Best Outdoor Chaise Lounges: What To Consider Before Buying

Is a chaise lounge right for you and your space? A chaise lounge features full-body support and an angled back that allows you to lie back comfortably with your legs outstretched. Chaise lounges are also lower to the ground than a sofa, deep-seating set, or standard chair. Due to their larger size, they’re ideal for larger decks or patios. Before you buy a chaise lounge, there are a few things to consider.

Before you buy a chaise lounge, consider what materials will work best for your space and budget. This will depend on where you place your chaise, the climate, and what style you’re going for. Materials also impact the durability, comfort, weight, and price of your chaise. These are a few of the main materials used in outdoor chaise lounges:

Teak - The best wood for premium outdoor furniture is teak wood, a sustainably grown hardwood that has a naturally occurring high oil content that makes it highly resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and insect infestation. When properly constructed of grade-A kiln-dried teak with mortise and tenon joinery, teak chaise lounges will outperform most other materials in both cold and warm climates. (When exposed to direct UV rays, teak furniture will weather to a silvery-grey color on the top surface. This grey color is cosmetic only and does not impact durability. To learn more, view our tips for teak furniture care.) Brands like POVL Outdoor, Kingsley Bate, Barlow Tyrie, and Gloster are known for their use of high-quality, long-lasting teak.

Aluminum - Aluminum is often used in chaise lounge furniture frames, and outdoor aluminum is typically powder-coated to achieve a beautiful and durable finish. Aluminum is also corrosion-resistant and visually appealing. Aluminum is a lightweight material, so if you live in a windy climate, make sure any aluminum frames are reinforced with all-weather steel so that it doesn’t get blown around.

All-weather wicker or rattan - This material is known by several common names, including synthetic wicker, all-weather wicker, and resin wicker. Regardless of what name each manufacturer uses, the actual material is generally made of PE (polyethylene), a material that mimics the look of natural rattan, with increased durability and strength. Woven chaise lounges are a great choice for adding durable, low-maintenance texture.

Recycled plastic - Recycled plastic is a great, sustainable material for outdoor chaise lounges. POLYWOOD is an industry leader in recycled materials (their furniture is made from proprietary POLYWOOD® lumber, a blend made of sustainable materials,) High-Density Polyethylene (or HDPE) is another commonly used recycled material and can be one of the most durable and low-maintenance materials in the outdoor furniture industry. Not only are these materials sustainable, but they also don’t absorb too much heat from the sun (making them comfortable to sit on year-round) and are resistant to rot, mold, and warping.

Sling - Sling chaise lounges are created from select fabrics that are stretched onto the furniture frame providing a firm, yet very comfortable seating experience. Sling fabrics allow water and air to flow through for quick drying and remain cool due to the open nature of the fabric weave.

Upholstered - Many outdoor chaise lounges also come with (or are compatible with) upholstered outdoor cushions for added comfort and style. These weather-resistant cushions are covered in all-weather fabric that’s resistant to fading, water damage, and mold, making them easy to care for in even the harshest of climates.

The shape of a chaise lounge is classic, but modern chaise lounges are available with a number of features that make them convenient—and beautiful—for contemporary outdoor living.

With or without arms - Chaise lounges are available with arms or without arms (for some models, you can even purchase arms separately to add on when needed). Arms can be a great place to rest your elbows or place a book on, but they can be restrictive.

With or without a knee bend - Chaise lounges with a knee bend offer additional leg support and comfort. Lounges without a knee bend offer classic comfort and a timeless silhouette.

Some outdoor chaise lounges come with a weather-resistant and durable cushion to provide added comfort.

With or without wheels - Some chaise lounges are made with wheels on the bottom of the legs (usually at the rear) to allow for easy mobility.

With or without cushions - Cushioned chaise lounges evoke the luxe comfort of an indoor furniture piece and are covered in all-weather performance fabrics, which are manufactured to stay outside year-round. Chaise lounges with no cushions are more streamlined and generally made with sling fabric, teak, or all-weather wicker.

Double chaise lounge - Double chaise lounges feature two lounges connected side-by-side, allowing them to fit two people. Double chaise lounges are available in a variety of upholstery options and styles.

Stackable - Stackable chaise lounges are a great option for easy, convenient storage (particularly if you plan to store multiple chaises away for the winter).

Before buying a chaise lounge, measure your outdoor space. Aim to place your chaise lounges at least two to three feet apart.

AuthenTEAK’s chaise lounges range from 53 to 87 inches in length (most fall between 70–82 inches) When it comes to width, single chaise lounges range from 23 to 41 inches wide (most fall between 25–32 inches). Double chaise lounges range from 4–81 inches (most fall between 52–68-inches).

If you’ve decided to buy a chaise lounge, you’ll also want to consider add-ons. Some outdoor lounges are compatible with add-on trays, which provide the perfect place to perch a book or beverage.

If your chaise lounge doesn’t come with cushions, you can always choose to purchase cushions separately and add them on for additional comfort when needed. AuthenTEAK offers high-quality outdoor cushions featuring all-weather, performance fabrics from reputable brands such as Sunbrella. This ensures that your cushions will be resistant to mold, mildew, fading, and stains.

To ensure your chaise lounge looks its year after year, a good rule of thumb is to give it a good clean once or twice a year using high-quality cleaning products formulated for outdoor furniture. The best method for cleaning will depend entirely on the material of your chaise. For an in-depth guide on how to clean each outdoor material, consult our clean and care guide.

If you’re planning to winterize your patio and you know you won’t be lounging outside for the season, it’s a good idea to either store your chaise lounges or cover them with a high-quality, weather-resistant outdoor furniture cover. To ensure the best fit, it’s important to select a furniture cover that’s designed specifically for a chaise lounge.