Key takeaways
- Standard polyurethane foam wrapped in fiber: comfortable and affordable but absorbs water. Outdoors, it can take a day or more to dry after rain and may develop mildew.
- Quick-dry reticulated foam: open-cell structure lets water drain through in minutes. Pricier but the right choice for uncovered patios.
- Fiber-filled cushions: soft and inexpensive; tend to flatten and clump within a season or two.
A rattan lounge chair with cushion is a low, deep-seated armchair (typically 28–34 in deep with a seat 14–17 in off the floor) woven from either natural rattan for indoor and covered-porch use or synthetic PE rattan over an aluminum frame for open patios, topped with a seat cushion 4–6 in thick and often a back cushion. The decisions that matter are which weave material suits where the chair will live, what kind of cushion foam and fabric come with it, and how the chair’s depth fits the people using it.
Which “lounge chair” do you mean?
The term covers several shapes. They share a relaxed, reclined sitting position but need different space and cushions.
| Style | Typical size (W x D x H) | Seat height | Cushion setup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep-seat club lounge chair | 28–34 x 30–36 x 28–32 in | 14–17 in | Seat 5–6 in plus back cushion | Patio conversation sets, sunrooms |
| Low-slung sling or “lazy” lounge | 26–30 x 32–38 x 26–30 in | 12–14 in | Single pad or thick seat only | Pool decks, reading |
| Papasan or bowl chair | 40–48 in diameter, 30–35 in tall | 14–17 in | Large round cushion 4–8 in thick | Indoor corners, covered porches |
| Egg or cocoon chair (standing) | 34–40 x 30–36 x 60–78 in | 16–20 in | Seat and back or one-piece round cushion | Feature seat, small patios |
| Chaise lounge | 24–30 x 72–80 x 12–36 in | 12–16 in | Full-length pad 2–4 in thick | Sunbathing, pool areas |
This guide focuses on the first two: rattan lounge armchairs used for relaxed seating on patios, porches and in living spaces.
Natural rattan vs synthetic (PE) rattan
Natural rattan is a climbing palm stem, light and strong, usually woven over a rattan or wood frame. Synthetic rattan is a polyethylene strand woven over an aluminum or steel frame and designed to handle weather.
| Factor | Natural rattan | HDPE synthetic rattan on aluminum | PVC or low-grade resin on steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain and sun exposure | Indoors or fully covered only | Open patios, UV-stabilized | Fades and cracks in 1–3 seasons |
| Chair weight | 12–25 lb | 18–35 lb | 20–40 lb |
| Lifespan outdoors | Short, can mold and split | 5–10+ years | 2–4 years |
| Feel | Warm, slight flex | Firm, smooth | Stiff, can feel plasticky |
| Typical price per chair | $200–$700 | $250–$900 | $100–$250 |
For an open patio, look for HDPE weave over a powder-coated aluminum frame. Steel frames are cheaper and sturdy but can rust at welds if the coating is chipped. If a listing does not specify “HDPE” or “UV-resistant,” assume a lower grade.
The cushion: where comfort and longevity are decided
Foam
- Standard polyurethane foam wrapped in fiber: comfortable and affordable but absorbs water. Outdoors, it can take a day or more to dry after rain and may develop mildew.
- Quick-dry reticulated foam: open-cell structure lets water drain through in minutes. Pricier but the right choice for uncovered patios.
- Fiber-filled cushions: soft and inexpensive; tend to flatten and clump within a season or two.
Thickness
Seat cushions on rattan lounge chairs usually measure 4–6 in. Thinner than 4 in and you start to feel the weave; thicker than 6 in raises the seat height and can make a low chair feel perched.
Fabric
| Fabric | Fade resistance | Water handling | Typical replacement cushion price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution-dyed acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella) | Excellent, color through the fiber | Water-repellent, breathable | $120–$300 per chair set |
| Solution-dyed polyester or olefin | Good | Water-resistant, dries well | $70–$180 |
| Printed polyester | Fair, fades in 1–2 summers | Absorbs moisture | $40–$100 |
| Cotton or linen (indoor) | Poor in sun | Not for outdoors | $50–$150 |
Look for zippered covers so the fabric can be washed, and ties or hook-and-loop tabs that keep the cushion from sliding forward on the smooth weave.
Fit and comfort by user
Deep lounge chairs are designed for lounging, which can be uncomfortable for shorter people whose knees do not reach the front edge.
- Under about 5’4″: choose a seat depth around 20–22 in (measured on the cushion) or add a back pillow to bring the backrest forward.
- Average height: 22–24 in usable seat depth suits most.
- Over 6 ft: look for 24 in+ seat depth and a back height of at least 28–30 in.
- Getting up easily: a seat height of 16–17 in with sturdy arms is easier to stand from than a 12–14 in low-slung chair.
Weight capacities for aluminum-framed resin wicker lounge chairs commonly run 250–330 lb. Natural rattan chairs are often rated lower; check the listing if it matters.
Space needed on a patio
A pair of rattan lounge chairs with a small side table between them needs roughly a 7 x 4 ft area, plus 24–30 in of walkway around them. Facing pairs with a coffee table work in about 8 x 8 ft. Leave enough space behind chairs that tilt or rock if the design includes a rocking base.
Care and storage
- Wipe the synthetic weave with mild soap and water; a soft brush clears dirt from the gaps.
- Natural rattan should be dusted and kept out of direct moisture; a light coat of furniture wax helps protect the finish.
- Store cushions in a deck box or indoors during long rainy spells and over winter.
- Cover chairs in winter with breathable covers, or stack them in a garage if the frames are light enough.
Assembly realities
Most rattan lounge chairs ship fully woven, sometimes with legs or the back to bolt on. Boxes are bulky but light, typically 25–45 lb. Because the weave cannot be compressed, check door and gate widths: a 32 in wide chair passes through a standard 36 in door, but wide papasan bowls may need to be tipped on edge.
