If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you probably have a patio with a beautiful umbrella where you spend most of your free time or call your friends over for a grill. But can we take one with us to the beach? It might sound like a good idea because it is large, offers you a great deal of shade, and is perfect for a hot summer day.
However, there are a few reasons why you should reconsider your options. So let’s take a look at the differences and whether you can use a patio umbrella for your next trip to the beach.
Differences between patio umbrellas and beach umbrellas
Firstly, let’s analyze the environment where we want to place them. In the safety of your patio, you will most likely place your patio umbrella into concrete, granite, or the lawn. On the beach, on the other hand, the only option you have is sand, which is not as secure as concrete or grass. Additionally, you will also need to shorten your umbrella considerably by inserting it into the sand as much as possible for support.
Are patio umbrellas the same as beach umbrellas?
When you have a look at them, they might be quite alike; after all, they are both umbrellas, aren’t they? Well, not exactly. They will both shade you from the burning side, but there are some main differences between them. Your patio umbrella is not made to be carried around. Once you place it on your patio, most likely, it will remain there for quite some time. Beach umbrellas, on the other hand, are lighter, so you can transport them easier.
Similarly, patio umbrellas have to be sturdier and thicker, especially the poles. They need to be sturdy enough not to snap, and they should also fit in a base and a table hole. And talking about the base, patio umbrellas often come with bases, but not beach umbrellas. Lastly, you might also find that patio umbrellas are not fit for sand because they have a flat bottom pole, while the other type has a pointed pole so you can place it easily inside the sand.
Materials
The materials are also different, considering that patio umbrellas are significantly heavier than beach umbrellas. Aluminum umbrellas are lightweight, while some patio umbrellas are made from heavy wood to give a chic look to your patio.
So, can a patio umbrella be used at the beach?
If you want to disregard the inconveniences brought by a patio umbrella, such as their heavy weight and difficulty to anchor them, you might be able to. However, you need to consider these two drawbacks carefully before choosing to do so.
Firstly, the portability of a patio umbrella is reduced because of its much larger size. They are preferably built for patios and not for moving to the beach and back; thus, their size is quite bulky. Also, consider all the other things you usually take with you to the beach, such as a cooler, blankets, and other supplies. A beach umbrella is lightweight, compact in size, and usually comes with a case that makes it easy to move around.
We also mentioned anchoring: a patio umbrella has a flat end pole, which will be close to impossible to place in the sand, especially if it is very hard. One option would be to get a weighted base to keep your umbrella standing upright, but this is adding even more effort, which most people will avoid. Another easy option is to go for a beach umbrella that comes with a screw or pointy end, making it very easy to insert into the sand.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, consider the safety of your choices. In case of windy weather, a heavy and bulky umbrella will be a real danger for the people nearby, including you and your family. A heavy umbrella is also most likely to catch the wind because of the size. Beach umbrellas are incredibly affordable, and they are long-lasting, even if you go to the beach quite often.
Wrapping up
Overall, patio umbrellas are not designed to be taken to the beach. They are heavy, unsafe in case of wind, difficult to transport, and difficult to place in the sand. A patio umbrella is not made with features such as portability or ease of use, as they are often bulky and heavy and not made for the beach. Beach umbrellas, on the other hand, are safer, easier to transport and use, and they often come with great prices, with some costing between $50 and $75.
One could agree that they are worth the money, especially when considering the safety of the people around us. If the wind is no concern for you, think about how many other useful supplies you could take with you instead of a bulky umbrella.
