Have a sunny day at the beach planned, and don’t have an umbrella? Have a patio umbrella?

Even though a patio umbrella has a shady canopy and unique features, do they create an easy, comfortable area for the whole family on the beach? Let’s see if we can make things work.

Can You Use A Patio Umbrella At The Beach?

While patio umbrellas provide enough shade to relax on the beach, taking one for a trip to the shore is not advisable. Beach umbrellas and patio umbrellas are built differently for their specific uses. 

Patio umbrellas are meant to provide enough sunshade for your backyard while staying in one spot. On the other hand, beach umbrellas are designed to be light enough to carry, anchor in the sand, move around, and ensure reliable UV protection. 

The large canopy of beach umbrellas offers a wider shade area compared to the patio umbrellas, providing a larger area for sun protection.

Also, some high-end beach umbrellas are manufactured with a treated material to ensure UV protection.

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The pole has an auger design that you can twist into the sand for a tight stable fit anywhere, and the wind vents at the top help with stability even more.

If that’s not enough, this model features a tilting top so as the sun moves you can adjust to stay in the shade.

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Reasons Why You Should Not Use A Patio Umbrella At The Beach?

Learning about the significant differences between a patio umbrella and a beach umbrella can help you understand why you should not take a patio umbrella to a beach. 

Patio Umbrellas Are Heavier

A patio umbrella is heavier than a beach umbrella, enabling it to stay stabilized in one place. This makes it a hassle to carry around, plus the weight could be a safety hazard if they blow away.

While this might seem like an unlikely scenario, such an accident could result in some severe injuries. The heavier weight and structure of patio umbrellas could become a hazard if they become unstable from the strong winds and strike someone. 

Not only can you and your family members get hurt, but anyone on the beach is at risk of getting hit by the heavy patio umbrella. The best way to avoid this situation is to bring a beach umbrella with a suitable anchor.

Beach Umbrellas

Patio Umbrellas Are Not As Portable As Beach Umbrellas

Patio umbrellas with heavy canopies and poles can be difficult to carry to the beach.

Their weight might not be noticeable while installing in the backyard, but it feels increasingly heavy while picking everything from your car and carrying it to the shore.

This weight load can put a strain on your muscle, so it is better to avoid taking a patio umbrella. 

Patio Umbrellas Don’t Provide Enough Sun-Protection

Another reason why patio umbrellas are not fit for beaches is that they are often made with softer materials that do not work effectively in protecting from direct sunlight. This makes them unsuitable for prolonged use, like on the beach.

Contrastingly, high-quality beach umbrellas are made with materials that keep the UV rays from passing through them, thereby acting as a barrier against those harsh rays. 

There is a also difference in the diameter and thus coverage provided by both types of umbrellas.

Beach umbrellas provide a wider shaded area to allow you to spread out and keep food and drinks protected from the sunlight. While on the other hand, patio umbrellas are constructed to provide a shaded area for the person underneath.

Patio Umbrellas Are Difficult To Anchor In Sand

Regarding installation, beach umbrellas are relatively easier to work with than patio umbrellas. They have different anchors attached at the end of the pole and help them stay in the sand. 

However, that is not the case with patio umbrellas. The heavier weight of their canopy and pole tend to work against the security and tension of the anchor. This makes it challenging for patio umbrellas to stay still in the sand, risking the chances of it falling or toppling frequently.

PATIOMNI Beach Umbrella 7.5ft Portable Outdoor Umbrellas with Carry Bag Sand Anchor Push Button Tilt Pole UPF50+ UV Protection Windproof Sunshade Parasol for Beach, Patio, Yard, Garden (Blue& White)
  • STABLE CONSTRUCTION - Antirust coated iron pole and 8 fiberglass canopy ribs make the umbrella more sturdy and durable. Air-vent on the top designed to facilitate air flow for more wind tolerance.
  • EXCELLENT UV Protection - Made of high quality water resistant polyester fabric, PA coating provides UPF 50+ sun protection and block the hamful UV, lowe the temperature under the shelter by 10°F.

Bottom Line On Patio Umbrellas At The Beach

Undoubtedly, beach umbrellas are a better choice to keep you shaded on a beach. While you can try using a patio umbrella on the beach, it is not practical.

Patio umbrellas are far too difficult to transport and use. Hence, it is better to invest in a good beach umbrella with a lighter design, thinner poles, and UV protection to get the most out of it.

Also, compared to patio umbrellas, the wide coverage of beach umbrellas provides more shade and is easier to install with the right tools and methods.

Last update on 2024-10-22 at 17:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API