Patio Umbrella Stands
Patio umbrella stands are the bases used to keep patio umbrellas straight and upright. They prevent patio umbrellas from tipping over. They also serve as anchors to prevent them from being carried away by a strong wind. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs that can beautify any patio umbrella.
Cast iron patio umbrella stands
Patio umbrella stands can be made from cast iron. They usually resemble wire metal frames pyramidal or dome-like in shape. Cast iron is a very heavy metal, so patio umbrella stands made from this material do not require additional weight to keep them stable. Some cast iron stands can weigh as much as 50 pounds.
Cast iron stands are usually powder-coated or sealed with a similar waterproof material. This shell coat prevents the stands from rusting. It can last as long as five years without the need for retouching. If the coat shows even the smallest chip or flaw, it should be retouched with a sealant right away. Failing to do so can definitely cause the cast iron to rust.
Brass patio umbrella stands
Brass, an alloy made of copper and tin, is another popular material used in patio umbrella stands. Brass patio umbrella stands are usually prepared by master metallurgists. They exhibit the deep red-orange sheen that has long been associated with copper, giving patio umbrellas a rustic yet elegant flair. Brass patio umbrella stands are also very heavy, often weighing 30 pounds to 50 pounds. Like cast iron stands, they are hollow inside.
Using brass as a material for patio umbrella stands has its disadvantages. Brass is prone to developing verdigris, a green mold-like substance that collects on its surface. Rainwater and other forms of precipitation hasten the development of this form of corrosion. Precipitation is usually acidic, and while relatively weak, it can eat away at the copper component of brass patio umbrella stands. Over time, the stands can develop verdigris if they are not properly maintained.
Brass patio umbrella stands should be polished regularly to keep them shining like new. They can be buffed using a soft cloth and ordinary store-bought brass polish.
Plastic patio umbrella stands
Perhaps the simplest way to keep patio umbrellas in place is by using plastic patio umbrella stand. They do not require any complicated maintenance and are innately waterproof. Plastic patio umbrella stands are hollow, dome- or pyramid-shaped bases. They can be filled with sand, water, or a similar ballast to keep the patio umbrellas in place.
The only real drawback to this type of umbrella stand is that most people do not find them appealing. Plastic patio umbrella stands are rarely detailed and the painted models can appear cheap and gaudy.
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