Protect your family from the harsh Australian sun, reduce glare during afternoon entertaining, and get real relief from the Queensland heat. The right outdoor umbrella makes a genuine difference to how much you use and enjoy your outdoor space.
Here's what to consider when choosing the best umbrella for your home.
Size and shape
Getting the size right is the most important step. Grab your tape measure and work out exactly how much area you need to shade before you start looking at styles.
For a dining table, use the rule of at least 60cm buffer all around the table so that everyone seated is covered, even as the sun moves. More buffer is always better. For a lounge or play area, go as large as your space allows to maximise shade coverage throughout the day.
Umbrellas come in hexagonal, octagonal, square, and rectangular shapes. Hexagonal and octagonal work well for most dining tables, while square and rectangular options suit longer tables or lounge settings.
Cantilever or centre post?
This is often the first decision to make, and it comes down to how you use your outdoor space.
Cantilever umbrellas (also called side post umbrellas) have the pole to the side, leaving the entire space underneath completely clear. This makes them ideal for lounge settings, pool areas, and anywhere you don't want a pole in the middle of the space. Most cantilevers rotate 360 degrees to follow the sun throughout the day, and many can also tilt for extra coverage as the sun drops lower in the sky.
Popular cantilever models in our current range include the Lynden, the Asta (wind-rated to 60km/h), and the Regis.
Centre post umbrellas (also called market or garden umbrellas) have a central pole and are a classic, versatile choice. They come in timber or aluminium frames, suit a wide range of sizes including smaller spaces, and most will fit through the umbrella hole in your outdoor dining table. They're generally a more cost-effective option than cantilevers.
Popular centre post models in our range include the Fairlight, the Palermo, and the Coolum.
Choosing a fabric that lasts
UV protection is a major consideration for Australians. Look for a minimum of UPF 15+ (93-95% UV protection), though the best fabrics achieve UPF 50.
Our Shelta umbrellas are available in three fabric grades:
- Polyester — a cost-effective, waterproof option that performs well for everyday use
- Olefin — a step up in durability and fade resistance, also water-resistant
- Solution-dyed acrylic — the premium choice, with superior UV resistance and colour fastness that won't fade over years of Queensland sun
For an umbrella that holds its colour year after year, solution-dyed acrylic is the fabric to choose. For a more budget-conscious option, polyester is a solid performer when paired with a protective cover when not in use.
Wind rating and bases
If you live in an exposed location or want an umbrella that can stay up in breezy conditions, a wind-rated umbrella is worth considering. Our wind-rated cantilevers, including the Asta range, are tested to 60km/h and require permanent installation, either bolted to reinforced concrete or concreted into the ground.
For standard cantilever umbrellas, the most popular base option is 25kg concrete weights, one on each corner of the cross frame. Larger umbrellas may need two per corner. Resin bases that can be filled with sand or blue metal are also available, and some come with wheels for easy repositioning.
For centre post umbrellas, concrete and granite bases are the most popular choices, providing a heavy, stable base with a metal stem the umbrella slots into.
As a general rule, always put your umbrella down when it's not in use, particularly in windy weather.
Brighten the night with umbrella lighting
There's no need to pack up when the sun goes down. We stock a range of umbrella lights including battery-operated LED lights that clip onto the frame for ambient evening dining, and a Bluetooth speaker light that lets you play music while you entertain.
It's a simple addition that makes a big difference to how much you use your outdoor space after dark.
Come and see us in store
We have over 13 umbrellas on display in our Macgregor showroom. Bring your measurements and we'll help you find the right shade solution for your space, your budget, and the way you live outdoors.
