Umbrella Size Guide
Not sure which umbrella to choose? Start with how many people you want to keep in the shade, then check the weight and packed length if you are carrying it any distance. Shade numbers are a guide for people sitting or lying under the canopy around midday.
Beach umbrellas
| Canopy | Shade for | Weight | Packed length | Umbrellas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
185–195cm Compact |
2 people | 2.4–2.5kg | 125cm (Portabrella 64cm) |
Fiesta 185cm Portabrella 195cm (three-piece pole, easy to fit in a car boot) |
|
210cm Everyday family |
3–4 people | 2.5kg | 125cm |
Daytripper Beachcomber LovinSummer Retro Fringe Hollie & Harrie Classic Fringe (cotton) Hula 210cm (raffia thatch) |
|
240cm Extra-large |
4–6 people | 3.5–4.5kg | 135cm |
Carnivale Maxibrella Rainbow Citron |
Our beach umbrellas have: UPF50+ canopies (blocking at least 98% of UV rays), a vented top to help stop blow-aways, a 3-position tilt, rust-free anodised aluminium poles and a matching carry bag. 210cm and smaller models have 8 flexible fibreglass ribs; 240cm models have 16.
Anchoring: all our beach umbrellas screw into the sand with the Quik Twist auger, so you don't need a separate sand anchor. On windy days, add the Sand Bags & Tether Kit.
Want a table? The Sunraker pole table (drink, phone and key holders) fits the Daytripper, Beachcomber and Hollie & Harrie Fringe (210cm version) and the Carnivale and Maxibrella (240cm version).
Backyard and market umbrellas
| Umbrella | Canopy | Height | Opening | Pole width | Base weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market 275cm | 275cm, 8 ribs | 240cm to top 195cm to rib edge |
Crank lift, 3-way tilt | 3.5cm | 15–20kg minimum |
| Hula 240cm | 240cm, raffia thatch | – | – | 3.5cm | 15–20kg minimum (the umbrella itself weighs 4.5kg) |
| Hula 275cm | 275cm, 8 ribs, raffia thatch | Approx. 260cm to top | Crank lift | 3.5cm | 15–20kg minimum |
| Market 335cm | 335cm, 8 ribs | 260cm to top 215cm to rib edge |
Crank lift, 3-way tilt | 4.15cm | 25–30kg minimum |
| Ravello 3m Scallop | 3m x 3m, 8 ribs | – | Rope and pulley, no tilt | 4.8cm | 25–30kg minimum (the umbrella itself weighs 12kg) |
As a rule of thumb, a 275cm canopy suits a table for 4–6, and a 335cm canopy a table for 6–8 or a lounge area.
Choosing a base for a market umbrella
Market umbrellas need a separate base. We don’t sell bases because they are too heavy to courier, so here is what to look for when buying one locally.
- Weight: at least 15–20kg for the Hula 240cm or a 275cm canopy, and 25–30kg for a 335cm canopy or the Ravello 3m. Go to the top of the range if the umbrella stands on its own rather than through a table.
- Pole width: the Market 275cm, Hula 240cm and Hula 275cm poles are 3.5cm wide; the Market 335cm pole is 4.15cm; the Ravello 3m pole is 4.8cm. Check the base’s sleeve takes your pole width. A sleeve with thumb screws or reducer rings fits a range of sizes.
- Material: solid granite or concrete bases give the most weight for their size. Fillable bases (water or sand) are easier to move, but need to be larger to reach the same weight; sand is heavier than water.
- With a table: passing the pole through a table steadies it, but still use a base of the recommended weight.
- In wind: close the umbrella when it gets gusty. No base will hold a large open canopy in strong wind.
Replacing a market umbrella canopy?
We sell replacement canopies in 275cm and 335cm for 8-rib frames. Open your umbrella fully, measure one rib from the centre to the tip, and double it. That is your canopy size. See our FAQ for full measuring steps, or email info@beachkit.co.nz and we'll help you check.