The Best Shade Options for Your Beach Bar

Are you researching the best shade options for your beach bar? Then you are in the right place! Inside this guide you will discover what to look for when investing in sun umbrellas that are practical, yet also Insta-worthy.

Umbrella Size.

The size of the umbrella you choose will depend on the layout of your beach bar’s outdoor space. For the optimal shade, umbrellas should be two feet larger than your outdoor dining or seating area.

Start by considering that typical residential patio umbrellas measure nine feet in diameter, suitable for tables with a diameter of six to seven feet. From there you can better envisage whether you will need extra-large umbrellas for bigger tables or a greater number of smaller table umbrellas for more intimate settings.

Umbrella Materials.

The salty ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline, and the sight of boats bobbing on gentle swells make for an unforgettable outdoor living experience for your patrons.

But when the elements turn against you, a durable umbrella is essential. It will be exposed to the elements, so it must be able to resist UV rays and the effects of rain, wind, and salt air. It should also be resistant to tearing or ripping and other types of damage that could cause a standard umbrella to lose its shape or become unusable over time. When it comes to frame materials, steel may be stronger, but aluminum has a far better strength to weight ratio.

Aluminum ribs are lighter and more flexible than their metal counterparts and also less susceptible to corrosion. Powder-coated aluminum poles are strong and sturdy, meaning they will hold up to use at a beach bar. The molten painting process of powder coating means you don’t have to worry about it chipping or scratching off from frequent use outdoors.

The canopy fabric should provide UV protection to help protect your outdoor furnishings from the sun. It should also be water resistant, so it can withstand rainstorms and sea spray. This is particularly crucial if your outdoor dining area is open all year round.

Market vs Cantilever Umbrellas.

Typically larger than residential patio umbrellas, market umbrellas have a center post that is supported by a hole in the table or an umbrella base. These traditional umbrellas boast sleek lines. Cantilever umbrellas have the pole on one side, thereby opening up the space for outdoor furniture.

The pros of offset umbrellas include:

• Better performance in windy conditions
• Easier to pivot
• Optimizing the space and flow of movement.

The con is that cantilever umbrellas are the more expensive design of the two.

Whichever is most suitable for your beach bar, tilt mechanisms on the umbrella poles allow you to choose from multiple positions which can be useful. With a tilt patio umbrella, you can:

• Provide protection from the elements without blocking the ocean views
• Adjust it so that it provides shade at any angle
• Use it in different locations and seasons, on hot days when the sun is high in the sky or cold mornings when there isn’t much light.

Lift Types.

You can find a variety of patio umbrellas at different price points and with various features. One of the most important factors to consider when buying is how easy it is to raise on hot summer days and then lower when evening rolls around or if there’s too much wind blowing through.

The opening and closing may be done with a crank handle, a push lift mechanism, or a pulley. With so many designs and options available, there’s no doubt that you’ll find one that fits your style!

Poggesi is based in Miami, Florida and customizes outdoor commercial umbrellas for restaurants, resorts, cruise lines, country clubs, and beach bars. Browse our range of beautiful styles, designs, and colors to find the perfect patio umbrella for your beach bar. For the best shade options, get in touch with Poggesi today.