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Comfortable seating for terrace and balcony

You can relax wonderfully in the open air on a garden chair. This guide explains what materials the outdoor chairs can be made of and what else you should look out for when buying one.

What is special about a garden chair?

• A garden armchair is a particularly comfortable version of a garden chair. While chairs only have a seat and a backrest, armchairs also have armrests.
• Since the seat shell is usually wider and deeper than that of a chair, you can really relax in a garden chair.
• Upholstery, cushions or seat cushions are often part of the equipment of this garden furniture.
• You can place garden chairs on the terrace, balcony or lawn. They are made from weather-resistant materials.
• The armchairs are available in different types . Some are reminiscent of lounge chairs, others of chairs or loungers. There are also hanging chairs where the seat is attached to a frame.

What weatherproof materials are outdoor chairs made of?

Wood

Garden chairs made of wood look natural and high-quality. On top of that, the material is robust and durable. Manufacturers often use weather-resistant tropical wood, such as teak, acacia, eucalyptus or cedar. But fir or pine are also used, which are made weatherproof with oils or varnishes. You should care for wooden chairs regularly so that they don’t turn grey. To do this, clean and oil them once a year.

Tip: FSC certification means that the wood comes from sustainable forestry.

rattan

Rattan is a natural product made from the stems of this plant that are woven by hand. The material is sturdy and light. However, wetness is not good for rattan furniture. It is best to keep these chairs under a roof or put them away when it rains.

Polyrattan

Polyrattan is artificial rattan – with a similar look. The material is light, you can lift, adjust and transport the garden chairs without any problem. Unlike rattan, polyrattan is suitable for outdoors because it is resistant to moisture. In addition, this furniture is often UV-protected. This means that it does not fade as quickly when exposed to strong sunlight.

plastic

Plastic garden chairs can withstand heavy rain. These versions are easy to care for, you just wash them. Because they are lightweight, you can transport them from one place to another. These chairs can often be stacked so that they can be stored in a space-saving manner. This is practical because you should store this furniture indoors in winter. This also applies if you do not use it for a long time. Over time, the material can become brittle in frost or strong sunlight.

metal

Metal garden chairs are mostly made of aluminum, steel or wrought iron. These models are particularly durable, long-lasting and stable. They can withstand wind and weather. If the chairs are rust-free, you can even leave them outside in winter. Check the instructions for use. Steel and wrought iron chairs can be heavy, but aluminum is very light. Manufacturers often combine the metal body of the chairs with other materials, such as wooden seats and backrests.

What else should I pay attention to when buying garden chairs?

Size

• Chair-like variants measure, for example, 55 x 60 x 90 cm or 60 x 80 x 110 cm (W x D x H).
• Expansive lounge models, on the other hand, can be 75 x 80 x 65 cm or 90 x 105 x 60 cm (W x D x H).
• Also pay attention to the seat height. Some outdoor armchairs have a seat height of 45 cm, which is the same as the seat height of standard chairs. You can use them to sit at a 70 cm high garden table. Some armchairs have lower seat heights of around 30 cm. You can rest particularly comfortably on them.

Tip: Some outdoor seating options are particularly wide at 120 cm and have two seats. These are garden sofas .

Backrest height

Garden chairs with a high back – so-called high-back chairs – allow you to lean comfortably and sit upright. The backrest, which is up to 70 cm high, supports your back. Low-back chairs, on the other hand, are only about halfway up your spine with a height of 50 cm. They are usually delivered with cushions that are slightly higher than the backrest.

Cushions and upholstery

• Many garden chairs come with cushions, pillows or pads.
• Make sure the pillowcase has a zipper so you can remove it.
• Polyester versions can be easily cleaned in the washing machine. Always check the instructions. The material is easy to care for and durable and repels dirt. It doesn’t mind getting wet .
• If the cover is made of cotton or linen , it looks classy. However, these textiles are more delicate and you can sometimes only wash them by hand.

Tip: If your garden chair doesn’t have any cushions or you don’t like the ones you have anymore, get new garden furniture cushions as accessories.

Color

Wooden armchairs are usually left natural and only oiled, so that the actual color and grain are preserved. You can also find painted wooden versions, for example in white or red. Polyrattan, rattan and steel armchairs are often available in subtle brown, gray and black tones . Plastic models are often available in white, but you can also find blue, gray or green versions.

Foldable

Many garden chairs can be folded up, especially those made of wood and metal. This is practical if you store them in the garden shed, garage or basement in winter – or if the children need more space on the lawn to play.

Comfort functions

If you can adjust the backrest or fold up the footrest on your garden chair , you will be even more comfortable sitting in it. Larger models have two wheels that are useful for moving the chair.

Sets

• You can buy many garden chairs as individual pieces.
• Sets with matching parts that harmonize in design and color are practical. You then get two, four or six outdoor seating pieces.
• Some sets also include a separate footrest or stool.
• Sometimes the manufacturers also add a matching table.