Outdoor umbrellas

Cantilever umbrellas sound grand! They also look impressive. These outdoor patio umbrella have a side post instead of one at the centre and can cover quite a large space. Offset umbrellas too have side posts. That is why both of them are known as side post umbrellas as well. Put one up by the side of the swimming pool, if you have one or right in the middle of your garden over a set of aluminum or steel garden furniture and there you are - all set for a grand time in the sun.

Now, what is exactly the difference between the two? Well, one use a cantilever to hold the canopy and the other uses an offset. Let me explain a little more clearly:
- A cantilever is a projecting structure that is supported at one end. It acts as a supporting bracket and often supports structures like balconies. In cantilever outdoor umbrellas, the cantilever is attached to the side post at one end and holds the canopy in the other.
- An abrupt bend in other wise straight bar or pipe is called offset. In offset outdoor umbrellas, the side post bends abruptly to hold the canopy.

Therefore, you see, the difference is all-technical. However, you need to make sure that such umbrellas do not have any structural defects because they have more chance of toppling over than outdoor umbrellas with centre post because of the uneven weight factor. Nevertheless, such cases are one in a million and you really need not be afraid, but only need to be cautious.

As I said before, these side post outdoor umbrellas are quite impressive to look at. However, people with smaller backyards generally bypass them for more conventional market umbrellas or awnings, although there is no reason why they do so. Some side post umbrellas are so light that you can just pick them up and put them down where you would want them.

Portability of the outdoor fixture is a big issue with most of the homeowners. Commercial houses like clubs, hotels and restaurants prefer heavier staff that will stay in place day in and day out all most twenty-four hours. If you own a bistro and are looking for suitable outdoor umbrellas and heaters, you should determine your need first. I have seen an offset umbrella that has one post, but five canopies to cover that many tables. Will that suit you?

If you have big tables, you can buy side post umbrellas to cover the entire table as well as the chairs around them. If the tables are rectangle, you can buy outdoor umbrellas with rectangle canopies too. For round tables, make sure that the canopies are round. The round market umbrellas are also suitable for round tables. However, such umbrellas have central poles that often seem to come in the way.

If you go for market umbrellas with central pole, make sure the bistro tables have holes in the centre too. The holes are for umbrella pole to pass through before they can be secured at the base under the table. This will make the umbrellas even more secured. However, if you want to run your business successfully through out the year, you need to pay equal attention to heating arrangements too. You can install either electric heater or that run by propane.

Commercial heaters are big and can heat up a large area. If you cannot afford that yet, you can buy several smaller propane patio heaters. The main advantage of such an arrangement is that you can light as many heaters as you need. If your business is running, you can buy bigger heaters that can heat up a larger area instead.

The main disadvantage with electric heaters is that you will need electric outlet at places where you want them installed or if they are portable, where you want to put them up. Propane patio heaters have their fuel tank at their base and so you do not need extended cords or fuel lines, spread all over your bistro. Many people prefer stainless steel propane heaters because this is one metal that is not only heat resistant, but corrosion resistant as well. Check the quality of the stainless steel though. Chromium input should be high enough to give it the desired luster and make it anti-corrosive and stainless. Bistros should also look pleasant and inviting. Or else, no body will step in.