Best Umbrellas for Restaurant Patios in Windy Cities

A patio can be a valuable part of a restaurant, but wind can make it harder to keep the space comfortable and ready for guests. The best umbrellas for restaurant patios in windy cities are chosen with the patio’s layout in mind. Things like exposure and daily routines are factored into the scheme of things. The right equipment can provide shade while helping the restaurant make better use of its outdoor seating.

There isn’t one umbrella that will fit all wind conditions. A courtyard may require different coverage than that of a roof top or sidewalk patio with buildings around it. Think about the path wind may travel, table placements and how employees can store your umbrellas.

Assess the Patio’s Wind Exposure

Best Umbrellas for Restaurant Patios in Windy Cities

Go and check the patio when it’s open to determine wind exposure. Depending on the environment there can be a lot of wind coming off buildings, walls, awnings, streets, etc. It can be funneled in certain areas, like a corner, or sheltered in a court yard. If your patio is on a roof top or overlooks the water you may want to consider this when picking the best umbrellas.

Think about what happens when your patio is busy. Chairs being moved, food being carried, guests and employees going back and forth. You don’t want your umbrella to impede any of these activities. After marking off your tables, door ways, serving lines and waiting area you can then place your canopies in the perfect locations.

When your patio is in an exposed location it may be best to speak with a dealer about what products may work for you and your environment. Read the instructions that come with your umbrella about what wind speeds it can be open in and closed in. Never have an umbrella open in higher winds than what it is rated for.

Choose the Right Canopy Shape and Size

It’s best that the canopy overhangs your table and chairs. But it should never take over your entire patio area.

  • A square canopy can be used for a smaller table or if you have chairs.
  • Rectangle canopies can also be used for tables that are longer, or you may have chairs lined up.
  • Canopies that are round can work if you have a smaller table. They can help open up the look of your patio as well if you have many angles.

There is no need to have the largest canopy. In fact, having too big of an umbrella can cause them to touch one another, obstruct customers from seeing the restaurant or not allow enough room for people to get past them.

Once you know the measurements of your table. Take into account how much space you want your customers to have when sliding their chair out. Take measurements of any doors, walkways and grill/heater areas that may be close by.

You also want to consider where the sun will be. If your canopy is going over your table it may not provide shade for your customers in the afternoon. You’ll want to know what times your canopy will be providing shade. Your supplier can help with this as well.

Balance Comfort, Style, and Usable Seating

Guests will be more inclined to dine outdoors if you provide a shaded area. However, don’t provide shade that forces your guests to be too close together. Guests will want to feel comfortable sitting at the table, your servers will need room to serve and there should be room for accessible access.

Do you want your tables to all match or do you want to create several areas? If you decide to have matching umbrellas that can give your patio a cohesive look. Using different canopies may be beneficial if your patio has a long table, 2 person tables and maybe some lounge chairs.

You can use color to enhance the look of your restaurant on your patio. You may be able to find custom options that suit your needs. Make sure it will be pleasing to the eye for your customers. Also coordinate with your building and furniture.

The best umbrellas for restaurant patios in windy cities are selected for the site’s exposure, table layout, mounting surface, and staff routines. A careful plan can make outdoor dining more comfortable while keeping pathways and operations in mind. Contact American Holtzkraft today at (570) 539-8945 or email customerservice@holtzkraft.com to discuss commercial shade for your restaurant patio.