What is the Difference Between A Beach Chair and A Lawn Chair? 

Did you know that once beach chairs belonged to fancy people only? 

At that time lawn chairs didn’t even exist. Well, “modern problems require modern solutions”

Pretty sure you have at least used both beach and lawn chairs once. 

However, have you ever thought about why both can be used in either place? Or why not there be just one in existence? 

So, if you think about it, there must be a reason that manufacturers make them differently and each serves its purpose, right? 

Today we are going to find out “that” purpose in this article on the difference between a beach chair and a lawn chair. So without further ado, it’s time to know about beach and lawn chairs.

Let’s Get To Know The Perfect Beach Chair

Imagine you planned to go to the beach after a long week of tiring work. You made all the preparations from sunscreens to lotions to towels and the cold frizzies. 

Oh, where to sit? Definitely, you won’t be laying down on the sand will you? 

This is where a beach chair comes in. 

A beach chair is designed in such a way that it can be placed properly on sand without any hassle. They are very comfortable because you can easily recline on them, I mean it’s just like a bed on the beach, what more could you ask for comfort? 

Beach chairs are very lightweight. You can carry them easily and pop them in the trunk of your car. It doesn’t matter if you are a tall person or healthy person, beach chairs are super comfortable. 

They are usually made of wood but there are other models out there that come in different materials to suit the needs of the user. 

Know About The Prominent Lawn Chair

A lawn chair literally almost gives you the vibes you get on a beach chair.

However, lawn chairs are smaller in size and some models are easily foldable and can fit into tight spaces. You can carry them anywhere you want and just unfold them and grab a seat but it can be quite heavy.

Lawn chairs come in various makes such as plastic, wood, or aluminum but the only downside of aluminum lawn chairs is that they might get hot if exposed to the sun for a longer period of time. 

You can fix an umbrella systematically so that the whole lawn chair along you can sit under the shed. You get protected so does your lawn chair. 

People’s first choice is always the plastic lawn chair. They are not only cheap but come in different colors which satisfies the customization desires of a user, plus they can be cleaned very easily and are often resistant to harsh weather. 

The Difference Between A Lawn Chair and A Beach Chair

What differentiates a lawn chair from a beach chair?

It is their design, the materials, and their uses. 

Let’s have a look at the following to have a better understanding. 

So if we talk about the design then lawn chairs are made in such a way that you can only sit in an upright position meaning that you cannot lay down. They have a straight-back rest. But in the case of beach chairs, they are designed in such a way that you can easily recline and relax as if you are in the comfort of your bed. 

Now let’s check where the chairs are best suited. 

Well, the names themselves are self-explanatory but let’s dig deeper. 

You can sit with the lawn chair in your garden, at a hiking trail, or even at the local park. They are best stable on grass-type surfaces. 

You can sit with the beach chair in a water park, by the pool, or just relax by reading a book in your backyard pretending that there is a beach upfront. Beach chairs are best on sandy surfaces. 

Both lawn chairs and beach chairs are available in different materials such as wood and plastic. However, the only difference is that lawn chairs are not made of aluminum material whereas there are aluminum versions of beach chairs in the market. 

In a beach chair, there are many features like a cup holder and pockets to store magazines, towels, phones, laptops, etc. 

But, in a lawn chair, you are limited to one pocket maximum because the size and design of it don’t allow you to have such many pockets. 

Can You Turn A Lawn Chair Into A Beach Chair? 

It’s time for DIY. 

You can now easily turn your lawn chair into a beach chair if you give the right amount of effort. Let me tell you it’s super easy. 

I have broken down the steps below for you to easily make it.

Get Your Materials 

You will need a lawn chair first. Get some towels or any type of fabric, a pair of scissors with a needle, and measuring tape. 

You can get an umbrella and a cup holder if you want as an add-on.

Throw Away The Existing Fabric

Flip your lawn chair upside down. Remove the existing fabrics from it and make sure you carefully take notes of the attachment points.

One wrong move and then the whole thing is ruined.

Measuring The New Fabric

Take proper measurements of the whole lawn chair and the backrest area. Keep some extra room for fabric. 

Now with this measurement. Cut the towel or the desirable fabric that you have chosen for this DIY project. 

Sewing The New Fabric

Now that you have cut the fabric, place it over the lawn chair aligning to the attachment points. 

Then carefully use a needle and thread to sew the fabric onto the chair very tightly. Please be careful around sharp objects.

Adding The Add Ons

If you have gathered some add-ons such as an umbrella or a cup holder in the first step then now is the time to fix them to your lawn chair with some screws.

Time To Test

After completing the above processes, flip that chair back up and test its stability. 

If it’s still a bit shaky then tighten the adjustments up until it’s no more shaky. You don’t want to wobble-wobble when chilling. 

A Master At Work

Voila amigo! You have done it. 

You have successfully turned your lawn chair into a beach chair. Now let’s get going and chill at the beach with your newly handmade beach chair. 

Which One Should You Pick?

Well, choosing between a lawn chair and a beach chair entirely depends on your needs. 

If you are still confused then put in some perspective with us. Let’s find out how each works to meet your demands.

What’s The Purpose? 

First, understand how you are planning to use the chair. 

If you just want to chill in the backyard, attend some outdoor activities, or even just camp in grassy areas then a lawn chair should be perfect for you. 

However, if you are specifically looking for a chair to take to the sandy environment then a beach chair is the real deal. They are built to work efficiently in sandy areas.

Easy To Carry

If you are looking for mobility, then beach chairs are the way to go. They are generally lighter and more compact compared to lawn chairs. 

They often come with shoulder straps, and carrying handles, and even fold like a backpack. 

Now you might be thinking, what about lawn chairs? Well, they are portable but are slightly heavier and bulkier. 

No Shaky-Shaky

Lawn chairs are typically designed with stability in mind. They often have wider bases and sturdy frames. They are suitable for use on uneven or soft ground. 

However, beach chairs usually have features like extended back/legs or anti-sink feet to prevent them from sinking into the sand.

No Comfort No Bueno

At the end of the day, comfort is the main aspect you should really be considering. Both lawn chairs and beach chairs have their own comfort points. 

Lawn chairs often provide more support with their solid backrests and armrests. They may also come with some add-ons like cup holders and adjustable positions. 

Beach chairs are often lower to the ground and have a reclining backrest. You can relax and vibe along the waves.

Make Sure It’s Durable

Apart from comfort, another important thing to consider is durability. 

If it’s not durable then it’s a waste of money. 

Look for sturdy frames and weather-resistant fabrics that can withstand outdoor conditions. Beach chairs are often designed to resist sand, water, and exposure to salt air. On the other hand, lawn chairs may be more focused on durability and long-lasting performance. 

Personal Preference

Consider your personal preferences and aesthetic choices. Some people may prefer the classic look of a lawn chairs. Others might lean towards the vibrant and colorful designs which are quite familiar in beach chairs. 

Things To Check Before You Buy A Lawn Chair

• Checking the build quality of the chair is the first and foremost thing to do because you don’t want to invest in something that will deteriorate early. 
• Check for sturdy materials such as rust-resistant metal frames or weather-resistant plastics that can withstand any weather conditions.
• Make sure that the chair can take your weight or more than that because you might not be the only one sitting on it in your family. 
• Comfort is the main thing apart from all other considerations. Grab a seat and feel it. if you think it’s comfortable then go for it. 
• Go for the ones that have add-ons such as adjustable recliners and padded cushions. 
• If you are looking to move it frequently then go for the lighter ones.
• Lastly, Go for a lawn chair that you find aesthetically soothing. 

Things To Check Before You Buy A Beach Chair

• The first thing is portability. Beach chairs should be easier to carry. 
• Check if the chair is stable enough to withstand the breeze of air. You don’t want your beach chair to fly away after you come back from a good swim. Steel or aluminum frames are the ones that would work. 
• Look for adjustable recliners, headrests, and armrests to stay cozy all the time. 
• Make sure the seating area is spacious, a tight space can ruin the whole vibe. 
• Lastly, the add-ons, make the whole thing a deal breaker. Look for ones that have canopies, cup holders, and extra pockets to store your valuables. 

FAQ

Can I Use a Lawn Chair on the Beach?

You can use a lawn chair on the beach but it is not an ideal choice because they are designed for solid surfaces and may not provide you the best stability or comfort on a sandy surface. 

What are Beach Chairs Made of?

Beach chairs are made of aluminum or steel and rust-resistant metal for the frame. The seat and the backrest are made of polyester or nylon because they can withstand exposure to sun, water, and sand. 

What Size Are Beach Chairs?

Standard-sized beach chairs typically have a seat height of around 8 to 12 inches above the ground, a seat width of approximately 18 to 24 inches, and a backrest height of around 25 to 30 inches. There are also oversized beach chairs in the market. 

What are the Different Types of Beach Chairs?

There are folding beach chairs which is the classic one. Then there is the backpack beach chair which you can carry on your shoulders. 

Conclusion

To be more in a reclining position go for beach chairs. Lawn chairs have plenty of leg room to be kept on the ground and are limited to reclining, but some lawn chairs do offer a reclining feature as an add-on. 

So, as we have found out their differences, which one are you going to buy? 

Both of them have their own perks so make sure to buy the one that helps you.