Chaise Lounge Buying Guide
Best Outdoor Chaise Lounges (2026): Aluminum vs. Wicker, Core vs. Infinity
Two frame materials. Two recline systems. OuterShell® built into every one. Here is how to choose the right chaise for your space.
The quick answer
How to Choose an Outdoor Chaise Lounge
Four decisions: frame material, recline system, how many you need, and where they'll live. The chaise is the most personal piece of outdoor furniture — you spend hours on it alone.
Aluminum sling for poolside. Wicker cushion for the garden. Sling fabric drains instantly and dries in minutes. Cushioned wicker reads warmer and more residential. Both have OuterShell® built in.
Core for fixed comfort. Infinity for adjustable recline. Core locks into one perfectly angled position. Infinity reclines through multiple positions to nearly flat — better for reading, napping, and sunbathing.
Leave 30 inches between chaises. Enough for a side table and walking path. Pool decks need more. Rooftops need less. The spacing standard keeps the setup functional.
Chaise Lounge Recline Systems: Core vs Infinity
Outer offers two recline systems across all chaise models. The difference is in how many positions you can lock into — and how flat you can go.
| System | Mechanism | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Core Chaise | Fixed-angle recline. Single optimized position — angled for reading, conversation, and light napping. | Lounging at a consistent angle. Poolside setups where you want uniformity. Spaces where simplicity is the point. |
| Infinity Chaise | Multi-position recline. Adjustable backrest from upright seating to nearly flat (170°). Smooth-glide mechanism — no clunky notches. | Full sunbathing. Napping. Reading at multiple angles. Anyone who wants to change positions throughout the day. |
The Infinity adds flexibility. The Core adds simplicity. Both recline systems use the same frame materials, the same OuterShell® built-in protection, and the same OuterWeave® performance fabric. The difference is in how many ways you can sit — and whether you need more than one. Browse all chaise lounges
Aluminum vs Wicker Chaise Lounges: Material Deep Dive
The chaise is exposed to more elements than any other outdoor piece — full sun, pool splashes, sunscreen, bare feet. The material choice determines how it handles each one.
| Feature | Aluminum + Sling | All-Weather Wicker + Cushion |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Sling fabric — a single tensioned panel of breathable, quick-dry textile stretched across the aluminum frame | HDPE wicker weave over aluminum frame + OuterWeave® cushioned seat pad |
| Best climate | Poolside, humid, coastal. Water drains instantly. Salt rinses off. No cushion to absorb moisture. | Garden, backyard, terrace. The cushioned seat reads residential and warm. OuterShell® keeps it dry. |
| Water handling | Sling fabric is open-weave — water passes through. Dries in minutes. No pooling. | Cushion drains through quick-dry foam. OuterShell® deployed between uses blocks water entirely. |
| Comfort feel | Taut, supportive, slightly contoured. Feels similar to high-end pool furniture at a resort. | Plush, soft, residential. The cushion adds a layer of sink-in comfort that the sling leaves out. |
| Maintenance | Rinse with hose. Mild soap if needed. Sling fabric is inherently stain-resistant. | Brush weave monthly. Cushion cover is removable and machine-washable. Mild soap for the frame. |
The sling fabric differenceOuter's sling fabric is a solution-dyed textile engineered for constant outdoor exposure. It is the seating surface itself — a single tensioned panel that breathes. The open weave allows air to circulate beneath you (staying cooler in direct sun) while water drains instantly. It resists sunscreen, chlorine, and salt. It dries in minutes after rain or pool splash. For poolside setups, the sling is the pragmatic choice.
Compare chaise materials side by side in the collection
How Many Chaise Lounges Do You Need
Chaise lounges take up more space than any other outdoor seating piece — roughly 78″ L × 30″ W per chaise. The spacing around them determines whether the setup feels spacious or cramped.
| Spacing standard | Between chaises | Behind chaise | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 24″ | 24″ | Tight spaces, compact pool decks, urban rooftops. Functional but no room for side tables. |
| Comfortable | 30″ | 36″ | Standard backyard or pool deck. Room for a small side table between chaises. Walking path behind. |
| Generous | 48″ | 48″ | Resort-style layout. Room for a full side table, towel drape, and wide walking path. Feels expansive. |
For a typical setup: two chaises at comfortable spacing require roughly 11.5 linear feet (2 × 30″ chaises + 30″ between + 2 × 24″ side margins). Measure before ordering. Chaise lounges are difficult to reposition once placed — the spacing decision is permanent unless you're willing to rearrange the entire layout.
Chaise Lounges by Outdoor Scenario
Pool deck. Aluminum + sling. Two to four chaises, minimum 30″ spacing. The sling fabric handles constant water exposure without degradation. Rinse with fresh water weekly if the pool is saltwater or chlorine. OuterShell® deploys between uses to block UV during the hours the pool is empty — which is most of the day.
Suburban backyard. Wicker + cushion. Two chaises, 30–36″ spacing, positioned to catch morning sun or afternoon shade depending on preference. The cushioned seat reads residential — it feels like an extension of the indoor furniture. OuterShell® protects the cushion from dew and pollen between uses.
Urban rooftop or terrace. Aluminum + sling. One or two chaises, minimum 24″ spacing. Weight matters on rooftops — aluminum sling chaises are lighter than wicker. Wind matters too: the sling fabric lets wind pass through rather than catching it like a solid cushion. Secure chaises together with modular connectors between uses.
Outer Chaise Collection
Outdoor Chaise Lounge Collection: Four Models, Two Materials
Aluminum Core Chaise Lounge
Extruded aluminum frame. Sling fabric seat. Fixed-angle recline. OuterShell® built in. Best for poolside setups.
Core recline
OuterShell® built-in
Aluminum Infinity Chaise Lounge
Multi-position recline to near-flat. Sling fabric seat. Recline anywhere from upright reading to full sunbathing.
Infinity recline
OuterShell® built-in
Wicker Core Chaise Lounge
HDPE wicker on aluminum frame. Cushioned seat pad. Fixed-angle recline. OuterShell® protects the cushion between uses.
Core recline
OuterShell® built-in
Wicker Infinity Chaise Lounge
Multi-position recline to near-flat. HDPE wicker weave. Cushioned comfort. The most versatile chaise in the collection.
Infinity recline
OuterShell® built-in
Common questions
Outdoor Chaise Lounge Questions, Answered
What is the best material for an outdoor chaise lounge?
Aluminum with sling fabric is best for poolside and coastal settings — water drains instantly and the frame never rusts. All-weather wicker with a cushion is best for garden and backyard settings — it reads warmer and more residential. Both materials use OuterShell® built-in protection. The choice comes down to whether you prioritize water handling (aluminum sling) or cushioned comfort (wicker).
What's the difference between Core and Infinity chaises?
The Core Chaise has a fixed-angle recline — one optimized position for lounging and reading. The Infinity Chaise has a multi-position backrest that adjusts from upright to nearly flat (170°). The Infinity costs more but gives you the flexibility to change positions throughout the day. Both use the same frame materials, OuterShell® protection, and OuterWeave® fabric.
How much space do I need between chaise lounges?
Minimum 24 inches between chaises for tight spaces. 30 inches is comfortable — enough room for a small side table. 48 inches gives a resort-style feel with generous walking paths. Also leave at least 24 inches behind each chaise for reclining clearance and foot traffic.
Can aluminum chaise lounges stay outside year-round?
Yes. The aluminum frame cannot rust and handles all weather conditions. The sling fabric is solution-dyed and UV-stabilized for constant outdoor exposure. Deploy OuterShell® between uses. For winter, clean the frame and fabric, then add an All-Weather Cover if the chaise will sit unused for extended periods.
How do I clean a chaise lounge?
Aluminum sling: rinse with a garden hose on gentle spray. Mild soap for stubborn spots. The sling fabric is inherently stain-resistant. Wicker with cushion: brush the HDPE weave monthly to remove debris. The cushion cover is removable and machine-washable on cold/gentle — air-dry only. OuterShell® cover: hand-wash with mild soap, remove the aluminum rod first, air-dry.
The Outdoor Chaise That Handles Everything. Including Pool Water.
Aluminum or wicker. Core or Infinity. Every Outer chaise includes OuterShell® — the built-in cover that deploys in 15 seconds.
