As the weather gets warmer, everyone’s prepping their yard and taking the fun outside. There are a lot of things to consider when optimising your outdoor area for entertainment, such as selecting the right grill for barbecue, awning for a nice shade, and comfy seating options.
One excellent piece of furniture that improves the look of your pool and garden is the sun lounger. This furniture piece helps you relax and switch off after a long day and it doubles up as a stunning decoration. That being said, putting some effort to pick the right one and take proper care of it will pay off in the long run. Keep reading to find out how to choose the perfect lounger(s) for your outdoor space!
What are the Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture?
When shopping for outdoor furniture, look for materials that are durable and weather-resistant. For this reason, I suggest that you buy sun lounges made from teak, aluminium, rattan, and similar materials. These are able to handle extreme weather and will last for years while looking good in the process. If you’re a fan of the natural, rustic feel, then teak is an excellent choice for you.
The golden-brown hue of the wood helps create a soothing atmosphere and it doesn’t require a lot of upkeep throughout the years. If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, a sun lounge with coated aluminium frames should be your go-to. These pieces are sturdy, weather-resistant, and lightweight. This means that you can easily move them around when you need to. The coating protects the material from rusting, so these lounges also require little upkeep.
Similar to teak, rattan outdoor furniture is also quite durable and resistant. It can stay under the harsh sun for years without getting damaged. With some coating, it will also be able to handle heavy rains. Because rattan is a sustainable material, it’s also an eco-friendly choice. The manufacturer cuts down vines rather than chopping down whole trees to gather the materials – and the vines regrow rapidly.
Where Will You Place Your Sun Lounger?
One of the most important things you should consider when getting a lounger is where you’ll be placing it – the garden or the pool.
Pool-side
Each space has certain characteristics, such as how much sun it receives, how humid it is, or how will people use it. Therefore, you should keep this in mind when you decide to buy sun lounges for optimal comfort. The two primary factors you should take into account while choosing a pool lounger are humidity and extensive sun exposure. A teak lounger is a great option for your pool area, as it’s durable, stylish and low-maintenance.
Materials will be of utmost importance – choose a rust-proof framework and upholstery with good sun and water resistance. This fabric should also be antimicrobial to stop the spread of bacteria brought on by moisture and repeated use. If you plan on taking your lounger to the beach, resistance is an even more important factor. Due to the exposure to the salt residue, a sun lounger bed can easily get damaged by ocean water.
The most frequently recommended materials are usually those made of plastic, such as polypropylene, because they do not corrode as metal furniture does. Light colours, like white or beige, are great for beach or pool areas because they often offer more resistance to sunlight and spread more light to the surroundings.
Garden and Bar Terrace
Although you have a little more material freedom when looking for sun loungers for a landscaped area, you still need to take factors like humidity, sun, and wind into account. If the area is tree-lined, use dark tones when choosing colours because they will blend in better with the surroundings. On the other hand, light colours are still a fantastic choice in spaces that are more open.
Last but not least, the best loungers for bar terraces will be those that offer high levels of comfort and stain resistance. Small incidents like when fabric becomes discoloured on these loungers aren’t rare. If you buy sun lounges online with waterproof and stain-resistant cushions, you’ll be able to quickly clean them up and ensure that they always look great.
How to Take Proper Care of Your Sun Loungers?
Maintenance of outdoor loungers is a piece of cake if you select the right materials. When it comes to teak, this wood has a natural defence mechanism against the elements. Teak contains natural oils that make it weatherproof and create its distinct golden colour. This means that it doesn’t need any protective coating. However, you should frequently clean your teak lounge to keep it looking good as new. You don’t have to buy harsh cleaning products for this – all you need is soapy water and a soft brush.
Similarly, an aluminium lounger comes with a protective coating that shields its surface from the elements. This means that you don’t need to apply any finishes to weatherproof it. Avoid using hard metal items that will scratch the framework when cleaning. Instead, use a towel and soapy water. Look for specialised products for washing or degreasing in DIY stores to give the frame its original shine!