What is the difference between a market umbrella and a patio umbrella?
Shade and shelter are two essentials for outdoor enjoyment, especially during summer, and outdoor umbrellas are a good option to provide both, in style. Interestingly, one of the most commonly asked questions in the outdoor furniture industry is: “what is the difference between a patio umbrella and a market umbrella?” The two popular terms in the outdoor umbrellas category are often used interchangeably and hence the confusion.
This article will help you better understand these popular umbrella types, their applications, and their key differences.
What is a market umbrella?
The term “market umbrella” is mostly associated with an outdoor umbrella with a wood frame. Market umbrellas were traditionally developed to provide a shading solution for traders and merchants selling their goods in the European open markets and looking to protect the items being sold, especially perishable ones, from severe weather conditions.
A market umbrella is a more classic-looking umbrella designed with a straight metal or wood pole, which makes it easy to use with stands or carts with a hole to slip the pole through. However, many traditional market umbrellas don’t get inserted through a table hole and require a weighted base to keep them secure and stable. If not all, many market umbrellas also come with vented tops to encourage airflow and wind resistance for added stability on breezy days.
Commercial market umbrellas generally have 4 or 8 ribs protruding from the centre pole to provide reliable support. The only drawback with a wood pole is that it can weather easily in extreme outdoor conditions. With the advent of new technology, durable and weather-resistant aluminium or fibreglass market umbrellas have somewhat replaced old-fashioned wood market umbrellas. Today, market umbrellas can be seen in outdoor commercial restaurants, cafes, poolside areas in resorts and hotels, and other outdoor spots.
What is a patio umbrella?
A patio umbrella is also a type of outdoor umbrella, typically used to provide shade and protection from hot sun or rain. It not only shelters its occupants sitting underneath but also protects outdoor furniture like dining tables and chairs from damage due to exposure to direct sunlight, particularly on hot summer days.
Originally created for outdoor home or recreational use, patio umbrellas are now extensively used to shade a patio or outdoor dining tables in backyards, cover an outdoor kitchen and small seating areas in commercial spaces like hotels, resorts and outdoor spots used for relaxation and entertaining. Patio umbrellas help keep your outdoor seating space shaded, cool and comfortable.
You can either insert a patio umbrella through a table or fit it into a well-constructed stand. You can also use a weighted base for additional ballast, but generally, the table brace is enough to provide the required balance and stability to your umbrella. Thus, a weighted base is considered optional or only required during windy conditions.
Commercial Market Umbrella vs Patio Umbrella: A Quick Comparison
The biggest difference between a market and a patio umbrella is their general use. Before you choose a particular type of umbrella, you must understand the purpose for which it was designed.
Size of the umbrella. Generally, market umbrellas are bigger in size and heavier than most traditional patio umbrellas. The large size of a market umbrella canopy allows more coverage for the goods sold by traders, while the base attached to its bottom adds to the overall weight.
Intended use. Market umbrellas were designed to offer protection to vendors, their goods for sale, and their customers against inclement weather. Patio umbrellas block the elements and keep customers cool and comfortable, making them ideal for outdoor leisure and relaxation. In other words, market umbrellas were initially created for commercial use, while patio umbrellas were intended for residential or outdoor recreational use.
Location of use. Commercial market umbrellas are frequently used in farmers’ markets, food vendor stalls, kiosks, crafts or book fairs, market stalls and other outdoor areas as a cheaper alternative to marquee tents. In contrast, outdoor patio umbrellas are typically used in backyards, gardens, patios, decks, and other seating and poolside areas for relaxation in restaurants, cafés and resorts.
Stabilisation system. A market-style umbrella comes with a weighted base to keep it straight even in windy conditions. A patio umbrella, on the other hand, does not depend on the base for its stabilisation. The additional umbrella base may act as an extra measure of support but is not necessary.
Popular shapes of the umbrella. Market umbrellas are typically designed in octagonal shape, but other shapes like square or rectangular could also be seen. For patio umbrellas, octagons and squares are the most popular shapes. A rectangular canopy could also be seen in large outdoor spaces but is less popular.
Final Thoughts
Today, many people unknowingly buy market umbrellas when looking for patio umbrellas and vice-versa. It is likely due to a lack of knowledge or understanding of the products.
However, a part of the truth is that the two terms have blended commercially in the present day. Don’t be too surprised to see a patio umbrella doing great for a vendor and a market umbrella working well on a backyard patio. Hence, it is best to consider an umbrella’s specifications and look for features you need rather than its name when deciding on buying your next outdoor umbrella. Your choice of an umbrella should depend on your style preference and desired goals for outdoor furnishings.
