Can A Patio Umbrella Be Used At The Beach? [Why Not?]

A patio umbrella is typically thought of as an outdoor, summertime accessory. However, many people are wondering if they can use a patio umbrella at the beach.

There are some things to consider before purchasing one for this purpose. If you’re wondering if a patio umbrella can be used at the beach or not, read on!

If you live near the coast and spend time at the beach often, it might be worth your while to invest in a quality outdoor patio umbrella for shade protection from direct sunlight exposure.

In fact, there are several reasons why a patio umbrella should not be used at the beach.

Can A Patio Umbrella Be Used At The Beach?

While patio umbrellas are great for your patio or backyard, they should not be used at the beach. And there are numerous reasons why you should leave your patio umbrella at home and instead invest in a beach umbrella for seaside days.

Patio umbrellas are typically not constructed to withstand the strong winds often found at coastal locations.

The umbrella may be able to handle mild breezes, but if there is even a slight bit of wind it could blow over and cause damage or someone might come into contact with its sharp metal pole.

Beach umbrellas are specifically engineered for wind resistance, so you can rest assured that the umbrella will not topple over.

In addition to being better suited for breezy conditions, beach umbrellas are also designed with a flat base and sharp tips on their legs. This prevents it from sinking into soft sand or getting stuck in loose gravel found at some beaches.

A patio umbrella is typically round, which makes it difficult to secure in the sand.

Patio Umbrellas vs. Beach Umbrellas

A patio umbrella is a great way to give shade to outdoor areas. But can it be used at the beach or other places near water?

Let’s take a look at some differences between patio umbrellas and beach umbrellas when considering what type of umbrella will work best in your location.

Portability

Patio umbrellas are not very partable. To fit the patio umbrella pole into your car, you must disassemble it, which is time-consuming.

Many beach umbrellas, on the other hand, have poles that fold down for easy transport to the beach. For added convenience, some beach umbrellas come with carrying bags.

Anchors

Patio umbrellas require an anchor to stay in place. They need to be stabilized and anchored by a table or heavy metal umbrella bases. You will be unable to anchor your patio umbrella without these additional items.

A spike at the end of a beach umbrella pole can easily be driven into the sand. This technique secures the umbrella, allowing it to stand upright and provide shade. They can even withstand mild winds, depending on how far down you drive the pole.

Weight

Patio umbrellas are designed to withstand strong winds, but only when properly anchored to the ground. And patio umbrellas, do not give much in wind gusts, making them very easy to knock over if not anchored.

Because of their sturdy construction, they are a hazard at the beach, and a falling patio umbrella could seriously injure someone.

Beach umbrellas, on the other hand, are much lighter and tend to give slightly when the wind blows, making them less of a hazard.

Materials

A beach umbrella is made of lightweight materials that are easy to transport. Because of their light aluminum piping, they are easy to transport from your car to the beach.

Umbrella poles for patios are frequently made of wood or steel. This makes them more cumbersome, heavy, and unsuitable for the beach.

UV protection

Many beach umbrellas have canopies that provide extra UV protection, which is important when you’re at the beach and mostly exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.

A patio umbrella usually does not provide any additional UV protection. If you are concerned about sun exposure while at the beach, a patio umbrella will not provide you with any relief.

Which Umbrella Should I Use At The Beach?

You’ll still want some shade when you’re at the beach, so here are our picks for the best beach umbrellas.

Best Beach Umbrellas

MEWAY 7.5ft Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor

This umbrella, which comes with a shoulder bag, is portable and quickly sets up to provide shade for your day at the beach. Available Here Amazon

SERWALL 7.5FT Beach Umbrella UV 50+

This inexpensive beach umbrella easily drives into the sand to provide a nice, shaded area for you to enjoy your beach day. And even has a tilt function for that hot days. Available Here Amazon

Sport-Brella SUPER-BRELLA Beach Umbrella

On your beach day, this half-umbrella, half-canopy will shield you from the elements! The umbrella has flaps on one side that secure to the ground, providing shelter in the event of rain. Available Here Amazon

Can You Use A Beach Umbrella As a Patio Umbrella?

Beach umbrellas are usually quite small and made from a thin, light material that can easily be moved in the wind. If you’re looking for an umbrella to use on your patio, beach umbrellas may not provide enough shade or protection.

Patio Umbrellas have larger pole diameters which makes them more stable in windy environments. Patio umbrellas are traditionally made from wood or metal and have solid, thick fabrics that will provide more shade than the thin beach umbrella fabric can alone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a patio umbrella is not designed to withstand the elements that the beach can throw at it. If you’re looking for an outdoor shade solution at the beach this summer, a beach umbrella is the best option!