A patio umbrella invites relaxation and leisure. It provides a refreshing retreat from the blazing sun and a delightful shield from unexpected summer rain. A high-quality umbrella and base should be able to withstand various weather conditions and not become a constant burden. Additionally, they should be easy to move or adjust when necessary.
FRUITEAM Umbrella Base Stand – Best Overall
The FRUITEAM Patio Umbrella Base is a highly convenient product that eliminates the need for sand or water filling. Its adjustable screw ensures the umbrella rod is firmly secured, while its 22 lb weight guarantees stable anchoring. The base is built to be both waterproof and durable, making it an ideal addition to gardens, lawns, terraces, and patios. With its sleek, adjustable design, it easily blends in with other outdoor furniture, making it our top pick for umbrella bases. Key advantages include ease of use, adjustable rod diameter, and rust-free protection. The only real downside is that it is not suited for frequent transportation.
Arlmont & Co. Chris Pearly Stone Free Standing Umbrella Base
Instead of opting for the typical plastic or metal umbrella base, consider investing in a stone base. This sturdy granite option weighs around 60 pounds and can be used with a table or as a standalone base. Plus, it comes with three adapters to fit most umbrella pole sizes. As a natural stone base, it also adds an attractive touch to your outdoor space. Keep in mind, however, that it may not be able to withstand extremely windy conditions. At $105, it’s a lifetime investment compared to other options.
Abba Patio 50-Pound Round Patio Umbrella Stand
Essential Information: Constructed to support sizable umbrellas up to an impressive 11 feet tall, this robust base weighs 50 pounds once filled with water.
Noteworthy Features: Aiming to impress, the base exhibits a 23-inch diameter and boasts a weather-resistant recycled plastic frame with a powder-coated steel tube. It effortlessly accommodates umbrellas with poles ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches in width. With a simple cleaning process and no requirement for tools during assembly, it’s easy to use.
Points to Ponder: It’s worth noting that the base may prove too cumbersome for smaller patios and decks.
Shademobile Outdoor Umbrella Stand
You can avoid the inconvenience of wind blowing your umbrella with the Shademobile umbrella stand, suitable for both residential and commercial outdoor use. Its key features include portability due to its wheels, a built-in table for holding snacks and beverages, and a sturdy polyethylene material construction. The stand accommodates umbrellas with a pole diameter between 1 3/8” to 2-1/16” and allows for easy movement with its built-in wheels. With its adjustable locks, it is easy to secure and keep in place. The table attached to the stand is positioned at a convenient height, making it easily accessible for holding items such as books and drinks. The base of the stand is made of durable polyethylene, designed to resist impact and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting use without rusting or breaking.
Article Paima Umbrella Base (55 pounds)
The Paima Umbrella Base is a sleek and sturdy option that is easy to move and set up. With smooth edges and ample handholds, it is a breeze to maneuver the 55-pound weight. Made from a mixture of concrete, sand, and stone, the base has a slight texture that is also easy to clean. Two screw knobs in the base’s neck ensure that your umbrella stays securely in place. Despite its competitive price point, the Paima base surpasses more expensive options in its attention to detail and quality construction.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Weight capacity and options
When purchasing an umbrella base, the advertised weight capacity usually refers to how heavy the base can become when filled with water, sand, bricks, or rocks. A heavier weight is preferable for supporting larger umbrellas in windy conditions. A half-round base is designed to hold a half umbrella steady when placed flush against a wall and can weigh around 20 pounds when filled.
Size considerations
Most umbrella bases are typically 20 inches in diameter, making them suitable for fitting under tables without obstructing the walkway. However, the weight of the base when filled is more critical in stabilizing larger umbrellas, not the diameter.
Pole specifications
Different umbrella sizes require varied pole diameters; for instance, smaller umbrellas have thinner pole diameters of about 1 3/8 to 1 1/2 inches, while larger ones have wider pole diameters of up to 3 inches. Knowing your umbrella’s pole diameter and the circumference of the canopy is essential before making a purchase since some umbrella canopies may come with smaller than expected pole diameters.
Fill options and stability
Before choosing a fill option for your umbrella base, consider factors such as water or sand filling, and a solid or fillable base. Filling a base with water may destabilize it, making it wobbly or unstable, especially when moving it around, since water is not as dense and stable as sand.
Durability and material
The material of the base determines its durability over time. Cast iron bases, although heavy, may rust in high humidity, while powder-coated steel bases weighted with concrete tend to rust over time, leaving marks on your patio or deck. Concrete bases are durable but may not be fillable, while heavy-duty molded resin and plastic bases won’t rust, flake, or crack, making them long-lasting options.
FAQs
Q. What are weight bags for umbrella stands?
A. If you live in an area that experiences frequent windy conditions or gusts, a specially designed weight bag placed right on top of your existing base will add a substantial amount of weight (on average 90 pounds) to further stabilize the umbrella. Round or square weight bags made of heavy-duty ballistic polyester are usually filled with sand and sometimes pebbles — but not water, which would leak out.
Q. What kind of sand should be used to fill an umbrella stand?
A. Bags of dry play sand (usually 50-pound bags) found at home improvement stores can be used to fill an umbrella stand. Adding water to sand will add to the weight of the stand, but it could be a challenge to drain and clean at the end of the season. In a pinch, you could use cat litter to fill and weigh down your umbrella stand.
Q. Do I even need an umbrella stand if there’s no wind?
A. Even if you think your umbrella pole is stable because it’s threaded through the hole in the table, it’s not. The table could suddenly move, and from the standpoint of physics, the umbrella could cause even more problems or injuries by lifting up and out of its hole. You may also accidently kick the umbrella pole, causing it to become unbalanced, cockeyed, and potentially hitting or poking someone on the head with the ribs or finial. Not to mention the bottom of metal umbrella poles have sharp edges, so a stand protects your children’s fingers and toes if they’re ever playing under the table and dislodge a bare umbrella.
