Outdoor & Patio Furniture

10 Best Beach Umbrellas and Buying Guide

Editor Pick Beach Umbrellas

Beach Umbrella Buying Guide

The beach is one of the places you can bond with your loved ones and make memories. However, you might not have the ideal beach experience if you don’t have the proper arrangements. It would be best if you had a beach umbrella to relax and be comfortable at the beach. The proximity of your umbrella, the water, sand, and the sun can help your mind and body to relax. This guide will walk you through how you can choose the right beach umbrella to have the ideal beach experience.

Why You Should Invest in Beach Umbrellas?

Here are some benefits you would enjoy when you invest in beach umbrellas

Protection From UV Rays

The best time to go to the beach is during summer when you can enjoy the view and the air. However, the sun is always at its brightest at this time too. And while we get most of our vitamin D from the sun, it can also damage our skin. It is not ideal to stay under the sun between 11:00 and 15:00. You must protect your skin. A beach umbrella can help you to achieve this.

You Can Use Them As Decor

Beach umbrellas are not only for the beach. You can also use them as decor for your outdoor area. They are available in various patterns and colors. So, you will have no problem choosing the one that will match your outdoor space. With a beach umbrella, you will give your outdoor space a unique and chic look.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Beach Umbrellas

Choosing the proper beach umbrella is not an easy task. There are several factors you need to consider before you can buy a suitable beach umbrella. These factors will help you to make a better buying decision. Here are some of them.

Determine The Type of Beach Umbrella You Want

Although all beach umbrellas protect you from the sun and provide shade, they are also available in various types. These beach umbrellas vary in anchor options and how they stand over users. Here are the four common types of beach umbrellas.

Beach Parasols

They are a traditional style of beach umbrellas. When you think of a vintage trip to the beach in the 50s and 60s, you will be able to picture beach parasols perfectly. They have the same function and shape as regular umbrellas you use to protect yourself from the sun. However, they are a bit more extensive since they need to protect your entire body. Beach parasols usually come in hexagonal or octagonal shapes. And they have thick poles that users stick into their middle to support them. Users usually anchor beach parasols by driving them deeper into the beach sand. Their diameter is between six to ten feet. Beach parasols are available in various exciting colors, making the beach experience more fun.

Beach Cabanas

They have tent-like structures. However, they are usually erected on the beach’s side. Unlike camping tents, beach cabanas have four pillars that hold up their roofs. They are similar to open-walled tiki huts with beds and chairs inside them. Beach cabanas are not as portable as parasols but will deliver a complete beach experience. Additionally, you would enjoy the air since all their walls are open. Some particular models even come with fabrics that can be easily rolled down to protect yourself from the sun.

Beach Tents

As their name implies, beach tents are tents you can use on the beach. They are another crucial type of beach umbrella. However, they are given their category because of their numerous variations. Beach tents come with regular tent shapes, but they usually feature tent-like bottoms with arches that extend over the top, providing shade underneath. They are also significantly versatile. One of the distinctive features of beach tents is that they will provide shade while allowing air to pass through effortlessly. Some models even come with windows that you can open when you want. Beach tents will also give you more privacy than beach parasols.

Clamp-on Beach Umbrellas

If you regularly go to the beach and need a portable beach umbrella, clamp-on beach umbrellas are an ideal option. They usually come with suitable chairs. All you have to do is clamp the umbrella’s pole onto the chair’s back. Clamp-on umbrellas are typically maneuverable. So you can adjust and swivel the umbrella to block the sun effectively.

Choose a Material That Best Suits Your Needs And Preferences

After you have chosen the style you want your beach umbrella to come in, you must also consider the material you prefer. You must select a material that is sturdy and durable. To get you started, here are some popular materials for beach umbrellas.

  • Canvas: this is a significantly sturdy and resilient beach umbrella material. Buying canvas beach umbrellas with PVC coatings make them more resistant to water. However, PVC coatings do not offer any protection from UV rays. Canvas beach umbrellas will break down when exposed to direct sunlight. So, you must be ready to maintain this material if you decide to go for it.
  • Cotton: they are sometimes combined with polyester for beach umbrellas. Although, this is not always the case. Cotton is a natural heat repellent, making it an ideal option for beach umbrellas. In the event of precipitation or rainfall, cotton beach umbrellas might not help you much. Cotton does not only function as a heat repellent; it is also significantly durable and affordable. The drawback with this material is its low UV rays blocking capability and inability to hold its color after exposure to the sun for a while.
  • Polyester: This is considered the best material for beach umbrellas. The polyester material can easily repel heat and resist molds. It is also highly durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough to improve the umbrella’s wind resistance. Your beach umbrella will dry faster if made using pure polyester and not combined with cotton.

Finally, the material is not the only thing to consider when choosing your beach umbrella. How close the lines of your umbrella’s thread and the denier rating are also crucial factors to consider when selecting your preferred material.

A general rule of thumb to follow is that the thickness of the threads will determine how much shade you would get. The denier ratings of beach umbrellas are usually between 75D and 300D. However, it would be best if you did not forget that the higher the denier rating of your umbrella, the better the quality and the higher the price.

What Is the Right Size for Beach Umbrellas? 

Choosing the right size for your beach umbrella is vital to your beach experience. When selecting the right size for your beach umbrella, you must consider how many people will be under it and the items you intend to bring. You need enough space to store your beach gear if you are far from your car.

You also need to consider the space you want to have around you after everyone is settled under the umbrella. Considering these factors will help you to choose between the six feet and 13 feet range for beach umbrellas.

Beach parasols are not as large as beach cabanas or tents. They are also round, which implies that they only offer optimal coverage in the center.

Additionally, it would help if you did not forget that the size of your beach umbrella will affect its portability. The larger your beach umbrella, the more complex it will be to set up and carry around. You don’t want to go for a size that will be too challenging for you.

Choose the Pole That Suit Work Best with Your Umbrella 

Another factor to consider when choosing your beach umbrella is its pole. The pole of a beach umbrella is regarded as the umbrella’s central vertical spine. It functions as a connector between the anchor and the umbrella. It’s usually made using various materials like aluminum, steel, PVC, and wood. They are then finished with a powdered coating to make them resistant to rust.

Some beach umbrella poles have metallic finishes to enhance aesthetics. Generally, the pole of a beach umbrella weighs two pounds or less. Numerous beach umbrellas come with detachable or foldable poles. These poles allow users to split the pole for more accessible carriage and portability. They can quickly be joined together using the threaded ends or clips when you want to set up your beach umbrella.

The pole’s size can be adjusted. This feature allows you to change your umbrella’s height. Numerous beach umbrellas also come with tiltable poles. With these poles, you can put your beach umbrella at any angle.

It would help if you prioritized the pole of your beach umbrella. This is because it will determine how much you can reduce your umbrella to make it easy to transport.

Final Thoughts

To have the best beach experience, choosing a suitable beach umbrella is vital. This is why you must consider the essential factors that will help you during this process. These factors include the style, material, size, and pole of your beach umbrella. If you prioritize these factors when choosing your beach umbrella, you will have the best beach experience.


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This post was last modified on August 31, 2022 2:00 pm

Josephine

I've been writing product analysis report for 5 years. I'm also a food and home product reviewer, frequently at the same time.

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