topic Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella in Community Chat

Need a solution, outside umbrella

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:15:55 GMT

I was at a friends house yesterday and they have a large offset umbrella over a seating/fire pit area. The wind was pretty high..which seems to be normal these days but they had a terrible time with the umbrealla just blowing to much and not feeling safe leaving it open.

Does anyone else have this problem and if so how did you fix it?

I did suggest weights that could be attached the to bottom edge of the umbrella when open but not sure that would offer enought weight to keep the umbrella from blowing. I also saw wind stabilizers on Amazon, but I am not sure that is for the fabric of the umbrella, I think it was more for stabilizing the pole.

Any suggestions appreciated, thanks.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Carmie — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:30:14 GMT

There are umbrella clamps you can use to attach an umbrella to a deck or wooden rail, you can buy a very heavy weighted base or you can buy a base that can be permanently attached to concrete with bolts.

It also helps if the umbrella is made with an opening to let the wind go through it.

If it is too windy, it is best to just close the umbrella. They are extremely dangerous when they blow away.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

FranandZoe — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:32:04 GMT

I did have that problem and fixed it by getting rid of it.

I have a square glass table and chairs on my deck - the umbrella was in the middle of the table. Even with a heavy marble stand and closed high wind would blow it all across my deck.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

PA Mom-mom — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:40:44 GMT

@Mom2Dogs We have a windy patio and tried everything. We just finally got rid of the umbrella.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:41:11 GMT

@Carmie There is no rail or deck to attach the umbrella and they already have a large base that the pole fits into. The umbrella has vents but they never expected to have so many issues...they just bought it a few weeks ago....it was a bear to put together, ask me how I know!

They had a large party yesterday and once the wind came up, they closed the umbrella, it was great sun protection while it lasted.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:42:03 GMT

@FranandZoe I guess they will just have to keep it closed most of the time, which is a shame, it is so pretty

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

50Mickey — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:45:06 GMT

Keep the umbrella for sun protection. At the first hint of a storm close it and use the tie to keep it closed. That's what we do and we have never lost an umbrella.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Kachina624 — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:58:59 GMT

It's just extremely unwise to attempt to use an umbrella in high wind. I recall hearing about a woman who was killed by a neighbor's rogue flying unbrella. They aren't made to withstand high wind. Also, don't leave it unfurled while nobody is home.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:11:15 GMT

@50Mickey That is what they do, I was just hoping to help her find a solution of the umbrella whipping around when it was windy.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

simplyfriends — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:16:14 GMT

@Mom2Dogs. My son uses a shade that ties to permanent in ground poles. It’s very nice and wind does not affect it. The umbrellas always catch the wind.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:24:23 GMT

@Kachina624 Yes, they are aware it is unwise, the question was if anyone had a solution that they were not aware of...I am thinking there is no workaround

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

JeanLouiseFinch — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:58:41 GMT

At the first sign of wind the umbrella should get closed. Many years ago we had our patio umbrella up and a sudden storm came out of nowhere. The umbrella got lifted out of the stand, became temporarily airborne, and flew right into the window above our kitchen sink. Talk about a mess!

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

layla2450 — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:13:08 GMT

SIMPLE solution - DON'T open the umbrella when it's WINDY.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

FranandZoe — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:15:24 GMT

@Mom2Dogs Is there any way they could put a retractable awning in that area?

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:17:37 GMT

The design of the back porch and location of the inground pool would not allow for an awning.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Carmie — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:43:06 GMT

Could they use a sun sale instead? I have one on one side of my deck. They have no attached pole.

You attach them to a tree, building, fence or pole by ropes and or hardware. They are used widely by schools on their playgrounds and day care centers. Many business use them too.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

Greenstreet — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:33:18 GMT

The size of the umbrella determines the weight needed for the base. Even following that rule, ours still isn't sturdy. We take it down with impending weather.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

haddon9 — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:38:56 GMT

We have an area that gets a lot of sun in our backyard that I would like to have shade if we have the grandkids over playing in the baby pool. I have thought about getting one of those large offset umbrellas.

I haven't thought about the wind issue but I agree that it's best to keep it closed when it does get windy. The ones I had looked at had a base that could be filled either with water or sand.

Re: Need a solution, outside umbrella

catter70 — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:14:32 GMT

I'd say get rid of hit before someone is hurt. This is a bit different, but many years ago I was at a car show and was sitting under a fly tent cover. The wind kicked up, pulled it up out of the ground, knocked me out of my chair and loosened a tooth.