Umbrella mounts: Where to buy, or DIY?

August 10, 2020 7:57 PM

I want some shade on my small deck, and the idea of mounting an umbrella to the deck itself seems perfect to me. I found this but it’s not available through Amazon.ca. Is there somewhere in Canada to get something similar? I’m also willing to try DIY, as long as it would be sturdy and not damage the deck. Thank you!
posted by to recite so charmingly to Home & Garden (8 answers total)

Amazon.ca : u bolt

Get a couple long-legged one, and a bit of 2"x4" (US, sorry) wood. Put the umbrella in the u-bolt, then the wood, then attach it to the vertical bit of the railing, then put the end plate on and tighten it down. Sorta just like the picture.

If you want a bit more, get a piece of metal pipe that's just big enough to allow the umbrella stick to fit inside, bolt that to the deck and close off the bottom with a cap, or some such. Then you could easily take out the umbrella while leaving the fixture in place.

Get a bucket, a pipe that will hold your umbrella stick, and a bag of concrete. Mix up the concrete and pour around the pipe standing in the bucket and let harden to make a big heavy base with a hole in it. Put umbrella stick in hole.
posted by zengargoyle at 10:02 PM on August 10, 2020

Amazon.ca : pipe hanger

get a couple of these sorta U shaped thingies and attach them to the top and bottom of the railing (maybe with a spacer piece of wood or something. Slip the umbrella stick down the hole.

there are dozens of ways to DIY the equivalent mounting solution provided in the picture that all depend on your handyness.
posted by zengargoyle at 10:11 PM on August 10, 2020

Another alternative is to diy a couple of wooden blocks with holes to accommodate your pole and then screw them to one of the posts on the deck, one at the bottom and one higher up. That does mean making a few screw holes, but if you stain the blocks to match the deck, it'd look fine.
posted by pipeski at 5:48 AM on August 11, 2020

A three- or four-foot length of ABS or PVC pipe affixed along its length to a deck/railing post with heavy-duty zip ties or adjustable metal hose clamps?

If you search for "PVC pipe umbrella holder" or similar terms, there are plenty of images of examples.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 6:54 AM on August 11, 2020

You lose half the shade with this setup. They make stands for patio umbrellas. I scrounged a couple tables with holes for the umbrellas, and use them with stands, much more stable in wind.
Patio umbrella and offset base
Sun shade For a small deck where you don't want to give up floor space, these are nice.

An umbrella or dowel to use as support can be attached to a vertical railing with several sturdy zip ties, maybe a couple U-shaped 'Galvanized Piipe straps.
posted by theora55 at 7:07 AM on August 11, 2020 [1 favorite]

Zip ties could have a role in this solution.
posted by SLC Mom at 9:31 AM on August 11, 2020

Dang it, mandolin conspiracy.
posted by SLC Mom at 9:32 AM on August 11, 2020 [1 favorite]

If it's a very small deck or you don't mind adjusting the angle of the umbrella to cover you as the angle of sunlight changes, and if you'd like the option of using the umbrella in other places, I like the Sport-Brella Versa-Brella. It appears to be available in a few different colors and prices from Amazon.ca and Costco.ca. It'll attach to lots of things without damaging them, including deck chairs, plus it's a bit easier to put away or carry with you than a really big patio umbrella.
posted by asperity at 10:48 AM on August 11, 2020