In the last few years, an evolution of the commercial umbrella fuses LED lighting to the inside of the umbrella. This is a great way to provide lighting for yourself and your guests without having to rely on a table lamp taking up valuable space.
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Many families rely on the tried-and-true patio umbrella to keep their loved ones shaded… but did you know that umbrellas are not all the same? Here at Patio Heat and Shade we’ve spent decades researching patio comfort, and we’d like to tell you about our favorite patio umbrella – the Commercial Umbrella. Basically, a commercial umbrella is like a normal patio umbrella on steroids. The parts and pieces are similar, but everything is beefier. When you compare a standard patio umbrella to a commercial umbrella, you’ll see that the commercial version has:
Because of their beefier size in every component, the bases that hold up the commercial umbrella are reinforced to handle the additional weight and wind loads. A standard umbrella base has a neck (the sleeve that the umbrella mast/pole fits into) that is about 10” tall, and the base weighs around 33 pounds. Standard patio umbrellas go through a table and then into the base – so the table provides the stabilization while the base stops it from moving around.
When you pick up a commercial umbrella base (you may want to bring a friend as they can be as much of 100 pounds of solid cast iron), you’ll see that the neck is thicker and significantly taller (up to 18” in height). The added weight, added height and stronger necks allow the commercial umbrella to be used with the base alone (doesn’t go through a table) so that the base also provides all of the stability for the system.
Originally designed for restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses where their customers prefer outdoor seating, it’s no surprise that commercial patio umbrellas are built like tanks. The ability to raise and lower the systems simply with a rock-solid lock is key to keeping their customers safe, and businesses love the reliability – put them out on the patio and let them do their magic.
Commercial umbrellas come in the standard configuration we all know and love (you know big stick with a mushroom cap at the top), but they come in other shapes as well. Not only can you get square and rectangular models, but they also come in cantilever (or offset) designs where the pole is off to the side, out of the way.
You can see why we love the commercial umbrella – strength, beauty and durability built into a package designed to keep people cool. As you’re deciding on which commercial umbrellas would be right for you, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Our patio consultants are the best in the industry, and they’d be happy to help you get exactly the right equipment. Give us a call at (855) 298-4922 and we promise to treat you like family.
