With all of the wind vent choices available at CushionsAndUmbrellas.com, how are you going to choose the right one for your patio umbrella?

To give you a better understanding of the different features of our wind vents, it’s important to know what a Wind Vent does.

A wind vent is a flap in the fabric of canopy, or top, of a patio umbrella, that allows for wind and heat to escape the top of the umbrella. There are two main reasons why this is important.

Stability. The Wind Vent allows for wind and air to be safely “vented” through your umbrella. Without the Wind Vent, what you would have is a very big and expensive kite. Think of your hand umbrella in a strong breeze; turn the umbrella the wrong way, and not only does it turn inside out, but 9 times out of 10, it will fly away, usually very far away. However, because of the wind vent in our umbrellas, air and wind have a means of escape, without carrying the whole umbrella along with it.

Comfort. Heat rises, and patio umbrellas can trap a lot of heat under the canopy, like a hot air balloon. The Wind Vent allows for hot air to escape out of the top, and let’s cool air rush in underneath to cool the inside of the canopy. Without a Wind Vent, you’d be standing underneath a hot air oven. Not the best place to be on a hot day, and completely kills the purpose of having an outdoor shade.

So why are there different types of Wind Vents? Why would one type of Wind Vent be different than another? Let’s go over the differences.

Single Wind Vents (SWV)

An Single Wind Vent patio umbrella features a single vent placed in the optimum area at the top of the umbrella canopy. This provides basic wind and heat venting and is that standard vent among all patio umbrellas sold. In small patio areas and places where wind is not a big factor, this is a great umbrella cover. It also allows for a single, uniform look to your umbrella cover. Almost all of CushionsAndUmbrellas.com patio umbrellas are available in Single Wind Vent.  The only umbrella not available in single wind vent would be our large patio umbrellas, such as the 11′ Market Umbrellas.

Dual Wind Vents (DWV)

A Dual Wind Vent umbrella is just what the name suggests. Two Wind Vents placed at the top and middle positions of the umbrella canopy gives you twice the ventilation and twice the heat dissipation. Twice as efficient as a SWV, the DWV umbrella cover also gives your patio umbrella an added design feature that gives a little more fashion and elegance to your patio design. The Dual Wind Vent is perfect for those windy outdoor areas, or patios that are in hot or tropical locals, where heat dissipation is really important.

Middle Accent Design (MD)

A Middle Accent umbrella is a Dual Wind Vent cover with the added feature of a coordinating or complimenting fabric in the middle vent tier. It has all the advantages of a DWV, but opens a world of design opportunities for your outdoor décor. You can mix and match cushion fabrics and compliment it with your umbrella, or you can choose a complete pallet featuring cushions, outdoor pillows and umbrellas with a base fabric colors and accenting fabrics. Imagine picking a beautiful rich solid for your cushions; match it with a nice accenting stripe or pattern for your decorative pillows, and then making your umbrella with BOTH fabrics. As we said, a world of opportunities.

ED 9 Inch Edge (ED)

How can you make the concept of a single vent better? The 9 Inch Edge does just that by creating a wider, middle  tier that extends to 9 inches from the edge of the canopy. This canopy design  adds a rich, elegant look to your patio umbrella top. All of our Deluxe Patio Umbrellas are available in the ED 9 inch edge option.

Alternating Panels

Alternating panel designs are a traditional designer choice when it comes to market umbrellas.  Our alternating panels cover is a single wind vent umbrella with your choice of 2 Sunbrella fabrics in an one on, one off pattern.  Great geometric design for outdoor rooms when you

The CushionsAndUmbrellas Difference

Most online merchants only carry Single Wind Vent patio umbrellas, and usually with a small choice of fabrics. CushionsAndUmbrellas.com is dedicated to giving you a wide selection of design choices for your umbrellas, so we added both the DWV and MAD designs to expand your choices. Why the difference? Most online merchants only feature selected umbrellas in a limited amount of fabric because they are easily ordered and shipped through the manufacturers. CushionsAndUmbrellas.com has gone through the extra steps to ensure that our customers have a wide variety of patio umbrella choices available to them.

Check out our great selection of tilt patio umbrellas

9′ Auto Tilt Patio Umbrella	9′ Collar Tilt Aluminum Patio Umbrella	9′ Push Button Tilt Patio Umbrella
9′ Wind Resistant Umbrella	11′ Aluminum Patio Umbrella – Collar Tilt	Bistro Umbrella – Push Button Tilt

Patio Umbrella Tilt: Tilting functions often “define” the patio umbrella, but often times, it’s the last thing you look at. Here are the differences and benefits of push button tilts, collar tilts, and auto tilts, and a new breed of tilt, the shade dial.

The one downside to outdoor lounging is this; that pesky sun doesn’t stay in one place. It’s always the same; you find a nice shady spot under your favorite patio umbrella, and what happens? A few minutes later that pesky hot, bright sun comes peaking under the umbrella canopy right into your face and eyes. There goes your perfect little shady spot! However, one of the coolest things that a quality patio umbrella can do is… drum roll please… TILT. You reach up, tilt your umbrella, and viola, your perfect little shady spot is back.But HOW your umbrella tilts can be the determining factor in how much you enjoy your patio and your favorite shady spot.

Usually, a patio umbrella shopper will first choose an umbrella based on the pole color or the umbrella canopy cover. For the most part, it’s the canopy that draws your attention, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s only when you’re locked into a style that you feel best fits your patio design that you notice that the patio umbrella you’ve chosen has a particular tilt function. Sometimes, this means that you have to make sacrifices in the design of your umbrella, because the tilt function you would like to have doesn’t come in the outdoor fabric color you want, or the pole frame finish that best fits your patio design.

The principal of umbrella tilting is pretty basic: You do something at the crank or under the canopy, and the umbrella tilts. However, to arm you with the right knowledge of the definitive feature of any patio umbrella, let’s break down the different tilting functions into their pro’s and con’s so you can make an informed and satisfying choice.

There are basically two categories of tilting features, Manual and Mechanical. Manual tilting umbrellas, as the name implies, tilt based on you having to tilt the canopy manually. Mechanical tilting is when a mechanism function allows you to tilt the umbrella without touching the canopy.

MANUAL TILTING

PUSH-BUTTON TILT

3 Position Push Button Tilt

The Push-Button Tilt is the granddaddy of tilting functions. Built on a simple but very sound engineering principle, push-button tilts have been around almost as long as the modern patio umbrella. Evolving from an original hole-and-peg system, the push-button tilt quickly became a standard umbrella feature. The basic function is this; at the top of the umbrella pole, just below the umbrella ribs, you’ll find a button. The button is usually a simple, inward curved button made of metal. Push the button inwards, and you release a lock on the lever that allows the umbrella to tilt. Typically with a push button tilt, you have to manually hold the umbrella canopy to in order to get it into the right position. Most quality push-button tilt umbrellas have three positions, however, some are known to have two, or even just one default tilt position. Once you find the tilt position you want, you release the spring loaded button, and it locks the umbrella tilting lever to the position you’ve chosen.

Pro’s: The push-button tilt is simple and strong, set it and forget it. The tilting lever is set to three optimum positions that you will find satisfactory most of the time. And you’re getting a great value; you get a nice tilting umbrella for little upfront expense.

Cons: With a push-button tilt, you have to manually hold the umbrella canopy to get it in your preferred position. Also, you have to stand and manually DO the tilt. On less than standard umbrellas, there is a small danger of pinching your finger in the button or the tilt lever. CushionsAndUmbrellas.com Push-Button Tilts are top of the line, expertly crafted umbrellas. This is not a real danger with our umbrellas.

Summary: If you need a simple, standard umbrella with no bells and whistles, this is the tilt for you. Also, if you have a large patio area that you’d like to put more umbrellas in for different shade areas or your house guests, but don’t want to run the expense of buying upper end umbrellas for all of your shading areas, this is the perfect umbrella. It’s also a great umbrella for commercial applications such as restaurants, clubs and hotels.

Check out our Push-Button Tilt Patio Umbrellas.

MECHANICAL-TILTING UMBRELLAS

AUTOMATIC-TILT

The Automatic Tilt umbrella, also called auto tilt umbrellas,  are a great innovation that literally changed the face our outdoor patio. This is simply a great feature that has quickly grown into the most popular feature in any outdoor umbrella, ever, and it’s quite simple in its application.

All aluminum umbrellas usually open by turning the crank, found at an optimum placement just above most table levels. Most aluminum umbrellas open by using the crank. But the automatic tilt umbrella has an added feature that’s, well, just great. Once the umbrella is completely open, you keep turning the umbrella crank, and the umbrella tilts. It works by a series of mechanical levers and joints inside the umbrella pole. And because the tilting feature in automatic’s don’t rely on joint settings (it uses the tension and position of the interior cord for position,) the tilting positions run the full spectrum of positions. In an automatic tilt umbrella, there is no preset or default tilt positions, so you can tilt your umbrella just a little, or a little more, or a full tilt. That’s what makes the automatic tilt umbrella the most popular tilting feature in the US.

In fact, the umbrella is so popular, that it’s hard pressed not to call it outdoor furniture, because it’s just not limited to the outdoor table anymore. You can find auto-tilt umbrellas anywhere, like poolside, or smaller shading areas in your patio. For more information on using umbrellas in designing, click here.

Pros: No manual lifting or changing, because you don’t have to get up to tilt the umbrella. The umbrella opens and tilts from the same position, so it’s easy to use, and no strain on the back. Just sit and…Lounge. Same goes for closing the umbrella. Just crank the opposite way, and your umbrella tilts back into position, and closes, no getting up and manually un-tilting umbrella.

Cons: There are hardly any cons to owning an auto-tilt umbrella, other than placement, and changing the direction of the umbrella for different positions of the Sun. Some sub-standard auto-tilts break after extended use, but CushionsAndUmbrellas.com automatic tilt umbrellas are engineered for extended use, and use above-standard material in its construction.

Summary: The most popular tilt function in the US for a reason, the automatic tilt is just a joy to have and easy to use. Usually automatic tilt umbrellas come in a plethora of sizes, frame colors and cover choices, and it’s also considered a “best bet” choice amongst patio experts across the nation.

Check out our Auto Tilt Patio Umbrellas

COLLAR-TILT

Collar Tilt - Auto Tilt

The collar tilt umbrella is a neat little innovation in tilting that sprouted up in the early nineties. Also considered an auto tilt, it’s a great example of user friendly engineering that can really add to your table use umbrellas.

A collar tilt umbrella works basically the same way as other aluminum market umbrellas. You turn the crank at the housing, and the umbrella opens. However, what makes the collar tilt different is that at the top of the crank housing, there is a ring or “collar” that tilts the umbrella. By turning the collar, you can tilt and un-tilt the umbrella. Similar to an auto-tilt, the collar tilt umbrella has infinite tilting positions. Many people prefer the collar-tilt to the auto-tilt for its smooth operation and differentiated tilting mechanism.

Pros: The collar tilt is a great table umbrella. When an umbrella sits in a table, the collar tilt is nicely situated so you just have to stretch out your hand, and twist the collar to tilt. Also, since the tilting mechanism is different from the opening mechanism, you can “combine” different stages of open and tilted for your own pleasure.

Cons: Two different mechanisms are two different manual things you have to do to open and tilt your umbrella. A collar turning motion may not be a comfortable or easy for most people as a crank motion. If the umbrella is not secured to a base, when you’re turning the collar, you might turn the whole umbrella. CushionsAndUmbrellas.com collar tilts are specifically designed to be easy to use and engineered not to turn the umbrella when turning the collar.

Summary: A great feature that brings a new twist (pun intended) to umbrella tilting, the collar tilt is an enjoyable function for those looking for something just a little bit different, with the same ease of use as an auto-tilt. A perfect table umbrella for long lazy days of entertaining your house guests in your patio.

Check out our Collar Tilt Umbrellas.

SHADE-DIAL

A real revolutionary upper end addition to the auto tilt world, the Shade-Dial TM is a definite “I want one” feature. Built upon the most popular automatic tilt function, the shade dial goes one step further, and turns umbrellas 360° with the sun.

The inventor of the Shade-Dial TM looked at auto tilt umbrellas and said “What if it could do this?” and came up with a great function that people have been wishing for, for years. As with any other auto tilt umbrella, you crank the umbrella open, turn the crank once more, and the umbrella tilts. But the Shade-Dial TM goes one step further. Just above the crank housing is the aforementioned Shade-Dial TM, which looks very much like a collar tilt. Turn the Shade-Dial TM in any direction, and the umbrella canopy turns to point the tilt in the direction of the sun. Imagine you start your day in your backyard in the morning, and by noon, the sun is in a different position in the sky. With the Shade-Dial TM , all you have to do is turn the dial, and the canopy turns, blocking out the sun making your lounging so much more comfortable.

Pros: The pros of having a Shade-Dial TM tilt umbrella are self evident. An umbrella that tilts to the position you want, then turns to block out the sun from whatever position it is in the sky. C’mon! Your really can’t get much better than that. It’s a great innovation that’s easy to use and provides plenty of patio enjoyment.

Cons: The one thing that might be a downside is the dual functions. As with the collar tilt, two mechanisms are twice the work. However, CushionsAndUmbrellas.com Shade-Dial TM umbrellas are very easy to use, and provide easy access from a sitting or lounging position.

Summary: Great upper end umbrella tilt function that really provides for your comfort. If you could have only one umbrella tilting style, this tilt should be the first item on the list.

Umbrellas Available in Shade-Dial Tilts:
9 Foot Shade Dial Automatic Tilt All Metal Market Umbrella

So the next time you’re searching for a patio umbrella, don’t forget to start with the right information. It’s great to know design elements, colors, canopy choices, but never forget what makes any kind of aluminum or metal umbrella really worth your time and effort. The tilting functions of an umbrella really do “define” how much you will enjoy your umbrella, and how well it will serve you’re patio living.

If you’re not sure what type of patio umbrella fits your needs, these tips can help. Always remember, you’re the best judge of what outdoor umbrella you want, but we’ve put together some basic guidelines so that you feel confident in your purchase.

Our umbrellas are designed to shade different types of areas. For each kind of space, there is an umbrella that performs the best. You might want an umbrella to fit through a table, or off to the side. Or you might need an offset patio umbrella to provide maximum table area; it’s all about the space. The first thing that needs to be determined is how much room you have for your umbrella.

What does your area measure?

Smaller areas, like a small patio or balcony will limit the size available for an umbrella. Larger patios allow for more a lot more sizing options. The size of an umbrella can also determine how many options are available.

First, we need to determine the overall area you’re trying to cover. Measure the length and the width of your shade area; you’ll want to allow about six to eight inches from around the umbrella for clearance. This allows the patio umbrella to open and close without obstruction. For example, an 8’ X 8’ balcony will allow for up to a 7 foot patio umbrella. A larger area, say 10’ X 10’, will allow up to a 9′ patio umbrella. A wide open patio or garden area will fit any patio umbrella, including our offset patio umbrellas.

What is it that you want to cover?

Finding the size of the umbrella was one thing, now we need to determine what you will be covering. Are you covering a table, or just a shade area? Small patio umbrellas, like our 7′ patio umbrellas are great for café and bistro table sets. Standard umbrellas, like our 9 Foot Patio Umbrellas, work best for covering dining sets or chaise lounges. Large patio umbrellas, like our 11 Foot Patio Umbrella, are great for covering larger oval table and mixed seating areas, as well as poolside areas or sitting lounge areas.

Is your umbrella going through the table or freestanding?

The right umbrella base, also known as umbrella stands, allows for any umbrella to be free standing, but not all umbrellas can fit to a table. It depends on the size, or diameter, of the frame hole in your table. Most tables have a standard frame hole that measures approximately 1 ¾ inches. Most of our umbrellas have a 1 ½ inch diameter pole, but some have a 2 inch diameter pole, and are really designed to be free standing, commercial patio umbrellas. There are those large patio tables that have 2 ½” frame holes, which would allow for a 2 inch pole, but on the whole, the most common is the 1 ¾ inch hole.

Frame Material:

Out outdoor patio umbrellas are either aluminum patio umbrellas or wood market umbrellas. Choosing the right one is dependent on your personal preferences. Always remember, the final look and feel of your patio umbrella should please you, so always use your own judgment when making that final decision.

Wood frames provide an elegant and exotic look, which typically goes best with tropical settings or all wood settings. However, there are plenty of our customers who have chosen wood to go with dark wrought iron furniture, or cast furniture. The mix of wood and metal can be very appealing.

Aluminum frames are available in many colors and can be matched with more décor choices. Aluminum frames usually provide a modern, clean look and have features that are not included in wood frames.

Here are some key features of both our wood and aluminum frames:

Wood:

• Usually made of Asian Hardwood
• Opens and closes with either manual lift or pulley mechanism and brass holding pin
• One piece or two piece center pole, with 1 3/8” to 2” pole diameter
• No tilting functions
• Recommended for high traffic areas and contract applications
• Marine varnish finishes
• Elegant look with low maintenance
• See all Wood Market Umbrellas

Aluminum:

• Made of extruded aluminum with high impact PVC fittings
• Powder coated or anodized
• One piece or two piece center pole, with 1 3/8” to 1 1/2” pole diameter (not including offset umbrellas)
• Opens and closes with either crank, manual lift, or a pulley mechanism
• Available with either push button tilt (3 positions), non-tilt, auto-tilt (keep cranking to tilt), collar tilt (turnof a collar) or full rotation functions (offset umbrellas)
• Harder to replace parts
• Large selection of frame colors allows easy matching to furniture
• Crank and tilting functions not recommended for high traffic and contract applications
• See all Aluminum Patio Umbrellas

Will you need an Umbrella Base?

Umbrella bases are usually the last call on when purchasing an umbrella, and it should not be skipped at all. Typically, we don’t consider a base until it’s too late, after the umbrella has tipped over or flown out of our patio into our neighbors, or even off our balcony. Unless you already own an umbrella base, it’s always a good idea to get one.