Commercial Giant Umbrellas
Products (12)
Square Canopy
Octagon Canopy
Residential Use Recommended
- Aluminum Frame
- Crank Lift
- Aluminum Pole & Ribs
- Aluminum Pole & Ribs
- Aluminum Pole & Ribs
- Aluminum Pole
- Fiberglass Ribs
- Aluminum Pole
- Fiberglass Ribs
- Aluminum Pole
- Fiberglass Ribs
Frankford Giant Umbrellas - Deep Dive on Features, Construction, and Benefits
Frankford's giant umbrellas are purpose-built commercial shade solutions engineered for resorts, restaurants, hotels, pool decks, and any outdoor venue that demands large-span coverage, durability, and refined aesthetics. Their giant collection is organized around three core families - Nova (telescoping), Greenwich G-Series, and Monterey G-Series - each tuned to specific operational needs and site conditions. Below is a detailed look at construction, materials, mechanical systems, performance characteristics, and real-world benefits to help you choose the right giant umbrella for your project.
Overview of Product Families
- Nova (Telescoping) - Heavy-duty, large spans (e.g., 13′ square, 16′ octagon) with a unique telescoping crane/close mechanism and an oversized, reinforced mast.
- Greenwich G-Series - Scaled-up market umbrella with aluminum frame, double pulley opening, and multiple shape options (rectangular, square, octagon) for elegant commercial applications.
- Monterey G-Series - Similar sizing to Greenwich but incorporating fiberglass ribs for additional flex and resilience in gusty or corrosive environments.
Structural & Mechanical Highlights
Robust mast design: Nova uses an oversized multi-channel aluminum mast that serves as a rigid backbone capable of supporting very wide canopies. Greenwich and Monterey use heavyweight aluminum poles with thick wall sections to balance weight and rigidity.
Rib construction: Frankford offers both reinforced extruded aluminum ribs (strong, stiff) and fiberglass ribs (flexible, impact-resistant). Aluminum ribs keep canopy profiles sharp; fiberglass ribs absorb wind energy and return to shape, reducing the chance of permanent deformation.
Opening & closing systems: The Nova's telescoping system stands out operationallyᾢcranking the canopy closed lifts the top section so the canopy collapses upward, allowing furniture and fixtures beneath to remain in place. Greenwich and Monterey use double-pulley systems for smooth, low-effort operation. These mechanical choices affect daily usability, safety, and the need to move adjacent furniture when stowing umbrellas.
Canopy Shapes, Sizes & Coverage
The giant umbrellas are offered in multiple footprints-square, rectangular, and octagonal - commonly in sizes such as 10′, 13′, 16′ (or 8.5′ fmdash; 11′ rectangles). Shape selection influences shade distribution and the number of umbrellas needed to cover an area. Larger spans reduce umbrella count and visual clutter but increase base and mounting demands.
Fabric & Finish System
All giant models use marine-grade solution-dyed acrylic fabric treated for water repellency, stain resistance, and color fastness. This high-performance canopy material resists UV fade, resists mildew, and retains shape with repeated use. A broad palette of solid and striped fabrics enables brand matching and aesthetic cohesion. Frame finishes are available in multiple powder coat colors to match site architecture.
Durability, Maintenance & Parts
Frankford designs these umbrellas to be modular: canopies, ribs, and hardware are replaceable which extends service life and reduces total cost of ownership. Corrosion-resistant hardware (stainless steel fasteners, marine-grade components) is standard, especially important for coastal or high-humidity sites. Fiberglass ribs reduce the probability of catastrophic rib failure under gusts, while aluminum ribs provide long-term profile stability in calmer exposures.
Performance & Environmental Suitability
- Wind tolerance: The Nova is engineered for higher wind tolerance given its reinforced mast and anchoring options. All models should be paired with appropriate mounting systems and base weights for site wind conditions.
- Coastal or humid climates: Fiberglass ribs (Monterey) and stainless hardware are recommended where salt and humidity accelerate corrosion.
- High-traffic commercial sites: Telescoping or double-pulley systems reduce staff labor and the operational friction of opening/closing umbrellas daily.
Mounting & Base Considerations
Giant umbrellas require robust bases - options include permanent in-ground sleeves, bolted surface plates, or stacked concrete base systems. Because these umbrellas create larger wind loads, proper engineering of the base or foundation is essential for safety and warranty compliance. Site planners should account for base footprint, sightlines, ADA clearances, and service access when specifying location and mount type.
Applications & Use Cases
Restaurants & cafes: Greenwich or Monterey provide elegant shade for large dining areas and align well with upscale design themes.
Pools, clubs & resorts: Nova is an excellent choice where maximum continuous coverage and quick stowage without moving lounge furniture are priorities.
Hotels & public spaces: All lines are suitable depending on wind exposure and visual intent - Monterey for resilience, Greenwich for refinement, Nova for dramatic large-span solutions.
Choosing the Right Model
- Assess wind exposure: If the site is wind-exposed, favor models with higher structural ratings and consider fiberglass ribs.
- Prioritize daily operation: If staff need to open/close umbrellas frequently without moving furniture, telescoping or smooth pulley systems are recommended.
- Match shape to layout: Use rectangular canopies for long tables and octagon/square for central seating arrangements.
- Plan the foundation: Choose compatible bases and verify anchoring capacity for the chosen umbrella size.
Conclusion
Frankford giant umbrellas deliver a combination of engineering, material quality, and operational features tailored for demanding commercial use. Whether the priority is maximum uninterrupted shade, ease of operation, or resistance to coastal conditions, the Nova, Greenwich, and Monterey giant offerings provide distinct advantages. Proper model selection - guided by wind exposure, site layout, and maintenance strategy - ensures a long-lasting, visually compelling outdoor shade solution that reduces maintenance costs and improves guest experience.
