Some people are quite happy to spend all day at the beach with just a towel and a water bottle. Think that sounds rather uncomfortable? Well, luckily, you have other options! If you like the idea of hanging out on the beach in style and luxury, then a beach lounge chair is just what you need.
Before you head out to buy one though, make sure you’ve answered these questions to avoid spending money on anything that’s less than ideal.
Quick Look: Our Top Picks
Where will the chair be used?
When buying a beach lounge chair, it’s important to think about where you want to use it. If, for example, you want to get a chair to use next to your pool at home and you won’t be taking it to the beach all that often, you’ll likely care less about things like portability. However, if you’re planning to walk to the beach with your chair, you’ll want it to be as lightweight as possible. Similarly, if you’re going to put your chair down on the sand, you’ll want a model with legs that won’t sink in, which is something that won’t matter as much if you plan on using it in your garden.
Who will sit in it?
Beach chairs typically have a weight restriction, so take this into account when you buy. If you continuously overload the chair by seating someone who is too heavy, it will soon break. Similarly, if the person who will be using the chair has a bad back, you have to choose a chair that offers more support.
Once you’ve determined where the chair will go and who will be using it, you can move on to thinking about the physical features of the chair you want. Consider the following factors to determine your preferences.
What material is the frame made of?
Beach chair frames are made out of different materials, each with their pros and cons. As explained on hayneedle, the material your beach chair frame is made of will directly impact its durability. Here are the most common materials beach lounge chair frames are made of:
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Wood
A beach lounge chair with a wooden frame will be stylish and durable. However, as a downside, a wooden chair can be heavy to carry. If you decide to go with wood, consider a hardwood like teak that’s known for its weather resistance. Also ensure that the frame of your chair is coated with a protective oil or varnish. This will ensure your chair stays in top condition longer.
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Aluminium
Aluminium is another popular beach chair material as it is strong yet lightweight. A chair will an aluminium frame will be weather and rust resistant––if you’re looking for great value, this is the type of chair for you. However, aluminium chairs don’t have the classic look of wood, and if left in the sun for long, the armrests could burn your skin.
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Steel
Steel is mostly used in zero-gravity beach chairs, as it is strong but elastic, allowing those sitting in the chair to feel like they are floating. However, the material is more vulnerable than aluminium to the elements. So, if you’re planning on leaving your chair outside, this is probably not the best model for you, as it will likely rust.
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Plastic
Plastic beach chairs are generally quite popular and often more affordable than their wooden or metal counterparts. Plastic beach lounge chairs are usually lightweight, which makes them easy to carry, and the material won’t get too hot if left out in the sun. On the downside, if your plastic chair breaks or cracks, you probably won’t be able to repair it easily.
What is the seat made of?
Similar to picking a frame type, choosing the ideal beach chair seat material will largely be a case of personal preference.
As this Huffington Post article notes most beach chair seats are made of durable materials that dry quickly because air can circulate through their open weaves. However, some chairs also come with cotton or canvas seats. These materials are often softer to the touch and more comfortable to sit on, but they won’t dry as quickly or hold up to the elements as well.
When picking seat material, it once again comes down to determining what you like to do at the beach. If you never really swim, a cotton seat will probably work just fine. But if you’re constantly sitting down wet, you’ll definitely want a quick-dry material.
What features does it have?
Some beach lounge chairs come with pillow headrests that make them perfect for a nap, while others have face cut outs to make tanning easier. Think about what you usually like to do at the beach, and pick the chair that best aligns with your needs. If you can’t stay in the sun for longer than five minutes without getting burnt, a chair with a tanning cut-out for your face might be a waste. In fact, you would probably be better off getting a chair with a built-in umbrella or canopy for extra sun protection.
As noted on Smart Home Keeping beach chairs come with loads of additional features these days. Some you might want to consider include:
- A built-in cup holder to make sure you never spill your drink by putting it down on an uneven surface.
- Armrests for added comfort.
- Pockets for storing beach essentials like sunscreen and snacks.
- Multiple recline positions that allow you to sit up or lie down without changing chairs. Some chairs have up to seven different recline positions, so you can sit in any way you want for as long as you want.
- Ultra lightweight design – some chairs are exceptionally light, which make them really easy to transport.
- Easy-fold design – if you’ll be travelling with your chair, this is a feature you should definitely look out for. The smaller the chair can fold up, the easier it will be to take to and from the beach.
Now that you have a better idea of the beach lounge chair features you’d prefer. you’re ready to look at some chair options. Here are five beach lounge chairs you can consider.
Pacific Breeze Lounger
This is a compact lounger that is easy to transport and set-up. It differs from a traditional beach lounger in that you’ll sit on the sand (it doesn’t have legs). However, it is fully padded for guaranteed comfort. It comes with an adjustable backrest and has a steel frame for durability. The lounger is sold in a two-pack ,which retails for around $100.
What we like about it:
- It’s easy to carry – this chair is very lightweight and it has back straps and a handle that makes carrying easier.
- It has a pocket to hold small items like sunscreen or a snack.
- The lounger is easy to clean; sand doesn’t stick to it so you can just shake it off when you’re ready to leave.
What we don’t like:
- Because the chair doesn’t have legs and you’re sitting on the ground it can become uncomfortable after a while.
- The chair doesn’t have the best back support, so if you struggle with backache, steer clear.
- The chairs are quite large, even when folded, so if you don’t have a lot of room in your car you’ll probably struggle to fit them in.
FDW Zero Gravity Chair
This is a zero gravity beach lounge chair with a durable design. The chair frame is made of powder-coated steel that is rust and water resistant. The padded headrest is adjustable and removable for added comfort. Selling for around $75 for two chairs, each chair has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
What we like about it:
- The chair folds flat, which makes it easy to store and transport
- The chair’s steel frame makes it very lightweight, so carrying it around isn’t a problem.
- Exceptionally quality for the price – while this chair is cheaper than some other zero gravity chairs, it doesn’t feel cheap and is very comfortable.
What we don’t like:
- The chair doesn’t recline 180 degrees, so you can only lie on your back, not your stomach.
- Despite the steel being treated with a powdered coating, the chair might still rust if left outside.
- The chair is a bit more narrow than some other beach lounge chairs, which some people might find uncomfortable.
Kingcamp 3 Reclining Positions Patio Lounge Chair
This heavy-duty chair is made of polyester and anodized steel for long-lasting use. It has three reclining positions: you can sit upright, recline backwards, or lie down completely. The chair comes with a triangle angle locking system that allows you to lock the chair in any position, so you can sit or lie back without worrying about skidding. This chair costs around $70.
What we like about it:
- The chair is portable – it is easy to fold and has a built-in carry strap so you can easily take it with you to the beach.
- The chair is comfortable for lying on both your back and stomach as it reclines 180 degrees.
- It is even comfortable after lying on it for a long time, so in addition to using it at the beach you’d also be able to use it as a bed when camping.
What we don’t like:
- The mechanism for locking the chair back in place can be a bit tricky as it doesn’t work the same way as most beach chairs.
- When lying flat on your back, the position bar can cause some discomfort.
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
This chair that sells for around $80 comes with a smooth recline function, which allows you to lock it in any position. It also has an adjustable headrest. It can support up to 300 lbs, and when folded it’s only 6.3 inches wide. The chair’s frame is made of powder-coated steel and the seat is made of a durable textaline fabric suspended by a double bungee system
What we like about it:
- Because the chair back is fully adjustable, it is very comfortable to sit in.
- The chair comes fully assembled so all you have to do is take it out of the box and start relaxing.
- The chair folds up tightly so it can be stored (or transported to the beach) without taking up too much space.
What we don’t:
- The clips on each armrest that lock the back in place can be difficult to set, which means the chair might move when you lean back.
- The chair is not 100% durable; if someone on the heavier side sits on it, or if you don’t handle it with care, it could break or bend.
- You can’t kick the footrest out without reclining, which means you can’t sit upright with your feet up.
Best Choice Products Folding Zero Gravity Recliner Lounge Chair W/ Canopy Shade & Magazine Cup Holder
This is a beach lounge chair with all the bells and whistles. Selling for around $45, the chair is built with UV-resistant mesh seating and a steel frame. It has a removable pillow and a canopy to provide shade. It also comes with a detachable cup holder tray that you can use to hold drinks, magazines, or electronics. It has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
What we like about it:
- The chair’s fabric is quick-dry so you can sit down after a swim without worrying about having a soggy wet chair later on.
- The chair is incredibly comfortable to sit in—you won’t want to get up!
What we don’t like:
- The chair is a bit short – if you are around 6 feet tall you will struggle to sit in it without your head touching the canopy.
- The reclining back is a bit stiff and therefore does not easy to adjust.
- When attached, the cup holder tray doesn’t sit 100% level, which means you run the risk of spilling your drink.
When choosing a beach lounge chair, where you will be using it, and the level of comfort you’d like should be your main considerations.
If you’re travelling to the beach often and don’t mind sitting on the sand, the Pacific Breeze Lounger will be the best option for you. You can carry the chair around easily and set-up is simple, so you’ll get the comfort of a beach lounge chair without any hassle.
If you don’t mind going through a bit more effort for added comfort, the Kingcamp 3 Reclining Positions Patio Lounge Chair is a great option. While it is a bit heavier than the Pacific Breeze Lounger it is still relatively lightweight and folds flat, so you can put it in the back of your car. This chair is great for relaxing on the beach in comfort and it’s sturdy design means it will last long.
Do you agree with us? If so you can buy the Pacific Breeze Lounger here, or the Kingcamp Patio Lounge Chair here.