umbrella is right for you may take some time; however, once the right decision has been made, patio umbrellas make for a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the sun’s harmful rays.