Market umbrellas are practical for outdoor commercial activities. Whether at outdoor stalls or dining tables, they could provide shade for customers while allowing businesses to showcase their products and brands. This article offers you a comprehensive overview of market umbrellas, helping you better understand this outdoor equipment.
What is a market umbrella?
Market umbrellas are designed for outdoor commercial environments such as markets, cafes, and restaurant patios. Compared to other umbrellas, this commercial umbrella offers great advantages in size, stability, and functionality. A market umbrella typically consists of the roof, rib, base, pole, and open system.
Roof
Ranging from 6 to 11 feet in diameter, the roofs are fabricated with waterproof, sun-proof, and durable materials like polyester or acrylic. They come in different shapes, like square and octagonal. Their colors are varied, and the graphics can be customized to enhance visual appeal.
Rib
There are usually 4 to 6 ribs in an umbrella, made of aluminum, fiberglass or other materials. High-performance ribs keep the roof taut, and provide support for different weather conditions.
Base
The base holds the whole umbrella. Heavy materials such as concrete or metal are used to create the base to keep the umbrella stable in the wind. There are fixed bases and mobile bases. The mobile one can be flexibly adjusted depending on different occasions.
Pole
The pole connects the roof to base, usually adjustable in height. High-quality poles usually adopt rust-resistant materials, and some may have a locking mechanism to ensure that they are securely fixed after the height adjustment.
Open system
The open system of this umbrella is simple in design, usually adopts manual or automatic mechanisms. Manual mechanism operates by push rods, pulleys, or cranks, while automatic mechanism operates with a simple button.
The Differences Between the Market Umbrella and Patio Umbrella
Although market umbrellas and patio umbrellas are similar in structure and function, there are still differences between them.
Use cases
Market umbrellas are mainly used in outdoor commercial settings and temporary spaces, such as market stalls, restaurants, and decks. They shield goods and people from UV rays and rain. Whereas, people commonly use patio umbrellas in residential areas like backyards and terraces to improve comfort and beauty.
Size
Compared to patio umbrellas, market umbrellas are usually larger, with a diameter between 6 and 11 feet. Patio umbrellas are typically between 6 and 9 feet in diameter.
Design
Market umbrellas often use weighted bases for stability, easy to install and move. Patio umbrellas have more decorative elements. They can be secured to the ground with accessories like ground stakes for stability.
The Functions of a Market Umbrella
Market umbrellas are more than just a tool for shade, they offer multiple functions and advantages to customers and businesses.
Wide area shade
This shade umbrella boasts a wide umbrella surface, providing extensive coverage. It can effectively block sunlight and over 90% of UV rays.
Excellent stability
With a high-quality canopy, solid frames, and scientific structural design, a market umbrella offers excellent stability even in harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, some umbrellas come with wind ropes and weighted bases to keep them firmly anchored to the ground.
Dual protection against water
This outdoor umbrella also has excellent waterproof performance. Made from high-tech waterproof materials, the canopy can quickly drain rainwater. Even in a sudden shower, it can provide people with immediate shelter.
Increasing brand promotion opportunities
An outdoor market umbrella with distinctive designs and bright colors can quickly catch the attention of passersby. You can print your brand logo or promotional information on the roof. Customized umbrellas not only increase brand exposure, but attract more potential customers.
Choosing the Right Market Umbrella
To choose the right market umbrella for your restaurant or stall, you need to consider many aspects to ensure it is both practical and meets your needs. Here are some suggestions:
Size
You can choose an appropriate size according to the occasion and needs. Larger umbrellas have a wider shading area, suitable for crowded places; and the smaller ones are easier to install, suitable for outdoor restaurants or small terraces.
Materials
When you choose an umbrella, pay attention to its materials. To handle different weather conditions, a high-quality umbrella uses a canopy made from waterproof, UV-resistant fabrics like polyester or acrylic. The pole and ribs use rust-proof materials like aluminum alloy or stainless steel. These materials give the umbrella a long life and make it hard to bend in strong winds.
Stability
A weighted base is essential for maintaining stability in windy conditions. Some market umbrellas have heavy-duty bases or removable bases that can be adjusted as needed. In addition, choosing an umbrella with a ventilated roof can better improve stability.
Open system
Pick up an umbrella with an easy-to-use open system. Manual systems have more operating options such as push-up and pulley, while automatic systems are quick to use, suitable for occasions where you open and close frequently.
Design
Choose appropriate colors and patterns according to the brand image and usage environment. You can customize the umbrella by adding brand logos or promotional patterns on the surface to increase brand exposure and attract more potential customers.
Budget
Planning and ordering in advance can help you save money. You should set a reasonable budget range. High-quality umbrellas may be a bit more expensive, but they save on maintenance and replacement costs and have a longer warranty.
Brands and Reviews
You can choose a well-known brand or refer to other users’ reviews and recommendations. Check the store rating and online reviews to learn about other users’ experiences, which can help you find a product of reliable quality.
If you are still confused about the choice, consider Westshade. We offer various outdoor umbrellas for sale. Whether it is a large commercial event or a small market, Westshade can provide high-quality products and services for you.
FAQs
How do you clean a market umbrella?
Cleaning an umbrella is easy and only takes a few steps. First, you need to open the umbrella and use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt. Then gently scrub the fabric with a cleaning solution made by mixing a neutral detergent with warm water. Rinse thoroughly and let the umbrella air dry in the sun or use a hair dryer on low speed. Once it’s dry, close the umbrella and store it with a protection cover.
What is the best material for a market umbrella?
The ideal material for a market umbrella should align with its intended functions. For the canopy, choose high-density polyester or acrylic, which provide excellent UV protection and are waterproof, effectively shielding against both sunlight and rain. Aluminum alloy or stainless steel is recommended for the pole and ribs, as these materials are rust-proof, strong, and offer stability and durability.
Can I use a market umbrella on the beach?
Yes, but there are a few things to consider. Market umbrellas are mainly for hard surfaces, so their bases are not securely stable in soft sand. You’d better choose an umbrella with a heavier base, or look for a base reinforced with sand anchor bags designed for the beach for safety.
Conclusion
Market umbrellas are essential for outdoor commercial spaces, providing shade and increasing brand visibility. They can be used as advertising tools through customized designs. When choosing a market umbrella, you should consider its size, material, and stability to find the most cost-effective umbrella within your budget.
Now you know what a market umbrella is. Want to learn more about it or buy one? If you are looking for high-quality market umbrellas, Westshade is your ideal choice!
Our umbrellas are available for various occasions and come with a long warranty. We utilize top-quality materials and advanced printing technology to deliver the best products to our customers. Moreover, you can choose personalized umbrella customization services to print your brand logo or unique designs. Most importantly, we include a free umbrella cover with your purchase now!
No matter what you want, Westshade commits to providing you with top products and exceptional service to help your business succeed!
