A sun lounger is a great addition to any garden or patio area, whether you're relaxing by the pool, in the sunshine, or reading your favourite book.
When it comes to choosing your sun lounger, there are a few factors to consider, including material and style.
For a natural look and feel, wood is often the best choice. This is particularly true if you're looking for a classic garden piece that will last you for many years to come.
Wooden
Wooden sun loungers are a popular choice for garden furniture. Not only do they add warmth to your patio, but they can also complement a number of different styles.
They’re reminiscent of cafes, or can be decorated with various wooden accessories and flowers to make them look even more decorative. A wooden sun lounger can blend in perfectly with a Mediterranean garden, for example, or work well in a more modern style garden.
There are many benefits to choosing a wooden lounger over a metal option, but one of the most important is weather resistance. It’s possible to impregnate wooden sun loungers with special lacquers that make them weatherproof.
Another benefit is that they’re more easily manoeuvrable and are usually lightweight. This makes them easier to move around your garden as the sun rises and sets.
Some sun loungers also come with multiple reclining positions, so you can snooze in a flat position or sit up and read a book, while others feature wheels for easy movement. Some of these are also foldable so you can easily transport them to the beach or campsite for relaxing while away from home.
Metal
There are a number of different materials that are used to make sun loungers and garden chairs. They can range from rust-resistant aluminium to plastic and softwoods, so it's important to know what will work best for you.
A rust-resistant aluminium frame is usually the most durable and practical choice for sun loungers. It also tends to be lighter than a rusty steel frame so it is easier to move around your garden.
Aluminium is also a popular choice for many rattan garden chairs because it's lightweight and doesn't rot as quickly. However, aluminium is expensive and it may need extra care to prevent rusting.
A stylish contemporary lounger with a powder-coated metal base and textoline fabric is a great way to add a touch of sculptural elegance to your garden. It also stacks for space-saving storage and has rear castor wheels for easy manoeuvring.
Fabric
A sun lounger is a great addition to any garden or patio, offering plenty of comfort and an ergonomic design for relaxation. They come with multiple reclining positions and sometimes have wheels for easy manoeuvring around your garden to follow the sun.
Fabric sun loungers can be a good option for those on a budget and are available in a wide range of stylish colours, prints, and materials. Choose from bright and playful options like this tropical foliage print or quirky leopard design, or opt for a more muted black, grey, or geometric print.
The material used for the body of a sun lounger is of major importance and should be chosen for its durability and resistance to weather conditions. A sun lounger can be made from polypropylene, fibreglass, aluminum, treated steel, or wood.
Cushions
Choosing the right sun lounger can be tricky – you want one that's comfy, can withstand the elements and that will last a long time. Prices can vary greatly with some basic models at high street stores like Argos costing PS25, while more pricier options can be as much as hundreds of pounds.
Cushioned sun loungers are a popular choice and come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to choose something that will match your style and that's easy to clean and dry. Some cushions can also be more comfortable than others – if you're planning to lie down on yours for extended periods of time, then go for one that's thicker.
Alternatively, a meshed option can offer flexibility when it comes to lying down and is easier to wipe clean than a rigid wood option. It may also be a cheaper alternative to an expensive wooden lounger, especially if you're on a budget.