How can I install PVC patio blinds to the side of a large permanent umbrella?

[Murat]

We need to enclose a large permament umbrella, but it doesn't have horizontal beams to attach the blinds. Can we hang an aluminium channel from the umbrella's spokes, which are like 80mm steel tubes?

[EricL]

Hello @Murat 

Your umbrella I believe has been designed to hold its own weight along with its cover. Placing extra weight at the tips such as a horizontal bar along with the PVC patio blinds might compromise its structure. The blind along with the dynamic forces that will be applied to it might damage the giant umbrellas frame.

However, I suggest planting metal posts with concrete footings that are in line with the umbrella tips. I then recommend placing horizontal bars across the posts where you can install the PVC patio blinds. The weight of the bar and the blinds will be carried by the posts and will still be in the footprint of the umbrella tips.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Murat 

Yeah, nah is my thoughts Pretty much for the same reasoning as @EricLs's

I do like @EricL 's suggestion and would even go one step further suggestion of mounting those posts in large flower pots Respect 50cm Dark Grey Green Earth Tall Square Planter - 300mm filled with concrete to give them a solidness. Even if it was some solid metal posts in the concrete, something that will carry the weight of the blinds you want. As long as all our sides are locked together in a square then it will help carry the load in a small wind.

Dave

[Murat]

Thanks Dave and Eric for your suggestions.

I should have included a photo of the umbrella, which has already two of its sides closed with much heavier wind up blinds. The umbrella is a commercial one with its pole 3m dug into the ground. Would this change your suggestions and advice?

Cheers,

Murat

[EricL]

Hello @Murat 

Thank you for sharing that picture of the umbrella. Yes, I still recommend putting in posts to hold the weight of the blinds so that your umbrella will not have to bear any of its weight.

Eric

[Murat]

Thanks Eric,

Much appreciated.

Cheers,

Murat

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Murat 

As it is a comercial solution it does change my suggestion, I would suggest an engineer to design something that will carry the load. For home its different but when you have members of the public involved and the quantity of people always around it. It changes things up. So needs to be made safe under tighter circumstances. 

Dave