Cream of the crop canopies

By Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

There is more to an umbrella than just placing it outside. Today's designs feature patented mechanisms, from tilt-and-lock to ball-and-socket. Some have contemporary style with squared or asymmetrical canopies, while others are more traditional, but offer a variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics. Whatever the innovation, these umbrellas are sure to provide ample shade and style.

Fiberlite Umbrellas introduces a ½-inch solid fiberglass rib umbrella frame for its 8.5-, 9- and 11-ft. umbrellas.

Featuring its new FiberTeak simulated wood pole construction, Fiberbuilt Umbrellas' new Augusta and Bridgewater models, shown here with lounge chairs with complementing fabrics, have a textured wood grain finish with either a 1¾-inch or 1½-inch diameter pole with solid wood hubs, fiberglass ribs and stainless steel hardware.

Reminiscent of the South Seas, Tahiti Thatch umbrellas from Safari Thatch use real palm thatch that is fire-retardant.

From Rutledge Design Company, the Karnataka hand-painted umbrella canopy features richly jeweled and intricate colors, including butternut, green and red.

Highlighted by a pyramid shape, the Quattro parasol from Symo is perfect for contract applications because of its light, sturdy frame.

The Off-The-Wall Brella by Blue Star Group is a half-canopy patio umbrella and custom cast base that stand, with-out attachment, flush against a wall to provide shading to areas with limited space, such a smaller balcony or deck.

The Equinox stainless steel umbrella from Barlow Tyrie features scalloped edges, influenced by Italian style, for a more contemporary outdoor accent.

Agio's Deluxe market umbrella stands nine feet high and features a weather-resistant cream and tan olefin textured weave fabric canopy and aluminum pole with a lift-and-tilt capability.

Mosquito netting can be attached to an integrated zipper on the Ultimate Offset Umbrella from Bond Manufacturing to enjoy insect-free leisure activities.

An asymmetrical canopy that moves with the sun, paired with a three-ring architectural base, highlights the Vizor from D'Firo Designs.

Achieve the island look with Galtech's faux thatch umbrella, available on both wood and aluminum styles.

Steel poles accented with lathe-turned ash wood finials support the Bikini Sunshade from Janus et Cie's Jardin Collection, featuring a contoured shade.

The new square Easy Sun Parasol from Sun Garden features a curvilinear design with European-influenced style.

Sundrella market umbrellas feature a ball-and-socket mechanism and are aero-dynamically designed with patented swivels to make the umbrellas wind-resistant.

Meadowcraft's umbrellas feature coordinating fabrics available on a 9-ft. collar tilt pole, available in three finishes.

Featuring an olefin fabric canopy, Ratana Home and Floral's aluminum umbrella measures nine feet in diameter and has a tilt-and-crank system for easier maneuverability.

From Treasure Garden, the AKZ square cantilevered umbrella features a patented tilt-and-lock system that tilts the canopy at any angle and also includes a foot pedal to rotate the canopy.

From Tepraco, the Balance One-Touch umbrella unveils an 11-ft. shade with the touch of a button, featuring 360-degree rotation, a wheeled base for easy portability, and aluminum and stainless steel construction.