Sunbed: Building the Perfect Lounger for My Pool

 My pool area had no loungers, and ready-made sunbeds were either cheap (uncomfortable) or expensive (5,000+ AED). I hired a sunbed carpenter to build custom loungers. He built two sunbeds from teak wood (weather-resistant) with adjustable backs. The cushions are made from quick-dry foam with outdoor fabric. The total cost was 3,500 AED for two sunbeds (1,750 AED each). Ready-made teak sunbeds cost 4,000-6,000 AED each. For outdoor furniture, custom is often cheaper than high-end ready-made.

Choosing Wood for Outdoor Sunbeds

Outdoor wood must be weather-resistant. Teak is the best (naturally oily, doesn't rot). My sun bed carpenter recommended Grade A teak (no knots). The cost was 400 AED per board foot. For a budget option, choose eucalyptus (200 AED/board foot) but seal it annually. For a coastal area (salt air), only teak or aluminum will last. For a covered patio (protected), pine (100 AED/board foot) is fine but needs yearly sealing.

Designing Adjustable Back Sunbeds

Sunbeds need adjustable backs for comfort. My sunbeds have 5 back positions (flat to upright). The mechanism is stainless steel (won't rust). The carpenter built the frame with rounded corners (safety) and armrests. For a pool area, avoid sharp corners (risk of injury). For a garden, sharper corners are fine. For a family with children, choose rounded corners. For adults only, either is fine.

Cushions for Outdoor Sunbeds

Outdoor cushions need quick-dry foam (water drains through) and UV-resistant fabric. My sunbed cushions are 8cm thick (comfortable) with a removable cover (machine-washable). The fabric is solution-dyed acrylic (Sunbrella) - won't fade. For a pool area, quick-dry foam is essential (standard foam absorbs water and molds). For a covered patio, standard foam is fine. For a coastal area, choose marine-grade fabric (salt-resistant).

Sunbed Dimensions for Comfort

Standard sunbed length is 190-200cm (fits most adults). Width is 70-80cm (enough to turn). My sun bed is 195cm x 75cm. The height is 35cm (easy to get on/off). For a tall person (190cm+), extend the length to 210cm. For a large person, increase width to 90cm. For a child's sunbed, 150cm x 60cm is sufficient. Test the dimensions with a cardboard mock-up before building.

Maintenance of Wooden Sunbeds

Teak sunbeds need minimal maintenance (they grey naturally). My sunbeds are cleaned with soap and water monthly. For a teak that you want to keep golden, apply teak oil every 6 months. For a budget wood (pine, eucalyptus), seal annually with marine varnish. For a wooden sunbed in Dubai's sun, expect some cracking (normal). For a low-maintenance option, choose aluminum sunbeds (but they get hot in sun).

Cost of Custom Sunbeds vs Ready-Made

Ready-made teak sunbeds cost 4,000-6,000 AED each. My custom teak sunbeds cost 1,750 AED each (saved 2,250-4,250 AED per sunbed). sunbed custom is significantly cheaper for high-end materials. For low-end materials (plastic, aluminum), ready-made may be cheaper. For a high-quality outdoor furniture set, get quotes from carpenters. You may be surprised by the savings.