Raymond WhitneyBecause it protects you from the rain and the sun, a patio umbrella is a must-have patio accessory.
Unstable patio umbrellas can quickly become more of a nuisance than a benefit, and in some cases, they can even be dangerous.
So, it’s well worth the time and effort to weigh down your umbrella.
There are several methods for weighing down a patio umbrella:
- Purchasing a weighted umbrella base.
- Picking up an umbrella weight bag.
- Using the table as extra support
There is a slew of options for securing the weight of your patio umbrella, as demonstrated in the preceding list, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Keep reading to find out more about how to weigh down your patio umbrella!
3 Ways to Weigh Your Umbrella Down
It’s important to research all of your options when it comes to securing your umbrella to the ground.
With this information, you’ll be in a better position to make an informed decision.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at each option.
1. Use a Weighted Umbrella Base
The simplest way to make your umbrella heavier is to use a weighted base.
When you use an umbrella base, you’re essentially using a weighted stand to help keep your umbrella upright and in position.
Simply insert your umbrella into the base’s hole, then tighten the base to ensure that your umbrella is securely in place.
Choose a weighted umbrella base that matches your umbrella’s size.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on an umbrella stand if you only have a small umbrella.
Contrariwise, you should use a heavy umbrella base when your canopy is particularly large.
The weight of an umbrella base can range from 35 pounds to more than 90 pounds.
Umbrella bases as light as 35 lbs. may be sufficient for an umbrella as tall as 6 feet.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to use a cantilever umbrella that is more than 9 feet tall, you’ll need a 75-pound base.
When looking for an umbrella base, check out these top-rated models from Amazon:
- 36 lb. low-profile steel plate umbrella base made of Tropishade steel plate. It’s low-profile, but it’s a heavy-duty umbrella base. For the lightest, shortest umbrellas, this is the best option at $78 from Amazon.com.
- Abba UV-protected plastic that has been treated with an anti-rust powder is used to make the base of this umbrella. This base needs to be filled with water in order to reach its stated weight of 50 pounds. If your umbrella isn’t too big and the pole is between 1.5 and 2 inches, this is a good match for you. For less than $100, you can bring this one into your own home.
- Shademobile Outdoor Umbrella Stand – This heavy-duty umbrella stand can hold up to 125 pounds. To achieve that weight, you can use your own weighted materials, such as pebbles, sand, or bricks. The stand’s locking wheels prevent it from scratching the surface it rests on, which is a major plus. In total, it comes to $175.
When purchasing any umbrella base, it’s important to check the weight limit and the recommended pole size.
If you don’t, you may get one home and realize that you’re unable to use it.
2. Use a Weighted Umbrella Bag
A weighted umbrella bag is a less expensive alternative.
Additional weight can be added to the base of an umbrella by using these bags.
It’s the best option if your current base isn’t staying upright in windy conditions.
Weight bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used for a variety of purposes.
If you already have an umbrella and a base, the size of the one you want will be determined by that.
With that in mind, an umbrella weight bag with an 18-inch diameter will fit most umbrellas.
You’ll have to add sand to it after you get it home because it doesn’t come pre-weighted.
This bag has a maximum weight limit of 15 pounds, but other options may wrap around your umbrella’s pole.
3. Use a Table With an Umbrella Hole
Patio tables that come equipped with an umbrella hole are an excellent way to save money while you’re still designing your patio and buying furniture for it.
However, a table with an umbrella hole will help stabilize your umbrella more than a regular umbrella base.
It is possible to save money by purchasing a base that has a lower weight limit because your umbrella will be more stable.
A small umbrella and a patio table with an umbrella hole cost as little as $50.
Get an umbrella that fits your patio table properly.
Flooring Material
The best support system for a cantilever umbrella depends on the material it is resting on, so that must be taken into account next.
Concrete, wood decking, composite decking (Trex), concrete pavers, and grass are all common substrate materials.
This material must be handled in a slightly different way, and it offers different options and possibilities.
Umbrella Support Systems
Various methods of attaching a cantilever umbrella to its base will be discussed in this section.
Lag bolts and screws, patio blocks, concrete blocks, and sandbags are among the materials we’ll look at.
Support Base With Bolts or Screws
A block of wood or composite deck or concrete pad is required for this method to work; it does not work if the umbrella is placed on a tarp.
Also, if you plan on moving the umbrella a lot, this path isn’t for you.
Basically, you’ll need to buy lag bolts and drill them into the deck for each of the cross’s legs.
Before you begin installing the lag bolts or screws, double-check that they will fit into the holes in your cross base.
When drilling into concrete, you’ll need a ram drill and carbide bit, as well as TapCon style bolts. Drilling into wood is easier.
At least half an inch deeper than the length of the lag bolt or screw you intend to use, drill a hole in the concrete.
Before you add your lag bolts, make sure the holes are clean and free of dust.
If you have the proper tools, you can drill into concrete and secure your umbrella to the existing concrete using bolts.
If you’re up to the challenge, this method is solid.
Support Base with Patio Blocks
Patio blocks are a more flexible and less permanent alternative to lag bolts for anchoring an offset umbrella.
The flat metal flanges of the cantilever umbrella base can be secured with inexpensive patio blocks purchased at your local home improvement store.
In windy conditions, many manufacturers of side-mount umbrellas recommend using four 16-inch patio blocks, each weighing over 100 pounds. It’s possible to re-lay the blocks flush with the patio if the patio already has a cross base inserted under the blocks.
Consider using masonry adhesive and gluing the patio blocks to the cross base if you find they don’t stay in place in the cross base as well as you’d like.
A caulking gun is commonly used to apply masonry adhesive, which can be found in most home improvement stores.
A major drawback of using glue is how much more difficult it makes it to move the umbrella.
Support Base with Concrete Blocks
Using concrete blocks instead of patio stones is another option for supporting the foundation. The cross base’s metal flanges can also accommodate the concrete blocks.
Stone or sand can be poured into the concrete block’s interior to strengthen it.
If the concrete blocks are moving around too much, consider using masonry adhesive to secure them to the cross base, just as you would with patio blocks.
This has the drawback of making it more difficult to move the umbrella.
There are a few drawbacks to using concrete blocks to hold an umbrella, but they are a viable option because they are both functional and inexpensive.
These give the impression of a homemade cantilever umbrella base!
Several options are available if you like the low cost of the concrete blocks but dislike the aesthetics. You could do as follows:
- Decorate the top of the concrete block with small plants or other items.
- Paint the concrete blocks in bright colors to detract from the fact that they are made of concrete.
- In order to hide the blocks, use a cover.
The blocks are large and heavy, so if your flip-flopped toes happen to land on one of them, be prepared for some pain!
Support Base with Sandbags
These Quickrete Sand 50lb bags from Lowe’s are a simple way to secure the cross base.
For those who like to move their patio umbrella from time to time, sandbags are a good alternative to patio blocks because they’re less expensive and easier to move around with than patio blocks.
It’s a temporary fix, but it’s functional and easy to implement.
Just remember that if these bags fail, you’ll have a sand mess on your hands.
If you like the idea of using sandbags, you might want to look into using heavy-duty patio furniture weight bags instead.
For those who appreciate this method”s affordability, a cloth cover for the bags can be purchased and used to hide them from view under an attractive blanket or other cloth.
Dos and Don’ts of Weighing Down a Patio Umbrella
In order to protect your umbrella, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Detailed descriptions of each will be provided below.
Dos
To begin, there are a few “Dos” that should be followed when attempting to secure a patio umbrella.
- The diameter of your umbrella pole needs to be measured. Determine the diameter of your umbrella pole in order to select a base that will fit.
- Make sure you read the description of any umbrella weight you find online. Make sure you understand how a weighted umbrella base works before purchasing one. To achieve the advertised weight, some are designed to be filled with sand or rocks, while others are pre-loaded with sand or rocks.
Don’ts to Avoid
It’s time to move on to the “Donts” of weighing down a patio umbrella now that you’ve reviewed the “Dos.”
- Don’t forget to buy a foundation. A base is still necessary, even if you place your umbrella in a hole on a patio table, to keep the umbrella upright and stable.
- Take your time and shop around. The cheapest base may not be the best option, and you may end up needing to buy additional weight in the form of a weighted umbrella bag.
How to Keep the Umbrella From Blowing Away
If you have a weighted umbrella base, it’s still possible for your umbrella to fly across the yard.
Keeping your umbrella from blowing away is easy when you follow the advice in this section.
- When not in use, keep your umbrella closed. Even though open umbrellas are more attractive, you should keep them closed when not in use. When an umbrella is left open for an extended period of time, it is more susceptible to being blown away or damaged by strong winds.
- It is important to secure your umbrella’s pole in the base. To make sure your umbrella is as secure as possible, many bases feature a tightening mechanism. A loose umbrella pole can be a problem if you stick it in the base. A second pole base may be required if the first one doesn’t work.
- If necessary, increase the weight. If you’ve ever had your umbrella topple over, you’ll need to add more weight to the base. The umbrella won’t tip over once you’ve added enough weight.
Your umbrella won’t be blown away if you follow the above advice.
Conclusion
There are some dos and don’ts to help you avoid making costly mistakes when it comes to weighing down your patio umbrella, among other things.
We hope that this article will be a useful resource for your patio umbrella questions.
