Orthopedic chairs - Patio chair

Patio chairs are used on patios, garden areas, forecourts and other outdoors situations where people want to sit down, relax or eat a meal. Patio chairs can be single chairs or benches suited to two or more people.

With alfresco eating and the increasing use of gardens and backyards, patio furniture has become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades, even in cooler climates like that of the UK.

One explanation for this is the overall increase in annual temperatures, but the other is the variety of garden and patio heaters that are now available at highly affordable prices. These heaters enable a garden to be converted into an outdoor extension of the home and used for dinning, parties and other activities.

Types of patio chair

There is an almost limitless number of patio chair designs. There are also many different materials, and combinations of materials, from which these chairs can be manufactured.

The three main materials are wood, metal and different plastics.

The traditional patio furniture set has always been made of wood, either hard wood or treated soft wood. This material looks good and will last well if it is looked after. All wooden outdoor chairs will benefit from being taken indoors over the winter or rainy months of the year. These chairs also require periodic cleaning and treatment if they are to have a prolonged life of use.

Metal, usually cast iron, patio chairs and tables are tough and very hard wearing. They will normally be finished with a paint or treatment to improve their appearance and weatherproof properties. Chairs of this type are often styled in a Victorian fashion. This is partly because it suits the material, but also because the designs can be scaled down and this reduces the weight of these otherwise very heavy chairs. Chairs made of metals are hard and they will get cold or hot (if in direct sunlight), so they need to be used with cushions.

The final type of chair is one made of man-made materials, normally derivatives of plastic moulding. These are the cheapest patio chair option. This is because the chairs are simple to make an use inexpensive material. They are also the least attractive option, but also probably the best suited to outdoor situations. They are available in different colours.

An increasing number of patio chairs now combine a coated metal frame with material or fabric seats and backrests. These chairs, like some wooden chairs, may also be foldable for easy storage

Most patio chairs are designed based on style and looks and they are not orthopedic or ergonomic.