What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Umbrella: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s no doubting the value of well-made outdoor umbrellas–especially as Australia’s climate becomes more and more unpredictable by the day. However, while we can all recognise their inherent value and purpose, it's only natural to wonder what you should look for as a buyer.

Whether you’re running a business, marketing at an event, or need some additional shade at home, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you out! Keep reading for our expert advice and recommendations. 

Purpose

One of the first questions to ask is: what purpose will the umbrella serve? For commercial establishments (such as outdoor dining areas), more permanent fixtures with durable frames and wind-resistant features are essential. Restaurants and cafes often prefer fixed market umbrellas with reinforced aluminium or stainless-steel frames because they are able to withstand high traffic and various weather conditions.

For residential use, flexibility and style might be more important. Pop-up garden parties or BBQs can benefit from freestanding umbrellas that are easy to set up and store. AG28 Cantilever umbrellas, with their 360-degree rotation, are excellent for creating adaptable shade that moves with the sun.

In the case of temporary installations, such as market stalls, events or pop-up stores, it may be best to go with a lightweight yet sturdy design.

Size

How much shade do you need? What are your parameters? Will the canopy offer enough shade for guests and patrons? As you can see, there are many questions that need to be considered in regard to the size of your outdoor umbrellas. But, with a little extra thought, you’ll be able to find a size that perfectly fits your needs. Choosing the wrong dimensions, on the other hand, will often result in inadequate coverage or wasted space.

Smaller residential umbrellas typically start around 2 to 2.5 metres in diameter, which is ideal for compact courtyards or patios. Larger commercial-grade models, such as extra-large telescopic umbrellas, can span up to 5 metres, providing generous coverage for outdoor dining tables or lounge areas.

For expansive spaces, consider whether multiple umbrellas are needed. Strategic placement with overlapping coverage can prevent gaps. Combining cantilever and standard umbrellas offers versatility while maintaining an aesthetic balance.

Quantity

Determining the number of umbrellas you need depends on both your available space and intended use. If you’re a business, it's fairly common to use multiple smaller umbrellas to create segmented seating areas, whereas homeowners are more likely to only need one or two larger models to shade a poolside or garden.

In terms of quantity, consider how many seating areas or tables require coverage, and remember that grouping umbrellas can create a cohesive look. At Indoor Outdoor, we often supply larger quantities of commercial Aluminium umbrellas to Australian restaurants, cafes, pubs, function spaces, and various other businesses.

Style

The right umbrella style depends on both practical needs and visual preferences. Let’s break them down quickly right now:

• Standard market umbrellas feature a centre pole, making them ideal for situations where the base is unobtrusive or can be concealed by a table.
• Cantilever umbrellas have an offset pole, freeing up space directly underneath the canopy. This makes them a popular choice for poolside lounges or spacious dining settings.
• AG25’s Cantilever umbrella is another option that’s well known for its tilting and rotating canopy, a feature that gives you the ultimate flexibility. As you can see, every variation has its own set of unique advantages. If you’re still unsure which one to invest in, feel free to get in touch with us for advice!

Material (Frame and Base)

Material selection plays a critical role in durability and aesthetics. High-quality frames are typically constructed from aluminium, stainless steel, or bamboo.

Aluminium is lightweight, rust-resistant, and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for residential settings.

Stainless steel offers superior strength and corrosion resistance, which makes it ideal for commercial-grade umbrellas in high-traffic areas.

Bamboo, as featured in the Bambrella range, is a beautiful, sustainable option with natural weather-resistant properties.

Material (Canopy)

The canopy is equally as important as the frame and base. Given that Australia deals with some of the highest UV ratings in the world, a quality fabric should be made from materials that are both UV weather resistant. One way to address this issue is to look for tightly woven fabrics and high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, as these provide better protection from sun rays.

At Indoor Outdoor, we produce a large range of dyed acrylic fabrics that offer excellent UV protection and colour fastness. Polyester options, on the other hand, can be more budget-friendly, but may also fade over time.

Colour

These days, commercial standard outdoor umbrellas are available in a wide variety of different swatches.

Selecting the umbrella colour is about more than the visuals—it also has an impact on temperature and branding. Lighter shades reflect heat, keeping areas cooler, while darker colours provide more concentrated shade, but may tend to retain heat.

Colours is also important for anyone planning on taking advantage of our custom branding service. At Indoor Outdoor Imports, we offer a huge range of colour options and create all prints with eco-friendly Permaset inks. These water-based inks are free from toxic chemicals and solvents, making them a sustainable solution for branded canopies.

Umbrella Base

A strong base is definitely non-negotiable. A flimsy or poorly constructed base will compromise the entire structure, making it more susceptible to wind damage or instability. This is one of the reasons that concrete and steel bases have become common for fixed installations, while weighted mobile bases are ideal for portable umbrellas.

For high-wind areas, consider models with wind vents that allow air to flow through the canopy. This reduces pressure and enhances stability. Always purchase from trusted suppliers to be sure the base and frame materials are compatible and meet safety standards.

Custom vs Plain

Choosing between custom and plain umbrellas depends largely on your setting.

For commercial enterprises, customised canopies are a branding opportunity. Whether you’re promoting a café, hotel, or outdoor retail event, branded umbrellas stand out and offer functional advertising. Our eco-friendly Permaset printing delivers vibrant, long-lasting designs.

For residential use, plain or subtly patterned canopies often blend seamlessly into garden or patio landscapes, complementing existing decor without drawing too much attention.

Is There Anything Else You Need?

In addition to market umbrellas, you might want to invest in complementary products to maximise your outdoor space’s comfort and protection.
Consider:

• Rain gutters to adapt to the weather
• Wind barriers to shield diners from the breeze and attract customers.
• Retractable roof systems for full control over sun exposure.
• Outdoor awnings to extend shade beyond the umbrella’s reach.

These additions create a fully customisable outdoor environment tailored to both residential and commercial needs.

Exploring Your Options

Hopefully with this info in hand, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to invest in. Here’s some of the many options we supply right here at Indoor Outdoor:

Bambrella Levante Umbrella
Crafted from sustainable bamboo, the Levante umbrella combines durability with elegance. Its natural weather-resistant properties make it a beautiful and eco-friendly choice for any setting.

AG28 Cantilever Umbrella
Featuring 360-degree rotation, the AG28 Cantilever umbrella offers adaptable shade that moves with the sun. Ideal for poolside lounges or spacious dining areas, it provides both flexibility and style.

Commercial Aluminium Market Umbrella
Designed for high-traffic areas, this umbrella boasts a reinforced aluminium frame for stability and longevity. Perfect for restaurants, cafes, and other commercial establishments.

Extra-Large Telescopic Umbrella
With a span of up to 5 meters, this umbrella provides generous coverage for expansive outdoor spaces. Its telescopic feature allows for easy adjustment, making it suitable for various applications.

Wind Barriers
Shield your outdoor areas from the breeze with stylish and functional wind barriers. Ideal for cafes and restaurants, they enhance comfort and attract customers.

Consult With an Expert

Navigating all these options can be overwhelming, which is why it’s always best to speak with the experts. At Indoor Outdoor Imports, we’ve been providing high-quality custom umbrellas, awnings, and barriers for more than 30 years. 

As a leading supplier of outdoor market umbrellas in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, we’ve worked with some of Australia’s biggest companies. Whether you need advice on materials, design, or installation, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Get in touch today for personalised recommendations or browse our online gallery for inspiration. Your perfect outdoor umbrella awaits.