We have really enjoyed this cantilever umbrella. Our patio gets a lot of afternoon sun, and the shade provided by this umbrella is a game changer.  This umbrella provides shade for four guests on our patio and that makes a big difference on a hot, sunny midwestern summer day. It's much more effective than a regular sized table umbrella. We spend a lot more time outside during the summer now. It's stylish, too. We bought the orange color, and it gives our patio a fun tropical vibe, along with our tropical plants. It's sturdy and would have lasted much longer if we had not gone out of town and left the umbrella up. The arm was broken when we returned because there was a large storm while we were away, but that's our fault for not putting the umbrella down before we left town.  We are buying a new one just like our old one. With proper care, we expect it to last a long time.