A patio umbrella is indeed a necessary outdoor accessory since it protects you from the sun’s rays and rain, respectively. Unluckily, wind can damage an umbrella and even cause it to fall over. If your umbrella isn’t correctly weighed down, it may quickly go from being beneficial to irritating and, in some situations, even dangerous. Therefore, it is totally worth it to spend the time weighing down your umbrella.
Now, the question is, “How do you make an umbrella base heavier?“
With a little creativity, you may add weight to the base of the outside umbrella so you can enjoy your day without worrying about the umbrella failing, even in light to mild gusts. There are various methods you may use to make your base heavier, including the use of cinder blocks and sandbags or buying a readymade weighted umbrella base.
Continue reading to find out more about how to make your umbrella base heavier.
What Is The Ideal Weight for An Umbrella Stand?
The ideal weight for an umbrella base or stand depends on the size of the umbrella. If you have a big umbrella, if it will be used in a high-traffic commercial application, or if it will be utilized in a heavy wind area, we recommend a bigger umbrella base.
As a general guideline, if your umbrella is large, the base should be heavier. Multiplying the width of your umbrella canopy by 10 is an excellent method for determining the weight requirements for your umbrella base.
For instance, we advise using a 90 lb. umbrella stands for a 9′ umbrella; again, a 7′ umbrella will need at least a 70lb. Umbrella stand.
3 Ways to Make An Umbrella Base Heavier
When the summer sun’s glare makes it impossible to enjoy a picnic, outdoor gathering, or lunch, an umbrella can be of great assistance. Unfortunately, wind can ruin an outdoor umbrella and cause it to topple over. Making your base heavier is the only way to safeguard your umbrella against that scenario.
You can make your base heavier can be done in one or more of the following ways:
- Cinder blocks method
- Sandbag method
- Readymade weighted umbrella base.
There are various ways to make your base heavier, as you can see from the previous list, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading if you’re interested in finding out more about how you make an umbrella base heavier.
Water or sand, which one will be better for your umbrella stand? Learn more about it!
Cinder Blocks Method
One of the simplest ways to make your umbrella base heavier is to use cinder blocks. The steps are given below
- Place the base of your umbrella in the desired location. It works best on level, flat ground.
- The tube holding the umbrella should extend through one of the cinder block’s holes as you slide the block over the umbrella base. One or two holes can be drilled into a cinder block, which you can use.
- The cinder block should be adjusted so that it rests securely on the umbrella base. Make sure the cinder block doesn’t move too much by shaking the base of the umbrella.
- Place the umbrella inside the base and lock it.
Sandbag method
Use a sandbag as a less expensive substitute. These bags increase the weight of an already-heavy umbrella base. It works best when your current base struggles to remain upright in windy conditions. It could be necessary to add weight, depending on the umbrella stand you choose. Follow the steps below.
- Place the umbrella base on a smooth, level surface and position it wherever you want it.
- Two sandbags, each roughly half the size of the base of your umbrella, should be filled with sand. The majority of hardware or home and garden shops sell sandbags. Sandbags should match your umbrella base’s color as nearly as feasible. The sandbags can be painted if necessary.
- One sandbag should be placed on either side of the tube that the umbrella slips into when the bags are arranged on top of the umbrella base.
- The sandbags should be attached to the base and to one another using a strong rope or nylon strap. Select rope or nylon straps that are the same color as the sandbags and the base of your umbrella.
- Secure the umbrella by inserting it into the base.
Readymade Weighted Umbrella Base
The simplest way to weigh down your umbrella might be using a readymade weighted umbrella base. Weighted stands called umbrella bases assist in keeping your umbrella steady, straight, and in position. You simply need to insert your umbrella into the base’s hole and then tighten the base so that it fits tightly.
In accordance with the size of your umbrella, select a weighted umbrella base. You don’t need to invest in a hefty umbrella stand if you have a lightweight umbrella. On the other hand, if your umbrella is big, make sure the base is quite substantial.
Check the recommended pole size and weight capacity before buying any umbrella base. If you don’t, you might find that you can’t use one when you get it home.
FAQs
Is Sand or Water Heavier for Umbrella Base?
Wet sand gives the base the best support for heavy umbrellas, but it is not advised for people who want to move the umbrella frequently because it becomes considerably heavier to transport and more challenging to empty.
What Is The Best Sand to Fill An Umbrella Base?
Any kind of sand will work; however, we suggest using playing sand or another fine-grained sand. By the way, wet sand makes your base heavier.
Can You Fill An Umbrella Base With Concrete?
Yes, you may fill the base of an umbrella with concrete. Although a concrete base does make your umbrella heavier, it also makes it immobile.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make an umbrella base heavier, you must be careful so as to avoid making any costly errors. We hope that this post will be a useful resource for answering your questions about making your umbrella base heavier.
What should you look for when buying a patio umbrella? Let’s know about this!
