Basking in the warm sun in the best garden deckchair one of the few free joys in life. Nothing is more relaxing than chilling out in the garden on a hot day, surrounded by fragrant flowers and with a refreshing drink in hand. A deckchair is an essential piece of outdoor furniture that provides the perfect relaxation spot, and we have selected the best garden deckchairs to help you do just that.
From the classic wooden fold-up models to the more modern and durable materials like metal and synthetic rattan, when it comes to choosing the perfect garden deckchair, there are a few things you need to consider.
While both deckchairs and sun loungers are designed for outdoor relaxation, there are some key differences between the two. Deckchairs are typically smaller and more lightweight, making them easy to move around your garden or patio. They usually feature a simple, foldable frame and a single adjustable backrest position.
Best garden deckchair shortlist:
• Best steel frame deckchair: Fiam Dondolina Steel Frame Deckchair
• Best wood slatted deckchair set: Alice's Garden Pair of Slatted Wood Deck Chairs with Head Cushions
• Best value deckchair: GoodHome Joline Metal Steel Grey Foldable Deck Chair
• Best deckchair for design: Business and Pleasure, The Tommy Chair
• Best double deckchair: Charles Bentley FSC Eucalyptus Double Deck Chair Teal
Choosing the perfect garden deckchair is all about finding the best chair that meets your personal style, comfort, and functional needs. By considering the factors listed in the FAQs below, you'll be sure to select the perfect deckchair for your outdoor sanctuary. Here are our top garden deckchair picks.
Best garden deckchairs
Best steel frame deckchair (Editor's Choice)
www.johnlewis.com
Durable and comfortable, this Fiam Dondolina Steel Frame Deckchair has a robust steel frame and all-weather fabric seat that looks chic and is easy to transport. Plus, the colour won't fade in the sunshine and folds up for space-saving storage.
Customer review: "Just received this chair. Super stylish and comfortable. Good quality, I fully recommend."
Pros
- Durable steel frame
- Neutral design that won't fade
- Lightweight
Cons
- None - very highly rated and worth the price
| Material | Steel frame, PVC, polyester |
| Dimensions | H96 x W82 x D63cm |
Best wood slatted deckchair set
www.diy.com
Radiate in the summer sun with this eucalyptus-slatted wooden deck chair. Fitted with small polyester head cushions, these Alice's Garden Pair of Slatted Wood Deck Chairs with Head Cushions let you lay back and chill out. Eucalyptus is a hardwood resistant to outdoor use. It has already been coated with a colourless oil to offer you the most natural tone possible while protecting the furniture from temperamental weather.
Pros
- It comes with head cushions.
- Stylish and chic
- Weather-resistant wood
Cons
- No armrests
| Material | Eucalyptus |
| Dimensions | 25 x 56.2 x H86.5cm |
Best value deckchair
www.diy.com
Relish the summer months by sitting on this GoodHome Joline Metal Steel Grey Foldable Deck Chair, featuring three adjustable positions for optimal comfort. Made of steel and textilene, this deck chair is lightweight, foldable and easily transportable.
**Customer review: "**I brought two of these reclining chairs - even though I was officially looking for loungers! - they are perfect. Very comfortable, and the back can be adjusted, lightweight so easy to manoeuvre around the garden and have a stylish look for a reasonable price! Perfect."
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Neutral and practical
- Excellent price
Cons
- No armrests
| Material | Polyester (PES), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) & steel |
| Dimensions | 30 x 82 x 56cm |
Best deckchair for design
businessandpleasureco.com
The ultimate combination of style and functionality for sun chasers. With a five-position recline, armrests, and a soft-touch outdoor canvas sling, this set by Business and Pleasure offers both comfort and convenience. Plus, it comes in over 15 different designs to hit the beach in style. Whether it takes permanent resistance in your garden or taken to the beach, the practical chair comes with a large back zip pocket and folds up into a backpack for easy transport.
Customer review: "We purchased two Tommy chairs. They are super comfortable and extremely cute. I get a ton of compliments on the chairs."
Pros
- Premium hardwood frame
- Set of two
- UV, mould and water-resistant canvas backrest
- Padded backpack straps for carrying and large back pocket with a full-length zip
Cons
- None
| Material | Premium Hardwood frame (includes weather-resistant coating). Features their renowned umbrella canvas (UV, Mould and Water-Resistant). |
| Dimensions | 87cm x 66cm x 76cm |
Best double deckchair
www.wilko.com
Double it up with this Charles Bentley FSC Eucalyptus Double Deck Chair in teal . Either spend some quality time with a loved one or spread out and enjoy a book basking in the summer glow. This wooden deck chair is crafted from FSC-approved acacia wood and durable polyester fabric. Featuring three reclining positions, this double wooden deck chair is perfect for relaxing.
Pros
- Fun double design
- Lovely bold colour
Cons
- No reviews yet
| Material | FSC-approved acacia wood |
| Dimensions | H39 x L102 x 83 cm |
Best deckchair set for families
Whether you are looking for some furniture for the garden or to hit the beach, this set of four deckchairs is excellent for larger households. These traditional 'Brighton beach chairs' are reminiscent of vintage deckchairs at the seaside. The Harbour Housewares Blue and Red Stripe Deckchairs is crafted from high-quality breathable material, so you shouldn't overheat. Plus, they fold flat, so they are easy to store and portable - ideal if you're going to the beach or camping.
Customer review: "They fold flat, have arms and function as garden chairs. Great value - would recommend for those times you need to get out extra chairs."
Pros
- Set of four
- Timeless vintage design
- Affordable
Cons
- Small
| Material: | Metal, high density fabric |
| Dimensions: | H78.5 x W53 x D30cm |
Best traditional wooden deckchair
The Oypla Traditional Folding Hardwood Garden Deckchair is an affordable and chic addition to your garden. With four reclining levels, 100kg capacity this is a versatile garden deckchair to enjoy the sunshine. Additionally, it folds completely flat, so it's a doddle to store. Get traditional beach vibes in the comfort of your back garden.
Customer review: "I love this product. I was sceptical before buying that this would be very comfortable but I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very sturdy chair with strong and thick fabric which makes it comfortable to sit in for long periods of time."
Pros
- Classic design
- Excellent value
Cons
- Reviews have commented that the fabric feels like plastic
| Material: | Oxford fabric, FSC-certified wood |
| Dimensions: | 134cm x 57cm x 4cm (folded) |
Best designer deckchair
www.thewhitecompany.com
If style is your top priority, look no further than the gorgeous handwoven cotton deckchair from the White Company. The White Company Faro Deckchair is a unique woven chair is crafted from Indian Sheesham wood and adds to the elegant rustic aesthetic of your garden.
Pros
- Stylish and chic
- Three adjustment settings
- Adds to garden aesthetic
Cons
- Material is pale so may get dirty
| Material | Indian Sheesham wood frame and hand-woven cotton seat |
| Dimensions | H100cm x W104cm x L66cm |
Garden deckchair buying guide
What to consider when buying a garden deckchair
Just as you would with your best garden armchairs, you want to make sure that you pick the right one that not only fits your garden’s aesthetic but also suits your individual needs. Here are a few aspects to consider before purchasing a new piece of garden furniture.
Material: Garden deckchairs come in various materials, including wood and metal. Wooden deckchairs are perfect for those who prefer a traditional and natural look, while metal and plastic chairs offer a modern and sleek style.
Comfort: Comfort is essential when it comes to selecting the perfect garden deckchair. Look for chairs with a sturdy frame and ample padding to ensure maximum comfort. Some may have more recline settings than others, so keep that in mind when selecting the best deckchair for you to lounge in.
Style: Garden deckchairs come in different designs and styles to complement your garden's aesthetic. Choose a style that reflects your personal taste and complements your garden's décor.
Durability: Garden deckchairs should withstand harsh outdoor elements like rain and wind. Look for chairs that are made with weather-resistant materials to ensure long-lasting durability.
Portability: If you plan on moving your deckchair around your garden, it's essential to choose a chair that is lightweight and easy to move.
Garden deckchair FAQs
What is the difference between a deckchair and a sun lounger?
Recliners or sun loungers, on the other hand, are larger and less portable - they also often come with multiple adjustable positions. They may also feature additional features like footrests or built-in shade canopies. Recliners are perfect for those who want to fully recline and take a nap, while deckchairs are ideal for more casual lounging and sitting up to read a book or enjoy a drink.
Can I leave my garden deckchair outside in all weather conditions?
It depends on the material of the chair. Look for chairs made from weather-resistant materials if you plan to leave them outside year-round. Wooden chairs should be treated with a protective coating to help prevent weather damage.
How to clean deckchair canvas?
Deckchair canvas is durable and easy to clean, but it still requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. To clean your deckchair canvas, start by brushing off any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent and gently scrub the canvas with a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse the canvas thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before using your deckchair again.
A little cleaning tip is to avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach on your deckchair canvas, which can damage the material and shorten its lifespan.
Do I need to assemble my garden deckchair?
It depends on the chair. Some deckchairs come fully assembled, while others require some basic assembly. Check the product description before you buy to know what to expect.
Can I adjust the position of my garden deckchair?
Some deckchairs have adjustable reclining positions or footrests, while others are fixed in place. Look for a chair with the necessary features to ensure you're at your most comfortable when relaxing in the garden.
What to read next:
Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice with a Modern Gardens Membership. Find out more about the benefits of being a Member now.