If you want to buy new garden chairs, it's important to think carefully about the different options and features that suit your garden, style and comfort requirements. From material choice to ease of maintenance, and from weather resistance to aesthetics: there are several factors that play a role in choosing the perfect garden chair. With the right tips, you'll choose not only a chair that looks good, but also one that remains comfortable for years to come. Here are all the things you should pay attention to when buying garden chairs!
Comfort above all
The first and most important thing when choosing garden chairs is comfort. Nobody wants to spend hours outside on a chair that doesn't feel good to sit in. Comfort often depends on the type of chair, the seat, the backrest and any cushions. Ask yourself whether you prefer lounging or a more upright sitting position.
An adjustable garden chair, for example, offers flexibility, allowing you to adapt the backrest to your activity. Do you want to relax comfortably with a book or a drink? Then a sun lounger or lounge chair with soft cushions is ideal. If you prefer a more upright sitting position, for example at a garden table, then dining chairs with a slightly firmer seat are a good choice.
Material choice: From wood to plastic
The material choice determines not only the appearance, but also the lifespan and maintenance of your garden chairs. Some popular materials are:
- Wood: This gives your garden a warm and natural appearance. Wooden chairs, especially those made of teak, are robust and can last for years. However, wood does require maintenance to keep it in good condition. An annual oil treatment helps protect the wood against the elements.
- Aluminium: These chairs are lightweight and rust-resistant, making them ideal for Dutch weather conditions. Aluminium has a modern appearance and requires little maintenance. Often aluminium chairs are also stackable or foldable, which makes them convenient to store.
- Plastic or wicker: Plastic or wicker chairs are extremely popular due to their durability and variety of styles. Plastic is easy to clean and resistant to rain, sun and wind. Wicker, a woven plastic framework, gives the chairs an elegant look and is also resistant to various weather conditions.
The material choice depends on your wishes regarding appearance and maintenance. Wood requires more care, while aluminium and plastic are low-maintenance.
Storage ease: Stackable or foldable?
Not everyone has room to leave garden chairs outside all year round. Do you want to be able to store the chairs easily in winter? Then stackable or foldable chairs are ideal. These chairs are often light and easy to store, which is convenient if you have limited storage space.
A stackable chair is handy if you need multiple chairs but don't want to sacrifice too much space. Folding chairs can even be stored in a small shed or storage room. This type of chair can be very practical if you want to arrange your garden flexibly and, for example, want to create more space for a party or barbecue.
Weather resistance: How do you keep your chairs looking good?
The Dutch climate can be quite changeable. Therefore, look for chairs that are well resistant to sun, rain and wind. Look for UV-resistant materials to prevent colours from fading in the sun, and water-repellent fabrics for the cushions so they don't soak up water quickly. Aluminium and plastic chairs, for example, are very resistant to the elements.
If you have wooden chairs, it's wise to bring them inside during the winter months or cover them. This way they stay nice and protected from moisture and cold for longer. Also choose cushions that are specially made for outdoor use; these dry faster and are more resistant to mould.
Curious which material is best for garden chairs? Read this article!
Aesthetics: Does it suit your garden's style?
Garden chairs should of course fit nicely with the style of your garden and the rest of your garden furniture. If you have a modern garden, sleek aluminium or minimalist plastic chairs will probably suit you better than a classic wooden chair. Do you have a lush, green garden with lots of plants? Then a wooden chair or wicker framework creates a natural appearance.
Also consider the colours: do you want your chairs to stand out or blend in nicely with the rest of the garden? With neutral tones such as grey, beige or black you'll usually be fine, but a coloured cushion or chair can give your garden a playful touch.
Ease of maintenance: How much time do you want to spend on it?
Consider how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining your garden chairs. Plastic and aluminium are easy to clean with soapy water, whereas wood often requires more care. Teak, for example, benefits from an annual treatment with oil or stain to keep it in top condition. This prevents greying and extends the lifespan of the chairs.
Also look at the cushions: are they removable and washable? Cushions for outdoor chairs are often made from weather-resistant materials, but it's convenient if you can remove the covers to wash them easily.
Curious how long garden chairs last? Read this article!
Value for money
Finally, the price. Garden chairs are available in different price ranges, but often quality comes at a price. A good garden chair doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, but a chair made from high-quality materials often lasts longer. Therefore, invest in quality, especially if you use your garden a lot. Cheaper chairs can be fine if you want them, for example, for a party, but for daily use a sturdy model is a better choice.
Garden Chair Offers: Get the Best Deal!
Buying garden chairs can be an investment, especially if you're going for quality. Fortunately, there are regularly attractive offers with which you can get quality garden chairs at a nice price. Keep a close eye on the offers during the garden furniture season at your favourite shops. You can often find garden furniture with high discounts at the end of summer and during special sales periods, such as Black Friday. This is an ideal time to get the garden chairs of your dreams!
What should you look out for in an offer?
Before you enthusiastically buy the first offer that comes along, it's wise to check whether the garden chairs meet your requirements in terms of comfort, quality and material. A deal may sometimes look attractive, but if you quickly incur maintenance costs or a chair doesn't feel comfortable, you'll have less pleasure from your purchase. So always make sure you choose consciously, even with offers. This way you'll get a chair that you'll enjoy for years to come!
With these tips and offers you're ready to find the perfect garden chair that suits your garden, style and budget!
Also read: Which garden chair can stay outside?, Which garden chair is the most comfortable? and What is the best material for garden chairs
Also see: Dining garden chairs
Also see: Adjustable garden chairs
