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Choosing the Right Patio Umbrella Large patio or table umbrellas are a beautiful, yet simple way to block the sun during outdoor meals and relaxing afternoons. Most patio umbrellas can be installed into an outdoor table and can be found in a multitude of colors, allowing your patio umbrella to easily match your outdoor furniture, cushions, and décor. Large patio umbrellas are also very versatile; they can be just as useful at a high end resort as they are in a cozy residential back yard. However, one aspect of a patio umbrella should always be considered before making a purchase: the lift function.   Manual Lift Patio Umbrella   A manual lift umbrella is a patio umbrella that lifts into place by hand. Usually, these patio umbrellas are more difficult to operate than patio umbrellas with automatic lift functions. These table umbrellas come equipped with a runner near the center of the shaft that is attached to the ribs of the canopy. To operate, simply push the runner up on the shaft until the canopy has fully opened. The center runner usually has a pop-out locking mechanism or a pin inserted underneath it to lock the lift into place. Though these large patio umbrellas operate in a similar fashion as personal rain umbrellas, they can sometimes be misused so please use caution when using this feature.   Pulley Lift Patio Umbrella   A pulley lift patio umbrella uses a lift and pulley system to open and close the canopy. A pulley lift requires much less effort than a manual lift, and is also more convenient for shorter users. Since table umbrellas are so large, it is truly a benefit that most of the physical strain is taken out of lifting a pulley lift patio umbrella. Pulley Lift patio umbrellas are perfectly safe for anyone who knows how to use them in both residential and commercial areas. However, Pulley Lift patio umbrellas typically use the same pin locking system as the manual lift patio umbrellas, so please use caution when operating.   Crank Lift Patio Umbrella   A crank patio umbrella is opened and closed by turning a crank near the center of the shaft. Once the umbrella is opened to the desired location, simply stop turning the crank and the umbrella will lock into place—and when it’s time to collapse the umbrella, simply turn the crank in the opposite direction. Crank umbrellas will lock at any point of the lifting or lowering process, successfully removing the risk of unexpected closing and making them perfect for commercial use. They are simple to operate and provide many upgrades and options for complete customization, such as automatic tilt features and the ability to rotate 360° with a simple turn of the crank. With the ease of use and concentration on safety, a crank umbrella is ideal for any location.   Remote Controlled Patio Umbrella   A remote controlled patio umbrella is truly a one of a kind product. The lift function of this patio umbrella is completely operated by a tiny remote control. This provides endless benefits, regardless if this patio umbrella is to be placed at a commercial or a residential location. For commercial use, the remote allows for the patio umbrella operation to be centralized and eliminates the possibility of improper use. At a residential location, the remote allows the patio umbrella to be open and closed from indoors—that way if the umbrella is left open and the whether is unfavorable, the patio umbrella can still be closed. These patio umbrellas require absolutely no physical strain, and are by far the easiest to use.