A sun lounger looks simple enough a flat surface you lie on in the sun. But spend an afternoon on the wrong one, and you’ll feel every flaw: the back that won’t stay at the angle you want, the slats that leave ridges in your back, the frame that rocks on an uneven deck, the finish that burns the back of your thighs. The right lounger disappears beneath you. The wrong one is all you can think about.

Here’s a complete guide to choosing a teak sun lounger that works for your body, your space, and your lifestyle.

1. Single vs. Double Lounger

Single loungers are the standard and offer the most flexibility they can be spread across a deck or pool area, repositioned for sun tracking, and stored individually.

Double loungers are wide enough for two people side by side without a gap. They’re ideal for couples who want to share a space without the awkward arm-rest-in-between. The trade-off is size: a double lounger requires significantly more pool or deck space, and is less convenient to move.

Choose single if: You have limited space, or value the flexibility to rearrange. Choose double if: You predominantly use the lounger with a partner and have the space to dedicate to it.

2. Fixed Back vs. Adjustable Back

This is one of the most important functional decisions.

Fixed back loungers (often called steamers or flat loungers) lie completely flat. They’re elegant and minimal, ideal for sunbathing face-up or lying flat to read. The limitation is obvious: you can’t sit upright without propping yourself with a cushion.

Adjustable back loungers offer multiple recline positions typically 3–5 notches from nearly flat to nearly upright. They accommodate reading, napping, sunbathing, and relaxed conversation without needing a separate chair. Most people find adjustable backs more versatile for extended use.

Choose fixed if: You primarily sunbathe and want the cleanest, most minimal look. Choose adjustable if: You use the lounger for hours at a time and want to shift positions.

3. With Wheels vs. Without

Teak is heavy. A solid Grade-A teak lounger can weigh 20–35 kg (45–75 lbs). If you rearrange your pool or deck furniture frequently to track the sun, to clear space for a party, or to store at the end of the season wheels on the rear legs make an enormous practical difference.

Look for loungers where the wheels are integrated cleanly into the rear leg design, not added as an afterthought. The best designs have recessed or capped wheels that don’t scratch deck surfaces.

Skip wheels if: Your lounger lives in a fixed spot and you rarely move it. Get wheels if: You reposition furniture often, or have to move loungers for cleaning.

4. Arm Rests vs. No Arm Rests

Personal preference, but worth considering:

With arm rests: More comfortable for extended use, easier to push yourself up from a reclined position, provides a surface to rest a book or drink.

Without arm rests (side tables only): Cleaner look, slightly easier to tan without arm-rest tan lines, allows closer side-by-side pairing of loungers.

Some lounger designs include a small integrated side tray on one side a practical compromise.

5. Slat Width and Spacing

The slats across the seating surface significantly affect both comfort and drainage.

Wider slats (50–80 mm): Fewer seams against your body, more substantial appearance, slightly less drainage per unit area.

Narrower slats (20–40 mm): More gap between slats, drains faster after rain or pool splash, but more seam lines against bare skin without a cushion.

Most people find a medium slat width (40–60 mm) comfortable without a cushion and nearly imperceptible with one.

Check gap width too: Slats need adequate spacing (at least 5–8 mm) for water drainage and airflow. Tightly packed slats without gaps trap moisture and promote mildew.

6. Cushion Compatibility

Teak loungers look great and are perfectly comfortable without cushions in many uses. But for extended sessions, a cushion transforms the experience.

Key cushion considerations:

• Fabric: For poolside use, choose outdoor fabrics with solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella is the benchmark). These resist fading, dry quickly, and handle chlorine exposure.
• Thickness: 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) is the standard comfortable range. Thicker cushions sit higher and may interfere with the adjustable-back mechanism.
• Fit: Measure your lounger’s seating area before ordering a cushion. Lounger dimensions vary significantly between designs. Some loungers come with matching cushion dimensions specified.
• Storage: Cushions last longer when stored away from rain when not in use. A storage box or cabinet near the pool area makes this practical enough to actually do consistently.

7. Size and Footprint

Standard teak sun loungers range from:

• Length: 190–215 cm (75–85 inches)
• Width: 55–75 cm (22–30 inches)
• Height (off ground): 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) at the seat

Allow at least 50–60 cm of clear space between loungers placed side-by-side for comfortable access. For a pool surround, plan your lounger count around this footprint.

For reference: Two standard loungers side-by-side with gap require approximately 150–175 cm of width.

8. What to Check for Quality

When evaluating teak lounger quality, look for:

• Grade-A teak only: The heartwood should be deep golden-brown with tight, consistent grain. Pale patches or wide grain indicate Grade-B/C or sapwood content.
• Mortise-and-tenon joinery at the frame: These traditional interlocking joints are far stronger than dowels or screws alone.
• Marine-grade stainless steel hardware: All bolts, hinges, and adjustment mechanisms should be stainless, not chromed steel (which rusts).
• Smooth sanding on all surfaces: Run your hand across the slats there should be no rough edges, splinters, or uneven finishing.
• Stability when rocked: Place the lounger on a flat surface and apply gentle pressure at the corners. Quality frames don’t flex or creak.

A well-chosen teak sun lounger is a piece of furniture you’ll use every warm day for 20–30 years. It’s worth the extra thought to get exactly right.

Browse Anderson Teak’s full sun lounger collection at Anderson Teak from classic adjustable loungers to wide double models, all in Grade-A teak.