Bambrella Market Umbrellas or Commercial Aluminium – Which is Better?

About to invest in new market umbrellas? Whether you run a café, restaurant, hotel or bar, it's important to familiarise yourself with the various options available. A little knowledge can go a long way and make a major difference to the long term outcome.

Throughout this article, we'll focus on two of the most popular options available - Bambrella Market Umbrellas and Commercial Aluminium. What are the key differences? What are the key considerations? How will they hold up in the long term, especially in establishments like hotels where durability and style are crucial factors in choosing the right hotel umbrellas?How will they hold up in the long term? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

Bambrella: The Brand

Although they were founded in 2008, Bambrella has quickly become a worldwide leader in commercial Bambrella parasols and market umbrellas. From bamboo to aluminium and stainless steel, their products have a signature natural look that tends to pair perfectly with timber settings. 

In Australia, Bambrella's bamboo products continue to be a popular option. Beyond their visual aesthetic, many prefer this style because they are able to blend in seamlessly with both a wooden or natural stone decor. 

Of course, it's not just about looks. Bambrella's market umbrellas are engineered for performance. From the wind-resistant design to the easy-to-open mechanism, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted. For businesses, this translates to a hassle-free and long-lasting investment.

Commercial Aluminium 

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Commercial Aluminium. This material has been a staple in the restaurant and hospitality industry for some time now. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its practicality and understated style. Unlike Bambrella, which is primarily known for its natural aesthetic, commercial aluminium umbrellas are all about durability and convenience.

Whether they’re being used in cafes, hotels, and beach resorts, these umbrellas are specifically engineered to withstand the harsh elements, including scorching heat, heavy rain and harsh winds. Because it's a non-ferrous metal, aluminium does not rust, which makes it an ideal option for outdoor use. Plus, its light weight makes setup, storage, and repositioning a breeze.

Style and Appearance

Of all the options available, Bambrella definitely stands out for its exceptional visual appeal. Its hallmark lies in the natural aesthetic it offers, seamlessly harmonising with wooden and natural stone environments. The organic, earthy charm of Bambrella's bamboo umbrellas lends a touch of warmth and timelessness to your setting, creating an atmosphere of rustic elegance.

Commercial Aluminium, on the other hand, is both sleek and contemporary. Its clean lines, black powder coated finish, and modern design make it a perfect fit for a wide range of settings. The aluminium umbrellas are synonymous with a crisp, urban sophistication that can effortlessly complement modern architecture and minimalist décor.

When choosing between these two options, your decision should hinge on the existing décor and ambiance you aspire to create. Consider whether you prefer the natural allure of Bambrella, which complements traditional and rustic aesthetics, or the contemporary appeal of Commercial Aluminium for a more modern, urban look.

Durability

Without a doubt, durability is a driving factor when it comes to choosing outdoor umbrellas. Both Bambrella and Commercial Aluminium have features that make them a reliable choice for different reasons.

Bambrella's bamboo umbrellas are not just attractive; they are also incredibly sturdy. By nature, Bamboo is known for its considerable strength and flexibility, making it a formidable material for outdoor use. In fact, Bambrella’s range is specifically designed to counter harsh winds, which is something you’ll definitely need to consider in Melbourne. On average, each umbrella is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 90 km/h.

Their umbrellas are engineered with a patented 'Interlocking Profile System', which significantly enhances the strength and longevity of the product. Coupled with the inherent resilience of bamboo, this design feature ensures that Bambrella umbrellas are not only robust but also built to last.

On the other hand, Commercial Aluminium is a champion of practicality. The use of aluminium, a non-ferrous metal, makes these umbrellas immune to rust, a common issue with outdoor furniture. This makes Commercial Aluminium umbrellas a practical choice for locations that experience frequent rainfall or coastal areas where salty sea air can accelerate rusting.

Furthermore, the strength-to-weight ratio of aluminium is one of the highest among metals. This means that while these umbrellas are lightweight, stability is never compromised. Their design is also specifically engineered to endure harsh weather conditions, which gives them the ability to withstand heavy rain and strong winds.

Maintenance

The longevity of your market umbrellas greatly depends on the maintenance they require. Here's a closer look at the maintenance considerations for Bambrella and Commercial Aluminium:

Bambrella will need occasional care to preserve its natural beauty and shiny bamboo finish. While its bamboo umbrellas are durable, they still benefit from periodic treatments to protect against weathering. It's important to keep an eye on their condition and address any issues promptly to extend their lifespan.

Commercial Aluminium umbrellas, on the flip side, are often low-maintenance and easy to clean. Their metal construction is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for harsh weather conditions. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them looking pristine.

If you need maintenance advice, guidance or info about our current market umbrellas for sale, feel free to contact us today.

Setting

While both Bambrella and Commercial Aluminium umbrellas are versatile, the specific setting in which you intend to place them should guide your choice. Here's what you should consider:

• Bambrella is an excellent choice if you want to create a warm, natural ambiance. It seamlessly blends with wooden and stone settings, making it a fantastic option for gardens, traditional outdoor spaces, or locations with a rustic theme.
  
  
• Commercial Aluminium is well-suited for modern, urban settings. Its contemporary design complements urban outdoor spaces, trendy cafes, and locations with a minimalist or industrial décor.
  

When making your decision, evaluate your establishment's existing décor and the atmosphere you aim to achieve. Opt for the umbrella that complements your setting and enhances its overall appeal.

Size

Market umbrella dimensions are far from being a one-size-fits-all consideration. To ensure that your investment aligns with your specific needs and available space, size matters. Here's what to keep in mind:

Both Bambrella and Commercial Aluminium options come in a range of sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your intended purpose. Before making a decision, measure the available space and consider the number of people or tables the umbrella needs to cover. Ensure that the size you choose provides adequate shade and doesn't overcrowd the area.

Whether you're drawn to the natural look and feel of Bambrella or the contemporary appeal of Commercial Aluminium, your decision should be tailored to your establishment's unique requirements and the ambiance you wish to create.

After market umbrellas in Melbourne? Check out our range right here online.

Outdoor Umbrellas and Their Environmental Impact

Bambrella are committed to eco-friendly and sustainable practices. In fact, their current slogan is “Bambrella: For a Greener World”. As a certificate holder of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) scheme, their bamboo is exclusively sourced from FSC certified forests. 

Importantly, the company vouches for the fact that their parasol range is 100% recyclable. However, this is not to say that sustainable practices are not being made on the Commercial Aluminium side. There are a number of great aluminium options that are both environmentally friendly and UV resistant.

A movement towards sustainability is not only on the part of umbrella manufacturers and designers, but also on the printing side. At Indoor Outdoor Imports, we use the most eco friendly permaset inks and printing processes on the market today. Whether we’re printing company logos or branding for an event, our inks are completely free of nasty solvents and other harmful chemicals. 

What Umbrellas are Available? 

Whether you’ve settled on a style or still weighing up your options, here is a quick breakdown of the umbrellas we offer. Note that all of the options listed below are available in various sizes, styles and colours.

The Sirocco Bambrella

Sirocco is a laminated Bamboo frame umbrella, available in three sizes and comes with an Ecru Polyester canopy. This umbrella offers great value for money and is a popular option for those who prefer the look of timber over aluminium. 

The Bambrella Levante

Levante is a premium quality laminated bamboo umbrella with a beautiful bamboo frame and stainless-steel fittings. The Levante is available in seven sizes and three standard colours. Custom acrylic canopies are also available in a diverse range of colours and stripes. 

The Commercial Aluminium Range

Complete with the famous Spuncrylic canopy, 3-year warranty and 12 popular colours, the Commercial Aluminium range is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of different settings. From stripes and monochrome designs to straight or valanced edging and even custom branding, aluminium umbrellas allow you to mix and match to your individual preference.

Speak with an Expert

Both Bambrella and Commercial Aluminium umbrellas are an excellent investment, but it is still important to purchase a style that best suits your needs. From durability to appearance, size, setting and material, all factors will play a role. This is why it never hurts to speak with the experts, particularly if you also need custom market umbrellas for a Melbourne business. 

At Indoor Outdoor Imports, we have been at the forefront of the local market umbrella industry for more than 30 years. From market umbrellas to cafe barriers, bases and retractable awnings, we’re an all-in-one source for outdoor furnishings.

Get in touch with us for a free quote!