No Shade Outdoors? We've got you covered!

by Christine Bernardo December 10, 2018

We have shade solutions to suit every space and budget.

Being Geelong's largest outdoor umbrella retailer, we have numerous umbrellas on display in our showroom, we carry the very best brands in outdoor shade solutions. One of our feature brands is Instant Shade Umbrellas for who we are the exclusive stockist in Greater Geelong,

Instant Shade Umbrella's are designed in Australia for Australian Conditions. Instant Shade work closely with factories to ensure the highest standards of quality control and precision manufacturing. Using the finest quality outdoor fabrics and marine-grade metals, pulleys, cords and zips. All Instant Shade products are backed by an industry-leading Australian warranty, support, service and spare parts. We are proud to carry these products and stand by them.

Customised Umbrella's can be made to order for both residential and commercial use. We stock a range of Cantilever, Market Umbrella's, Accessories & Bases.

There are many things to consider when purchasing your Umbrella, including size, shape, colour, wind resistance and Canvas Fabric type which will affect the cost and durability of your Umbrella. Here is a quick guide to the different Fabric types:

Olefin:

A solution dyed fabric that is considered to be high density yet light weight. Olefin is a woven fabric that holds its colour well, provides protection from harmful UV rays, and resists staining. It's durable and easy to clean.

96% UV resistant (UPF 20-30)
Premium 100% Solution Dyed Poly-olefin fabric
100% recyclable
Water repellent
Can be washed at 40°

O'Bravia:

O’bravia is an exclusive new high performance fabric collection designed for environmentally friendly outdoor living. This exciting proprietary fabric blend of 100% solution-dyed polyester offers the outdoor industry an ideal earth friendly solution for umbrellas. O’bravia is the 100% recyclable «green» choice.

98% UV resistant (UPF 50)
Excellent light fastness
Superb strength and durability
Stain resistant fabric and easy  to clean
Earth friendly fabrics:
100% recyclable

Acrylic:

Outdoor Acrylic fabrics are the lightest fabric in our range. This fabric has softer texture and is incredibly durable. Acrylic will let some light through, but it is not see-through.

98% UV resistant (UPF 50+)
100% Solution Dyed Acrylic canvas
Water repellant
UV-resistant
Superior fade resistance

Polyester:

Polyester is not a natural water or fade resistant fabric. For this reason, polyester canopies are sometimes coated with polyurethane or Scotch guard protection to aid in fade resistance. While patio umbrellas with polyester fabrics are economical, there are certain qualities about them that may be undesirable to some consumers. The primary reason for upgrading to an acrylic type fabric is because polyester fabrics typically fade much faster then anything else in the market. Tip - You will notice much less fade with lighter coloured polyester fabrics. White, natural and beige seem to last much longer then blues, reds and blacks. Keep away from flames & heaters as polyester is flammable.