Sun Loungers – The Full Buying Guide

If you are in the market for a sun lounger, but can’t decide between a recliner and a plastic sun bed, are struggling with which material and style are best for you, or just want some simple guidance on what is available before you decide what you want, you’ve found the right place for help.

TL;DR – here are the quick 5 tips you need:

1. Choose a style you like, but make sure it is collapsible for easier storage.
2. If your chair is heavier, or doesn’t fold up, make sure it has wheels for ease of movement.
3. Choose materials that best suit the level of maintenance you are willing to provide. Easier is often the best way to go.
4. Match your sun lounger style to your existing outdoor furniture, or to your dream set if you are planning to replace the old ones within a year or two.
5. Use cushions to increase comfort and to give you a quick and easy way to change styles when desired.

Now for more details, read on.

Sun Loungers Can Transform Your Garden

It doesn’t matter if you’re in a northern country, you can still get the exotic feel of a tropical getaway with a teak recliner. Want something more chic and modern or with minimum maintenance? Try an aluminium version.

No longer are gardens considered semi-wasted space on the backs of houses; they are now more like rooms in themselves! These outdoor spaces can be made as unique and comfortable as the rooms of your home with a few carefully-chosen pieces.

A key part of this furniture is the recliner. Just after the patio dining set on people’s wish list – sometimes even in the number one spot – these items provide a place that is set aside for relaxation, conversation, reading, or just sitting still and letting go of the weight of the day.

Common Mis-conceptions with Sun Loungers

Sun Loungers vs Recliners

The difference here is usually just in the name. Some manufacturers use the one term, and others choose the other one, but the form and function of the item is the same.

Sun Beds vs Deck Chairs

Sun beds have the option to sit upright, or lie back with one’s legs extended and both legs and head supported. Deckchairs are usually only configurable to have your legs extended, though many have adjustable heights/angles for the backrest. Think ‘poolside deckchair’ from your last holiday and you’ll get the idea.

Types of Sun Loungers

The most important consideration when deciding on the type of patio furniture you want is how you plan to use it. A fully-reclined position is best for relaxing or sunbathing, while semi-reclined is best for having a comfortable conversation, reading, and that kind of thing.

Fixed or Folding

Folding chairs have a couple of great benefits. First, they can fold up to take less space on your patio when not in use. Second, the ability to fold makes them more portable. It’s always easier to move around a folding piece of furniture than one that doesn’t fold, wheels or not.

Fully Flat Sunbeds

Sunbeds that are flat, or adjust to a flat position, are great for tanning on your stomach, or setting your book on the patio and reading it facing downwards. These are popular models (especially the adjustable ones) and are available in all materials.

S-Shaped Loungers

S-shaped sun loungers are designed to follow the curves of your body, and often give better support for those with lower back problems. The usual materials for these chairs are aluminium and textilene.

Multi-Position Recliners

These chairs are very versatile, allowing for everything from an upright sitting position to a deep recline – though they do not usually go completely flat. They often come with wide armrests and other options to increase comfort.

Sun Lounger Materials

Once you know the shape and style of sun lounger that suits your tastes and needs, it is time to decide on the material it is made of. Things to consider here include your budget of course, but don’t forget to take in the cost and time of maintenance. Some of the more expensive materials to require more maintenance too. Simple is often the best way to go when it comes to relaxing outdoors.

Resin

Many prefer the appearance of resin-made furniture because it can produce more modern styles than PVC – and can mimic rattan. Check when buying whether it is moulded or woven. Moulded is cheaper, but woven will have a more realistic effect. As with PVC, don’t forget ample cushions.

Aluminium

Aluminium is often used for the frame of sin loungers because it is light, looks good, and does not rust. It is an excellent choice for sun lounger frames of a variety of styles.

PVC

PVC is durable, requires almost no maintenance, and is usually a good price. The material will soak up a lot of heat from the sun though, so be sure you have a cushion that provides full coverage for those hot days of summer!

Wooden

Wood sun loungers look great, whether they are made from teak, pine, acacia or other woods. They do, however, require regular maintenance to keep them looking good over more than one or two seasons.

What are the seating areas made from?

Textilene is the most common material for making the fabric portion of sun loungers that are frames with aluminium or other stiff products. It is flexible, holds up well to weather, and can come in many colours. It is made by weaving PVC fibres.

Accessories for Sun Loungers

Mattresses and Cushions

Mattresses and cushions turn almost any chair into a fashion statement, a nest of comfort, and a great place to relax in style. It’s best to choose cushions with removable covers so that they can be properly cleaned, and to store them somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight when not in use.

Sunshades/Parasols

If you want to extend the life of your outdoor furniture, a recliner cover protects it from sun and rain, and can even protect cushions from sun damage when used in the summer too.

Covers

Sunshades are also a great feature to add to your chair purchase. They will keep the sun off of you when you want a retreat in the shade, or can keep cold drinks and books from direct heat and glare.