We know why you’re looking for the difference between a beach umbrella and a patio umbrella!
The weather is probably nice out there, there’s gentle wind you can enjoy, but the sun rays are falling too harsh on your patio chairs.
You don’t have a patio umbrella, but you have the next best thing: a beach umbrella. And so you start wondering if you can use it instead.
If you’re here for a similar reason, that’s your cue to learn the difference between both umbrellas.
Patio umbrellas tend to be more robust, heavier, taller, and sturdier. Meanwhile, beach umbrellas are much lighter and portable. They’re designed that way, so it’s easier to carry them around on the sand.
Let’s dive deeper into their differences and see if they can be used interchangeably:
Beach Umbrella vs. Patio Umbrella: A Breakdown
While beach and patio umbrellas provide the same shade, they differ in other factors. Some of them include portability, size, frame structure, and base.
Portability
Standard beach umbrellas are much lighter than patio umbrellas. They need to be portable so you can move them, so they’re often lightweight.
Meanwhile, patio umbrellas come in pieces and take more time to set up. They often come with a canopy, frame, and base that need to be installed.
Dealing with a beach umbrella is easier. You can stick its steak or corkscrew end into the sand, and it’ll remain steady thanks to its lightweight build.
Size
Another difference between the two umbrella types is size. Beach umbrellas usually come in smaller sizes, ranging between six and eight feet.
On the other hand, a patio umbrella can reach about 9 to 15 feet in height. You’ll also want to account for width. Patio umbrellas offer a larger shade than beach options.
Frame Structure
Patio umbrellas are designed with long-term usage in mind. They need to withstand long hours on end in your backyard.
Contrastingly, beach umbrellas are often only used during the summer. For this reason, patio umbrellas have a thicker frame structure and ribs.
Thickness aside, the frame’s material may also differ. Beach umbrellas’ frames are usually made of plastic, aluminum, or fiberglass for ease of movement.
A patio umbrella frame requires a more durable material, such as powder-coated steel or wood. That way, it’ll last much longer, and it’ll handle both the summer’s sun and winter’s rain without a hitch.
Base
Most, if not all, patio umbrellas have a flat or cantilever base. The base needs to be strong enough to support the heft of the umbrella.
Some patio umbrella bases come with cast iron, concrete, resin, sand, or water plates.
Beach umbrellas aren’t as reliant on a flat, sturdy stand to keep them in place. Instead, they’re anchored by the sand using their stake-shaped base.
Versatility
In terms of adjustability, patio umbrellas take the cake. You can adjust them to go higher or lower and tilt the shade at a different angle to protect you from the sun’s rays.
As for beach umbrellas, you can manually adjust their height, but they’re not as versatile as patio ones. Some models aren’t adjustable at all.
Can a Beach Umbrella be Used as a Patio Umbrella?
You can use a beach umbrella as a patio umbrella if you have to. It’ll be easy to move around and will provide you with adequate shade.
However, you’ll have to provide a stable base for the beach umbrella to make up for the lack of sand.
We have to say, though; style-wise, a beach umbrella might not look as appealing as a patio umbrella. It may look out of place.
Can You Use a Patio Umbrella at the Beach?
Using a patio umbrella on the beach won’t be as practical as using a designated beach one. For one, it’s not made with portability in mind.
Patio umbrellas tend to be heavier, and they take some time to set up. By the time you disassemble and reassemble the umbrella, you’ll waste lots of your beach time.
Plus, patio umbrellas need a sturdy, flat base. It could fall when placed on a loose, sandy floor, potentially hurting someone.
Final Thoughts
What is the difference between a beach umbrella and a patio umbrella? In short, beach umbrellas are usually smaller and lighter.
As for patio umbrellas, they have a thicker frame structure designed to keep them sturdy for days on end.
Overall, are they interchangeable? Not necessarily. You can use a beach umbrella on your patio, but not vice versa.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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