Aluminum 10-foot Offset Umbrella

I am very much satisfied with the quality and durability of the product. My one disappointment is with your ad. It indicated that the stand was sold separately, which I bought, only to realize the Umbrella came equipped.

I bought this umbrella after looking at a dozen different types (online and at B&M stores). Initially, I was looking at traditional center-pole umbrellas, because there were many more of that kind available in our price range, though this offset style really suited our needs better. I was happy to find this one. First, off, add about $20- $60 to this price because you WILL need to buy something to anchor the umbrella. As is, it's not stable to operate. You could bolt it to a deck (the base has holes) though that would be limiting for most people. We were able to find weighted pie-shaped umbrella blocks which fit perfectly at the "orange" home improvement store. They were about $15 each and you'll need 4. Alternately, you could use plain pavers (about $5 each) though they wouldn't look nearly as good (the umbrella blocks are nice; the wedge shape and the fact that they're vinyl-coated with a lattice design creates an attractive base. They also have a handle on the bottom to facilitate picking them up). Overall, the umbrella LOOKS great. At a glance, it could pass for a far more expensive piece. The color (terra cotta) is perfect; exactly what I imagined when I read some of the other reviews: an attractive shade of orange-red (I'd agree with the person who described it as "tomato"). It looks really smart on our deck; bright without being obnoxious. The item arrived in a reasonable amount of time (10 or so days- shipping was free with a promo so can't complain). There was some minor trauma (rips/tears/ dents) in the outer box when it arrived, but the contents appeared to be well packed/protected and were undamaged. The umbrella set up quickly and easily (though full disclosure- my husband did the assembly, not I; it took him about 15 minutes and he did not complain about it, which means it's probabaly easy enough for the average person). Once assembled, the umbrella is easy to operate. There are a couple steps to put it up/take down, but it's easy enough and everything appears to be in working order and operates smoothly. As other reviewers have noted, the umbrella does rock/sway/rotate somewhat in a breeze. It is definately NOT something that you would want open in a strong wind, but I did not feel the movement in a breeze was unsafe- distracting, maybe. The movement seems by design to prevent the umbrella (which is large- 10 feet) from becoming a giant sail and floating away. I assume more expensive umbrellas employ a different "safety" feature- but for the price, I guess you get what you get. Now the downsides, which, given the low price (compared to similar styled umbrellas), should be expected. The thing is cheap. It's made with plastic components which will probabaly break sooner rather than later. (I'm assuming the $500 and up versions of this type of umbrella employ more durable components). Ideally, the non-essential stuff will break first, so the umbrella will at least be functional (though may look like crap), but stuff like the crank to open it are plastic (painted chrome to look like metal) and while it LOOKS good, you can tell it probably won't last for years and years. Also, the umbrella itself is NOT canvas or a high denier cloth- it's some sort of nylon and while it looks great it's fairly lightweight and not sure how it will hold up over time in UV. Overall, I think for the price, it's a good value. Don't expect high quality, though. For our purpose, it's fine. I've had it for a month so far and use it most days and it's still holding up fine (nothing broken!) I think with care the thing will last a season or 2, hopefully more. For now I'm happy. I'd recommend this to someone looking for an offset umbrella at a (comparatively) low price and who won't gripe about plastic components.

The umbrella very nice, attractive and is a good price. However, if there is any wind at all, the top of the umbrella spins around. This, of course, is scary and can be dangerous. I read all the reviews on this product before I bought, and no one mentioned a problem similar to ours. Therefore, it may be that our umbrella was damaged, and that this problem is very unusual. When I called Overstock about it, the customer service department was wonderful to deal with.

I love this umbrella! I was a little concerned as the box was pretty torn up upon arrival, but everything inside was just fine. Took less than 1/2 hour to put together and bolt to my deck. I read lots of reviews that said it was "cheap"-well if you want top of the line, then spend $400 or more. You can't beat this umbrella for the price!