Spending time outside during the summer is one of my favorite pastimes. Between backyard cookouts, gardening, and just playing with my kids, I often spend more time outside than inside during the summer months. But the overhead sun can wear us out, make things uncomfortable, and even cause real damage like sunburn. Hot, sunny days call for a sturdy, large patio umbrella that enables extra hours of fresh air and fun outside. The Royal Garden Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella provides shade for my entire patio during the hottest times of the day. The patio umbrella comes in one large box, unassembled. It includes all of the tools that you’ll need to put it together. Because it is heavy, you will need two people or a wagon or wheelbarrow to get it to your patio. The included instructions are easy to follow. You will need sand and water to fill the four base pieces. I complete about half of the assembly before I had to stop to run to the store for the sand. I only needed one bag of all-purpose sand. I filled each base piece half with sand, half with water to make sure that it was heavy enough to keep the umbrella in place. The screws and Allen wrenches that come with the patio umbrella are labeled, so it is easy to know which pieces to use even if you don’t consider yourself an assembly expert. The hardest assembly step was lining up the primary umbrella support with the attached umbrella to the assembled base. Even though it was cumbersome, I could still do all of the set-up steps by myself. Importantly, assemble the umbrella where you plan to use it. If you have to move it, remove the top vertical support, which has the umbrella attached, and only move the base, then reassemble. It is heavy to carry and requires more than one person. The base is a metal X-shape with four weighted pieces holding down the base. The weighted pieces are not attached to the base and can look uneven if your umbrella is set up on an uneven surface. If you have the umbrella set up on a flat surface, such as a patio or deck, this won’t be as big of an issue for you. Using the patio umbrella is easy. To raise the umbrella, press the button on the vertical sliding handle and move it up. It locks in place, so you can lift it as high as needed, then stop when you reach your desired angle. You can turn the crank handle to open or unfurl the umbrella. When it is up all the way, the opened umbrella will be parallel with the ground and offer full coverage underneath. The foot pedal at the base turns the entire umbrella assembly a full 360 degrees so that you can position it exactly where you need it. The umbrella has a velcro strap to secure it when not in use. I took that off and turned the crank handle to open the umbrella. I recommend raising the umbrella before opening it with the crank handle. If you open it first, the umbrella will be perpendicular to the ground and may be affected by the wind (similar to a sail), making it harder to raise the umbrella. The chili red fabric color looks great in my yard and will fit a variety of outdoor styles. I like the solid color because it allows my other decor and plants to remain the stars of the outdoor show. The fabric is fade and weather-resistant, perfect for outside use. I noticed water beading up on the folded-up umbrella during a rainy afternoon. The metal pieces are made of aluminum and are also weather resistant. It attracted pollen during the spring, which was noticeable on the fabric, the base, and the upright pole. Pollen tends to cover all surfaces in my area, so I don’t think it is avoidable. Closing the umbrella with the hand crank is just as easy as it is opening, only in reverse. I always close the umbrella before sliding the vertical tilt back to the bottom. I also recommend closing the velcro strap, which fits snuggly around the upright support to keep the umbrella secure. One of my favorite features is the clean look, including the detail of the interior umbrella supports. I used this patio umbrella over a table. It was nice to attach lights to the inside for some extra light in the evening.
Is this patio umbrella portable?
You can move the umbrella, but it is not designed to be portable or take on the go. If you need to move it, you should only plan to move it from a permanent location to another, long-term area. It is not installed in the ground but remains heavy and bulky to move.
Is this patio umbrella easy to assemble?
Yes, the included instructions are easy to follow, and there are no special skills or tools required for assembly. I have average home repair or mechanical skills, and I was able to assemble this umbrella on my own using only the instructions.
How do I adjust the angle as the sun moves?
There are two options to adjust the umbrella. You can raise and lower it, which will alter the angle. You can also turn it in a full 360-degree circle to move it as the sun’s position changes throughout the day.
Is this a good patio umbrella for small spaces?
No, this is a large patio umbrella that covers over 10 square feet of coverage. It also has a freestanding base, which will add to the overall footprint of the patio umbrella. If you are looking for something smaller for a table, you will likely want an umbrella that works with the table. This umbrella will take up space on your patio or in your yard, which may not work for your area.
Royal Garden Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella in Chili Red vs. the Competition
Consider the Hampton Bay 8 ft. Square Cantilever Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella for a more budget-friendly option. It has a very similar look with a slightly smaller 8 ft. by 8 ft. coverage area. The Sunbrella Market Umbrella from L.L. Bean is an excellent choice for those looking for a smaller umbrella to work with a patio table. If you have space, this is a high-quality patio umbrella that provides a generous amount of shade. It looks nice, is easy to operate, and kept us cool on 90-plus degree days this spring.
