We were enthusiastic about how well it effectively kept the sun off a fairly large area-it shaded the area so completely, we didn’t need to increase our laptop's screen brightness while sitting underneath it. We gave this product, with its aluminum frame and dyed acrylic canopy, top marks for a multitude of reasons: its ease of assembly, sturdiness, durability, one-hand crank and one-button tilt mechanism, and water resistance. Whether you're looking for a lightweight design or an umbrella that has string lights, these outdoor patio umbrellas impressed us across our testing insights. To further test the durability and performance of these umbrellas, we sent 12 umbrellas home with volunteer testers, who shared their evaluations with us after one month, three months, and six months of home use. Finally, we sprayed them with a hose to check their rainwater resistance and even applied artificial bird droppings to note how well each patio umbrella could be cleaned.

After we evaluated how quickly and easily each umbrella was assembled out of the box, we assessed how well they provided cooling shade that made viewing a laptop screen outdoors possible, and how easy it was to adjust the umbrella for maximum coverage. To help you decide on the right one, we purchased 28 patio umbrellas, of different styles, shapes, colors, and features, and tested them in The Lab on a bright, sunshiny, 90-plus-degree day. Sunbrella is hydrophobic (does not absorb water) acrylic fabric, while Ottertex is polyester, and both are colorfast and UV protected, as they are densely woven, she adds. 'The most common and best outdoor fabrics are Sunbrella and Ottertex,' says Deborah Young, a textile expert, author, and instructor of textile science. The canopy construction of an outdoor umbrella is arguably the most crucial part, so be sure to look for a canopy constructed from durable, outdoor fabrics. The Spruce Home Improvement Review BoardĪ patio or deck umbrella can let you dine, entertain, and for those who can, work outdoors without sweltering in what may be a harsh, glaring summer sun.

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