Family events such as summer outings to the beach are part of life for most people.
However, some people may spend a significant amount of time outdoors in chairs provided for them by the event’s host. It is also possible that some may use the chairs for specific activities, such as watching a movie or reading.
What if your trip this time has fewer options for seating? In that case, you may need to provide your own chairs.
Lawn chairs can be a good choice for providing extra seating on the beach because they are waterproof, portable, foldable, and some can easily be stored without taking up too much space.
This article will provide you with information to help you decide if their versatility is right for you at the beach.
It also covers some tips for anchoring, storage, and preventing sand from getting onto the chair on the beach.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a beach chair and a lawn chair?
The main differences between a beach chair and a lawn chair include height and length.
Beach chairs may be longer than most standard lawn chairs, and they tend to be a few inches above the sandy ground as well, allowing you to sit low to the ground in a little slanted position – perfect for those all-day long tanning sessions.
As for length, beach chairs often have a telescoping design with lengths ranging from 36″ to 75″. Lawn chairs are designed with a shorter seat length than pool chairs and offer more elevated positions than a beach chair.
A traditional beach chair is a lightweight, portable lounge chair that is primarily used by people sitting on the sand or surf.
Some include fabric-covered wooden frames and armrests with a back and/or support cushioning.
These chairs are typically collapsible for easy transport and storage.
If you’re looking for something to be more of a comfortable low seat, then you’ll want to buy your beach-ready reclining chair from the store.
On the other hand, a lawn chair refers to a variety of lightweight chairs, typically made of cloth, plastic or metal frames.
These chairs usually feature a back, seat and armrests.
Lawn chairs are most often used for seated activities outdoors and on hard surfaces such as patios, lawns or decks.
Many contemporary lawn chairs can be folded when not in use, for storage and convenient transportation.
Wooden lawn chairs are often heavier and painted to match the décor of your outdoor space.
Can lawn chairs be used at the beach?
Beach and lawn chairs are similar in the sense that they are both weatherproof and designed for use outdoors.
Lawn chairs are fine to use at the beach.
However, beach chairs are more aesthetically pleasing than lawn chairs for use on the sand or poolside.
Also, they tend to feature a lightweight and colorful design that is wrapped around a wooden frame – giving you space to reposition and lean back as needed.
The armrests, back and chair height make it easy to relax while keeping your feet off the sand.
Here are some reasons why people choose a beach-style reclining chair:
- A more natural, laid-back position for sunbathing
- Feet stay off the ground for sand-free comfort
- Some beach chairs can serve as a great umbrella holder
- Lightweight design for easy portability
- Extended sizes for tall people
- Portable recliner for beach or poolside relaxation
- Weather resistant construction for outdoor use
Should I bring anchors for my lawn chairs?
Lawn chairs are designed for use on hard surfaces, not soft sand.
When you bring them to the beach, you need to make sure that the seats and loop back of your lightweight lawn chairs are firmly fastened so they do not get blown off by the wind or water.
Multipurpose anchors are an inexpensive and easy addition to your beach chair set.
They are designed to distribute the weight of your chair evenly and prevent it from blowing off the ground.
Other ideas for securing your lawn chair or beach chair to the sand include:
- bungee cords with hooks
- tie furniture to sandbags
- stack lawn chairs on top of each other
- tie the chair to a picnic table
- beach tent with anchor stakes to break the wind
- bring an umbrella that you can anchor in between two chairs
- weighted umbrella base that blocks wind from one side of the furniture completely
- use your own body weight to push the chair further into the sand, thus making it harder for it to move around
Does sand damage lawn chairs?
Staying on the topic of using lawn chairs on the beach, it is important to know that sand is incredibly abrasive.
Sand can wear out the fabric and metal of your lawn chair as well as ruin or rust out any moving components.
The many grains of sand rubbing against each other will also create a lot of friction which will cause the joints of the lawn chair to break down, over time.
Sand will also stick to a lot of things, which means you’ll find yourself constantly cleaning everything off especially your clothes and feet, which will not be fun.
What is the best way to keep your lawn chair from sinking or sliding on sand?
Lawn chairs are designed to be used on a grassy surface and hard surfaces.
They are not designed for sand or soft surfaces and will not stay in place.
In addition to it being difficult to keep a lawn chair from sinking in soft sand, sand is also very abrasive and will wear out the chair.
Not to mention pests and bugs, which can happen if you leave your chair at the beach for a long period of time.
That being said, it could still be possible to use your lawn chair on a sandy beach if you take the proper measures such as:
- sand proof groundsheet
- place rubber furniture pads underneath the chair
- lay beach mat or beach blanket under chair
- use foot pads underneath the chair to keep it from sinking further
- fit knobs to the camp chair legs to prevent it from digging into sand
- reduce the weight on the furniture
- put it on top of a base made out of bricks, wood, or pebbles
- choose swing chairs or beach rocking chairs
How do you put away lawn chairs at the beach?
To put away lawn chairs at the beach, you will want to find a place that is defended against the sun and wind.
You can also use your RV car or truck for storage, if you have one, because it will usually protect your items from the elements that could possibly rust or damage them.
If you have a boat, then you will be able to use it as storage as well.
Whatever you do though, make sure that the lawn chairs are in a dry and dark place and away from the elements, in case they start rusting or corroding.
Although lawn chairs are not necessarily vulnerable to it, ensuring longevity is a smart choice to keep your lawn chairs healthy and to give you many years of use.
Other tips to store chairs on the beach:
- Place them on top of a car
- Use beach storage facilities or units
- Rent a storage boat
- Leave your chairs and belongings under the watch of a lifeguard
- Fold and stack them under umbrella
- Cover them with blankets or sheets
- Place them in tents or a canopy
- Secure them in empty sandbags or canvas beach bags
- Place a tarp over them
Is there a way to prevent sand from getting onto your lawn chair?
There are many ways to prevent sand from getting into your lawn chairs.
The most obvious way is to use ground covers like sand clothes or other synthetic materials or large vinyl tarps.
Sandless beach blankets are made of synthetic material that won’t hold sand and can be purchased at the beach.
Another thing you can do is to keep an empty gallon jug or two with you when you go to the beach. When you want to clean sand off your body or chair, simply wash up with the gallon jug.
Beach showers within proximity to the beach, usually can provide a quick clean up, thus preventing sand from getting into your chair.
Getting covered in sweat after applying sunscreen can leave your chair a mess.
One easy option is to keep some wet wipes in your beach bags and clean up after applying the sunscreen.
Before you go to the beach, it’s a good idea to set up your chairs and supply them with covers or tarps so that they are ready to use once you arrive at the beach.
Conclusion
It’s easy to think that you’re hogging up too much space when you’re using a lawn chair as a home for your towel.
However, there are some times when it’s appropriate for someone to use a lawn chair at the beach.
Lawn chairs are great for outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and swimming. They are very versatile and can be used indoors too.
However, before using them outdoors, it is important to know how to take care of them properly.
The key to using a lawn chair at the beach is to keep in mind that the beach has sand and limited storage sometimes.
With that in mind, if you’re going to use a lawn chair at the beach, make sure you take proper precautions and keep your lawn chair from sinking in the sand and becoming uncomfortable to sit in.
Also, strong breeze or winds can cause your chair to move, so make sure the tips shared in the article are followed.
