I don’t like being hot and I don’t like using the AC. As a result I was looking for an umbrella to shade my patio. I have tried cheap umbrellas but either the fabric rips or the internal mechanism breaks and you can’t crank the umbrella open or closed. My old umbrella was 6×10 which left a big gap where the sun could heat my patio. When it broke I decided to get a bigger one. For my new umbrella I was looking for an 8×10 rectangular umbrella which was about the size of the area of my patio I wanted shaded. Also I wanted the fabric made by Sunbrella which is the most durable I’ve found.
Searching the internet I found Treasure Garden makes 8×10 umbrellas and you can choose from various fabrics. After making my choice the nearest dealer was Patio Productions and I ordered through them. They quoted 6-8 weeks for delivery and it actually arrived in 8 weeks.
Umbrella appears to be of high quality materials and was easy to setup. 8 x 10 was the perfect size for my patio. I liked how the light colored fabric kept the patio bright. I didn’t like how I felt the sun’s heat beneath the umbrella. I lined the underside of the umbrella with car sunshields. Now I don’t feel any heat from the sun through the parts of the umbrella I lined. Summer just started so I only lined a bit over 60%. When it gets hotter I’ll line the rest of my umbrella.
Previously I replaced my single pane doors and windows with dual pane low-E glass doors and windows. That pretty much ended my use of the heater and reduced direct heat from the sun by 65%. I added umbrellas as it still got hot.
I like the current setup as the plants outside are still getting lots of light and my living room and patio are shaded from the sun. I anticipate I’ll only need to use the AC when there is a heat advisory for the coast.
Bear and I enjoy the shade from the umbrella’s and sunshields. The plants and my cockatiels like it too. It’s our little patio oasis.
That’s good everyone is enjoying the coolness.
Very nice! We have a gazebo in the back yard and the canvas tore and blew away during one of the hurricanes this past winter. Finally got a replacement a few weeks ago and the patio is once against shaded. It also keeps the house cooler since it blocks the sun from the patio doors.
Pesky canvas. How long did it last? Sunbrella fabric lasted about 7 years before I got a hole where the vanes from the umbrella extend out.
Thanks! The plants are much happier when they only get indirect sunlight.
I have to get up on a ladder and replace the canvas every two years or so. Every year when it breaks I want to just get rid of the current gazebo structure and have a permanent cover built right off the house.
That’s good you have an option. The HOA only allows umbrellas or a motorized awning. I have noticed neighbors have stretched a shade over their patios.