Retro fiberglass patio umbrellas — 5 designs including starbursts!

Sunny weather is on my mind — so stories like this, about unique, fun-derful retro patio umbrellas available today are tickling my fancy. Yes, STM Industries based in Tampa, Florida, makes five different styles of fiberglass patio umbrellas — including a delighful starburst umbrella — that look like they came right out of the 1950s or 1960s. I spoke this week to owner Leland Holland, who told me about the company. Thanks to reader Erin for this tip!

Fiberglass patio umbrellas made by STM Industries

During our conversation, Holland told me that the first of the five umbrellas — the starburst — was designed around 1993 for Checker Restaurants. Over the years, four more designs were added. Holland was not the original owner of STM Industries — he purchased the company in 2013. 

His favorite design is The Wave (shown above.) The umbrellas are all made in-house. They come in 6′ or 8′ widths, and as you can see, they can be made in many colors. They also have a variety of accessories related to the umbrellas, and they make cafe tables too.

Holland says that while most of his sales are to commercial customers such as restaurants and schools, the company also sells to individual customers. Contact them for a quote. 

Holland also owns a second company, Holland Fiberglass & Restoration. The STM website says that Holland Fiberglass manufactures:

• laboratory counters with integral sinks
• theme park flume ride boats
• motor boats and sailboats
• architectural columns and corbels
• water weirs and skimmers
• car parts
• other custom items

Very cool! All photos courtesy STM Industries — thank you, Leland!

Repeating — where to find these fiberglass umbrellas:

• STM Industries — retro fiberglass umbrellas
• Fun Facebook page!

And… all my stories about exterior design.