How to measure a patio umbrella replacement canopy (2024)

Step 1: Count the number of ribs

First thing, no matter what type of patio umbrella you have, it is important to count the ribs. You definitely can’t use an umbrella cover that was made for a different amount of ribs.

Step 2: Slightly crank in your umbrella

I don’t like completely closing the umbrella. Instead, crank it in about halfway. If it is closed completely the ribs get kind of lost in all the folds of the umbrella fabric.

Step 3: Measure the length of an umbrella rib arm to determine the umbrella size

Next, measure the rib length. Rest your measuring tape on a rib starting at the top finial of the umbrella to the bottom of the rib which is the outside edge of the umbrella.

And here is how you determine the right size of your umbrella.

• If the rib measures around 54 inches: 54″ times two equals 108″ which is 9 feet
• If your rib measures around 48 inches: 48″ times two equals 96″ which is 8 feet
• If your rib measures around 42 inches: 42″ times two equals 84″ which is 7 feet
• If your rib measures around 36 inches: 36″ times two equals 72″ which is 6 feet

So my rib measured 54″ inches and I could determine this way that I have a 9-foot umbrella with 8 ribs that I counted earlier.

Step 4: Order a new umbrella canopy

Now you can order the right replacement canopy according to the size that you just determined. The good thing is that the umbrella manufacturing companies will tell you exactly which size they are selling, so you will be sure it fits. Make sure to read some reviews ahead of time because some of the cheaper replacements tend to be a little off. Sometimes that’s barely visible though.

I also found these two really unique handmade 9-foot umbrella canopy replacement covers on Etsy that I just had to share. (The image will take you to the actual shop!)

Our new patio umbrella cover

As I said earlier, our black and white striped cover was in bad shape. I love black and white prints so much (see my favorite black and white swimming pool accessories) but I was ready for a change, especially since we have so much going on in our tiny backyard.

Here you can see how bad our umbrella cover actually was.

So let me introduce you to my new and improved patio umbrella in our outdoor area. I chose number 4 in the color of number 5 which is taupe. The new fabric is polyester, the capri color version of this canopy is made of premium Olefin fabric.

I just fell in love with the tassel valance fringe and it has the perfect fit. The taupe color tones everything down a bit and I love how it looks from inside our house when looking out from the living room.

We’ve had some windy conditions lately with the smoke coming in from Canada and the new outdoor umbrella held up great!

Do you see the seashell windchime inside the umbrella? I added some solar fairy lights to it and it looks magical at night. You can slightly see the solar panel resting on top of the umbrella to the left. (check out my favorite decorative outdoor solar lights)

The planter is a coconut shell cut in half with Creeping Jenny inside. If there is a storm I can crank the umbrella in with the seashells and coconut planter still inside. You can see that I’m telling the truth in my super short video.

Also, check out my blog post about how to mix and match patio furniture to get some outdoor decorating ideas.

Replacing the canopy is a fraction of the cost of buying an entirely new umbrella. I love to not throw out everything right away. This is also why I decided to revive our old sun lounge chairs and metal table.

Check out my blog posts about how to restore teak outdoor furniture and my little metal patio table makeover. My chairs look like new ones now.

If you are new to my blog, then check out our stock tank swimming pool that we built in 2019 and love so much.

That’s it for today. We just love our outdoor space and garden and spent as much time out here as possible.

Tschüß,