Measure the area
Note the space available for each canopy, including nearby doors, walls and walkways. A simple sketch helps us understand the layout.
Outdoor café umbrellas in Melbourne & Australia-wide
Commercial Outdoor Umbrellas, Backed by Long-Term Support
Create shade for outdoor dining with timber and aluminium café umbrellas, custom logo printing and Australian-made canopies. From our Seaford, Melbourne workshop, we supply cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, wineries and events across Australia—with replacement canopies, spare parts and repair support long after you buy.
Trading since 1989
Canopies made in Australia
Delivered Australia-wide
Repair & re-canopy support
Step 01 · Plan your space
Start with your space and how you use it
Whether you’re shading café tables, a pub courtyard or an event space, a few details help us recommend a suitable umbrella and layout. You don’t need a finished plan—photos and rough measurements are a useful start.
Think through daily use
Tell us how many tables or areas need shade, whether umbrellas will be moved, and how people and staff need to get around them.
Share your brief
Send your location, preferred look and any event or opening date. Flag exposed positions, public footpaths or custom requirements early.
Step 02 · Choose your umbrella
Choose the size and frame for your venue
Compare our aluminium and timber commercial market umbrellas, starting with the canopy footprint and the look you want. The table below brings the key sizes and setup details together.
2m Square Aluminium
Best for tighter café footprints, footpath dining, courtyards and smaller tables.
- Clean commercial look
- 50mm base setup
- Medium Easy Reach Cover
- Branding available
3m Square Aluminium
Best for restaurants, clubs, events and larger commercial outdoor dining areas.
- Broad 3m square coverage
- 50mm base setup
- Large Easy Reach Cover
- Branding available
10' Square Timber
Best for wineries, pubs, restaurants, premium patios and hospitality spaces wanting a warmer traditional look.
- Approx. 3m square
- 65mm base setup
- Large Easy Reach Cover
- Replacement canopies available
Sizes & specifications
Compare café umbrella sizes and setup
Use this guide to compare canopy dimensions, base-tube fit, protective covers and conditional wind ratings. We’ll help confirm the complete setup for your site.
| Umbrella | Canopy & frame | Base tube & cover | Wind rating* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2m Square Aluminium | 2m square · Aluminium frame | 50mm tube · Medium cover | Up to 60 km/h |
| 3m Square Aluminium | 3m square · Aluminium frame | 50mm tube · Large cover | Up to 60 km/h |
| 10′ Square Timber | Approx. 3m square · Teak frame | 65mm tube · Large cover | Up to 40 km/h |
| 10′ Hexagonal Timber | Approx. 2.8m hexagonal · Teak frame | 50mm tube · Medium cover | Up to 40 km/h |
Bases and Easy Reach Covers are sold separately. We can include compatible accessories in your quote.
*Wind ratings depend on the correct base or fixing and installation. They are not a promise of safe use in every location. Close and secure umbrellas when unattended or in windy conditions. Send us your site details for advice before ordering for an exposed position.
Step 03 · Choose your fabric
Choose your Recacril canopy fabric
We make our umbrella canopies in Australia using Recacril Awning and Recacril Marine fabrics sourced through Austex. Both are 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics for outdoor use. Ask us which range and colour suits your project.
100% solution-dyed acrylic
Both ranges use 300gsm woven acrylic. Recacril Awning offers plain colours and stripes; Recacril Marine offers a selection of plain colours.
Water resistant & breathable
A water-resistant finish and breathable construction for outdoor applications. Water resistance does not make the finished umbrella waterproof.
Mould & mildew resistant
The fabric is mould and mildew resistant. Regular cleaning and allowing it to dry help maintain its condition.
For routine care, remove loose dirt with a soft brush, clean with warm water and gentle natural soap, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Avoid harsh detergents.
Step 04 · Make it yours
Custom Commercial Umbrellas for Cafés, Pubs & Events
Need a size outside our standard range? We offer custom umbrella sizes and made-to-order options, assessed individually for your venue or event.
Choose canopy colours and logo printing to suit your venue, then send your dimensions, quantity and any artwork. Our Melbourne team will help you work through suitable options and provide a tailored trade quote.
Discuss your commercial umbrella projectFrom our workshop
Recent 2m umbrella branding
Two examples of custom logo printing on our 2m square aluminium umbrellas. Black canopies give each design a contrasting backdrop—from bold pink lettering to detailed white artwork.
CRUMB — bold pink branding
A black 2m square aluminium umbrella with the CRUMB GET SOME artwork printed in pink on the canopy.
Laurent-Perrier — detailed white artwork
A black 2m square aluminium umbrella featuring white Laurent-Perrier artwork, including the lettering and decorative flourishes.
Workshop branding examples. Photos retouched and backgrounds matched for presentation.
Your canopy, your colours, your brand
Choose from our canopy colours and stripes, then discuss logo size and placement on the canopy or valance. Printing is carried out in-house, and our team can advise on artwork for your chosen model.
Special-order fabrics and custom work can take longer. Ask us to confirm availability and timing for your project.
Step 05 · Check the complete setup
Get the base and installation right
Once you have a model in mind, match it to a suitable base or in-ground fixing. The surface, exposure and way your venue operates all matter—not just the pole diameter.
Match the base to the site
Freestanding bases and compatible in-ground sockets suit different layouts. Pole fit alone does not determine stability: base weight, fixing, surface, exposure and the umbrella model all need consideration.
Allow room for people & service
Check the full canopy footprint and opening clearance, along with tables, doors, pedestrian access and neighbouring umbrellas. For public footpaths, confirm your venue’s permit and location requirements.
Have any permanent fixing assessed and installed by a suitably qualified installer for the site. Contact us for the requirements of your chosen model before arranging installation.
Why choose D.Dawson & Co?
The right umbrella. A team behind it.
A commercial umbrella is a working part of your venue. We help you get the setup right, make it your own and maintain it over time.
Options around your brief
Standard models, custom sizes and made-to-order options, with each custom request assessed for suitability.
Explore custom optionsKnow what’s in your canopy
Canopies made in Australia using named Recacril Awning and Marine fabrics sourced through Austex.
See the fabric detailsIn-house logo printing
Bring your venue’s identity to the canopy or valance, with real workshop examples showing our in-house printing.
View our branding workSupport after delivery
Replacement canopies, spare parts and repair options help you keep suitable umbrellas in service over time.
Explore ongoing supportIdeas from real projects
See Dawson umbrellas in commercial spaces
Explore venue branding and event layouts to help picture what could work for your own café, pub or hospitality space.
Long-term support
Support that continues after delivery
Your umbrellas need to work for your venue over time. Our Seaford, Melbourne team can help with replacement canopies, spare parts and repair options as your needs change.
Replace the canopy
Refresh worn fabric or discuss new colours and branding while retaining a suitable existing frame. Send the model and photos so we can check canopy compatibility.
Find the right parts
Ask about replacement components for your umbrella. Photos of the frame, fittings and affected part help us identify suitable options.
Get repair advice
Through The Broken Umbrella, we assess repair and re-canopy options based on the model and condition. Contact us before replacing the whole umbrella.
Our canopies are cut and made in Australia from imported fabric. Frames are externally sourced, and logo printing is carried out in-house.
Step 06 · Get your tailored quote
Send your brief. We’ll help with the rest.
You don’t need to have every detail decided. Send what you know, and our team can help narrow down the options and prepare a quote for your project.
Your venue & layout
Your venue location, site photos or a simple plan, plus the areas you want to shade.
Your umbrellas & branding
Preferred sizes, quantity, fabric colours, logo artwork and any custom requirements.
Your timing & delivery
Your delivery postcode and any event or opening date, so we can confirm availability, production timing and freight.
Common questions
A few more questions before you order
Should I choose a 2m or 3m café umbrella?
A 2m square umbrella suits tighter outdoor dining areas and smaller table arrangements. A 3m square canopy offers broader coverage where space allows. Measure the canopy footprint and allow for poles, bases, doors, walkways and neighbouring umbrellas. Send a photo or simple plan so we can help you compare layouts.
Is timber or aluminium better for my café?
Aluminium gives a clean, contemporary look, while teak timber brings a warmer, traditional style. We offer both with Australian-made canopies and replacement support. The right choice depends on your available space, appearance, exposure and installation—not frame material alone.
What fabric do you use for your umbrella canopies?
We use Recacril Awning and Recacril Marine, both 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics sourced through Austex. Our canopies are made in Australia from this imported fabric. Both ranges are water resistant, breathable and mould and mildew resistant. Ask our team about the range and colour for your order.
Are your café umbrellas Australian-made?
Our canopies are made in Australia from imported fabric. Frames are externally sourced: our timber range uses teak frames, and our aluminium range uses powder-coated aluminium frames. Logo printing is carried out in-house.
Can you make a custom-size commercial umbrella?
Yes. We offer custom umbrella sizes and made-to-order options for cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels and events. Each request is assessed for suitability. Send the dimensions, site photos, quantity and any branding requirements so we can discuss what is possible and provide a quote.
Can you print our café logo on the umbrellas?
Yes. We offer full-colour logo printing in-house for umbrella canopies and valances, plus café barriers. Send your logo, preferred canopy colours, umbrella sizes and quantity for a tailored branding quote and artwork placement advice.
Which base or in-ground fixing do we need?
Our 2m and 3m aluminium umbrellas and 10′ hexagonal timber umbrella use a 50mm base tube setup. The 10′ square timber umbrella uses a 65mm setup. Tube size describes fit, not the base weight or fixing required for your site. Ask our team about suitable bases, compatible in-ground sockets and installation requirements. Bases and covers are sold separately.
Can these umbrellas be used for Melbourne footpath dining?
Our 2m and 3m square aluminium umbrellas have been approved by the City of Melbourne in approved configurations. Approval depends on the specified model and installation. Your venue must obtain its own permit and meet the requirements for its location. Contact us for the relevant compliance documentation and setup requirements before ordering.
What wind rating do your umbrellas have?
Our timber umbrellas are rated up to 40 km/h and our aluminium umbrellas up to 60 km/h, subject to suitable bases or fixings and correct installation. Conditions vary by site. Always close and secure umbrellas when unattended or in windy conditions, and discuss exposed locations with us before ordering.
Are these umbrellas suitable for every weather condition?
No. Suitability depends on the model, exposure, base or fixing and installation. Discuss exposed sites with us before ordering, and close and secure umbrellas when unattended or in windy conditions. Wind ratings are conditional and do not mean an umbrella can be left open in every location or weather event.
Do you offer trade pricing for cafés and hospitality?
Yes. Contact us by phone or email, or request a quote, to discuss trade pricing. Include your venue details, umbrella models, quantity, canopy colours, branding requirements, bases and delivery postcode so we can prepare a tailored quote.
Why is commercial pricing quoted?
Commercial pricing depends on quantity, model, custom dimensions, branding, canopy choice, bases and delivery. A tailored quote lets us include the items and options your venue actually needs.
Do you supply bulk or multi-site orders?
Yes. We quote commercial quantities for hospitality groups, clubs, councils, events and other multi-unit projects. Include the number of umbrellas, locations and any common branding or delivery requirements.
How long do custom or branded umbrellas take?
Timing depends on the model, quantity, fabric availability, artwork and custom work required. Tell us your required date when requesting a quote, and ask our team to confirm production and delivery timing before you order.
Do you supply café umbrellas outside Melbourne?
Yes. We are based in Seaford, Melbourne, and supply Australia-wide. Include your delivery postcode, quantity, preferred models, bases and branding requirements when requesting a quote. Ask us to confirm availability, production timing and freight costs for your order.
What support is available after we buy?
Replacement canopies, spare parts and in-house repairs help you maintain your umbrellas over time. Contact us with the model and photos so we can advise on suitable parts or repairs. Repair and replacement options depend on your umbrella, its condition and any applicable warranty.
Where can I check warranty and care information?
Ask our team to confirm the warranty terms for your chosen model, canopy and any custom work before ordering. Keep your order details and follow the care and operating instructions. Our returns and warranty policy and umbrella care guide provide further information.