Outdoor areas like patios and decks are perfect for unwinding and relaxing after a long working day. Spending more time outdoors and breathing fresh air while relaxing in your favourite chair is something all of us want, and it seems that deck chairs are one of the oldest types of chairs used for the purpose. Unlike regular outdoor dining chairs, these have the purpose to provide you with the needed comfort. But what are deck chairs exactly? What makes them different from any other regular outdoor chairs?

A deck chair is a type of folding chair that was originally designed to be used on ships' decks, however, over the years their use has extended a lot. Nowadays, these chairs can be found literally everywhere even in outdoor hotel areas. But the thing that has stayed the same is their purpose - to provide a lounging experience. In other words, they are designed to help you unwind for hours while sitting in them.

Aside from being made with comfort in mind, their foldable design also makes it easy to move and store which can be of vital importance for those of you who have limited free outdoor area.

Since these chairs were originally designed to be used on ships, they were mainly made from teak since this is one of the strongest and most durable natural materials that can withstand water, salt and wind. And until now, it seems that teak still is one of the most commonly used materials for the production of these chairs.

The Most Common Materials for Deck Chairs

Teak

teak deck chair — source: scandinaviandesign.com

As stated above, teak is one of the strongest types of all-weather woods, so it isn’t strange that most teak deck chairs for sale are made from it. Regardless of the type, size, style and appearance, teak deck chairs for sale can withstand the harshest weather elements. It’s said that chairs made of this wood will give you the least of worries when it comes to their maintenance and cleanliness. It has a unique natural oil that makes it even more appealing. This wood has another exceptional property and that’s that it can change its tone over time for the better. Generally speaking, natural teak comes in an amazing warm honey hue, but over time and thanks to the outdoor exposure, the colour of your chairs can change a bit until it reaches the breathtaking silvery grey colour. In case you don’t want your chairs to achieve this colour, you can always seal them with a sealer in order to retain their true warm honey colour.

All chairs on the market made of this material can last a lifetime literally, even when used on a daily basis. Deck chairs are a really worthwhile investment that can make your life easier and your outdoor area prettier. The only thing you need to have in mind is choosing the right size and type of teak deck chairs. This is essential since not all teak deck chairs are made the same, so you need to choose the right model and size for your outdoor area. Too big chairs can make your outdoor area smaller than it is and more crowded, while too small chairs won’t provide you with the needed feeling of relaxation and comfort. So, instead of making any irrational choices and decisions, it would be better for you to make thorough research and then make the final choice.

Metal

Aside from teak, in the past, many people have also used wrought iron for the production of deck chairs, however because of its weight, pronation to rust and high maintenance, this material is no longer used for this purpose. Nowadays, metal deck chairs are mainly made of aluminium and steel.

Aluminium is an extremely versatile material that allows for being moulded into any shape. It’s a lightweight type of material that is an attractive option for outdoor furniture in general and not just for chairs. Unlike iron, this material isn’t prone to rust even if it’s exposed to salty and moist air. Unfortunately, aluminium is a pretty lightweight type of material which doesn’t make it the ideal option for outdoor use in windy areas.

Unlike aluminium, steel is a way heavier type of material that’s extremely difficult to move around. When exposed to the elements, choosing chairs made of galvanised or stainless steel would be better since these two materials don’t rust and corrode like steel.

HDPE

HDPE or also known as high-density polyethylene is a strong plastic material that manufacturers use for the production of furniture. Even though in the beginning this material was used for the production of packaging materials, nowadays, it’s used literally for anything from pots and planters to kids' outdoor houses, tables and chairs. Even though it isn’t a natural material, it’s said that HDPE is quite similar to teak since it’s weather resistant and appealing.

deck chair

Teak vs. Metal vs. HDPE Deck Chairs