Outdoor umbrella is an important accessory for people to spend safely outdoors in summer. An outdoor umbrella can protect you from UV rays. In the previous article, we also introduced how to choose a high-quality outdoor umbrella. But what should we do after purchasing an outdoor umbrella? It is best to choose a suitable umbrella base/stand. This article will tell you how to choose the right umbrella base for the outdoor umbrella you choose.

The outdoor umbrella bases on the market can basically be divided into two categories. 

Removable base and fixed installation

Fixed installation

The fixing device is currently able to greatly improve the stability and safety of the outdoor umbrella. Fixed installation is common in public places. It can be installed on the ground of various materials. Just choose the appropriate fixing parts according to different material ground.

For example:

Concrete Patio/Slab – Fastening the base slab to the concrete
Wooden floors – the baseboard is secured to the floor and the floor is reinforced with additional wood underneath
Garden beds or lawns – dig a hole and pour a concrete foundation with an in-ground fitting for umbrellas
Public areas or walkways

But there is also a small disadvantage. Because the ground of different materials needs to choose different fixing parts and methods, the installer must master more professional installation knowledge.

Removable base

The removable base is more used in private courtyards, outdoor seating in restaurants and other places. The removable base is more called umbrella base or umbrella stand.

So what is the difference between and Umbrella Stand vs Umbrella Base?

Umbrella Base – Is a weight to insert the bottom of pole, to hold the umbrella down in windy conditions when umbrella is in a table. The base is not as heavy as a stand. Generally 50lbs and less are typical base weights
Umbrella Stand – Is a heavy weight to hold to insert bottom of part of pole to hold the umbrella upright in a free standing position. In general, 50lbs or more are inteded as free standing bases. The heavier it is, the more stable the free standing umbrella will be.

Umbrella bases/stand can be made from a variety of materials. The most popular choices are: cast iron, steel, concrete, and molded resin (heavy-duty plastic). But because the first three materials are too heavy, it requires very expensive shipping. So many manufacturers prefer to produce plastic bases. 

Here are the things to keep in mind when buying.

Size

The majority of umbrella bases (under-the-table) are 20 inches in diameter. Prevents people from tripping over umbrella base under tables. 

Pole size

Umbrella bases/stand come in a variety of “neck” or “sleeve” diameters. When selecting an appropriate bases/stand, you will need to know the exact diameter of your umbrella’s pole. Umbrella bases/stand neck or sleeve diameters slightly larger than the diameter of the umbrella pole are capable of supporting smaller umbrella poles.

Smaller umbrellas have thinner shaft diameters, usually 1 3/8 inches to 1 1/2 inches. Umbrella poles typically have an average diameter of 1.5 inches. Larger umbrellas, such as the 11-foot and 13-foot rain canopies, have larger stem diameters, ranging from 1 1/2 inches to 2.5 inches in diameter.

Fill options

The filling of the bases/stand generally has water, sand, cement. 

Durability

The cast iron base is heavy but will rust in high humidity. The powder-coated steel base, which is weighted with concrete, can rust over time. Concrete bases won’t rust or crack, but you can’t always add filler. Heavy-duty molded resin and plastic base won’t rust, peel or crack.

Tips

If you don’t know what kind of bases/stand to choose for your umbrella, I recommend a formula for you. You just multiply the width of your umbrella by 10. 

There are also different types of umbrellas to use which vary. The combination of a central column umbrella and an umbrella base is more common. The cantilever umbrella usually uses the umbrella stand.

If you really don’t know how to choose, there is another easiest way, that is, welcome to contact Aicathlonoutdoor . We will provide you with umbrella and umbrella base according to your requirements.