With skin cancer on the rise, and a growing concern for protection from the sun, more products are available to provide shade. When you spend time outdoors, whether on the patio or by the pool, having a simple patio umbrella or canopy will keep you, family and friends both comfortable and better protected from the sun’s harsh UV rays. At the same time, there is no sacrifice in style. Many types of outdoor umbrellas are designed to enhance garden décor, or at least complement it. Here are several types of outdoor umbrellas to choose from.

Shade Structures Available: Outdoor Umbrellas

Did you know that there are several types of outdoor umbrellas available? Years ago the choice was to buy a simple patio umbrella, (the kind that fits into the center of a table and is weighted with a base beneath). Today fancy components, accessories and types give you more choice in creating outdoor shade.

For the functional part, you can buy an umbrella that is offset or features a tilting mechanism. An offset umbrella can be used in many situations. It is an excellent choice if you have a view as its’ unique design houses the pole out of your way and off to the side. These attractive umbrella canopies come in varying sizes: (8′X 8′10′X10′), shapes: (hexagonal, rectangular and square), and can fit any budget. see: http://www.everything-patio-furniture.com/patio-umbrellas.htm

Another choice is the auto tilt umbrella. This umbrellas is useful as it can be, somewhat, angled to shield the sun. If you need to block bright morning sun or hot afternoon rays, a sun shade by Dayva that provides an arc of shade might also be a consideration.

As far as umbrella features and options, you can buy a remote umbrella that opens and closes with the touch of a button from a remote location. Also, add umbrella lights for ambience at night. You can buy the kind that create accent lighting, or fixtures that provide visual lighting. And, if the mosquitoes are biting, consider buying an umbrella net!



Thanks to Nicole Martins for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:

Retractable Motorized Awning

With the popularity of tanning beds on the rise, it’s no wonder a more portable “canopy” type has entered the market to appease an even larger consumer base. These lightweight, near portable canopy-like tanning beds are perfect for those who need to save on space and money. They operate using a gas shock system that virtually hovers over the user. The disadvantage of course, is that the user must turn over when he/she wants to hit a different spot on the body. However, many consumers still believe that the advantages far outweigh this slight disadvantage. In fact, some people actually prefer the more open and airy design of the canopy tanning bed. Traditional clamshell’s can get the best of those who suffer from mild claustrophobia or heat sensitivity. The cool and airy design of the canopy style beds are perfect for this type of crowd.

A canopy tanning bed has unique advantages over a traditional “clamshell” bed. As mentioned before the consumer can save quite a bit of money on a canopy tanning unit purchase. These units can range from 50% to nearly 75% off a traditional bed. The user also saves a significant amount of space. Most canopy style tanning beds can be stored upright against a wall, and are small enough to store inside a closet!

Another advantage is the “tilt” feature. Most modern canopy designs can tilt at any angle the user designates. This can allow for maximum angle results when you want to get the ultimate tan. This also allows the user to set a less direct tanning method, which is especially useful to those with fair or sensitive skin.

As always one should operate extreme care when operating any type of tanning bed. Severe burns, skin cancer, or premature aging can result in the misuse of these devices.



Thanks to Timothy Croy for contributing this article to our Canopies blog:

Gazebo Replacement Canopy Top