If you’re looking for the best beach umbrellas, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide a detailed overview of the most recommended and well-reviewed umbrellas. HOWEVER, before making a purchase, you must first ask yourself the following questions:
1. Why do you need a beach umbrella?
A beach umbrella is a crucial piece of equipment when spending time outdoors, whether you are enjoying your time at the beach, spending time in the comfort of your back yard, or participating at an outside business gathering.
Beach umbrellas are designed specifically to protect against direct sunlight as well as provide relaxing shade for one to dwell in. The top beach umbrellas will serve to guard you from harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays and also be large enough to cover you and your friends so that everyone can get some nice shade.
While function is greater than form, it’d also be nice if your sun umbrella was aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Therefore, the perfect umbrella should also have a great design that expresses to others your unique and fashionable style.
2. Where do you plan on using the beach umbrella?
When deciding on purchasing an umbrella, you need to consider the area where you plan on using it. Despite the name, beach umbrellas have far more utility than simply being used on a beach.
There are other occasions in which a top-of-the-line beach umbrella could be extremely useful. For instance, you may want to set up your umbrella while you are enjoying the view of your garden. You may wish to use it for shade when you host parties, so that your guests can be safe from strong UV rays.
Even for slightly formal events, such as an outdoor business event, a beach umbrella can also be used for the same function.
3. How big of an umbrella do you need?
The ideal beach umbrella size depends on the amount of people you intend on covering under it. Typically, most beach umbrellas have a diameter of 5-8 feet. A small 5 foot wide umbrella can cover one to two people beneath it.
If you wish to seat four to five people underneath it, consider investing in a 7-8 feet wide beach umbrella.
Also, consider the length of the pole of your beach umbrella. When deciding on which umbrella you want to buy, keep in mind that a specific length of the pole is required to be in the sand in order to provide ideal support.
Generally, a beach umbrella stands 8 feet tall. When installing a beach umbrella on a surface other than sand, you will need a pole holder or stand to keep the umbrella up.
Lastly, the bigger the umbrella, the bigger its pole diameter. That means that it will be heavier to carry, so make sure you have enough manpower to carry it around easily or else it will be very cumbersome to transport.
4. What else should you look for in a beach umbrella?
There are still various factors you need to consider before making a purchase. A good rule of thumb is that the top beach umbrellas will have at least these three things: durable fabric construction, effective UV protection, and overall superior sturdiness.
Protection from UV rays is a crucial factor because why else would one even need an umbrella in the first place? The greatest beach umbrellas can at least provide this feature – you do not want to be exposed to harmful UV rays for a prolonged period of time.
Durable fabric construction is necessary since specific fabrics are better at deflecting sunlight than others. A sun umbrella, for instance, is generally built with thicker material which can reflect sun rays.
When determining if the material is good, find out its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which is an indicator of how protective the material is. You want to see a UPF of 30 or over – otherwise, it may not be enough to protect your skin. The higher the UPF, the better when it comes to beach umbrella shopping.
Last but not least, the overall quality of the components need to be high. Your beach umbrella should be able to take a beating.
The best beach umbrellas have good venting, so that they can survive extremely windy situations without turning inside out – this suggests an ideal amount of air ventilation.
When purchasing a beach umbrella, check to see if the pole and fabric are well connected. While not in use, roll up the umbrella and keep it indoors. No matter how good your umbrella is, leaving it outside exposed to the elements will surely decrease its life span, so keep it sheltered.
5. Aesthetics: What kind of designs are you looking for?
There are a plethora of designs for beach umbrellas available for purchase in the market. The most basic design is a simple plain color. Umbrellas can come in a variety of colors. Some of them have stripes, typically with one color paired against white or yellow.
Since the umbrella is going to be used outdoors and does not need to match the décor of your home, you do not have to worry about finding a unifying color scheme, such as a festive or bright color.
Other beach umbrellas are a cacophony of different colors and may be striped. This is a favorite in casual gatherings. Many designer beach umbrellas contain various shapes or patterns. There are so many to choose from, so do not be too quick to make a choice!
Our top recommended beach umbrellas:
Rio Sunshade Beach Umbrella
For a basic, entry level umbrella, the Rio Sunshade Umbrella can provide good sun protection at an affordable price.
The color scheme is cute and flamboyant, almost guaranteeing that your kids can spot you out from a large crowd. You may wish to purchase a highly-rated sand anchor package which can offer more support for this umbrella even against windows up to 40 mph.
There is also an umbrella hook for even more durability, which can lock on the pole and keep towels, cameras, or other items off the ground.
The Sport-Brella
One of the biggest complaints of large umbrellas is that they are difficult to keep down when blasted by a large gust of wind. The acclaimed Sport-Brella has found a solution to this problem through an 8-feet wide design of UPF 50 polyester that rests on the sand, similar to an open tent.
There are various colors, and it can be easily rolled up into a 9-lb roll for carrying. When it is really gusty, the window flaps can be released so that wind will pass through, leaving the umbrella grounded. This is a highly versatile umbrella and can be purchased at an affordable price; no more being afraid of gusty winds at the beach.
Nautica Beach Umbrella 50+
This well-reviewed umbrella is difficult to find in-stores, but if you can get your hands on it, definitely do so. It is 7-feet wide, making it large but not quite unwieldy.
It sports two tilt positions, and the open ventilation helps regulate strong gusts of wind. It features a rather sporty design that is quite aesthetically pleasing.
The UPF 50+ designation means that it offers incredible sun protection to keep your skin safe from the sun’s harsh UV rays. This umbrella is ideal for those scorching summer days without breaking the bank.
SkinCom Solartent for Two
Not nearly enough space for a family, but just perfect for couples. It has just enough coverage for keeping lunches, coolers, and other miscellaneous accessories in the shade so that you can go about your business.
Unfortunately, its wind resistance is quite low at about 20 mph, so if you’re bound for the ocean, this may not be the best choice. On breezy days by the lake or bay? This will suffice.
Suntiva 50+ UPF Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella with Tilt-Fiberglass Ribs
This umbrella appears to be made for long days at the beach sand castle building, but I am convinced it was designed for use in a warzone.
Like its name implies, it is extremely sturdy. The pole can reach heights of 85” but this may not be a good idea if you want to avoid wind. You can purchase a skirted variant that can provide slightly more protection during unexpected rainstorms or sand gusts.
Weighing in at only 5.5 pounds, it is easy to carry and could be a great choice for frequent treks to the beach. If you thought the Nautica Umbrella offered a lot of protection, this one will blow your expectations away with a UPF of 50+.
ARS Aluminum Rapid Shelter 10 ft x 10
If you and your friends are the type to arrive on the beach at the crack of dawn and stay until you are kicked out, then a full beach canopy will be better suited than a beach umbrella.
This is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used not only on the beach. It only takes about a minute to erect, and it sports adjustable heights and a waterproof nylon canopy.
It is quite a burden at 37 pounds, so have someone carry it with you to be safe. You can use this cover to spend the day on the beach, or even make use of it during picnics or camping – great utility indeed.
Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
For those with little ones that need some sun protection while kept in a safe outdoor environment, then this is for you. This cover is inflatable, allowing for easy set-up. When deflated, it is light for easy carrying and travel.
You may consider investing in the protective sunshade that spreads over the roof, covering the delicate skin with a lightweight mesh/nylon fabric. Don’t let a lack of equipment hold your child back from enjoying a day outdoors, and rest easy knowing he or she is well protected while doing so!
Beach umbrellas are an essential tool that is best used when enjoying your time outside. If you are diligent in your research, you will surely find the most optimal beach umbrella for yourself, your friends, and your family.
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