Patio Umbrellas for Restaurants
Did you know that enjoying a meal outside can have several health benefits, ranging from reduced stress levels to increased focus and concentration? As it turns out, your restaurant’s outdoor seating area isn’t just charming, it’s doing your customers a favor.
But that’s only if you protect them with a high-quality patio umbrella. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the skin, after all. So, the next time you’re revamping your outdoor venue, follow this guide for functional, stylish, and durable patio umbrellas for restaurants.
What To Look For in a Patio Umbrella
Not all umbrellas are the same. They differ in size, material, shape, purpose—and, of course, design. Make one wrong decision and you’re stuck with a canopy that blows away at the slightest gust, or one that sticks out like a sore thumb in a well-designed diner.
Size
The first crucial factor is size. Umbrellas at Grosfillex North America range from six to 10 feet. The smaller ones are well suited for cozy two- to three-person tables, while a party of four to six may need something closer to nine feet.
When determining the ideal size, remember that square umbrellas are measured by the actual cover size while round umbrellas are measured by diameter.
Durability
Rain, sun, and wind can all wreak havoc on umbrellas that haven’t been designed for commercial use. Your best bet is to find a premium umbrella made with acrylic.
This material offers high levels of UV protection, lasts many years before it begins to fade, and dries faster. Additionally, acrylic umbrellas are easy to clean as they come with a protective coating.
For a sturdy umbrella that doesn’t blow away with the wind, look for an option with a top vent and heavy-duty aluminum pole, such as the premium Windmaster series. A sturdy base plate also helps. These usually vary from 35 lbs to 85 lbs, allowing you to choose how much stability you need.
Type
Choose an umbrella based on your seating arrangement. The most common are those installed at the center of a table.
However, there are also push-up umbrellas that can be easily collapsed in case of heavy winds. Our 7.5 inch push-up umbrella is a great example.
For larger tables, you could consider a cantilever umbrella. This canopy doesn’t need a center post, but is held up by a heavy, sturdy base from the side. Our cantilever umbrellas have replaceable fiberglass ribs and a heavy-duty aluminum pole. They conveniently rotate and tilt to cover the sun at various points of the day.
Style
Outdoor umbrellas must be sturdy while perfectly complementing the restaurant’s decor. Once again, acrylic umbrellas are your best friend as the material is exceptionally good at absorbing dye and comes in many colors and patterns.
Our Wooden Market Umbrella is a solid example that offers functionality and good design. Its elegant lines and wooden pole make it an attractive option for any outdoor restaurant setting while its fade, stain, and mildew resistance makes it easy to maintain. The only drawback is it must be put away when it gets really windy.
Where To Find the Right Umbrella?
Since the 1980s, Grosfillex North America has established itself as one of the most trusted names in the food service and hospitality market. Our outdoor furniture, including a wide range of patio umbrellas for restaurants, is made with the highest quality materials. They’ve been designed with functionality in mind and are protected by warranties.
Browse our umbrella catalog to find the perfect fit for your restaurant.
