If you are looking for an inexpensive way to update the look of your patio it can be easily achieved by buying a beautiful outdoor umbrella. You may be very amazed at the difference a bold colored patio umbrella can make to a dreary yard, or how finding the perfect match for your current décor can give your patio a updated look. Selecting the right size, color and type of patio umbrella can feel provide you with here are some of the basics that will make it easier for you to choose the right type of umbrella.

The first thing to think about when you are shopping for an outdoor umbrella is the type of umbrella you require. There are three primary types of patio umbrellas: aluminum, wood and wind resistant. Choosing between aluminum and wood is basically personal preference, but selecting a wind resistant umbrella is based more on need.

Wood outdoor patio umbrellas, or market umbrellas as many call them, are the original outdoor patio umbrella. The pole and rib arms (the parts that support the canopy) are made of wood. These umbrellas usually open and close by manually lifting the canopy and place a pin to hold it in place and have a strong wood construction. This is a great option to have in commercial settings, because there are a smaller number of pieces that customers can adjust themselves which may really add to wear and tear. Later in the life of the market umbrella the pulley lift system was introduced. This made opening and closing a wood umbrella a lot easier than the push and pin lift system, especially for residential uses. These umbrellas offer an graceful and stately feel to a backyard and have been a classic choice for a long time.

An aluminum outdoor patio umbrella is a more current development in the realm of patio umbrellas. They present a more lightweight option to the wood market umbrella and a more current look and feel. They give consumers a product that is pretty maintenance free and have extra features that wood outdoor patio umbrellas are unable to provide. Most aluminum patio umbrellas have easy-to-use crank lift systems and some even have deluxe auto tilt features. These features make it extremely easy to open and tilt your patio umbrella. These outdoor umbrellas are a perfect addition to cast aluminum patio furniture, but can be a great addition to any existing décor. Many aluminum outdoor umbrellas offer extended warranties which add to their appeal.

Now, while your selection between an aluminum outdoor umbrella and a wood umbrella is based on personal preference, your decision to purchase a wind resistant umbrella should be based more on need. Wind resistant umbrellas are the right decision for places that experience abrupt gusts of wind or for locations near the beach. Wind resistant umbrellas are built with flexible fiberglass rib arms that bend with the wind. This gives you more time to reach your umbrella and close it if the winds get too strong, keeping it safe from damage. While these umbrellas do provide you additional time to get to your umbrella and close it, wind resistant does not mean wind proof. The extra flexibility of these umbrellas allows them to withstand winds for a longer time than a wood or aluminum umbrella can, but you should always close your umbrella if conditions warrant it.

This information should help you choose the best type of outdoor umbrella for you and your backyard or patio.