Do you want to set up an outdoor dining area for your restaurant? Or maybe your current patio feels too plain, and you’re thinking about an upgrade? Either way, picking out the perfect restaurant patio umbrella is a fantastic way to start.
A high-quality umbrella enhances your restaurant’s aesthetic and dining experience. In this guide, we’ll go over some aspects you’ll want to consider before buying umbrellas and a few must-have features to look for. As long as you follow our tips, we’re positive you and your customers will love the umbrellas you choose.
Factors To Consider
Before you even start looking at potential commercial umbrellas for restaurant, take a moment to consider how this product will improve the dining experience and what it can do to benefit your business. Here are some of the significant factors to take into account.
Coverage Needs for Your Seating Area
The first thing you need to consider is whether your umbrella can provide adequate shade for your seating area. Think about the layout of your tables and chairs and how the sun moves across your patio throughout the day. Your umbrella needs to be good at blocking it out and should stretch far enough to fully cover every guest. A good rule of thumb is that the umbrella canopy should extend at least 2-3 feet beyond the furniture it is intended to shade.
Base and Mounting Options for Your Space
The base or mounting system prevents umbrellas from tipping over in the wind or from accidental bumps. Depending on your patio surface (concrete, wood deck, or gravel), you may need different mounting solutions.
For solid surfaces like concrete or wooden decks, a heavy-duty freestanding base provides stability without damaging the ground. For gravel or grass, an in-ground base typically offers better support and anchoring. Whatever system you choose, make sure the umbrella base weight is sufficient to support the size and structure of your umbrella.
The Tables You Have Set Out
The type of table you have will heavily influence the type of umbrella you should get. For example, square tables will look complete with square-shaped umbrellas, while round ones might be better off with circular coverings.
You’ll also want to consider how to accommodate the umbrella for patio table. Tables with center holes are designed for traditional pole umbrellas, while offset or cantilever umbrellas work better with setups where you don’t want a pole interfering with dining space.
The Branding Possibilities of the Umbrella
Many restaurant owners fail to realize that outdoor umbrellas can be a great branding opportunity. At Westshade, we offer patio umbrellas that you can print your restaurant’s name and logo onto. Branded umbrellas can grab people’s attention, especially if they’re on foot. Your branding might also appear in the photos guests share on social media.
Plus, anytime you participate in a community event, you can bring these umbrellas. They will provide shade to the people who come up to your booth and show off who you are without the need for alternative signage.
Understanding Your Needs Before You Buy
Of course, choosing the right umbrellas for your restaurant’s outdoor dining area goes beyond these simple considerations. Your specific needs, based on your restaurant’s layout, foot traffic, service style, and climate, will determine which umbrella features are truly worth investing in.
Strong Materials
You never want to go cheap. A flimsy or damaged umbrella not only looks unprofessional but can quickly become a safety hazard or an ongoing maintenance issue.
Aluminum and fiberglass frames are ideal for commercial use. They are sturdy enough to withstand frequent use and environmental stress, yet light enough for easy handling. Avoid umbrellas with cheap plastic components, which are prone to cracking, fading, or snapping under pressure.
Fortunately, Westshade umbrellas are built to commercial standards. They offer strength, durability, and weather resistance, perfect for busy restaurant patios.
Maneuverability
While your umbrella needs to be heavy enough to stay put in the wind, it should also be easy to adjust. A tilt feature is a great option that both your customers and staff will appreciate.
Maybe you want the flexibility to move umbrellas around based on the time of day or seating arrangements. If so, a wheeled mobile base is the best choice. It is easy for customers and employees to move them around as needed.
Color Customization
Many commercial umbrella manufacturers offer a wide range of color options. Having the ability to print your company’s name onto an umbrella doesn’t do you much good if the color options don’t match your brand. If your branding primarily uses blue and purple, you likely don’t want an umbrella that only comes in bright yellow. The right umbrella color will get people to notice your establishment as they walk by.
Water and Sun Resistance
Finally, think about how well the umbrella canopy material can handle sun and rain. If your restaurant is located in an area with intense sunlight or frequent downpours, durability should be a top priority. Without the right fabric, the canopy may fade, tear, or wear out quickly, leaving you with an umbrella that fails to do its job.
Materials like marine-grade acrylics or solution-dyed fabrics are excellent options. They’re specifically designed to resist fading, mildew, and tearing, even after long-term exposure to the elements. If your area experiences mild weather, this may be less of a concern, but it’s always wise to plan for long-term use.
Conclusion
By carefully considering your coverage needs, table layout, mounting options, and design preferences, you can select an umbrella that’s both functional and visually appealing. And when it comes to quality, don’t compromise—durable materials, UV protection, and easy mobility are key to creating a comfortable, long-lasting outdoor dining space.
If you are looking for restaurant patio umbrellas, Westshade is a trusted partner who can provide high-quality, durable, and stylish options. Explore our collection today and find the perfect restaurant umbrella to elevate your patio.
