I BOUGHT THIS UMBRELLA LAST FALL SO I HAVN'T USED IT OUT ON THE PATIO SUN DECK.THE BASE SEEMS TO BE HEAVYBUT SOME PEOPLE SAY NOT HEAVY ENOUGH IN STRONG WIND GUSTS. I WILL BE USING MY BASE AND UMBRELLA THIS SUMMER AND I WILL SEE HOW IT STANDS UP IN DAYS WITH STRONG WINDS.IF IT BECOMES TO WINDY I WILL JUST CLOSE THE UMBRELLA.THE TERRA COTTA BASE LOOKS TO BE MAROON RED  WITH ROMAN NUMERALS.THE BASE IS HEAVY SO BE CAREFUL TAKING IT OUT OF THE BOX IT COMES IN AND DON'T LET IT DROP ON YOUR FOOT.YOU COULD HURT YOURSELF!!