Investing in a quality patio umbrella will greatly enhance the enjoyment of your deck or patio. A patio umbrella provides shade as well as a decorative accent for your yard. Some patio sets come with umbrellas; if yours doesn't, you can buy a free-standing umbrella that coordinates with your existing deck patio furniture.

There are basically two type of patio umbrellas. Traditional umbrellas fit through a hole in the middle of your table and are stabilized by the table's legs. Umbrellas should be sized so that they provide shade for anyone sitting at the table.

Another choice is an offset patio umbrella. These umbrellas are free standing and have an arm that holds the umbrella off to one side. One advantage of an offset umbrella is that it is mobile; as the sun moves through the sky and different parts of your patio, your shade can move as well. Another good reason to choose an offset patio umbrella is that it can be used to shade anything, from a corner of your pool to the kids' sandbox.

When you are choosing a patio umbrella, pick one that is easy to open and close. Although many people leave their umbrellas up all the time, if there is a storm expected where you anticipate high wind or blowing debris, you want to be able to close the umbrella, and maybe even bring it into a protected area.