Why is my Patio Umbrella Leaning? 5 Quick Solutions

There are three main reasons why a patio umbrella leans in the base. First, the diameter of the base hole is too big for the umbrella pole. Secondly, there is a gap between the patio table and the umbrella pole. Finally, the base is not heavy enough to support the size of your patio umbrella. 

There are several methods to keep a patio umbrella straight. But the main idea is to reduce the gap between the umbrella pole and the table or base. 

Let’s look at some solutions to fix your leaning umbrella!

 

Solutions when a Patio Umbrella Leans in Base 

 

1. Use a cone wedge 

This is a rubber device that is shaped like a cone. It is placed between the umbrella pole and the table, filling the gap between the two.

Once the gap is filled, the umbrella cannot lean! The umbrella pole will stand straight and still.

You can also insert the cone wedge into the base post hole. This will fill in the gap between the base and the pole and prevent the umbrella from leaning at an angle here as well.

You can find a variety of patio umbrella cone wedges on Amazon here. Get two, one for the base and one for the table hole, and your umbrella will never lean again!

 

2. Replace glass patio table hole rings 

 

A glass patio table always has a plastic ring around the hole where the umbrella pole passes through. This ring serves two purposes; one to stabilize the umbrella and two to protect the glass.

This plastic ring can wear and tear because it spends most of its time under the sun. A worn-out table ring creates a space between the table and the umbrella pole.

Always check and inspect the table ring. Replace the old one if necessary.

It is very easy to replace a table ring, and even upgrade the material so the umbrella is held in place better. This two-pack of a silicone ring and cap set is a perfect example.  

 

3. Choose the correct base

The rule of thumb states that the bigger the umbrella canopy the heavier the base. So if your umbrella and the base do not match, the umbrella will lean on one side.

The best way to know the appropriate base for your umbrella is by multiplying the diameter of the umbrella canopy by ten.

For example, if your umbrella canopy is 8 feet then the appropriate base should be 80 pounds. This calculation may be overkill for smaller free-standing umbrellas, but I’d rather be on the safe side than have an umbrella falling over. 

 

4. Use an umbrella stand that anchors down

A stand that is anchored down is more secure than a free-standing base.

You can stake your base to the ground, but a better method is to anchor your stand using screws or bolts to secure it to the patio surface.

An anchored stand doesn’t take up as much space and adds aesthetic value to the patio. The only downside is you cannot as easily move the anchored stand as a weighted base to a new location, so choose your spot wisely!

This picture shows the umbrella stand I used on my wood deck, and it has held up great! The great part is it comes with lag screws for wood and wedge anchors for concrete. You can find the stand on Amazon by clicking here or on the picture.   

 

5. Use a Free-Standing weighted umbrella stand

An umbrella stand can hold an umbrella freely without a table for support, while a base needs a table for additional support.

An umbrella stand has a tall tube with tightening knobs, while a base just has a hole the umbrella pole inserts into.

Another advantage of umbrella stands is that most of them are portable and come in different shapes and designs. 

 

Ways to keep your patio umbrella from spinning

1. Cone wedges mentioned above can also help with a spinning umbrella. Just make sure they are tight in the base and table hole.

2. Another option is to use an umbrella stand with a tightening screw or bolt.

3. Investing in a patio umbrella with a built-in wind vent is also a great idea. These vents allow air to flow through the umbrella, reducing the chances of it catching the wind and spinning.

 

Types of Patio Umbrellas 

1. Table patio umbrella 

This is the most common type of patio umbrella. It comes with a table that has a hole in the middle where the umbrella pole passes through. The table helps the base to keep the umbrella stable and keep it standing straight. The canopy of the umbrella is larger than the table. Most of these tables are round but you can choose any other shape that you want. 

2. Tilting umbrella 

This umbrella is the same as a table umbrella. It also comes with a table but it has an extra pivoting joint. This pivoting joint is about three-quarters the umbrella pole. It allows you to change the angle of the umbrella canopy. This feature gives you a chance to be under the shade even when the sun rays are coming from the sides. It will protect you from the sun the whole day. 

3. Double-top patio umbrella 

This is a patio umbrella that has two canopy tops. It has a small canopy suspended over a large main canopy. It is a special design that resembles ancient Chinese roofs. It is a good umbrella if you want elegance on your patio. Sometimes you will find the two canopies having different colors or shapes.

 

4. Big square patio umbrella 

This is a huge square umbrella that can cover almost ten adults. It is the best patio umbrella if you have a huge family or you always have many guests. This type of umbrella has a heavy base and an umbrella pole on the side. You can take your hammock or outdoor bed and sleep under this type of patio umbrella. 

5. Cantilever umbrella 

This is a patio umbrella that resembles the large square umbrella except this one is larger. It also has a pole and the base on the side not right in the middle. It can provide shade for twenty adults or thirty children under 13 years. It can also cover three to six tables. It is the best patio umbrella for outdoor ceremonies like weddings and graduation parties. 

6. Solar patio umbrella 

This is a modern type of patio umbrella. It has a canopy fabric that acts like a solar panel and has some LED lights along the umbrella ribs. The canopy traps sunlight then converts it into electric energy that is stored in a battery found in the base. Switch on the LED lights when evening comes and continue enjoying your patio space. However, this umbrella is very expensive.

 

FAQ

 

Q: What is a cone wedge?

A: A cone wedge slides over the umbrella pole and is then inserted into the umbrella base or table hole. This keeps the umbrella from leaning and spinning. 

Q: What are table rings?

A: Table rings are devices that can be inserted into the middle hole of a table to support the pole of a patio umbrella.

Q: What is an umbrella base?

A: An umbrella base is a weighted stand that is used to provide stability and support to a patio umbrella.

Q: How heavy should my umbrella base be?

A: A good rule of thumb is to get a base that weighs 10 pounds per every foot of umbrella diameter. For example, a 6 foot umbrella should have at least a 60 pound base. A 10 foot umbrella should have at least a 100 pound base. 

Q: What is an umbrella stand?

A: An umbrella stand is another term for an umbrella base. Sometimes a stand refers to a base that uses anchors (screws, bolts, etc.) to hold it in place, instead of weight.  

Q: What is a cantilever umbrella?

A: A cantilever umbrella is a type of patio umbrella that is supported by a pole on the side, allowing it to provide shade without the need for a center pole. They come with a base attached that you need to fill with sand. 

Q: How can I prevent my patio umbrella from falling over?

A: To prevent your patio umbrella from falling over, you can secure the base with a cone or wedge, use a heavier base weight, or consider using an umbrella that has vents to reduce wind resistance.

Q: How do I secure the base of my umbrella?

A: Consider using an umbrella stand that anchors in place, instead of a weighted base. If on a wood deck use structural wood screws, on concrete use wedge anchors, and on soil use stakes.