How To Keep Patio Umbrella From Falling Over

Prevent Your Patio Umbrella from Blowing Away

The patio umbrella not only complements your outdoor furniture but also gives you protection under the scorching sun during an unbearable summer afternoon.

Set it right and it will stay in the proper position to give you the shade. If not done correctly, it falls or blows away due to strong wind.

Don't worry, this is a common happening. We have herein provided some easy tips to protect your patio umbrella from blowing away.

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Patio Umbrella Falling Over: How to Solve
- 01. Look for Heavyweight Umbrella Base
- 02. Choose a Wider Base
- 03. Determine the Accurate Base Weight
- 04. Add Extra Weight to the Base for Stability and Balance
- 05. Your Umbrella Must Have Air Vent
- 06. Install the Umbrella on a Strong Table
- 07. Be Particular About the Rib Material
- 08. Use Cantilever Umbrella Base
Bonus Tips to Keep Patio Umbrella From Spinning
- Adopt Preventive Measures
- Keep the Patio Umbrella Closed When Not in Use
Some Parting Words

Patio Umbrella Falling Over: How to Solve

01. Look for Heavyweight Umbrella Base

heavy patio umbrella base

If your umbrella is falling in the strong windy weather, check if you already have installed it to a heavy base. The base with greater weight helps your umbrella to stand upright.

Some patio umbrella sets are inclusive of a base while others are not. If you did not buy a base, it is better to choose a cement or granite base. You may also use some sandbags around a lightweight base to provide greater support.

02. Choose a Wider Base

Alongside the weight of the base, the width is an important factor to provide stability to your umbrella canopy. A wider base stand under the table offers greater safety and support to your umbrella.

Depending on the size and shape of your table, it is always wise to select the widest base in order to add maximum support.

03. Determine the Accurate Base Weight

The patio umbrellas are available in several sizes. You must know the correct base weight required to support the umbrella in your lawn depending on its size. To give you some idea, herein is some information for your help.

Canopy Size	Base Weight
1.8m or less	30lbs
1.82m-2.3m	40lbs
2.8m-3.35m	75lbs
3.35m-3.7m	90lbs
Above 3.7m	150lbs (cantilever base recommended

04. Add Extra Weight to the Base for Stability and Balance

It's good if you already have a heavyweight base according to the size of the canopy. However, you can provide greater stability to the base for proper balance and protection by adding some extra weight.

Stack Wet Sandbags

Putting some sandbags at the base surrounding the umbrella stand from all sides is a cost-effective idea to provide greater weight and support to the base. If you are using wet sand in heavy-duty bags, it will add even more weight so it is a much better option.

Place Lead Boxes Around the Base

Lead boxes are much smaller than the sandbags and heavy too. You can place some tube-shaped lead boxes around the umbrella base.

Use Colorful Gravel to Add Weight and Beauty

If you are proud of the patio ambiance of your place, this is a convenient way to secure your umbrella without spoiling the look. Place the pole of your umbrella in a bucket filled with vibrant gravels.

Use Supplemental Weight Bags for Large Umbrellas

If your umbrella is 9 inches or more, you can use supplemental weight bags around the base to add up to 100lbs of additional weight.

Place Umbrella Pole into Cinder Block

patio umbrella cinder block

You can first construct a cinder block. Firmly place it under the base and put the pole of your umbrella into the hole of the block.

Put Sand in Hollow Bases

Add Extra Weight to the Umbrella Base Using Sand

Some base models have hollow chambers to fill some extra weight for support. Instead of water or other light materials, put wet sand in these chambers to put more weight.

Thread the Holes on the Base

If there is no other option around, you can tie the base of the umbrella with bungee cords to stronger objects around- stakes, fences, door hinges, etc. You can even tie these cords to sandbags placed at a distance.

However, this is not a preferable option if you are particularly concerned about the beauty of the patio area. This is also a temporary method so not recommended as a long-term arrangement.

Consider Fixed Base for Mounting

concrete patio umbrella base

If you do not want to move the umbrella, having a fixed base can be a safe option. The most convenient option in this regard is to have a concrete base. It is attached to the ground completely so it minimizes the chance of blowing away the umbrella.

Note: When putting extra weight around the base, take care to keep the base wheels (if any) or lifting knobs safe. Avoid putting weight around these objects.

05. Your Umbrella Must Have Air Vent

An ideal patio umbrella canopy should already have an air vent. It allows a proper channel for the heat and the breeze to pass through while keeping you calm and cool under the shade.

Check if you already have an air vent on the umbrella. If not, you can get it done at a tailor's shop. If you are planning to purchase one, look for umbrellas that already have an air vent.

06. Install the Umbrella on a Strong Table

patio umbrella on a strong table

The strength of the table also adds extra support to your umbrella. If you do not have a table in the garden or planning to get one, look for a dense and sturdy material. It will provide more support to the umbrella stand.

07. Be Particular About the Rib Material

The cyclonic weather can severely damage your entire umbrella. Hence, having a strong heavy base is not enough. The strength of the wind can still cause hazards to the canopy.

When buying an umbrella, check the ribs material. Often people get frenzied over the wooden ribs that match their wooden patio furniture. Unfortunately, the wooden ribs are not dense or sturdy enough to bear the pressure exerted by the devastating storms.

If you are looking for durability, go for flexible fiberglass ribs and frames. Fiberglass is strong yet flexible rib material to ensure greater longevity. They are at least four times stronger compared to other ribs materials. Even aluminum ribs are stronger than wooden ribs.

08. Use Cantilever Umbrella Base

Cantilever Patio Umbrella Base

Due to the design and mechanism, the cantilever bases are too heavy. They are a bit pricy but an obvious choice to keep other parts of the umbrella safe. With these bases, you do not need to put any extra weight or try other DIY methods.

Bonus Tips to Keep Patio Umbrella From Spinning

Adopt Preventive Measures

There is no fun in watching your umbrella struggling in the strong wind. If you are already aware of the upcoming cyclone, be ready to act in advance.

Fold your umbrella and store it at a safe place. Rather than exposing the patio umbrella to gusty climatic conditions, it is wise to keep it safe indoors.

Keep the Patio Umbrella Closed When Not in Use

closed patio umbrella

At times, people may have a problem storing a giant umbrella indoors or in the garage. You can still protect it by keeping it closed and corded/. The flattened outdoor umbrella can become dirty due to exposure to dust throughout the day.

Even if you have a heavy base, the wind can still cause hazards to the fabric. To ensure greater safety and longer life for your patio umbrella, keep it closed and tie the cord properly.

If you already purchased the umbrella with cover, then keep the close umbrella fully covered when not in use. It will also protect the fabric from fading due to continued exposure to rain, storms, and sunrays.

Some Parting Words

I hope these ideas have helped you to protect the patio umbrella from blowing away. However, there is no end to the creativity you can implement to keep your umbrella safe.

Do you use other hacks to keep the outdoor umbrella from blowing away?

If yes, please feel free to share them with us in the comments.