Almost nothing beats sitting in the sun with a cool drink in your hand on a hot summer day. Having the proper sun lounger will make the experience even better. So therefore, it is essential to look at the materials used to make them, as this impacts how they look, how they are maintained, and their overall comfort.
Sun loungers are made from different materials such as resin, plastic, rattan, aluminum, various hardwoods, stainless steel, or fabrics like acrylic canvas or polypropylene. Some materials like aluminum and steel are more rigid and might require cushions for comfort.
If you are looking for a sun lounger but aren’t sure which material to go with, don’t make a final choice until you have all the information. There are many sun lounger materials to choose from but some last better and provide more comfort than others in certain environments.
What Materials Are Sun Loungers Made Of?
Materials are an essential thing to consider when buying a sun lounger. It would be best to choose a sun lounger suitable for the environment it will be in and the elements it will be exposed to. Whether it’s wood, metal, or plastic, there is a perfect sun lounger for you. Sun loungers are made from the following materials;
- Resin
- Plastic
- Rattan
- Aluminium
- Wood
- Stainless steel
- Fabric
Aspects To Consider When Examining Various Materials
Before we look at the different materials in detail, one should have a look at and consider the material’s longevity, weight, and overall weather resistance.
If you are working with heavy materials like wood or metal, you might consider sun loungers with wheels to make transportation easier. Metal sun loungers must be treated against rust to avoid deterioration.
Plastic sun loungers are light and inexpensive. However, they are not very durable, except for polypropylene. Fabric sun loungers are the most comfortable and may be customized to fit any style.
We will look at each of the materials mentioned above independently in the following subcategories, examining their various aspects, benefits, and disadvantages.
Sun Loungers Made From Rattan
Rattan sun loungers are made from synthetic rattan, made from plastic or PVC materials, or natural rattan, a rattan vine is woven together to make furniture. Rattan is a popular material that blends well with most garden aesthetics, can be adorned with various colors of cushions, and is available in multiple styles.
Natural rattan is unsuitable for extreme weather conditions and needs to be covered when not in use, as rattan can easily be bleached by the sun, which will cause the color to fade, or it can develop mold or mildew if exposed to a lot of rain.
On the other hand, synthetic rattan is much more weather compliant and can resist UV rays preventing them from bleaching.
Aluminum Style Sun Loungers
Aluminum is the most used metal for outdoor furniture. It’s a lightweight, robust, and flexible metal. Because it does not rust, aluminum is ideal for outdoor but will also be perfect for the inside of your home. It is recommended to coat your aluminum with a polyester powder coating to prevent it from being scratched and damaged.
Aluminum sun loungers are typically required to have comfy cushions because they are hard and uncomfortable; they can also become boiling when they are in the sun for an extended period.
Because aluminum is a very light metal, sun loungers and other outdoor furniture made from it might need to be moved indoors when a strong wind comes up to prevent them from blowing around in the garden.
Wood For Making Sun loungers
Wooden sun loungers are always a lovely addition to any garden, but when looking for wooden sun loungers, buying sun loungers made from hardwood is a better choice than softwood.
Hardwoods such as maple, oak, teak, and mahogany are more expensive, but they are more weather resistant, harder to bend, and are, for that reason, better for outdoor. Hardwood sun loungers will also last longer if they are cared for adequately.
Woods need to be maintained by sanding them down every couple of years and reapplying a new coat of wood primer. One should also wipe them down with a wet cloth to remove any dust that can cause scratches.
Softwoods like cedar, pine, and spruce are better for interior furniture because they do not endure as long outside in the elements.
Stainless Steel Sun Loungers
Like aluminum sun loungers, stainless steel sun loungers are incredibly resistant to the weather. Stainless steel sun loungers will not corrode or fade in color when exposed to the sun. They are a little hefty, so they are challenging to move around, but they will stay put when the wind blows.
Because stainless steel sun loungers also tend to retain heat like the aluminum sun loungers and are a little uncomfortable, they need to be complemented with some soft cushions for extra comfort.
Sun Loungers Made From Fabric
Fabric sun loungers come in various materials, including acrylic canvas fabric and polypropylene textiles or materials blended with other materials like nylon, polyester, or acrylic.
Fabric sun loungers are highly comfortable, sturdy, and easy to repair if they are damaged. They also dry relatively quickly when exposed to rain or pool water. In addition, these textiles are UV resistant and will not fade in the sun.
They can go with any style because they come in various styles and hues. These sun loungers are naturally comfortable and do not need any extra cushions. Fabrics generally weigh a little less than most materials used for sun loungers and might not be wind-resistant, so it is advised to bring them inside if there is a big wind blowing outside.
Plastic Or Resin Designed Sun Loungers
Outdoor furniture, such as sun loungers, made of plastic or resin is becoming increasingly fashionable. Plastic and resin are both affordable and long-lasting materials. They are resistant to water and will not fade in the sun.
Synthetic materials can also be used in ways that natural materials cannot and can thus be developed to complement any house style or garden design.
Because plastic and resin are lightweight, they may not be highly wind-resistant, depending on the weight of the sun lounger. They are effortless to clean and require little to no upkeep.
Conclusion
Sun loungers are a luxury item everyone should have, and there is no reason why one should not own them as they come in all shapes and sizes and materials that suit everyone’s style. It is important to remember that some sun loungers require more care and accessories than others, but they will all be equally worth it!
Reference
- https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/rattan-furniture-guide-220215
- https://www.ylighting.com/blog/the-best-materials-for-modern-outdoor-furniture/
- https://www.gardeningetc.com/buying-guides/best-sun-loungers
- https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/g32144818/garden-sun-loungers/
