We have listed the most frequently asked questions about our exclusive line of Shademaker umbrellas. If you do not find your question listed below, please contact us. We appreciate your feedback and will consider adding your question to this list in the future.

Can I install a Shademaker umbrella myself?
The average do-it-yourself home handyman can easily install a residential Shademakers umbrella in any of the three usual situations: concrete patio, wooden deck or in-ground. Full instructions are provided with each umbrella and more information can be found on in our Installations & Fittings section.

For commercial installations of the larger commercial models, we recommend having the installation done by a professional builder or contractor.


Where can I buy a ShadeMakers umbrella?
You may purchase a Shademakers umbrella from any certifed dealer, through any design professional or directly from ShadeScapes USA.


How much wind can a Shademakers umbrella take?
Shademakers are made from the finest, highest grade materials and are truly built to last and to stand up to the elements. Wind resistance depends on the style and is a guideline only. As with all umbrellas common sense prevails. Please go to products and then click on the Shademakers umbrella of your choice to find more information about wind resistance for each Shademakers umbrella design.


Will the canopy fabric fade? How durable is it? What colors are available?
Shademakers canopies are custom sewn and individually fit using only the highest grade of fabrics available. Our fabric is a European 100% solution dyed acrylic which we believe to be the very best fabric available on a global level. It is also the fabric of choice in Europe, Australia and New Zealand where protective shade is a necessity. A 100% solution-dyed acrylic canvas for superior colorfastness and shape retention, our fabric line is designed for both beauty and durability and is fade, mold and water-resistant. This fabric carries a comprehensive 5 year warranty against material breakdown. Go to fabrics & finishes for more information about canopy fabric choices.

Shademakers are designed to be a long term investment in shade. After five years, if you feel your fabric is beginning to fade, we offer a full selection of replacement canopies at very reasonable prices. You will find that it is easy remove your canopy and replace it with a new one. We see no reason why you will need to replace the Shademakers umbrellla structure, but depending on the climate you live in and how frequently you use your Shademakers umbrella, you may need to replace your canopy every 5-10 years.

We can have a canopy sewn from any of other fabric of your choice at an additional charge, including Sunbrella and Sunbrella Firesist, plus two premium European flame retardant fabrics, Ferrari PVC and Polyplan PVC. Coolaroo 98, the top-of-the line Australian-made breathable shade mesh is another option.

As for the color range, you can choose from more than 93 brilliant canopy styles, including 10 standard colors and 83 beautiful solid colors and tweeds. We will be happy to try and match your current outdoor furniture colors. Feel free to send us a swatch of your furniture cushion fabric and we will provide you with the best options for matching your existing color palette. If you are considering replacing your furniture cushions and accessories, we also offer fabric by the yard.

Please go to fabrics & finishes for details on each fabric option and to view the color options for each line.


What is marine grade anodized aluminium?
Anodizing is the strongest and most stylish finish for aluminum products, offering a unique blend of durability, protection and attractive appearance. Proven in the harsh New Zealand environment for many years, anodizing's superior performance characteristics, relative to other finishes, are well established in commercial and residential construction as well as marine and general engineering applications. Visit our fabrics & finishes section for more detailed information on anodized aluminum.

Benefits:
1. Durability
Because anodizing is an integral bond to the underlying aluminum extrusion or sheet product, it is will not peel or chip, and its physical and chemical structure makes it very resistant to abrasion and corrosion.

2. Colorfastness
The color compounds used for the aluminum of original Shademakers make color anodizing very stable. Anodized aluminum will not materially fade or chalk even under the harshest UV conditions.

3. Low Maintenance
Six monthly washes with mild detergents (definitely no abrasives, acid or alkaline cleaners) and a nylon bristle brush are all that is typically required in the most coastal or commercial environments.

Visit our fabrics & finishes section for more detailed information on anodized aluminum.


Can I remove my Shademakers umbrella for storage?
Almost all of the Shademakers umbrella styles can easily be removed for storage or for moving between locations (i.e. main residence and second home). Specific requirements are covered in Care & Maintenance.


How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
Please go to warranty for specific details.


What advantages does a baseplate offer?
If you want to remove your Isla, Liberty or Luna for storage or use it in more than one location (e.g. different location on your patio or at your beach home), a base plate allows you to remove the spigot too, meaning you don't have a protruding spigot. This is especially important for safety reasons, especially if you have young children. Go to Care & Maintenance for more details.