The Aurora

Awning-grade fabrics, technically referred to as solution-dyed acrylics, are manufactured by adding color to the fibers before they are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. This process allows color to become an integral part of the fiber rather than a surface treatment.

As a result, awning-grade fabrics are engineered to perform in demanding outdoor and coastal environments. They offer excellent resistance to prolonged UV exposure, moisture, mildew, salt air, and airborne contaminants. When used on outdoor shade products, these fabrics provide superior color retention, durability, and long-term performance compared to standard outdoor fabrics.

Frankford Umbrellas specifies awning-grade fabrics to help ensure its umbrellas maintain their appearance, structural integrity, and performance over time—particularly in high-sun, high-humidity, and coastal applications common in hospitality and commercial settings.

Read about the difference in fabrics in this blog post
 

Commercial-grade umbrellas are built to withstand frequent use and more demanding environmental conditions than residential models. Key differences typically include heavier-duty frame construction/center pole/mast, reinforced components, upgraded hardware, and high-performance fabrics designed for longevity.

Ours are engineered for use in hospitality, foodservice, resort, and public environments where durability, stability, and consistent performance are essential.
 

Frankford offers design-assist support through the Shade Designer, an interactive 3D visualization tool created to help designers and specifiers develop and refine custom umbrella configurations. The platform allows users to explore a wide range of canopy styles, fabric colors and patterns, trim options, and binding details in real time. Upon completing your design, you can download a spec sheet to share with your client.
 
The Shade Designer supports early-stage design development.  Final specifications and project documentation are coordinated through authorized Frankford Umbrella dealers as part of the quoting and ordering process.

A general rule of thumb is to choose an umbrella canopy that extends at least 24 inches beyond the edge of the table on all sides. This provides adequate shade coverage for seated guests while keeping the umbrella proportionate to the table.

For example:
A 48"–54" round table typically pairs well with a 7.5'–9' umbrella
A 60" round or rectangular table generally requires an 11' umbrella
Larger tables or multiple seating arrangements may require 13' or larger canopies

When selecting an umbrella, it’s also important to consider:
The number of chairs and how far they extend from the table
Whether the umbrella will be used in a commercial or high-traffic environment
Wind exposure and base requirements
Clearance needed for opening, closing, and tilting the umbrella

At Frankford Umbrellas, umbrella sizing recommendations vary by model and application. Consulting product specifications and base guidelines helps ensure proper shade coverage, stability, and long-term performance.