When it comes to outdoor furniture, you can find plenty of options that allow you to enjoy your patio or deck in comfort. But if you really want to relax in your backyard, it’s hard to top an outdoor chaise lounge for sunbathing, reading, or even taking a nap.

A chaise lounge is a chair with an extended seat that allows you to stretch out your legs and fully recline — in some ways, it’s like a chair and ottoman combined. Outdoor models are made of durable materials that hold up well to the sun, rain, and other elements, which means they can last season after season. Some outdoor chaise lounges are adjustable, so you can decide how much you want to recline. You can even find outdoor chaise lounges that fit two people instead of one to allow you to relax with a loved one.

But if you’re going to invest in an outdoor chaise lounge, you want to choose the right model. That means deciding whether a single or double chaise fits your needs, selecting the best materials, and settling on other features that will make the chaise lounge as comfortable and functional as possible for your yard.

If you’re not sure how to start with your shopping, our handy buying guide has plenty of tips to help you find the perfect outdoor chaise lounge for your yard. We also have some specific product recommendations for the quickest, easiest shopping possible.

Before you start shopping for an outdoor chaise lounge, you should make sure that you have room for one on your patio or deck. A chaise lounge takes up more space than other single-person seating options due to its length. If you opt for a double chaise, it can be fairly wide too.

The average chaise lounge measures 76 to 80 inches in length, so check that you’ll be able to comfortably fit it in your yard before buying one. If your deck, patio, or yard is on the small side, an outdoor chaise lounge may not be the best option.

Most outdoor chaise lounges are meant for a single person, so they usually measure 23 to 28 inches in width. However, some models are designed to fit two people side by side. These double outdoor chaise lounges typically measure between 46 and 58 inches in width, so they take up more space on your patio or deck. Single outdoor chaise lounges obviously work best in smaller yards, but if you want seating for multiple people, a double model is an ideal option.

You should consider the weight capacity — single models can usually support 250 to 350 pounds, while double models can often hold up to 550 pounds.

Outdoor chaise lounges are available in several different materials, which vary in terms of durability and price:

• Wicker is a traditional material for outdoor chaise lounges. It has a classic rustic look but isn’t as durable as other options — it actually requires a protective coating to keep it safe from moisture and sun damage. Cleaning wicker furniture can be difficult, too.
• Resin is a type of plastic that is often used for outdoor chaise lounges. It’s extremely durable, easy to clean and maintain, and is usually a fairly affordable option. Resin chaise lounges typically require cushions, though, for greater comfort, and they can blow around in the wind due to their lightweight design.
• Teak and other hardwoods are often used for outdoor chaise lounges. They hold up much better to the elements than softwoods and don’t get as hot in the sun as other materials. A teak chaise lounge is extremely heavy, though, so it’s difficult to move and requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
• Aluminum is an extremely sturdy, durable material for an outdoor chaise lounge because it holds up extremely well to the elements. It doesn’t rust and doesn’t require much maintenance, either. However, it’s extremely lightweight, so it can blow around in the wind.
• Recycled plastic has become a more common material for outdoor chaise lounges. Like resin, it’s extremely easy to clean and maintain and offers great durability. Recycled-plastic chaise lounges can be heavy and bulky, though, which makes them difficult to move. They also tend to be more comfortable if they have cushions.

Many outdoor chaise lounges feature an adjustable backrest, so you’re able to sit upright or fully recline. Each chaise lounge offers a different number of positions that you’re able to place the backrest in — the more options that a chair provides, the better the chance you’ll have of finding the perfect angle for sunbathing, reading, and napping.

While many outdoor chaise lounge chairs consist of a simple frame made of hard materials, some models actually include cushions. A cushioned chaise lounge is usually the most comfortable option because of the added padding. Cushioned outdoor chaise lounges are also available in a variety of colors and patterns, which can add an elegant decorative touch to your outdoor space.

If you purchase an outdoor chaise lounge that isn’t cushioned, you can purchase cushions separately and add them to the chair to make it more comfortable.

If your outdoor chaise lounge is made of a heavy material, moving it around your backyard can be difficult. Some models feature wheels on the bottom of the frame, so you can easily wheel it around your yard if you want to move it to a new spot or put it away in storage at the end of the season.

When you’re outside relaxing on your chaise lounge, you may want to enjoy a cold drink or a tasty snack. Some outdoor chaise lounges feature a sliding tray or table that you can move to rest over your lap while you’re reclining in the chair. You can even find models with built-in beverage holders for added convenience.

At the end of the summer, you’ll likely want to put your outdoor chaise lounge away in your garage or shed. Some models fold up to make it much easier to store your chair at the end of the season.

Inexpensive: Outdoor chaise lounges vary in price based mainly on the material that they’re made of. The most affordable outdoor chaise lounges are made of aluminum or plastic. Aluminum models usually range from $43 to $135, while plastic outdoor chaise lounges typically cost between $135 and $425.

Mid-range: For $139 to $719, you can find a range of outdoor chaise lounges that are usually made of wicker.

Expensive: The priciest outdoor chaise lounges are made of resin, teak, or other hardwoods. Resin models usually range from $255 to $1,100, while teak and other hardwood chaise lounges typically cost between $264 to $1,385.

• While outdoor chaise lounges are usually purchased separately from other patio furniture, it’s a good idea to try to match the chaise lounge to your other pieces, especially if you have a smaller patio or deck.
• If you don’t necessarily want a fully cushioned outdoor chaise lounge, you can purchase an outdoor pillow or two to help provide support for your back when you’re sitting in the chaise lounge.
• If you have limited storage space, you can purchase furniture covers for your outdoor chaise lounges to keep them safe from inclement weather rather than putting them in your garage or shed at the end of the season.

Q. What are outdoor chaise lounges best used for?
A. Outdoor chaise lounges allow you to recline and stretch out your legs, making them ideal for any situation when you want to relax. Many people use them to lie out for sunbathing, but they’re also the perfect seating option when you want to spend the afternoon reading. Because of their design, they even make the perfect spot to take a nap outdoors.

Q. What’s the best way to arrange two or more outdoor chaise lounges?
A. If you have two or more outdoor chaise lounges, place them so there’s at least two to three feet of space around each chair. This will make it easy to get on and off the chaise lounges. Make sure that there’s also some space in front of and behind each chaise lounge, so you’re able to easily move around your patio or deck even if guests are lounging in the chairs.

Q. Can I leave my chaise lounge outdoors year-round?
A. If you live in a location that’s warm year-round, you can leave your chaise lounge outside through all four seasons. But if you live in a climate with snow and other inclement weather in the fall and winter, it’s best to put your chaise lounge in storage when you aren’t using it.

If you don’t have room to store your chaise lounge in your garage, shed, or basement for the winter, use a water-repellent patio furniture cover to keep the chair safe from the elements. Make sure it has sturdy fasteners to keep the cover in place in strong winds, too.