I'm looking to add some shade to my second-story deck but I'm not sure which option is the best for my needs and budget. I'm considering a cantilever umbrella, but I noticed the base weighs 450 lbs—would that be too much for my composite deck, which measures 33' by 15'? We built it with a permit and used techno metal posts in the ground, but I'm just worried about the weight. What do you think? Also, I'm open to other suggestions for shade solutions. Thanks!
2 Answers
I'd lean towards the cantilever umbrella since it offers flexibility in positioning the shade. Most decks can handle that kind of weight, but it's always good to check if yours is reinforced enough. Just in case, consider how you'll manage it in high winds, too. You might be able to secure it better, like putting weights on all sides, just to be safe.
I had a cantilever umbrella on my deck, but during a storm, it almost wrecked my railing because I didn’t secure it properly. Now I use a shade sail instead. It’s anchored to the house and the fabric allows wind to pass through, which minimizes damage. If there's a storm, the sail has less risk of taking off like a kite! Just something to consider when choosing your shade solution.
That sounds like a smart move! What type of base did you end up using for your umbrella?
Thanks for the advice!