How to Choose the Best Shade Umbrella for UV Protection?

There’s nothing like being outdoors on a beautiful sunny day, especially when you’ve got the perfect amount of shade. However, because Australia’s sun is so harsh, everyone can benefit from a high-quality outdoor umbrella.

Whether you’re catering to patrons, lounging by the pool or spending a day at the beach, selecting an umbrella that offers superior UV protection is essential for everyone’s health, comfort, and enjoyment. 

Throughout this guide, we’re going to help you understand the factors that influence shade umbrella performance, as well as provide tips on finding the best option to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays.

The Importance of UV Protection in Australia

Australia is renowned for its beautiful weather, but it also has one of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. In summer, the UV index regularly reaches ‘very high’ and ‘extreme’ levels, where even short periods of exposure to sunshine poses a risk to your skin. 

In Australia, where sunny days are frequent, proper protection is a must. Prolonged exposure to these ultraviolet rays can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer, premature ageing, and eye damage. 

The good news? There are so many great outdoor umbrellas available!

If you regularly frequent an outdoor space, be it your backyard, a restaurant, or a beer garden, there are quite a lot of options at your disposal. Whether you’re outside for work or leisure, an effective shade umbrella can significantly reduce your UV exposure, ultimately making your outdoor activities safer and more enjoyable. 

Investing in a shade umbrella with excellent UV-blocking capabilities is a great way to protect everyone in the area from harmful rays, while allowing everyone in the vicinity to enjoy the outdoors. They’re also a great spot to set up a lounge chair!

The Value of a Good Outdoor Umbrella

A high-quality outdoor umbrella should offer shade and comfort, as well as add to the overall functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you’re lounging poolside or planning a day out on the beach, the right umbrella can create a cool and relaxing environment. All the while, it’ll keep you safe from Australia’s notoriously harsh ultraviolet rays. 

Beyond comfort, a well-designed umbrella also adds a certain aesthetic appeal that can further complement your outdoor decor. If you’re running a business or throwing an event, there’s also the option for branded outdoor umbrellas. Feel free to check out our recent blog on ‘The Practical and Aesthetic Value of Market Umbrellas’ to learn more!

As opposed to temporary umbrellas or outdoor pergolas, investing in a high-quality umbrella also means you’ll enjoy reliable shade and protection for years to come. So, while you’re weighing up the options and trying to select the right umbrella, consider factors such as size, material, and UV protection. A good umbrella should also be durable, weather-resistant, and easy to operate.

Exploring Some Options

When it comes to shade umbrellas, there are various styles and features to consider, with each offering different benefits depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some top choices to explore:

Bambrella

We couldn’t talk about outdoor umbrellas without mentioning this brand. As you might be able to guess, the name ‘Bambrellas’ is a blend of Bamboo and Umbrella, because that’s what all of their umbrellas are made of. 

Their umbrellas are a unique combo of sustainability, durable materials and advanced technology. Let’s explore three of their best options.

Sirocco

The Bambrella Sirocco is a versatile and stylish choice, available in sizes such as 2.6 x 2.6m, 2.9 x 2.9m, and 2 x 2m. The pricing is excellent, and each parasol comes with a water-resistant polyester canopy that is already fitted in the most popular ECRU colour.

The Sirocco has a robust frame and a high-quality Spuncrylic canopy that provides excellent UV protection and water resistance. Its sleek design makes it a great fit for both residential and commercial settings. This model is particularly well-suited for poolside use.

Learn more about the Sirocco right here!

Levante

Bambrella’s Levante series is another popular option. Available in both circular and square profiles , the Levante combines eco-friendly bamboo with marine-grade hardware, resulting in a strong and stylish umbrella.

They are available in sizes that range from 2.1 x 2.1m to 4m round.

Its UPF50+ canopy ensures superior UV shielding, while the bamboo construction adds a touch of natural elegance to any space. This umbrella is ideal for both beach and poolside settings, where a balance of durability and style is essential.

Bamboo

If you’re after a premium timber option, the Bambrella Bamboo umbrella combines a sustainable bamboo construction with a really elegant design. It features a UV-stabilised Spuncrylic canopy that blocks harmful rays, as well as offering excellent water-resistance. 

This variation is perfect for those who want an umbrella that’s just as durable and functional as it is visually beautiful. Much like the Sirocco and the Levante, this is suitable for both home and commercial use, including poolside and beachside environments.

Cantilever Umbrellas

Not a fan of umbrellas that have a pole right in the middle? Cantilever umbrellas are your best bet!

Unlike traditional umbrellas with a central pole, cantilever models have a side-mounted base that allows for more flexible placement and shading. This design is particularly useful for covering larger areas or for placing over dining tables and seating areas without obstructing the space.

AG28 Cantilever Market umbrellas (shown above) are one of the best options on the market today. These umbrellas can actually tilt and rotate 360 degrees, meaning that you’ll receive excellent sun protection all day long. They’re also available in two different shapes and come with a varied choice of base options.

Whether you need a cantilever umbrella for a residential patio, a poolside area, or a commercial beach setup, this is a timeless option that almost never goes out of style.

What Makes an Outdoor Umbrella Good Quality?

First things first, the fabric should be made from UV-resistant and weather-resistant materials. Look for umbrellas with tightly woven fabrics and high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, as these provide better protection from sun rays.

Second, its frame and base should be robust and sturdy. Materials like aluminium and steel are common choices because of their overall durability and resistance to rust. Additionally, a good umbrella should have a reliable opening mechanism and be easy to set up and adjust. Features like a tilt function and a crank handle can really add to the usability and convenience.

Lastly, consider the overall design and aesthetic. A well-designed umbrella should complement your outdoor space while providing the necessary shade and protection. Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are essential for ensuring the umbrella looks good and performs well over time. This is especially important for umbrellas used at the beach or poolside, where exposure to water and sand can impact durability.

Permanent vs Transportable

This next point depends on whether you need outdoor umbrellas for leisure or commercial purposes. Obviously, if you're running a cafe, restaurant or hotel, you're going to need something a little more permanent, whereas if it's just for a few trips to the beach, you’ll need something that’s compact and easy to transport. 

Permanent umbrellas are fixed installations that offer stability and durability. They are ideal for areas where the umbrella will remain in place, such as a poolside or a dedicated outdoor dining area. 

On the other hand, transportable umbrellas are designed for flexibility and convenience. These are ideal if you need to move the umbrella frequently or store it away when not in use. Transportable options typically come with a base that can be filled with sand or water, allowing for easy relocation. They are perfect for beach outings or temporary shading needs by the pool.

Get High-Quality Umbrellas from Indoor Outdoor Imports

Ready to upgrade your outdoor setup? We’re the leading source for premium outdoor umbrellas in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and all corners of Australia. With over 30 years of experience, we provide premium products that combine functionality, style, and durability–including branded market umbrellas that are printed with sustainable materials. 

From Pool Shades to Bambrella to Cantilever, Commercial Aluminium, and more, we've got a fantastic range of options that all provide excellent UV protection. This also includes customisation options for each specific style, as well as a great range of bases and accessories.

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to make your outdoor moments more enjoyable, safe and relaxing.