Market umbrellas are indeed similar to patio umbrellas except that they come without valances around the circumference. The absence of valances makes market umbrellas look more elegant and user-friendly. For these and other reasons, market umbrellas are the preferred choice of many commercial establishments.
It is worthwhile to study some tips to select the best market umbrellas:
- Select market umbrellas that are Scotch guarded or made of water-proof and stain-resistant materials.
- Make sure the frames are of high quality; particularly because these umbrellas are subject to a lot of rough handling and likely to be exposed to monsoon rains and gales. Most market umbrella frames are made from wood, fiberglass or metal.
- Ensure the umbrellas come with good wind vents at the top to facilitate air circulation and also keep the umbrella stable and well-grounded.
- Try to choose an umbrella that does not fade easily and ensure it is made of special sun-resistant fabric for long life. Market umbrellas can be expensive and you should be able to protect the investment.
- Buy market umbrellas only from reliable supplier that offers a warranty. You can never know how a market umbrella performs until you test it in real-life conditions.
- Test the lift mechanism to make sure it functions smoothly. Some market umbrellas may have pulley systems that are tough to operate. You should buy an umbrella that moves up and down with little or no effort.
- Ascertain whether you need to buy a separate base as some umbrellas do not include a base. Remember umbrella bases can be very costly and so make sure that you pay within your budget limit.
- Finally, aesthetics is very important. Check if the color of the market umbrella harmonizes well with the colors of your outdoor furniture. Alternatively, you could buy a bright color market umbrella to provide a contrast to the existing color scheme.
It is very important that you buy the market umbrella of the right size. The shade diameter of an umbrella is what decides how much shade you will obtain. Once you have ascertained the area you wish to provide shade, the standard rule is the umbrella must be at least 4 to 5 feet larger than the diameter of the area to be shaded.
If you plan installing the market umbrella in commercial areas or high traffic zones, it is advisable to buy umbrellas with the minimum moving parts. It is critical that all market umbrellas you buy are of right weight so as to prevent them from tipping over due to top heaviness. The proper weight for your umbrella base or stand depends on the size of your umbrella and whether it is to be installed through a table or freestanding.
The question most often asked is – How long will my market umbrella be serviceable. The answer is simple; it will last a long time if you care to maintain it well. Use the market umbrella when in need and safely store it away at other times – if you want several years of satisfactory service. If you neglect the umbrella and leave it all the time in the open, you may as well be required to buy a new umbrella every year.