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DIY Umbrella Stand Ideas for Your Patio

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published July 29, 2024

Give your outdoor space a unique twist by adding a DIY patio umbrella stand that reflects your personal tastes. Whether you create a planter umbrella stand or give your umbrella an edge by securing it to cinder blocks, your DIY umbrella holder will not fail to impress.

Outdoor Umbrellas You Can Consider

Making a DIY umbrella stand is an exciting project for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy incorporating their style into their space. But first, make sure you have a suitable umbrella that fits your needs and design requirements.

Offset or Market Umbrella

Choosing one of these two outdoor umbrella types is an essential step when making a DIY umbrella stand. A market umbrella is an upright umbrella that has a pole extending from its center. This is best for creating a table umbrella.

An offset umbrella or cantilever umbrella has a pole attached at the side instead of the center. You can tilt the umbrella to cover a certain area of the outdoor seating. This provides superior shade coverage.

Materials

The material of your umbrella frame and the canopy can make a big difference in the durability and appearance of your outdoor umbrella. Polyester umbrellas and acrylic umbrellas are great options for the canopy material since they are weather-resistant. Another option is olefin which is a synthetic material resistant to UV rays, mildew and staining. Aluminum frame umbrellas and steel frame umbrellas are sturdy options that offer a sleek and modern look. A rust resistant frame material can help your outdoor umbrella last longer.

Other than these integral parts of your DIY patio umbrella stand, you’d also need other materials like PVC pipes and optional concrete mix. Tools like a hacksaw and shovel might come in handy as well.

Tip

Gloves, dust mask and safety goggles are a necessity for any DIY project to ensure your safety.

Shapes, Sizes and Color

The canopy of the umbrella comes in a number of different shapes, sizes and colors. Choose a size as per your needs. Common canopy widths range from 7 to 13 feet.

Shapes like hexagon umbrellas and octagon umbrellas are common canopy looks. There are other shapes that might appeal to you as well, such as round umbrellas, square umbrellas or rectangular shapes. There are innumerable color and pattern options available for you to choose from.

DIY Patio Umbrella Stand Ideas

A premade patio umbrella might be a great addition to your outdoor space. Add an element of novelty to your outdoor umbrella with these creative DIY umbrella stand ideas.

DIY Umbrella Planter Stand

This DIY idea essentially involves an outdoor umbrella, a decorative planter and some cement to create a planter stand. Get creative when selecting a planter; there are a number of shapes and patterns available. One with drainage holes and wheels can ensure functionality and mobility. You will need wide PVC pipes cut into the size you want. Secure the umbrella pole to this pipe for a strong base. Add potting soil and plant your favorite flowers to create an appealing DIY umbrella stand.

Table DIY Umbrella Holder

Double the utility of your outdoor umbrella by combining it with a center table or side table. This is a great idea to make sure your patio umbrella does not tip over when it gets windy. The table provides a sturdy base that can support the weight of the umbrella. To make this DIY umbrella holder, you can use a table you already have and cut a hole in the center that can fit the umbrella pole.

Cinder Blocks DIY Umbrella Base

Cinder blocks are a fun way to create an umbrella stand for your patio. You can arrange them in any design that suits your fancy. A simple stack of two or an “L” or “T” shape can make your DIY umbrella base look aesthetically pleasing. Use zip ties to bind the cinder blocks together. To do this, drill holes in the cinder blocks, thread zip ties through them and tighten the ties. Use cement to secure the PVC pipes inside the cinder block and attach the umbrella. You can then paint the blocks for a finished look.

Barrel DIY Patio Umbrella Base

If you have a whiskey or wine barrel that you don’t use anymore, this is the perfect project to utilize it. All you need to do is drill a hole in the bottom of the barrel to fit the umbrella pole. Make sure to match the size of the hole to the umbrella pole so that it stays upright. You can place small potted plants on the barrel to beautify it.

Umbrella Maintenance Tips

Now that you have a perfectly mounted umbrella to protect you against rain and shine, it’s important to take proper care of it. Keep in mind these few considerations to help your DIY umbrella stand retain its beauty.

Be Mindful of the Wind

To prevent wind damage and tipping of the umbrella, close it and keep it covered. It is important to place your canopy in a protective cover when not in use for an extended period of time.

Cleaning

The metal frame of the umbrella is susceptible to rusting, make sure to wipe it down every few days to prevent moisture buildup. You should also rinse it with a hose once a month to get rid of the accumulated dirt and grime. Wipe it dry completely after rinsing. Use gentle soap and water to wash your canopy material if the umbrella hasn’t been cleaned for a while.