Replacement Umbrella Canopy: How To Guide

Many patio umbrella canopies will rip, fade, and lose their luster after a few years. It just happens, even with the best of fabrics. The sun beating on the fabric all day, harsh winds, repeated use, and the elements all take their toll on the umbrella canvas. Often the canopy will be in rough shape, but the underlying umbrella frame is still fine. If the ribs are still in good shape, the crank mechanisms still work, and the pole still looks good, it may make sense to get a replacement umbrella canopy rather than buying a whole new umbrella. Purchasing a replacement canopy is often significantly cheaper than buying a whole new umbrella. If the frame is in good shape, you may even consider upgrading to a higher quality fabric like Sunbrella for your replacement canopy, which would give you a much higher end look, without spending the money on a whole new umbrella!

Replacing the canopy on an umbrella is pretty easy, and we will explain how to do it here Replacing the canopy on an umbrella is pretty easy, and we will explain how to do it here. The biggest challenge is determining whether a given replacement umbrella canvas will fit your umbrella frame. For that reason, we have created this guide to ordering a patio umbrella canvas replacement.

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Replacement Umbrella Canopy: How To Guide

Step 1: Determine the diameter of your umbrella canvas

If you can find the listing for your umbrella online, you will see how large the canopy is. Patio umbrella sizes may vary from 6’ to 13’ in diameter. If you can’t find the listing for your umbrella online, grab a tape measure and measure from the tip one of the umbrella ribs to the center umbrella pole. Double that distance, and you will have the umbrella canopy diameter. Remember, an umbrella is not a flat plane, but rather is curved with the ribs on the bottom. Consequently, the canvas will actually be a little bit larger than this diameter measurement. Most umbrella replacement covers don’t supply an exact fit but will be close. They are generally broken down in 1’ increments (7’ umbrella canopy replacement cover, 8’ replacement cover, etc.).

Step 2: Count the Number of Ribs

The second major fit concern with a replacement canopy for patio umbrella is the number of ribs. Most umbrellas on the market have either 6 ribs or 8 ribs, but there are variations. And the replacement canvas must be configured for the same number of ribs as the original canvas.

Step 3: Note your Existing Canopy Ventilation

Take a look at how the ventilation works in your existing umbrella canopy. The vast majority of umbrella canopies have a single vent in the center, a top “hat” that channels air through the canopy, preventing the umbrella from flying away on a gusty day. However, there are other ventilation methods available like double venting umbrella canvases, and you must be sure to match the ventilation style in your market umbrella replacement canvas to your existing umbrella fabric. There are not many double-vented patio umbrella canvas replacements around, but this one may fit your umbrella:

Step 4: Remove the Existing Canopy

Gently remove the ribs from the sleeves of the existing canopy. Be careful not to bend the ribs to the point of breaking them! The first rib will be the most difficult, and once you have a couple of ribs off, the rest of the canopy should be easy to remove. You may want a second person to help with this step.

Step 5: Measure the Top Opening Size at the Center of the Canopy

Check the diameter of the hole at the center of the canopy. This will show how big the hole for the cap to be installed is. However, if this hole is too small, you can always cut it with scissors.

Step 6: Ensure That Your Existing Umbrella Frame is in Good Shape

• Check the ribs for rust, bending, and significant wear.
• Check your umbrella pole for peeling paint and rust
• Check your cranks and tilt mechanisms for weakness and fraying cords

If you find any significant concern with the umbrella frame, it probably doesn’t make sense to invest in a replacement patio umbrella canopy, as the frame may fail soon after installing the replacement umbrella.

Step 7: Order the New Canvas

Once you know your canvas size, the number of ribs, and the vent style, order your new canvas. We have a few suggestions below, which you may want to check out depending on your size and configuration needs. After the new canvas is ordered, below, we explain how to install the new canvas on the frame.

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8’ Diameter, 6 Rib Replacement Canvas

If you have a patio umbrella with this configuration, you don’t have too many choices for umbrella canopy replacement. You may want to consider the Replacement Top Patio Umbrella Replacement Canopy cover. This replacement cover is only available in Tan and the canvas has a single wind vent in the center. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information on these replacement covers, but this is not a common umbrella size configuration, so we hope that not many people will find themselves looking to replace these umbrella canvases.

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9’ Diameter, 6 Rib Replacement Canvas

Formosa Covers has a wide array of colors available on their 9’ diameter, 6 rib replacement covers. These 9 ft umbrella canopy replacement covers are made of 300 denier polyester fabric and are sprayed with a UV treatment and a water repellent. They feature a single air vent and come in a wide variety of color options (Shown here in Brick Red). These umbrella replacement canopies are very sturdy, Made in America, and are a great choice.

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8’ Diameter, 8 Rib Replacement Umbrella Canopy

Yescom’s line of 8’ umbrella canopy replacements is a great place to start your research. Available in six different colors, these covers are made of 180g spun polyester, and treated with a UV30+ protectant. They are relatively inexpensive and come in a fun array of colors. The color fastness is not ideal, and in intense sun, they may fade. Still, with the price point they are placed at, it is easy enough to purchase another replacement cover when needed.

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9’ Diameter, 8 Rib Umbrella Cover Replacement

There are several options available in this configuration, but we suggest the ExpectSaving line of market umbrella replacement canopies. Available in six different color options, and featuring a single wind vent, these 9 ft umbrella replacement canopy models are inexpensive, of high-quality materials, and look great. They are made of 180g polyester and are treated with a UV Protectant for sun and fade resistance. Like many of the garden umbrella replacement canopy options in this price range, these look great for a while, but may not last under long-term exposure to the sun. Still, they are a great choice given their price range and are recommended.

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10’ Diameter 8 Rib Umbrella Replacement Canvas

The best option for those who have a 10’ diameter canvas is the Yescom line of 10’ replacement covers. These covers are available in three different colors and are of good quality at an aggressive price. Made of the same 180g polyester fabric as the 8’ covers above, this umbrella replacement fabric is UV30+ protected. These canvases are water resistant, and will keep you dry in a soft rain, but are not waterproof. This will fit 10’ cantilever umbrella frames, should you be looking for a cantilever umbrella replacement cover. However, you may need to cut the center hole a bit to make it fit on the cantilever umbrella frame. These covers are not colorfast, and will only last so long. Still, at the price they are offered, they are a good deal.

Cantilever Umbrella Replacement Canvas

Unfortunately, finding a replacement for a cantilever umbrella is usually more difficult than a patio umbrella. However, there are a few options out there, as long as your cantilever umbrella is an 8-rib model. If you have a 10’ cantilever umbrella, these StrongCamel Replacement covers may work. And if you have an 11 or 12/’ umbrella, these BenefitUSA replacements may fit. Beyond that, you may want to try to contact your manufacturer.

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Step 8: Feed the Existing Rib Fingers Into the Canvas Umbrella Sleeves

It’s easiest to do this on one side of the umbrella when it is opened just a little bit. Push the ends of the ribs into the canopy sleeves, making sure that the sleeves are on the downward side of the canvas. Work in a circle on successive ribs, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Having a second pair of hands to help hold the canopy as you install it can be helpful, too!

Step 9: Check the Fit, and Adjust If Necessary

Open and Close the Umbrella, and see how the new umbrella cover replacement looks on your frame. If it is too small, obviously you shouldn’t try to open the umbrella all the way, as it will rip. Return it, measure again, and order a different size.

If it is a bit too big, you can consider picking up some Rubber Leg Tips from your local home improvement store, which will fit over the ends of the umbrella ribs and add a bit of distance to the ribs. These tips will extend the overall length of the umbrella a bit and may make it tauter. If the size is way too big, return and get a different umbrella canvas.

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Conclusion: Patio Umbrella Replacement Canopy

By using an umbrella replacement cover, you can save a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a whole new umbrella, and you can refresh your patio with some new colors and designs without breaking the bank. The process of finding the right umbrella cover for your umbrella is not difficult, and if you follow these steps, you’ll have a lovely new canvas in no time. If getting replacement umbrella parts and installing them seems like too much time, you can always consider getting a new umbrella. Check out our a patio umbrella reviews if that’s the direction you want to take. Also, be sure to use an umbrella cover to keep your next patio umbrella canvas in great shape for as long as possible. And while you’re at it, you may want to add some patio umbrella lights or a patio umbrella heater to make your patio umbrella sing! Happy Relaxing!