Things You Need to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Sun Lounge

Outdoor sun lounges are great for sunbathing, relaxing, reading a book, or just chilling by your poolside, patio, garden, or other outdoor settings. But, it is crucial to consider some facts when choosing the right outdoor sun lounge, especially in Brisbane. 

You need to consider the following aspects:

• Materials
• Designs
• Functionalities
• Maintenance
• Budget
• Comfort and ergonomic
• Portability and weight consideration, and more. 

This guide will discuss what you need to consider before choosing your desired outdoor sun lounge. We will explain why you should consider them. 

7 Things to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Sun Lounge

Here, we have discussed 7 aspects that you should consider before you purchase your desired outdoor sun lounge.

01. Material Quality and Durability

Material choice is the most crucial aspect when choosing an outdoor sun lounge for outdoor lounging durability and overall performance. This is especially important when the weather is a big aspect to consider. For example, in Brisbane, the humidity stays around 65% – 70% from January to March.

Also, in Brisbane, the outdoor sun lounge will experience salty air due to being a coastal area. Also, wind, storms, and sudden rain are common here. 

See, different states in Australia have different climates. So, you must choose weather-resistant materials. Here is the overview of the materials you can go for. 

Aluminium 

Aluminium is one of the lightest metals and is highly corrosion-resistant. This is yet much more durable than many metals. It is often powder-coated, which ensures added protection. This enhances its corrosion and wear resistance characteristics. 

The tensile strength of aluminium is 90 MPA, which can reach up to 690 MPA with heat treatment. Also, aluminium’s corrosion resistance rate is 0.03 to 4 µm/year.

All these characteristics make aluminium a good choice for diverse climates in Australia, especially for coastal regions. So, lightweight aluminium loungers are very good options for poolside loungers, garden chaise loungers, and other outdoor sun loungers. 

Steel 

Steel itself is a highly sturdy and durable material. For outdoor sun lounges, you can choose for galvanised or powder-coated steel. 

The galvanisation, or zinc coating, makes steel rust-proof and corrosion-proof. The zinc coating can withstand up to 787°F (420°C) of temperature. With a humidity level of up to 60%, galvanised steel can withstand up to 50 years. 

On the other hand, powder-coated steel is also resistant to rust and corrosion. The coating also ensures UV resistance, making the steel more durable. 

Ultimately, steel sun lounges offer excellent weight capacity and durability with sturdy support for longer periods. 

Wood

Hardwood like teak, eucalyptus, larch, etc., are naturally resistant to rot, termites, and moisture. Teak, in particular, contains natural oils that ensure its weather-proofness. 

On the other hand, larch wood is highly durable, containing ideal moisture content ranging from 12% to 15%. Larch wood is heavy and highly resistant to weather. So, larch wood garden sun lounge furniture would be a great choice in terms of perfect materials. 

Fir wood is also a popular softwood choice for luxury outdoor relaxation loungers. This wood can last from 5 to 60 years, based on the treatment. Its lightweight characteristics make it easy to handle and move. 

PE Wicker (Synthetic Rattan)

PE wicker, also known as synthetic/PE rattan, is made from polyethylene. Unlike natural rattan, PE wicker is designed to mimic the look and texture of traditional woven rattan. 

PE wicker is an excellent choice for outdoor sun lounges due to its durability and low maintenance. It is highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for poolside and patio use. It does not crack, fade, or warp under extreme temperatures. Its UV resistance ensures it retains its colour and texture even in Australia’s harsh sunlight. 

PE wicker furniture is easy to clean. It usually requires just a wipe with a damp cloth. However, PE wicker is often paired with sturdy aluminium or steel frames for extra longevity. For example, Wicker Sofa Garden Day Bed paired with galvanised steel. 

Polypropylene (PP) 

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer. It is known for its lightweight nature, high flexibility, and durability. It is resistant to moisture, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. PP is also non-porous, which makes it immune to mould, mildew, and staining.

Polypropylene is perfect for outdoor sun loungers. It can withstand Australia’s varied weather, including intense heat and humidity. Its lightweight makes it easy to move or store. Also, it needs little maintenance. 

PP remains appealing over time without fading or cracking. It is a sustainable, affordable choice for outdoor furniture.

02. Comfort and Ergonomic Design

Comfort is arguably the most important factor when choosing a sun lounge. After all, you are using sun loungers for relaxation. Here, comfort is the key factor. Ergonomic design sunbeds enhance comfort and support your posture for long periods of use.

Cushions and Padding

Sun loungers with cushions made from high-density foam provide great support. Look for options with thick, removable cushions and covers. They should be made from breathable, quick-drying fabrics. 

For cushioning, look for thick cushion materials for comfort. Also, look for water resistance in the cushion to make it stand out in outdoor spaces, like poolside. For example, you can pick open-cell polyurethane foams, which dry fast in the sun. This foam also prevents the penetration of water from being absorbed into the core of the material. 

Alongside this, polyester fabric is a good choice for outdoor sun lounger covers. Polyester is one of the UV-resistant fabrics. This gives your loungers protection against harsh sunlight. 

Aside from polyester, you can choose other UV-resistant fabrics, like

• Canvas
• Expanded PTFE
• Acrylic 
• Olefin
• Ripstop Nylon, etc.

Ergonomic Frames

Loungers with contoured frames promote a natural recline. This reduces strain on your back and neck. Adjustable reclining sun loungers are particularly versatile. They allow you to customise your relaxation position.

Extra Features

Some sun lounges come with built-in armrests, headrests, or even side tables. All these extra features add to your comfort and convenience.

03. Functionality, Adjustability, and Assembly Requirements

Along with being durable and comfortable outdoor furniture, you should look for effectively functional sun loungers. Features like adjustability, storage options, and easy-to-assemble enhance the versatility and convenience of your sun lounge furniture. 

Proper functionalities ensure your sun lounger adapts to your lifestyle. 

Reclining Mechanisms

If you want manual adjustments, you should go for adjustable reclining sun loungers. They will let you switch between sitting upright, reclining halfway, or laying flat. 

These flexibilities help you to do activities from reading to relaxing and sunbathing. 

Folding Sun loungers

If your space is limited, folding sun loungers can be an excellent option. You can easily store them when not in use, like in winter or rainy seasons. Foldable sun loungers also are easy to transport from one place to another. 

If you want multiple loungers but need to save space, you can go for stackable and modular designs. These pieces of space-saving outdoor furniture are ideal for smaller patios, gardens, or limited poolsides. 

Assembly Requirements

Some outdoor sun loungers come pre-assembled, and some require assembly. If you prefer to avoid assembling, choose pre-assembled furniture. 

But if you have enthusiasm about assembling, choose models with simple and tool-free assembling. Consider loungers with clear instructions or minimal parts. These will help you to avoid frustration while assembling. 

For example, you can choose Wicker Garden Sun Loungers from Outdoor Furniture. It requires minimal assembling tasks. 

04. Portability and Weight Considerations

A portable outdoor seating for a sun lounger allows you to move it effortlessly between spaces. No matter whether you’re shifting from the patio to the garden or storing it indoors during a storm.

Portability enhances the practicality of your outdoor sun lounge. This ensures you can use it wherever you need it to be. 

Lightweight Aluminium Loungers: 

Aluminium frames are light yet strong. This makes them easy to transport without compromising on durability.

Lightweight Wicker and Plastic Lounger

For even more lightweight and portability, you can go for wicker and plastic-made outdoor loungers( e.g. Sturdy PP Lounge Chair). 

Wheels for Easy Movement: 

Some sun lounges come with built-in wheels. These enable you to reposition them effortlessly. You can go for these if you want more reliability when repositioning your outdoor sun loungers. (e.g. Fir Wood Sun Lounger Garden Chair). 

Weight Capacity

Check the weight capacity of your sun lounger before purchasing. Determine what type of chairs you need. For one person or for multiple persons? 

05. Style and Luxury Appeal

Your outdoor sun lounge is not just about comfort and functionality. It should come with style and elegance that align with your taste and lifestyle. 

Style and luxury features can elevate the overall feel and aesthetics of your outdoor area. Check for the following aspects to ensure the style and aesthetics of your outdoor sun lounge furniture. 

Trendy Designs

Sleek aluminium frames, rustic wooden finishes, and modern minimalist designs are popular trends in patio furniture.

Luxury Features

You can go for high-end options, including 

• plush cushions, 
• built-in canopies for shade, or 
• garden chaise loungers with elegant curves. 

For poolside loungers, look for water-resistant cushion covers like polyester, acrylic or olefin. Choose durable frames that can handle splashes, like powder-coated aluminium or galvanised steel. 

Colour and Texture

Consider colours and textures that match your outdoor theme. Neutral tones like beige, grey, or white are timeless. On the other hand, bold hues can add a pop of personality. They include hot red, orange, vining ivy, raspberry blush, warm yellow, etc. 

06. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your outdoor sun lounge in top condition requires regular maintenance. But some materials and designs make this process easier. So, you should look for them. 

Low-Maintenance Materials

Synthetic rattan, powder-coated aluminium, and UV-resistant fabrics require minimal upkeep. As they don’t degrade easily, you don’t need to extensively take care of them. The easy maintenance makes them ideal for busy homeowners.

Ease of Cleaning

Go for loungers with removable cushion covers or wipeable surfaces that are much easier to clean. Powder-coated aluminium and steel, galvanised steel, and simple PP loungers are easy to clean. 

This is especially reliable in outdoor settings prone to dirt and dust. You just simply use a microfibre cloth to wipe off the dust on them. 

Environmental Sustainability

If you are environmentally conscious, look for loungers made from recycled materials or FSC-certified wood. Choosing sustainable furniture is a responsible way to enjoy outdoor relaxation. At the same time, you are contributing to saving your environment. 

Ultimately, maintenance-free loungers save time and effort. This ensures your outdoor setup remains hassle-free.

07. Pricing and Warranty

Outdoor sun lounges come in a wide price range. So, it’s essential to balance cost with quality. Understanding the pricing landscape will help you find the perfect balance between cost and value.

Budget-Friendly Options

Entry-level sun lounges typically range from $150 to $300. These may feature basic designs and materials. But they can still offer decent durability. But you may just miss the luxury here. (e.g., Sun Lounger Armchair Wooden Stand)

Mid-Range Choices

You will find mid-range outdoor sun loungers for $300 to $800. These will offer you various styles, ergonomic, and weather-resistant options. Mid-range outdoor sun loungers are mostly involved in the garden, poolside, and patio furniture trends. (e.g., LONDON RATTAN 3PC Outdoor Daybed Patio Rattan Sofa Sun Lounge)

Premium Lounges

High-end models start from $800. However, there is no limit that it can actually reach. But the premium loungers offer luxury features like 

• very thick cushions, 
• highly advanced adjustability and 
• premium materials like teak or marine-grade aluminium. (e.g., Santorini Double Daybed Villa)
• Warranty

A good warranty provides peace of mind. Look for warranties that cover structural integrity, fabric durability, and finish quality. And do this, especially for higher-priced items.

Final Thoughts

Buying an outdoor sun lounge is an investment in comfort, relaxation, and style. You will find so many options in the market. But it is important for you to consider some aspects when choosing the best-value sun loungers. 

You should consider the factors like material quality, ergonomic design, adjustability, and maintenance. Also, it is particularly important for Australians to focus on weather- and UV- resistant materials. These ensure your sun lounge is built to withstand the country’s diverse climate.

If you are looking for your desired outdoor sun lounge in Brisbane or in any place in Australia, Outdoor Furniture Co. is here to help you. Put your trust in us and order your outdoor sun lounge today.  

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