Buying guide - deckchair

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us

Our mission

How to support us

We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your deckchair

To sort out the many models of bouncers available on the market, here are some criteria to consider:

#1 - The budget

First and foremost, define your budget. You can already eliminate models and brands based on that budget. This will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, and you will only have to refine your selection criteria based on the elements developed here.

#2 - The shape of the deckchair

Sun lounger, chilienne or rocking chair? Think carefully about which shape would best suit your needs.

If you have enough space and prefer a deckchair that allows you to lie down and lounge at your leisure, get a sunbed. This type of lounger is available in a fixed version and a folding version.
If you have less space, or if you want a transportable chair, choose a chilienne. These loungers are available in a foldable version.
If you're the type who enjoys swinging to relax, choose a rocking chair. You'll find them in both fixed and folding versions.
And if you want to enjoy the combined comfort of a lounger and a hammock, choose a hanging lounger.

#3 - Fixed or folding?

If you have a large garden, deck, or nice patio, a stationary lounger may be right for you. Indeed, this type of lounger will not be easy to move, so it is better to find a fixed place for it where it will not clutter and where you can fully enjoy the sun, the view or a cool breeze. On the other hand, if you have very little space, opt for a folding lounger that you can easily put away after use. This type of bouncer is less sturdy than its fixed counterpart, but is much more mobile, lightweight and portable. Foldable loungers are also suitable for the beach, and will even serve you well when camping.

Are folding bouncers really more fragile?

Foldable loungers have a reputation for being less sturdy and durable than stationary ones, and that's partly true. Some entry-level aluminum folding chairs can be quite brittle at the joints, and the legs can easily give way under the weight of the occupants. The fabric can sag and tear at the seams. Damage that is sometimes impossible to repair. But this does not apply to all folding loungers: some mid-range and high-end models are just as sturdy and attractive as fixed loungers.

#4 - The material of the deckchair

Wood

, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, or aluminum? Think about which material would be best for your garden and the use you want to make of the deckchair before you do all the shopping online, you will save time and you will avoid bad surprises in the long run.

#5 - The material of the cushion

If you want a lounger that comes with a cushion or equipped with padding, also consider checking the quality of the fabric. Sunbrella fabrics are the gold standard for outdoor use, as they retain their color much better than polyester and other materials. Other dyed fabrics such as olefin also have a good reputation for color durability. And if you prefer natural materials, you can also opt for cotton. Just be aware that cotton is prone to mildew and fading if not treated before use.

#6 - Maintenance

The durability of your lounger is important, but also think about how much time you will spend maintaining it. Reserve most of your garden-side hours for enjoying the sun rather than maintaining your lounger. Most metal, teak, cedar and weather-resistant wicker pieces won't require much time for maintenance. All you need to do is wipe down the furniture with a rag from time to time, brush the paint twice a year for metal furniture, or revive the essence of the wood by applying teak oil or wood stain and you're done. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each material in terms of maintenance and choose the one that will be the least restrictive for you.

Proper care for a long-lasting lounger

Even if you've chosen your lounger based on the least amount of maintenance, you'll still need to sacrifice a few hours if you don't want your lounger to wither away too quickly. The amount of time and care you need to give your lounger will depend on the material it is made of:

Aluminum furniture: just clean it regularly with water and mild soap, especially if the furniture is light in color.
Wrought iron furniture: it needs regular treatment against rust. You will need to use paint for this. Joints and fasteners may need to be oiled.
Resin and plastic furniture: this furniture is easy to maintain. Just clean it regularly with soapy water, especially if the furniture is light colored.
Wooden furniture: it is mainly soft wood that requires regular maintenance, hardwoods (oak, acacia, etc.) are more resistant to wear. It is necessary to apply a preservative such as stain. Pay special attention to horizontal surfaces, areas that collect water and those in contact with a wet floor.

The more regularly you care for your lounger, the longer it will last.

What about unpleasant noises?

This is especially true for metal folding loungers. If yours starts making unpleasant squeaking noises, check that all the attachment points are tight. And if possible, consider oiling the metal joints from time to time. Avoid grease because it can collect dust and dirt and block the joints.

A few wise precautions

To make the most of your sunbed, remember these few precautions:

Before lying down on your deckchair, whatever it is made of, don't forget to check that it is at the right temperature. Never lie directly on a deckchair that has already been exposed to the sun, as this can cause burns. This is especially true for aluminum or metal loungers.
Limit your direct exposure to the sun between 12 and 3 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade, or use an accessory such as an umbrella.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30: reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or if you have sweated too much.

The different types of deckchairs

There are a wide variety of loungers on the market, from folding models in cheerful or extravagant colors that you can take to the campsite or beach, to luxurious loungers that could give your garden a fake luxury hotel look.

Wooden deckchairs

Wooden deckchairs are generally as aesthetic as they are durable. They are often part of the mid to high-end products, even the folding versions. Note, however, that some woods are more weather resistant than others. This is the case with teak: a deckchair made of this material will be much more durable than one made of pine. Acacia can also be suitable, as it is very resistant to the action of the sun and humidity. Teak or acacia furniture requires much less maintenance than those made of more fragile wood (all softwoods, in general).

Advantages:

Large and comfortable: fixed garden chairs are larger, so they allow you to get more comfortable and take full advantage of the sun. They are also more comfortable since they do not heat up in the sun, they will not make you sweat too much and therefore allow a longer use.
Sturdy: wooden deckchairs can support quite heavy loads. You have less risk of it bending or breaking under your weight.
More durable: wood generally resists well to the aggressions of the weather. Even softwoods, provided they are well maintained regularly. These deckchairs can therefore last for years and years.
Aesthetics: If you want a deck chair that will make your garden or poolside look like a luxury hotel, this is the type of deck chair you need. They are visually more elegant than aluminum or woven resin loungers, for example.

Disadvantages:

Bulky: Wooden loungers tend to take up a lot of space. Even the folding versions are not always very compact. They will only be suitable if you have a large enough space to enjoy your garden freely despite the presence of the deckchair.
Difficult to move: they are usually heavy, so you will have difficulty moving them without help. Some wooden loungers are equipped with wheels to make moving them easier, but even then, it will take some physical effort. The same goes for folding chairs, which will be quite difficult to transport.
More expensive: since they are more sturdy, durable and aesthetically pleasing, they tend to be expensive. Entry-level wooden loungers cost about70 euros, compared to about 30 euros for aluminum loungers of the same model. As for deckchairs and sunbeds, entry-level products can reach 100 euros and more, compared to about 50 euros for aluminum products.

Who is it for?

Wooden deckchairs will suit you if you have a large garden, or a large terrace. And if you are not looking for the price. Otherwise, it's better to look at aluminum or woven resin deckchairs which are much more convenient.

Metal deckchairs

If you are looking for a less bulky chair than the wooden ones, choose one made of metal. You can easily find an interesting model in aluminum or steel. Aluminum or steel chairs have the advantage of being lighter, easier to move and more compact.

Advantages:

Affordable: they are much less expensive than wooden loungers. You can easily find some for less than 60 euros, whether for sunbeds or chiliennes. It is also possible to find rocking chairs for less than 100 euros.
Sturdy enough: just like the wooden deckchairs, the steel ones will be quite strong, will not give way easily under the weight of the users and especially they will resist well to storms, gusts of wind, etc. You can therefore leave them outside all year long without too many problems. Note that this may not be the case with an aluminum deckchair.
Easy to maintain: This type of deckchair requires little maintenance and is easy to clean. However, you should not neglect maintenance or the frame may rust under the onslaught of the weather.
Transportable: metal deckchairs are lighter, especially the folding versions which average about 5 or 6 kg for sunbeds. Since they are also very compact, you can easily fit them in your car. So you can easily transport them to the beach, camping, etc. They are much more practical than the wooden folding sunbeds.

Disadvantages:

Not very comfortable: unlike wooden loungers that are big enough for you to lounge around comfortably, most folding loungers don't offer much space.
Not as stylish: Finally, they are much less aesthetically pleasing than stationary loungers. Chillies and aluminum loungers don't offer the same sense of luxury.
Aluminum deckchairs are fragile: this is especially true of folding aluminum deckchairs. They are generally not very sturdy in the joints and legs, which can give way under the weight of an occupant or fail after a few weeks of use. The fabric of the aluminum folding chair also tends to sag and tear at the seams, which can be impossible to repair.
Aluminum chairs are not durable: Whether it's because of the fragile seams and fabric, aluminum folding chairs tend not to last. The metal frame also tends to rust more quickly since it is not as strong as steel or wrought iron.

Who is it for?

If you don't have a lot of room in your garden, this type of lounger will suit you. It will also be suitable if you want to use it while camping or at the beach.

Synthetic fibre deckchairs

Woven resin deckchairs or polyethylene braids are able to withstand the most adverse weather conditions and keep their original appearance for several years. These materials are quite malleable and allow for a wide variety of furniture designs, from the most modern to the most classic.

Advantages:

Transportable: synthetic fiber sunbeds are quite light, the average weight is about 11 kg for sunbeds. However, they are not very compact, so you may find it easy to transport them to the beach, camping, etc.
Adjustable: synthetic fiber sunbeds are malleable, especially for sunbeds whose backrest allows up to 4 different positions.
Versatile: like all synthetic fiber garden furniture, sunbeds are also versatile. They can be used outside, but also inside. You can easily make an indoor lounge chair for example. Or replace a loveseat.
Wide options: synthetic fiber loungers are available on the market in a number of color options, which will give you additional options to choose from when purchasing.

Disadvantages:

Pollutants: plastic is a non-biodegradable material. And even if it is recyclable, it is likely to have harmful effects on the environment.
Light: their lightness is as much an advantage as a disadvantage. Indeed, they will not resist to windy weather.
Difficult to clean: Even if they don't really require maintenance, they still need to be cleaned from time to time. Some plastic furniture may have a honeycombed surface that is difficult to clean.

Who is it for?

If you want an aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and more affordable chair than the solid wood or metal ones, this type of chair will work well for you. If you don't have a lot of room in your garden, this type of chair will suit you. However, they are not always suitable in windy climates: they are too light and can be easily blown away or knocked over. This can be an inconvenience even when you are not using it.

Lounger or hammock on stand?

Transat

As one of the most practical outdoor chairs, the lounger offers you the possibility to lie down with maximum comfort. Compared to a free-standing hammock, it doesn't take up much space and can be stored or moved easily. In addition, a multitude of models and designs exist on the market (with or without armrests, headrest, tiltable canopy, etc.).

This diversity of alternatives helps to choose the one that will best meet all your expectations. As for the disadvantages, some forms of loungers have deep seats that reduce the comfort of users. Others have a too thin structure that makes them unpleasant to look at. Also, the cushions are not always compatible with the bouncer if they are sold separately.

Hammock on stand

As its name suggests, the free-standing hammock is only suspended on its own stand or support, but not hung on 2 trees or 2 poles. It is in fact a self-supporting hammock. Like the deckchair, the free-standing hammock can be placed in your garden, on your terrace or even on the beach. You and your guests won't be able to resist the charm of those made of wood, as they are very attractive and appealing.

Its biggest advantage is that it allows you to fall asleep in a flash thanks to its rocking movements. Moreover, its use relieves back and muscle pain. But the hammock on legs, although it is movable, takes up a lot of space. It needs at least a space 3 to 5 m long. In addition, lying lengthwise on the canvas of some models is impossible, since you may fall.

Verdict

Choose a deckchair to enjoy its 2 positions (sitting and lying down). On the other hand, opt for a free-standing hammock if you like to lie down and be rocked/swayed at the same time. Moreover, the purchase of one does not prevent the acquisition of the other.

Why buy a deckchair?

Optimal comfort

Made of a wooden or metal structure, the bouncer takes an elongated shape to support the whole body. Stable and sturdy, it acts as a comfortable chair. The fabric seat and backrest provide a pleasant support. The fabric is also soft and supple.

Practical and space saving

The bouncer is a very practical chair. It is lightweight. Some folding models are easy to store when you don't need them. Not cumbersome, the small furniture has dimensions adapted to all types of spaces. It can be placed in a corner of the garden, near the pool or anywhere you need it.

Modular

Modular chairs are particularly attractive. The lounger can be arranged in two different positions: sitting or lying down. A simple adjustment is all it takes to adapt it to your needs.

Goes everywhere

This device is easy to carry everywhere. It can be used in the house, on the patio, in the garden or at a picnic. Some people take it fishing. Basically, it's a more practical chair than conventional chairs, especially if you have a back problem.

Suitable for every need

There are a multitude of choices in terms of bouncers. For example, you can buy a fixed lounger that is quite sturdy if you have a pool in your garden. For your balcony, choose a folding lounger for your deck or balcony. It is the best choice for lounging and relaxing.

The best brands of deckchairs

In our opinion, the best brands of deckchairs in 2022 are :

Outsunny

Tectake

Deuba

Blumfeldt

Impwood

Outsunny is one of Aosom's best brands in garden and outdoor decoration. It is exceptional in its quality and design. From swing chairs to garden furniture, the Outsunny brand is one of the so-called "top brands".

This brand is seen in various quality products such as garden and outdoor decorations, home comfort and wellness products. It has branches all over Europe and is beginning to gain notoriety in the world. This brand has some amazing designs as well as others.

Deuba still allows you to benefit from German products of high robustness and quality. This brand once again embodies the country's reputation for rigour and the efficiency of its companies. Design, quality and robustness are available with this brand.

Blumfeldt is a brand of Chal-tech-GmbH from Berlin. Founded in 2005, the company offers successful brands and since then offers decorative and practical design of garden, terrace and balcony furniture. This brand is among the best on the market.

With its 12 years of experience in the field of outdoor and garden decoration, this brand has always offered quality products and has always kept reliability as its main asset. These two adjectives have always been combined with incredible designs that have always made people want to buy.

What is the price for a deckchair

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
45 £ to 100 £

Mid-range
100 £ to 200 £

High-end
more than 200 £

Price range diagram

Tips

Protect your deckchair with a cover

Even if it's made of weather-resistant material, leaving it continuously exposed to the elements can shorten its lifespan. To remedy this consider covering it with a protective cover when not in use.

Remove dust and other dirt from it regularly

Whether

your deckchair is made of wood, metal, natural or synthetic fibers, a quick wipe down with a sponge soaked in water and mild soap from time to time will do it a world of good. If you wait too long, dust and dirt may get embedded in the wood or between the braids and dull the shine of your deckchair. Also remember to regularly remove grease stains, fingerprints or other dirt from the fabric or cushion of the lounger. Our advice is to use water with a little mild soap if possible and then dry with a dry cloth. This way, the material is not stressed unnecessarily and you can use the bouncer right away afterwards.

"Feed the wood regularly

Don

't forget to oil the wood of your deckchair regularly with teak oil or a special stain to revive its essence and restore its shine

Oil the hinges

Foldable garden loungers have many hinges. If you are used to keeping it outside for daily use, the hinges may dry out or the grease may decrease. This will result in unpleasant squeaking noises. To remedy this, simply oil the hinges regularly.

FAQ

Which lounger to choose?

In our opinion, the best sunbed for most people is the Outsunny Hanging Sunbed. To learn more, read our buying guide.

What is the best type of deckchair?

While there is no particular type of deckchair that can be considered "the best kind", there are several and each has its own advantages. For example, aluminum loungers cannot rust, making them perfect for coastal or wet areas. Wrought iron furniture is very sturdy and heavy, making it a great solution for windy areas. Certain types of furniture should also be avoided depending on your climate. Wooden furniture will work for just about any climate as long as you choose sturdy wood like teak or acacia and take care of it with frequent maintenance.

How long should outdoor deck chairs last?

Most high quality outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements of nature, so you can expect years of use. This is also the case with sunbeds. Most manufacturers offer 5, 10, 15 or even 20 year warranties on their products, but more often than not, they are made from materials that will extend their life well beyond the stated warranty period.

Can deckchairs rust?

The short answer is yes... and no. It all depends on the material of the deckchair. Obviously, you don't have to worry about rust on your deck chair if it's made of wicker or wood. But if you have a metal deckchair, the type of metal it is made of will determine whether it can rust. Aluminum deckchairs, extruded or cast, will not rust, because aluminum is a non-ferrous metal, and only iron can rust. Wrought iron or steel deckchairs can eventually rust, this happens when manufacturers of poor quality metal deckchairs do not take the necessary steps to protect the metal from moisture. Quality iron or steel deckchairs will be much less likely to rust due to their priming and powder coating processes during production.

Can the sunbed burn me?

If your deckchair is made of a metal frame, it will heat up in the sun. Some regions are warmer than others, so obviously your location will make a big difference. Some metal deckchairs can retain heat more than others. For example, while aluminum ones are warm when exposed to direct sunlight, they cool down relatively quickly once in the shade or at sunset. Wrought iron and steel will tend to retain heat longer, requiring a longer cooling period.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.

, 60millions-mag.com
, thewirecutter.com
, essentialhomeandgarden.com
, essentialhomeandgarden.com
, conseil.manomano.fr
, gerbeaud.com
, independent.co.uk
, housebeautiful.com
, mamaisonmonjardin.com
, puresweethome.com
, leroymerlin.fr
, leroymerlin.fr
, but.fr
, livraison.gifi.fr
, concept-usine.com
, alicesgarden.fr
, conforama.fr
, transat.ghs.fr
, cdiscount.com
, alinea.com
, carrefour.fr
, amazon.co.uk
, hesperide.com
, darty.com
, voyagestransat.com
, transatjacquesvabre.org
, manomano.fr
, amazon.co.uk
, laredoute.fr
, autourdebebe.com
, airtransat.com
, cdiscount.com
, filoche-et-ficelle.fr
, fnac.com

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

Buying guide

Our selection

Outsunny Hanging Sunbath

View

Outsunny 2 in 1 deckchair

View

Tectake sunbathing duo

View

Ampel 24 rocking chair RIO

View

	TOP OF THE TOP	CHEAP	EXCELLENT	VERY GOOD
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products.	8/10	8/10	9/10	7/10
OUR SELECTION	Outsunny Hanging Sunbath	Outsunny 2 in 1 deckchair	Tectake sunbathing duo	Ampel 24 rocking chair RIO
	With its innovative and modern design, this hanging chair will give a stylish aesthetic to your garden. Its curved design and gentle rocking motion will ensure maximum comfort.	This folding lounger is ideal for poolside use, but is also suitable for use at the beach or camping. It is compact, lightweight and comfortable.	This Tectake set consists of two multi-positional loungers and a table. It is a set as robust, comfortable and elegant.	The Ampel 24 Rio deckchair is an aesthetically pleasing and stable decorative piece, ideal for a patio, a terrace and of course a garden. Its ergonomic shape will ensure maximum comfort.
	Elegant and very aesthetic design	Lightweight and very portable	Sturdy and durable	Very comfortable ergonomic shape
	Tough and durable transatlantic platform	Compact and easy to store	very stylish design	Easy to set up
	Very comfortable cushion and headrest	Easy to install	Comfortable	Easy to clean fabric
	Easy to assemble	Only allows two positions: sitting or lying down	Very easy to assemble	Doesn't rock too much
	Lightweight swinging motion very pleasant	Fabric is not breathable: can be uncomfortable if you sweat	Bulky, will only fit in spacious areas	Wood may require a lot of maintenance
	See price	See the price	See the price	See price

The best deckchairs in the UK 2023

Best value for money

Outsunny Hanging Sunbath

The best lounger in 2021

Best value for money

Outsunny 2 in 1 deckchair

The best entry-level lounger

A great choice

Tectake sunbathing duo

A great value for money

Very good

Ampel 24 rocking chair RIO

A good alternative

Trending

Best deckchair

Comparison table of the best deckchairs

Buying guide - deckchair

Why can you trust us?

How to choose your deckchair

#1 - The budget

#2 - The shape of the deckchair

#3 - Fixed or folding?

Are folding bouncers really more fragile?

#4 - The material of the deckchair

#5 - The material of the cushion

#6 - Maintenance

Proper care for a long-lasting lounger

What about unpleasant noises?

A few wise precautions

The different types of deckchairs

Wooden deckchairs

Metal deckchairs

Synthetic fibre deckchairs

Lounger or hammock on stand?

Transat

Hammock on stand

Verdict

Why buy a deckchair?

The best brands of deckchairs

What is the price for a deckchair

Tips

FAQ

Which lounger to choose?

What is the best type of deckchair?

How long should outdoor deck chairs last?

Can deckchairs rust?

Can the sunbed burn me?

Sources

Updates

Read next

BuyingBetter

Categories

About us