The Large And Affordable Amazon Find That Can Replace Outdoor Shade Sails

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One of the joys of the warmer weather is spending time outside in your garden and any outdoor space you have for relaxing, such as a veranda, deck, or patio. But when the sun is blazing, having a reliable source of shade can make the difference between lingering outside and retreating indoors. While there are many ways to shade your patio, many people turn to shade sails, but they can be pricey, difficult to situate, and require strong supports. For a large, more affordable alternative that takes just minutes to set up, consider the Leveleve 15-foot patio umbrella from Amazon.

Retailing at just under $100, it's an affordable alternative that costs a little more for a similar area of sun protection, especially when you factor in the hardware and support posts a sail requires. You also have to factor in the other disadvantages of shade sails. They aren't as simple to install: their poles need to be securely anchored into the ground. The patio umbrella, on the other hand, takes just minutes to set up once you get it out of the box. You'll also find it's highly versatile — you can place it almost anywhere you want protection from the sun, including the lawn, patio or balcony, or even beside a pool.

Another advantage over a shade sail is how quickly you can change your mind about where you want it. You can close it with the crank handle and move or store it when you don't need it. While the umbrella can remain relatively stable, it is a good idea to close it up if you're expecting strong winds, as it can twist and weaken the bolts. A shade sail, by comparison, can require considerably more work to take down once it's installed.

As you take the parts out of the box, you'll notice that they're all labeled with individual letters, which makes assembly much easier when you follow the included instructions. Note that you'll need to buy sand (about 100 to 150 pounds) to fill the two canvas bags that form the base. This is important because the sand bags help to stabilize the umbrella and will prevent it from toppling over. Remember, it's quite large (enough to cover an eight-seater table), so it will be top-heavy and needs a solidly weighted base to stay steady. 

Although customers have rated this large umbrella 4.4 out of five stars, with many people appreciating its quality and usability, there are a couple of negatives to keep in mind. For example, if you're not happy with the umbrella, returns can be costly because of shipping fees, according to the return policy. You will also find that the color fades after a few months of direct sunlight exposure, and the pole won't fit through a standard hole in an outdoor table. However, if this patio umbrella is what you're looking for, you can give it an extra-special look with a beading hack that will really make it stand out.