The Table Umbrella

• The most common patio umbrella is the crank umbrella with a pole that goes through the center of your outdoor table. These umbrellas have a stand that sits under the table to hold it straight. The crank on the pole is used to open and close the umbrella webbing. Once open, the umbrella works as a sun shield and most can be tilted to block the sun at various angles. These umbrellas come in a few different heights and an endless variety of colors and designs. You can even have them custom made at umbrellasource.com.
  
  

The Side Post Umbrella

• The side post umbrella is the most versatile patio umbrella made today. They are sometimes known as off-set or cantilever umbrellas. The pole that holds these types of umbrellas sit in a very heavy, rather large base. It goes straight up for about 1 foot and then goes off about 5 feet or so at a slight angle. At the top, there is a joint that holds another part of the pole at a parallel to the ground. There is a hook on this part of the pole that the top of the umbrella attaches to. The umbrella then hangs over an area that you want shaded. It can hang over your lounge chairs or your outdoor sitting area. Some of these umbrellas open with a crank and some just push up. They also have the option of tilting or just hanging, and are very easy to take off the pole to store away. The side post umbrella is the most expensive of the patio umbrellas.
  
  

Push Up Patio Umbrellas

• This type of umbrella is the simplest of umbrellas and the least expensive. They can go through the pole hole in a table or stand alone. They work the same as a personal rain umbrella. You just push the ring that holds the webbing up until it clicks onto a small piece of metal that sticks out of the pole. The piece of metal can be pushed in to release the umbrella top and allow it to be folded up. These also come with a tilt option and in many, many colors and designs. Whichever umbrella you decide to put on your patio, the design and use are well worth the expense.