Sun loungers are an essential addition to any garden or poolside, providing the perfect spot to lie back and soak up the sunshine. They're also a great place to relax with your favourite book, or sip on a gin and tonic with friends.

It's important to consider comfort and durability when choosing a sun lounger for your outdoor space. From aluminium or wooden frames to cushioned seats and textilene options, there are a range of options to suit your budget and style.

Comfort

When you want to relax outdoors or by the pool you need a sun lounger that will provide comfort. There are plenty of options to choose from, including reclining and adjustable designs that are ideal for sun worshippers.

If you want a more traditional option then a wooden sun lounger will give a classic look and feel to your garden. However, they can be heavy and can need regular maintenance to extend their lifespan – for example topping up with wood preservative every year.

In a coastal setting, aluminium can be a popular choice because it offers rust-resistance and outdoor durability. Aluminium is also lightweight, so if you want to move your sun lounger around the garden to follow the sun you can do so easily.

Alternatively, there are plastic-coated sun loungers which can be quickly and easily dried out after a shower or splash. These can be less expensive than the more traditional models with metal frames, but they may need a bit of extra storage to prevent rusting.

Durability

Garden sun loungers tend to be more durable than their pool counterparts. This is because they are primarily placed outdoors and exposed to the elements.

In comparison, poolside furniture in high-end upscale resorts and hotels are often made from soft woods that crack and chip after prolonged exposure to the elements. On the other hand, more expensive sun loungers are manufactured from metal materials that are rust and corrosion resistant to prevent them from deteriorating in a harsh environment.

The most common material used for outdoor furniture is aluminium, which provides a lightweight and robust frame that resists rusting. Steel is also a popular option, although it will require more careful storage away from the worst of the weather to prolong its lifespan.

Style

The best garden sun loungers offer a stylish place to kick back and relax. Choose a style that's suitable for your space and the kind of relaxation you want to achieve, from on-trend neutrals to playful prints.

If your garden is surrounded by a pool, it's a good idea to position your sun loungers facing the water. Not only does this look good, but it also means you can keep an eye on the kids splashing around.

You can buy plastic sun loungers for a cheap price, but they may not be as comfortable as resin – it's important to fit them with cushions.

Alternatively, you can invest in a stylish weave design that will add elegance to your patio. It's weather-proof and durable, so it won't fade in the heat and is easy to clean.

You can also choose from reclining models that have multiple positions. These are ideal if you like to read or chat while relaxing outdoors.

Storage

As the name suggests, a sun lounger is a great place to rest your weary bones on a hot summer's day. And a well-made model that's designed to last will prove a worthy investment. Depending on the style you choose, you might want to invest in one that's weather resistant or can be stacked or folded away for compact storage.

A good quality aluminium or a sturdy plastic (often polypropylene) can withstand the elements while looking classy at the same time. Alternatively, a teak wood version can be the talk of the town and will stand up to the test of time without much maintenance.

The best way to keep your sun lounger in tip top condition is to keep it tidy with a well-designed storage solution. A small table to hold a drink or some snacks might be the most practical way to do this while keeping a close eye on the little ones, but if you've got space for it, a dedicated shed will take the cake.