Key takeaways
- Two chaise lounges with an adjustable backrest, commonly four to six positions from upright to flat.
- Seat cushions, usually one long pad of 2–4 inches, sometimes with a headrest pillow.
- A side table in many sets, around 18–22 inches square and 13–16 inches tall, often with a glass or slatted top.
- Rear wheels on some models, which matter more than you think once you start chasing the sun across the patio.
A grey rattan sun lounger set of 2 is usually a pair of resin-wicker chaise lounges on steel or aluminum frames, each about 75 to 80 inches long and 24 to 30 inches wide, often sold with a small side table and cushions, and the best pairs are the ones with UV-stabilized polyethylene weave, aluminum frames and cushions you can remove and wash. Grey is a smart color for wicker: it hides dust and pollen and shows fading less than dark brown. The details below help you separate a pair that lasts several summers from one that cracks in the first.
What you get in a typical set
- Two chaise lounges with an adjustable backrest, commonly four to six positions from upright to flat.
- Seat cushions, usually one long pad of 2–4 inches, sometimes with a headrest pillow.
- A side table in many sets, around 18–22 inches square and 13–16 inches tall, often with a glass or slatted top.
- Rear wheels on some models, which matter more than you think once you start chasing the sun across the patio.
Key dimensions and patio space
| Measurement | Typical range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 74–82 in | Users over 6 ft want 78 in or more with the back flat |
| Width | 24–30 in | Wider seats feel less tippy when you sit on the side to stand up |
| Seat height | 11–16 in | Low lounges look sleek but are harder to get out of; 14–16 in is easier on knees |
| Weight capacity | About 250–330 lb each | Check per-lounger rating, not the set total |
| Weight of each lounger | About 20–45 lb | Aluminum frames are at the light end and easier to move |
Two loungers side by side with a table between them need roughly 8 feet of width (two 27-inch loungers, an 18-inch table and two 12-inch gaps) and about 7 feet of depth, plus a 24–30 inch walkway along the foot or one side. On a 10 x 10 ft deck, that fills most of the space; on a pool deck, keep at least 4 feet between the lounges and the water’s edge for a clear walkway.
Weave and frame: the trade-offs
| Component | Better option | Budget option | What happens over time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicker strand | HDPE (polyethylene) resin, UV-stabilized, colored through | PVC resin, surface-colored | PVC stiffens, chalks and cracks after a few seasons of sun; good PE stays flexible |
| Strand shape | Half-round or wide flat strands, tightly woven | Thin round strands, loose weave | Loose weave stretches and snags under the hip and shoulder zone |
| Frame | Powder-coated aluminum | Powder-coated steel | Steel rusts where the coating is chipped; rust stains the weave and patio |
| Backrest adjuster | Metal ratchet bar or gas-assist | Plastic notches | Plastic notches wear and slip under load |
| Feet | Replaceable plastic glides, rubber-tread wheels | Fixed hard plastic caps | Worn caps let the frame scratch pavers and trap water |
Grey wicker comes in many shades: light dove grey reflects heat and stays coolest in full sun; charcoal grey looks more modern but gets hot to the touch and shows white water spots. A mixed-tone or “heathered” grey weave hides wear best.
Cushions
Cushions are the part you will replace first. Look for the following:
- Thickness: 3–4 inches is noticeably more comfortable than 2 inches over wicker.
- Fabric: solution-dyed acrylic or solution-dyed polyester resists fading longest; printed polyester fades fastest. Grey and charcoal cushions hide grime but light grey shows sunscreen oil stains.
- Fill: quick-dry or reticulated foam drains after rain; standard polyurethane foam holds water.
- Ties: ties or a non-slip backing keep cushions from sliding down when the back is raised.
- Zippers: removable covers make washing possible; sewn-shut cushions eventually go in the trash.
Picks by situation
| Situation | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pool deck | Aluminum frame, wheels, quick-dry cushions or sling-style lounge pad | Chlorinated splash and wet bodies; light to move for cleaning |
| Small patio or balcony | Stackable or narrow 24–26 in loungers without a separate table | Saves 2–3 ft of width |
| Coastal home | Aluminum frame, HDPE weave, stainless hardware | Salt air rusts steel quickly |
| Older users | Seat height 15 in or more, sturdy arms | Arms give leverage to stand |
| Hot, sunny climate | Light grey weave and cushions | Darker shades get uncomfortably hot |
Set of 2 or two single loungers?
Buying a set usually costs less per lounger than two singles and guarantees the grey shades match, which is harder than it sounds: different production runs of “grey” wicker can look noticeably warmer or cooler side by side. The downside is that sets often come with a basic side table you may not want, and cushions in a single fabric. If you plan to add a third lounger later, note the exact color name and collection, because matching an older set in a later season is not always possible.
Assembly and care
Most sets arrive in one or two boxes, often 45–80 pounds combined. Assembly is usually limited to attaching legs, wheels and the backrest arm, roughly 20–40 minutes per lounger. Some arrive fully assembled and folded flat.
- Rinse the weave with a hose and mild soap a few times a season; pollen and grit wear strands where you lie.
- Bring cushions in or put them in a storage box after use; they are what fades and molds.
- Cover or store the loungers in winter. Even good PE weave lasts longer out of snow and freeze-thaw.
- Touch up any chipped powder coat on steel frames before rust starts.
Mass-market grey rattan lounger pairs usually cost $300–$900 for the set; aluminum-frame sets with thicker cushions run toward the upper end, and design-led brands go well above that.
