We bought the 11 ft. model and it fits one end of our rather large deck perfectly. Because our deck is so large, I wanted to be able to move the umbrella around, but after reading a lot of reviews, it was obvious this was not a feature to be easily used with the base recommended for the umbrella. I then decided to build a rolling dolly on which to mount the recommended base and ordered the largest base. On reflection, I figured if the umbrella could be mounted directly to the deck (the base tube of the umbrella is configured so one can mount it directly to a deck; no other part needed), why not mount it directly to the rolling dolly? Cancelled the base order and proceeded to build the rolling dolly (see the first photo). I used 3/4 in. plywood for the dolly. The bottom layer is 36 in. X 36 in. and the top layer is 40 in. X 40 in. I did this so I could mount the wheels inboard where they would not stick out beyond the edge of the base. Also, this would give me a nice thickness into which to attach the wheels. I used 3 in. wheels that roll/pivot and have brakes that prevent rolling AND pivoting. I mounted the base tube of the umbrella onto the dolly using 7/16 in. X 2 1/2 in. bolts. Rock solid. For weight, I am starting with 16 concrete paver blocks that are 11.7 in. square (see photos 2 3). I can add more weight if needed, but so far, I think this will be enough weight. Mounting the umbrella onto the base tube is a two/person operation unless you are a body/builder. My wife and I accomplished this easily. The only fiddly part of assembly was removing the padding/security tape from the top/inside of the umbrella to free the spines so you can open the unit. Other than that, the whole operation is a breeze and the unit operates exactly as described. I dont know why others have complained about a weighted base not being included as the description clearly states that a base is not included and then gives the part number of the base for one to look up. Oh well! The proof of my idea came when I unlocked the wheels and moved the whole thing across my TREX deck. No problem at all. If I did this again, I would use 4 in. wheels to help with the seams in the deck flooring. I think then I could move the unit with one hand instead of two. On a smooth concrete patio, the 3 in. wheels would zoom around with no problem. I like the cover they provide (see photo 4) and it is easy to put on. I looked at a lot of patio/deck umbrellas and this one seemed the best built. I like the shape of the main tube as it looks structurally stronger that a simple round tube. For winter storage, I can leave the concrete blocks on the deck, lift the umbrella off the base tube, and move the whole thing into the garage. Simple. I would have no problem recommending this umbrella with the caveat that I am using a base of my own design.
Perfect fit for our deck
We bought the 11 ft. model and it fits one end of our rather large deck perfectly. Because our deck is so large, I wanted to be able to move the umbrella around, but after reading a lot of reviews, it was obvious this was not a feature to be easily used with the base recommended for the umbrella. I then decided to build a rolling dolly on which to mount the recommended base and ordered the largest base. On reflection, I figured if the umbrella could be mounted directly to the deck (the base tube of the umbrella is configured so one can mount it directly to a deck; no other part needed), why not mount it directly to the rolling dolly? Cancelled the base order and proceeded to build the rolling dolly (see the first photo). I used 3/4 in. plywood for the dolly. The bottom layer is 36 in. X 36 in. and the top layer is 40 in. X 40 in. I did this so I could mount the wheels inboard where they would not stick out beyond the edge of the base. Also, this would give me a nice thickness into which to attach the wheels. I used 3 in. wheels that roll/pivot and have brakes that prevent rolling AND pivoting. I mounted the base tube of the umbrella onto the dolly using 7/16 in. X 2 1/2 in. bolts. Rock solid. For weight, I am starting with 16 concrete paver blocks that are 11.7 in. square (see photos 2 3). I can add more weight if needed, but so far, I think this will be enough weight. Mounting the umbrella onto the base tube is a two/person operation unless you are a body/builder. My wife and I accomplished this easily. The only fiddly part of assembly was removing the padding/security tape from the top/inside of the umbrella to free the spines so you can open the unit. Other than that, the whole operation is a breeze and the unit operates exactly as described. I dont know why others have complained about a weighted base not being included as the description clearly states that a base is not included and then gives the part number of the base for one to look up. Oh well! The proof of my idea came when I unlocked the wheels and moved the whole thing across my TREX deck. No problem at all. If I did this again, I would use 4 in. wheels to help with the seams in the deck flooring. I think then I could move the unit with one hand instead of two. On a smooth concrete patio, the 3 in. wheels would zoom around with no problem. I like the cover they provide (see photo 4) and it is easy to put on. I looked at a lot of patio/deck umbrellas and this one seemed the best built. I like the shape of the main tube as it looks structurally stronger that a simple round tube. For winter storage, I can leave the concrete blocks on the deck, lift the umbrella off the base tube, and move the whole thing into the garage. Simple. I would have no problem recommending this umbrella with the caveat that I am using a base of my own design.