Frequently Asked Questions
We’re terribly sorry but at this time we are not able to provide fabric swatches for standard orders. We suggest that you try Sunbrella’s site: http://www.sunbrella.com. You can do a search for your fabric and see it on their site how it appears in actual daylight. Also, if you’re interested in getting Sunbrella fabric swatches, there is a service available from OutdoorFabrics.com for swatches.
I’m Not Sure Where to Start. Can You Help?
Of course we can help. In fact, we’ve gone one step further, we give you up to minute information on all of our products, AND we have a full buyers guide that will explain everything from how to find the right umbrella, the difference between wind vents, what are your tilting options, and how to pick the right kind of fabric.
Please feel free to contact us at any time if you need any help making a decision. We have over 10 years experience in the outdoor decor business, and love to talk to our customers about what they are dreaming up for their backyard.
What type of fabrics do you carry?
We carry 100% solution dyed acrylics, premium outdoor olefin, outdoor polyprint, outdoor polyester, solution dyed polyester, and traditional outdoor vinyl.
We have taken great care in sourcing outdoor fabrics that have proven themselves time and again to performing in an outdoor environment. Our 100% solution dyed acrylic comes from Sunbrella, as well as Outdura; two of the biggest and well known producers of top of the line acrylic fabrics.
Our premium olefin has been designed exclusively for outdoor use, and are great economical options, offering a similar look and feel as acrylics.
Our lines of polyester fabrics where also engineered from the ground up for outdoor and shading. Our poly fabrics, including outdoor polyester and solution dyed polyester are discounted fabrics that are great for seasonal use or limited use.
All of your products are available in all of your fabrics?
Most of our patio umbrellas come in the same fabrics. However, to maximize the our offering, some backyard umbrellas will come in fabrics that are not available in our other patio umbrellas, such at Suncrylic fabrics.
How long does it take to ship my order?
Normally, orders can be shipped as soon as the cushion or umbrella is available. All of our products are made to order, and the standard processing time is 10 business days. However, because of the custom nature of some of our products, shipping times can vary. For instance, during peak season, orders can take up to 25 business days to complete (Although we work very hard to get them out sooner, nd a great percentage of the time we do!)
All products on the website are marked with approximate shipping times. We allow 5 days for shipping time, so you can expect your backyard umbrella at least 15-20 business days from the time that you order.
How do you ship your products?
We ship all products via UPS Ground and FedEx Ground unless otherwise specified. For more information on our shipping policies, please read up on our
customer service policies.
What happens if there is freight damage?
When the product arrives it is imperative that you inspect each box. Should there be damage to a box, inspect the contents, and write your findings on the freight bill (regardless of what the driver may tell you) before you sign for the delivery (damaged goods are left with you). In the event of damage you will need to contact us to notify us of the damage. We will then take the necessary steps to have your product replaced. Please hold the damaged pieces until the process is complete.
Is shopping at BackYardUmbrellas.com Secure?
When you shop at BackYardUmbrellas.com, you don’t have to worry about credit card safety. We have implemented very stringent security measures to guarantee that your credit card purchases are safe. For instance:
- We use 128 bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology that works with Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari and AOL browsers, so that only BackYardUmbrellas.com will be able to read your information.
- We employ dual encryption technologies that fundamentally makes it highly improbable for anyone to get your information from our database. Basically, all our personal information is jumbled up, like a puzzle, called encryption. Not only is it nearly impossible to decrypt, but our system does it TWICE!
- Our website is built on super secure, best practices Magento technology. Technical experts state that online purchases are far safer than traditional credit card transactions because the information is immediately encrypted into a scrambled message that can only be decrypted by an authorized computer.
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your bank cannot hold you liable for more than $50.00 of fraudulent charges. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit card, you must notify your credit card provider in accordance with its reporting rules and procedures. Also, notify BackYardUmbrellas.com as soon as possible. We will do everything in our power to assist and help you in the recovery of your funds.
Why is my credit card charged at the time of my order, and not when shipped?
In order to keep our costs as low as possible and then pass the savings on to you, all credit cards must be charged at time of purchase. This helps us service all of our customers in as timely a manner as possible. We appreciate your cooperation.
Why is it possible that I could receive my umbrella stand on a separate shipment from
my umbrella?
We ship some of our umbrella bases via FedEx because they are better
equipped to handle umbrella base shipments.
What is the total shipping cost of my order?
Shipping on our products is Free. All products are shipped via
FedEx or UPS Ground Service. You will receive an email with your tracking information as soon as it becomes available.
Where are BackYardUmbrellas.com products manufactured?
We pride ourselves in being able to most of our products are
Made In The USA. Our umbrellas are manufactured in our California factory. However, in our efforts to provide you with the best price possible, we do order some materials, like aluminum from overseas, particularly China. We re-use these boxes for shipping. If you see a box with Made In China on the outside, please don't be alarmed or feel that you have been duped. We only re-used the box. Your umbrella has been Made in the US
What kind of base do I use for an offset patio umbrella?
Our offset patio umbrellas come with an include “T-style” base. The t base can be anchored to any surface with bolts, or you can you standard 18? X 18? brick patio blocks, also called pavers, to base your umbrella. They are usually available at your local home goods or hardware store, but we recommend for you to look at what’s available.
You have two Offset Patio Umbrellas that look the same. Are the frames to the
same?
Yes, our offset patio umbrella frames are the same. The difference is in the canopy.
The discount offset umbrella features outdoor spun polyester fabric, which is an economical outdoor fabric. Our 9' offset umbrella canopy is constructed with Sunbrella acrylic fabrics, which is the highest rated outdoor fabric available.
Does BackYardUmbrellas give quantity discounts or handle commercial purchases?
Yes, we are quantity and commercial experts! We have a full line available for commercial needs, and we’ve been working with hotel resort chains, wedding planners, restaurants, architectural design firms, schools golf courses for the past 12 years. We can assist you with fabric selection, specific printing needs, design and style selection as well as delivery planning. Please contact us for more details.
What is the best patio umbrella cover for my climate?
Getting the right patio umbrella cover for your area all depends on where you live. Normally, any umbrella will suit most outside patio needs. Where high winds are frequent, a fiberglass rib umbrella is recommended.
It’s important to note the weather condition the umbrella will be exposed to.
- Is there a lot of heat? Is the area seriously hot, like in parts of the south and southwest where the heat is consistent?
- Is the air hot? Is the state weather humid or dry? Dry heat such as Arizona and New Mexico are different from wet heat such as Louisiana or Florida.
Wind vents also allow for the heat to escape from the top of the umbrella making a dual wind vent preferable for these climates. Whereas the single wind vent will be a fine choice for more moderate climates.
Can I “rush order” either umbrellas?
We currently do not have a rush order policy, however, we will be more than happy to work with you in order to meet a particular schedule. Please feel free to contact us if you are on a particular schedule.
We do have quick ship products, which are currently on sale, that you can take advantage of right now.
Can I visit BackYardUmbrellas.com showroom?
We’re sorry, but we don’t have a showroom available to the public. We are an internet only retailer. However, if you are in the Broward County area of South Florida, please don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation.
