Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Patio Umbrella

When it comes to outdoor comfort, shade is everything. Whether you're reading by the pool, hosting a summer dinner party, or just enjoying your morning coffee outside, a well-placed umbrella can transform your space. But with so many styles and sizes to choose from, how do you pick the right one? In this guide, we break down the key differences between cantilever and market umbrellas and explore the best use cases for each. Plus, we’ll walk you through the umbrella options available in our Galtech and Treasure Garden lines to help you find the best fit for your space.

Cantilever vs. Market Umbrellas

Cantilever Umbrellas Also known as offset umbrellas, cantilevers are supported from the side, allowing you to maximize the shaded area without a center pole in the way. The canopy hangs from a horizontal arm, often with a rotating or tilting feature for easy sun tracking.

Best for:

• Lounge areas with sectionals or chaise lounges

• Outdoor living rooms with coffee tables

• Poolside setups

• Dining areas that don’t have a center hole in the table

Benefits:

• Wide, unobstructed coverage

• Easy rotation and tilt for maximum sun protection

• Sleek, modern appearance

Considerations:

• Requires a heavy-duty base or mounting system

• Larger footprint, so best for medium to large outdoor spaces

Recommended Space Guidelines:

• 13' Cantilever: Ideal for spaces at least 12' x 12' or larger to allow full rotation and tilt without obstruction.

• 11' Cantilever: Best for areas around 10' x 10' or slightly larger.

• 10' Cantilever: Works well in tighter footprints, about 9' x 9' or larger.

Market Umbrellas Market umbrellas are the classic style, supported by a center pole that goes directly into a base or through the middle of a table. They’re simple, practical, and ideal for more compact areas.

Best for:

• Dining tables with umbrella holes

• Small patios or balconies

• Spaces where furniture is arranged around a single point

Benefits:

• Space-efficient and easy to set up

• More budget-friendly than cantilevers

• Tilt mechanisms for flexible shade (varies by model)

Considerations:

• The center pole can limit flexibility and seating

• Less coverage than larger cantilevers

• Variety of Base Weights: Market umbrellas require a base for stability, and the weight you need depends on the umbrella size and exposure to wind. Our market umbrella bases range from 30 to 120 pounds, with heavier options recommended for larger umbrellas or areas with stronger winds.

Recommended Space Guidelines:

• 9' Market Umbrella: Ideal for dining tables or patios around 6' to 8' wide.

• Compact Balconies or Nooks: 9' market umbrellas with tilt features are perfect for fitting into tight corners while still offering good sun protection.

Umbrella Options: Galtech vs. Treasure Garden

We offer two trusted brands with a range of sizes and styles to fit different outdoor setups: Galtech and Treasure Garden.

Galtech Umbrellas

• 13' Cantilever – Best for large patios and seating areas. Covers large sectionals or multiple lounge chairs with ease.

• 11' Cantilever – A versatile option for mid-size seating or dining arrangements.

• 9' Deluxe Auto Tilt Market Umbrella – Ideal for 4-person dining tables, small patios, or creating a shaded reading nook.

Galtech umbrellas are known for their sturdy construction and clean, timeless design. Both the 11' and 13' Galtech cantilevers weigh approximately 275 pounds, including the base. These bases come with built-in retractable wheels—making them easy to reposition when needed and stable when stationary. To move the umbrella, simply raise the base using the wheel mechanism; once in position, lower it to lock it into place.

Galtech cantilevers also feature a handle mechanism for effortless opening and a wheel-operated tilt system that lets you angle the umbrella smoothly to follow the sun.

Their offerings focus on core sizes and are a great option for those who want dependable, no-fuss function with long-lasting materials.

Treasure Garden Umbrellas

• 13' Cantilever – Generous coverage for large outdoor areas. Great for full-sectionals or spacious entertaining zones.

• 11' Cantilever – Works well in medium-size spaces or paired with 6- to 8-person dining sets.

• 10' Cantilever – A slightly smaller option that still offers wide shade for conversation sets or chaise lounges.

• 9' Market Umbrella (Push Tilt) – Classic and functional, with a simple push-button tilt for adjusting shade.

• 9' Market Umbrella (Collar Tilt) – Easy to operate—just twist the collar to tilt the canopy. Ideal for dining tables where you want to adjust shade without standing up.

Treasure Garden offers a variety of sizes, tilt mechanisms, and canopy colors, making them a great choice if you want a more customized look or extra adjustability. Both the 11' and 13' Treasure Garden cantilevers weigh around 475 pounds with the base. While their standard bases do not include wheels, there is an option to upgrade to a wheeled base for added mobility. Treasure Garden Cantilevers are the heavier option so these would be best if you are in a high wind area.

Treasure Garden cantilevers include a convenient foot pedal that allows for 360-degree rotation, as well as left-to-right tilt up to 54 degrees and infinite front-to-back tilt. This gives you significant flexibility throughout the day as the sun shifts.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:

• How much space do I need to shade?

• Is my furniture centered around a table, or is it spread out?

• Do I need the flexibility to rotate or tilt the umbrella?

• What kind of base or mounting do I want?

• Do I get a lot of wind?

For larger lounging areas or modern layouts, a cantilever umbrella gives you the flexibility and reach to cover your entire space. For more traditional setups or smaller spaces, a market umbrella might be all you need.

Still Deciding?

Our team is here to help. Stop by one of our showrooms or schedule a complimentary design consultation to see our umbrella styles in person and get advice tailored to your outdoor space.

The right umbrella doesn’t just block the sun—it elevates your patio’s comfort, functionality, and style. Let us help you find yours.