How do we measure a small balcony to make sure an outdoor chair will fit?

Measure the usable width and depth (not the total balcony dimension) and allow for a 60-80 cm circulation path in front of seating; if the usable width is under 1.5 m we recommend folding or stacking designs rather than bulkier loungers.

Which materials hold up best in South African coastal conditions?

For coastal patios we favour teak or hardwood with regular oiling or annual sand-and-seal, powder-coated aluminium for rust resistance, and tightly woven polyethylene resin/wicker for low maintenance; always choose finishes and fabrics rated for salt air where relevant.

What are the most space-efficient chair styles for compact balconies?

We recommend slim folding chairs or stackable sling chairs for compact balconies because they stow easily and make social sitting simple, or consider built-in bench seating with removable cushions to free floor space.

What should we check about cushions and covers for outdoor chairs?

Look for removable covers with clear care labels, quick-dry polyester with UV stabilisers where possible, and store cushions in a waterproof box during the wet season to extend their life.

How much should we realistically budget for an outdoor chair in South Africa?

Expect a wide range depending on material and brand, from around R500 up to R6 000+, with common mid-range options near R1 200-R2 500; a slightly higher upfront spend often reduces replacement and maintenance costs over time.

Outdoor chairs for South African patios and balconies - styles, materials and smart buying tips

Practical advice for choosing outdoor chairs for patios and balconies in South Africa - materials, measurements, care and real-life buying tips.

Published:June 15, 2026

Updated:September 10, 2026

5 min read

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Why the right outdoor chair matters for patios and balconies

We spend a lot of time near the door: morning coffee on a small balcony, weekend braais on a paved patio, or an afternoon rest in the shade. The right outdoor chair makes those moments comfortable, tidy and easy to care for in South African conditions. When we choose a chair we’re thinking about scale (will it fit the space?), material (can it handle sun and rain?), and everyday use (is it easy to move and store?).

Match style to use, not to a trend

Instead of picking a chair because it looks good in a catalog photo, think about how you’ll use it. For a compact balcony where evenings are shared, a pair of slim folding chairs or stackable sling chairs save space and make social sitting easy. For a laid-back patio near a permanent braai, consider more solid lounge chairs with durable cushions that are easy to remove.

Key material choices and what they mean in our climate

Aluminium: light, rust-resistant if powder-coated; good for windy balconies.
Teak and other hardwoods: age to a silver patina, sturdy - needs oiling or an annual sand-and-seal in coastal areas.
Resin/Wicker (polyethylene): low-care and durable against UV; choose tightly woven pieces for longer life.
Steel/iron: strong but heavier - ask for galvanised or powder-coat finishes for rust protection.
Fabric sling or textilene: breathable, quick-dry and comfortable without cushions.

Measure first - small errors matter

Balconies especially need careful measuring. Measure the usable width and depth (not the total balcony dimension) and allow for a 60-80 cm circulation path in front of seating. If space is under 1.5 m wide, we recommend folding or stacking designs rather than bulkier loungers.

Comfort basics we check in person

When we test a chair, we notice seat height (45-48 cm suits most adults), seat angle (slightly reclined for lounge chairs), and the depth (a deep seat is cosy but not good for upright dining). Try a quick sit if you can: a chair that looks good might feel awkward after ten minutes.

If you’re shopping online, look for clear dimensions and return policies. We keep selections simple on our outdoor category so you can compare sizes side-by-side on the product page.

Consideration: On coastal patios, pick finishes and fabrics rated for salt air. A slightly higher upfront spend often saves time and the cost of frequent replacement.

Explore our curated range of outdoor seating on the Outdoor page and for compact seating options see our Chairs collection.

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Practical buying checklist for South African patios and balconies

We use a short, repeatable checklist when choosing outdoor chairs so decisions stay calm and useful:

Space fit: can two people sit and pass a tray? (Measure first.)
Material match: will it face sun, rain, wind or salty air?
Weight & portability: do we need to move chairs for storage or cleaning?
Maintenance: how often are we willing to clean, oil or re-tighten?
Budget realism: a durable chair can cost from around R500 to R6 000+ depending on material and brand; expect common mid-range options near R1 200-R2 500 (estimates only).

Buying for small balconies - our favourite approaches

For tight spaces we prefer two patterns: slim-profile folding chairs that stow vertically, or built-in bench seating with removable cushions. Both free up floor space for plants or a small outdoor table when needed.

Caring for cushions and covers

Choose cushion covers with a clear care label - many are quick-dry polyesters with UV stabilisers. We recommend removable covers and a waterproof storage box for wet seasons. For price-sensitive choices, replaceable cushions let you refresh a seating set without buying new frames.

Mix-and-match tips that work in real homes

A single sturdy lounge chair can anchor a mix of lighter dining chairs and a small side table. We often recommend pairing a weatherproof lounge (teak or aluminium) with lighter resin dining chairs for flexibility. Keep a consistent colour or material accent (for example, black powder-coated frames) to make mixed seating feel deliberate.

Practical examples: what we’d choose in common scenarios

City balcony under 6 m²: two folding aluminium or sling chairs - easy to store and quick-dry.
Small suburban patio for casual dining: stackable resin chairs plus a compact outdoor table for flexibility.
Shaded veranda near a braai: low lounge chairs with removable, quick-dry cushions and a small coffee table.

Where to look on Bash and what to expect

We’ve organised outdoor seating so you can filter by material, seat height and whether a chair stacks or folds. If you want to quickly compare compact options, visit our Chairs and Outdoor Tables listings; product pages show dimensions and care notes so you can match a chair to your space.

Final thoughts - simple choices, better use

We favour solutions that fit the life you lead: lightweight and storable for renters, robust and refinable for long-term homes. Choose materials and formats that suit your climate and maintenance preferences, measure carefully, and use cushions and covers to extend comfort without adding fragility. Small investments in the right chair pay off because we actually use our outdoor spaces more.

Sources

Outdoor (shop) - Bash
Chairs (shop) - Bash
South African National Standards (SANS)
Agricultural and horticultural guidance for outdoor plant placement

Last updated: September 10, 2026

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Outdoor chairs for South African patios and balconies - styles, materials and smart buying tips

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Choose for use

Match materials to climate

Measure and plan

Why the right outdoor chair matters for patios and balconies

Match style to use, not to a trend

Key material choices and what they mean in our climate

Measure first - small errors matter

Comfort basics we check in person

Practical buying checklist for South African patios and balconies

Buying for small balconies - our favourite approaches

Caring for cushions and covers

Mix-and-match tips that work in real homes

Practical examples: what we’d choose in common scenarios

Where to look on Bash and what to expect

Final thoughts - simple choices, better use

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