The Best Beach Umbrellas for All Day Outdoor Fun

Your beach umbrella has a pretty tough job resisting the sun’s heat, wind, sand, and maybe even a little rain, all while remaining perfectly positioned. This will require a solid structure and durable materials, and it needs to be easy to carry. To ensure you get the best value for your money and something that will last through endless outdoor events, consider the following factors before making your purchase.

Everything You Need To Know About Beach Umbrellas

Beach umbrella size

Sunshades range between 6-13 feet in diameter, making them ideal for solo beach visits or family outings. If you enjoy outdoor events with the whole family, opt for a diameter of 9 feet or larger. Smaller sizes are great for just one or two people and are much easier to carry around.

Umbrella canopy fabric

The type of fabric the canopy is made from will influence the heat blocking capacity and the durability of the umbrella. Polyester, cotton, and canvas are the three most common types of material used in canopy construction.

• Polyester: Polyester is mold resistant, quick-drying, easy to clean, durable, and effective at blocking heat. It is wrinkle resistant, and its flexibilty helps improve its wind resistane.

• Cotton: Cotton is often used for beach umbrealla canopies becasue it is a highly durable fabric and has natural heat repellent properties.

• Canvas: A canvas option is best if you plan to use the umbrella to provide shelter from water. Its PVC coating makes it completely waterproof, which is ideal for days at the beach and pool, even if it rains a little. The canvas' fabrics are highly durable and resilient to constant outdoor exposure and frequent use.

Thickness

Regardless of the type of fabric you choose, the thickness also needs to be considered. Ranging from 75D to 300D, thicker counts provide more protection, but they are also somewhat heavier. Ideally, you want a good balance between sun protection, portability, and thickness.

UV-proof

UV-proof umbrellas keep out the harmful effects of the sun's rays and are heat resistant. Although their Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings range from 50 and upwards, if you're planning on spending extra on a UV-proof design, you'll want something that gives you full protection.

A shade with a rating of 100 will block 99/100 rays and transmit only one percent. These umbrellas block UVA and UVB rays, which means you are not only protected from direct rays but also from UV radiation.

Construction

Although the canopy is probably the most important part of the umbrella, it's pretty useless without something to hold it securely in place. We’ve all been there — the umbrella keeps falling over, blows away the minute the slightest breeze comes up, or just doesn’t stay at the right height. It's enough to spoil a great day outdoors.

The pole is the vertical spine at the center of the umbrella, and is typically constructed from PVC, timber, aluminum, steel, or a combination of these materials. It is also powder-coated to make it rust resistant.

When choosing an umbrella, check whether the pole is detachable or retractable so you can fold it up or dismantle it for easy transport and storage. Some poles can be tilted, which gives you much better versatility in how you want to position the shade. Also, ensure that the clips for securing the poles together or keeping them at the correct height are durable and secure.

The bottom of the pole is designed with a pointed or screw-like end, making it easier to drive into the sand or soil.

You can also opt for something that comes with a separate support base stand, but these are usually very heavy and hard to transport. If you are using the beach umbrella near the pool at home, you'll want to use a stand so you can avoid poking holes into the lawn.

Extra Features to Consider

• A vented umbrealla is probably your best option if you frequent the beach come rain, shine, or wind. These designs have a canopy flap that open and close as needed. Opening the flaps allow wind to pass through, preventing the otherwise shaded area from acting as a sail and causing the umbrella to blow away.

• Check whether the beach umbrella comes with a carry bag. This makes transporting it to and from the beach or park much easier, and keeps it clean to boot.

• Clamp-on umbrellas allow you to attach the canopy to a chair or the side of a table. Keep in mind that these don’t come in the same expansive sizes as regular beach umbrellas. If you plan on using the umbrella on commercial premises, get a commercial-grade unit with extra protection against wear and tear so you don’t have to keep replacing them every couple of months.

Beach Umbrella FAQ

Q: Can you get sunburned when it is cloudy?

A: Yes, the sun's rays still penetrate through clouds, although some clouds allow more rays through than others. The real danger lies in underestimating your total UV exposure, meaning you run the risk of more severe burns compared to finding shade as needed.

Q: Will any type of beach umbrella block UV rays?

A: Although all beach umbrellas keep out direct UV rays, they do not block diffused or scattered UV rays, which can also be harmful. Even if you’re under an umbrella, don’t forget to apply sunscreen.

Q: Can a rain umbrella be used to block UV rays from the sun?

A: Although a rain umbrella can help somewhat protect you from the sun (like any fabric or even wearing a cap would), it won’t block out the same level of rays as a UV umbrella designed specifically for sun protection.