The Different Types of Patio Umbrellas: Center Post vs Cantilever
When improving outdoor areas, the type of patio umbrellas you choose can greatly affect how useful and attractive things appear. For those buying on a commercial scale—if you are setting up an eatery, hotel, lounge, or coffee spot—it is very important to know the difference between market and cantilever patio umbrellas. This blog post will guide you through the options so that you can make an informed decision that meets your needs.
What Is a Market Patio Umbrella?
A market patio umbrella, also known by many as a traditional umbrella, is a popular option for shading in outdoor markets. Usually, these umbrellas have one main pole that holds up the canopy, which has ribs stretching from it. Here’s a rundown of its features:- Design and Functionality: Market umbrellas can be found in different sizes and shapes, round or square. They are made to provide shade exactly over a center point, which suits dining tables and smaller seating spaces very well. The selection of market umbrellas from Poggesi, like the Magnum and Dehor, shows the combination of style and usefulness by offering strong structures and stylish designs.
- Ease of Use: Usually, opening and closing a market umbrella is done through a rudimentary pulley system or crank mechanism. This ease of use is essential for places with many guests where fast changes are required.
What Is a Cantilever Patio Umbrella?
Cantilever patio umbrellas, sometimes called offset umbrellas, offer a different method for shading. Instead of having a middle pole, these umbrellas are held up by an arm on the side and base. This lets the cover move without needing to adjust its stand. Here’s a rundown of its features:- Design and Function: The cantilever design allows for more freedom in canopy placement. This umbrella covers extensive areas, like lounge sections or poolside spaces, without blocking the view or room beneath. Poggesi’s King and One models are typical examples of cantilever umbrellas, showing off advanced engineering and fashionable designs.
- User-Friendly: Cantilever umbrellas usually have high-tech actions like gas springs or hydraulic systems, making changing the canopy’s angle and rotating it simple. This flexibility is excellent for places that need adaptable shading methods.
What Is the Difference Between a Center Post Umbrella and a Cantilever Patio Umbrella?
If you are trying to decide between a center post umbrella and a cantilever patio umbrella, it can be helpful to understand their main differences. Here is a comparison that can help you decide:- Market Umbrella: This type of outdoor umbrella is commonly seen at restaurants, cafes, and other commercial establishments. It has a traditional design with a pole in the center, which supports the fabric canopy on top.
- Cantilever Patio Umbrella: A cantilever patio umbrella has an off-center design where its central pole is not in the middle but on one side. This allows for more flexibility when arranging furniture underneath, as there’s no need to worry about blocking the central support.
- Location of Pole: The most noticeable difference between these two types of umbrellas is where they locate their poles. Market umbrellas have an evident pole placed centrally, while cantilever patio ones show poles set aside.
- Canopy Shape: Market umbrellas typically have round or square-shaped canopies, giving them an appealing classic look.
- Support Structure: The main difference in support structure is that market umbrellas have a central pole supporting the canopy directly. In contrast, cantilever umbrellas are supported by an offset arm that allows the canopy to float freely.
- Coverage Area: Cantilever umbrellas are usually more adjustable in terms of coverage area because they have flexible arms and can be positioned in different ways. This makes them perfect for more extensive or less regular spaces. On the other hand, market umbrellas are better suited to smaller places that need a clearly defined shade area.
- Space Usage: Market umbrellas may block the area under them, especially the middle pole. Cantilever umbrellas avoid this problem by placing the support structure on one side, creating more usable room below.