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Sun Loungers Buyer's Guide

Sun loungers are the perfect way to relax and unwind on those blisteringly hot days. Whether you’re looking for a recliner to set up around the pool or an adjustable deck chair for the beach, the top priority should be comfort. In this buyer’s guide, you’ll find all you need to know about the different types of sun loungers and what will be the most comfortable for you for ultimate confidence when making a purchase.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for on this page, please do get in touch with the Sefton Meadows customer service team by calling on 0800 157 7265 or sending an email to [email protected].

Check out our full range of sun loungers

Foldaway or Freestanding

There are two main kinds of sun lounger that are available on the market, and these are foldaway or freestanding. Foldaway loungers are easier for travelling and storing away, since they can be folded up and are light enough to carry. These are best if you don’t have much space or if you’re planning on setting up a group of seats. Freestanding loungers are much heavier and bigger and are usually a more permanent fixture, often found around a pool or on a patio. These are a good choice if you just want a couple of sun loungers for you and your family or friends to get together in the garden.

Types of Sun Lounger

The type of sun lounger you choose should be based on how you plan to use it. If you’d like to lie back and relax or sun bathe, for example, a fully reclined lounger would be the perfect option, whereas if you’d rather chat to friends or read out in the sun, a semi-reclined position will suit that best. Make sure the design you choose will be optimised for how you plan to use it, and go for one with wheels if it will be moved regularly.

Reclining

Probably the most popular choice because of its versatility, a reclining sun lounger allows the back rest to be completely flat for sunbathing and snoozing or propped up for a few drinks and a good chat. Often, reclining loungers have a wooden or metal structure, although they are available in a variety of materials.

S-Shaped

S-Shaped sun loungers are specially designed to mould to the shape of the body, optimising them for long-term comfort and support. Although the backrest of these loungers is usually not adjustable, they are perfect for someone who has back issues or difficulty rising. S-shaped loungers are usually made from aluminium and textilene, due to the comfort of this material.

Adjustable

The adjustable design of these loungers means that they can serve as a chair, a fully reclined sun lounger, and everything in between depending on the mood. Perfect for long, lazy summer days, the wide arm rests and comfortable seat mean you can stay in this chair from dawn till dusk without feeling it the next morning. Adjustable sun loungers normally have an aluminium frame with a textilene seat, though padded cushions can be added for extra comfort like the lounger pictured above.

Different Materials

Settling on a material for a sun lounger can be just as important as choosing the type that you’d like. It will depend on the design you go for, your budget and how much work you’re willing to put into cleaning it, but choosing the right material can make the difference between a comfortable and uncomfortable seat.

Textilene

A very popular choice in sun loungers where the seats aren’t made from the same materials as the frame, textilene is a tightly woven polyester that is coated with PVC and then heat set. This process makes it resistant to fading and sun damage, but also results in a very comfortable, long-lasting seat.

Aluminium

Aluminium (the most popular choice of metals for sun loungers, although steel is also commonly employed) is used to create only the frame of sun loungers. Since it is such a light material, it makes the lounger easy to carry and store away, plus it is rust-resistant and creates a sleek, modern finish.

Rattan

A completely environmentally friendly option, rattan has gained popularity in garden furniture over recent years. Made from species of vines found in Africa, Asia and Australia, rattan creates weather and UV resistant sun loungers that are durable, attractive and easy to clean.

Plastic

A cheap and cheerful option, especially for those with young children, plastic is resilient and easy to clean. These sun loungers are the perfect budget option and – even better – never really go out of style. It may be best to fit your lounger with cushions though, since the material is hard and can heat up in the sun.

Resin

A little higher market than plain plastic, woven resin creates a modern looking sun lounger that can last outdoors. Moulded resin is often cheaper though just as long lasting as woven resin, which is designed to look like rattan. Like plastic loungers, resin is likely to heat up in the sun, so cushions are recommended.

Wood

Wooden sun loungers tend to be made from hardwoods like teak for durability, and create an elegant, traditional look in any garden. For loungers made from less-resistant woods, it is best to treat them with wood oil before putting them outside to stop any serious damage, and regular maintenance will be required of all wood loungers to preserve it.

Accessories

There are several things you can buy alongside your sun lounger to help protect it, as well as yourself. Although these aren’t essentials, they can make your lounging experience much easier and safer, so considering their necessity is in your best interest.

Cushions and Mattresses

Sun lounger cushions and mattresses are available in different sizes, colours and patterns, and there’s enough variety to suit all tastes. Although they’re essential for materials like wood, plastic and resin, they add extra comfort to the softer materials like rattan and textilene. For easy cleaning, go for cushions or mattresses that have removeable covers, and store them somewhere dry when not in use.

Sun Lounger Covers

To increase the longevity of your sun lounger and fully protect it from all weathers, sun lounger covers are the best choice. A sun lounger cover is essential if you can’t store your lounger inside over winter, since this is when it needs extra protection to stop rust, mould or damage.

Sun Shades

To protect yourself from the sun during the hottest times of the day, investing in some form of sun shade is a good idea. You can get sun shades that will block the sun from your eyes and face, but a parasol or gazebo is best for full protection from the sun while using your lounger.

How To Maintain Sun Loungers

Most sun loungers require very like maintenance, though regular cleaning and proper storage during winter is recommended. If you want to keep your sun lounger looking fresh and new all year round, there are several things you can do to clean, protect and preserve it.

How To Clean Sun Lounger Frames

The best time to clean your sun loungers is in early Autumn, when you’re starting to use them less and the cold weather hasn’t fully taken hold yet. These are the best ways to clean loungers of all materials:

Textilene

Use a mixture of mild bleach with water (1:3) on fabric areas and rinse thoroughly. If stains occur, treat like this immediately for best chance of removal.

Wood

Clean gently using a wet cloth or soft bristled brush once a year

Metals

Wipe down with mild washing up liquid on a soft cloth. Rinse off soap then dry off well. Many come with protection from rust in paint.

Rattan

Wipe away dirt with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Rinse off and leave to dry.

Plastic

Wipe with soft cloth or sponge soaked in soapy water. Mild bleach solution is good for restoring shine and keeping plastic looking new.

Resin

Wash with soapy water and clean cloth. Leave to sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing – can be done with garden hose. Repeat once.

Storing Your Sun Lounger

Some materials can be left out in the rain with the right protection (see the FAQs section below for more information) but storing your sun lounger through winter and extreme weather conditions will guarantee durability. If you don’t have room indoors to store your lounger, it’s worth investing in a shed, storage box, tarpaulin or specialized cover to keep it safe.

FAQs

Can You Wash Sun Lounger Cushions?

As long as your sun lounger cushions fit in your washing machine with enough room to spin, you can wash it in there. Instead of adding bleach, add a little white vinegar for sparkling clean results. If you can’t use a washing machine for your cushions, a thorough wash with warm water and a cloth should do the trick.

What Is A Gravity Sun Lounger?

Gravity loungers are a specific type of seat optimised for comfort. They work by reclining your body into a position where your weight is evenly distributed, meaning there is no force of gravity affecting the body and improving luxury. Gravity loungers elevate the feet and legs and support the back to achieve the same feeling of weightlessness as astronauts require during lift-off.

Can You Leave Your Sun Lounger Out In The Rain?

Although all sun loungers will benefit from cover in the rain, some materials are more resilient than others and will be okay in most showers. Synthetic wicker, rattan, plastic, resin, and hardwoods should be fine (though wood will need treating), but a cover will guarantee complete protection. Unless rust-resistant metals have been used, it is best to keep a metal sun lounger indoors in downpours.

Can You Restore Colour To Faded Sun Loungers?

Fabric dye, paint and WD-40 can all be used to restore colour to faded sun loungers of all materials. Simply wash your lounger thoroughly, leave it to dry, then apply your chosen treatment.

Our Range of Sun Loungers

Here at Sefton Meadows, we stock a range of sun loungers and helpful accessories to see you through those warm days. Offering a variety of styles and materials at affordable prices, our sun loungers are comfortable, durable and perfect for all garden types.