Patio chair

Discussion in 'Gardening For People With Disabilities' started by Michael Hewett, May 10, 2025.

  1. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    Does anyone know of a good patio chair for someone who has difficulty sitting in, and getting up from an ordinary chair. It's for myself, I can't sit comfortably in the chairs I've got, and I have great difficulty getting up from them - stiff back and inability to straighten up and walk ...
    so I can't sit outside on my patio :frown:
     
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      Last edited: May 10, 2025
    • AuntyRach

      AuntyRach Total Gardener

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      I think garden chairs, particularly reclining, are notorious for being difficult to get in/out of. Don’t try a deck chair - the worst!
      Would a bench be better? You can put cushions for comfort. A bench isn’t too deep or low plus it will have the sides to hold on too.
       
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      • CanadianLori

        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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        Perhaps something like a bar stool, the kind they call counterheight because the tops of the arms can slide under one.

        No "climbing" just back up and slide onto it.
         
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        • ricky101

          ricky101 Total Gardener

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          Not what you were asking but might be of help, find these "gel" type cushions very good when a seat is not comfortable, sometimes add a soft padded cushion on top as well.

          002463.jpg
           
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          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            I use an old executive office chair. It's leather that was showing quite a bit of wear and was being sold cheaply. Charity shops sometimes sell them cheaply secondhand. Mine is kept under cover in our pergola but because it has wheels it is easy to move it around. The height is also adjustable.

            Mine is something like this.

            upload_2025-5-10_20-52-59.png

            When Sarafi the cat from four doors away was around it was his chair but he always let me use it when I wanted it. :biggrin:
             
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            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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              I just use a plastic B&Q type chair, its not too low and has arms to push up from, but I agree that a wooden bench is nice.
               
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              • Selleri

                Selleri Koala

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                Another vote for a sturdy wooden bench. Very stable, good seat height and often lovely old ones are available cheaply in charity furniture shops, Neighbourhood websites, and I'd assume, Facebook.

                We had a gorgeous one in the previous rented house, the landlord just couldn't be bothered to throw it out as the cast iron ends weighted a ton... sadly, I couldn't steal it with us but am on a lookout for a similar one.

                Weatherproof cushions and seat pads will enhance the comfort for long time sitting, they are available everywhere, from Argos and The Range to posh options.
                 
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                • Emptyheadtime

                  Emptyheadtime Gardener

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                  I have one of these (with the added cushion and footstool).
                  https://www.cyan-teak-furniture.com/bali-reclining-garden-chair-teak

                  It is a reclining type and I find the high back really good and supportive compared to our other standard lower chairs. It is quite solid/heavy which helps when I am pushing myself up out of it. Spent many an hour dozing in it.
                   
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                  • noisette47

                    noisette47 Total Gardener

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                    Getting the angle of the backrest right is critical, so I'd say that getting something as adjustable as possible is important. Another often-neglected aspect is the position of the headrest if there is one. Being a shortie, they're usually about a foot above my neck...most uncomfortable!
                    The tough plastic webbing types on a frame are softer to sit on than wood or plastic rattan. Look for rounded tubular frames, not square, which can cut into the backs of your knees. Then, the deepest, softest cushions you can find.
                    If you can get to a DIY store or GC, spend a couple of hours at least trying out different styles. Most can be eliminated after 10-15 minutes!
                     
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                    • Michael Hewett

                      Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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                      Thank you all for helpful replies, a lot to think about ...

                      I've got an orthopedic cushion for the house and another one for the car, they are cylinder shaped, and I put them behind my lower back, so maybe I'll get another one to go with my new chair when I have one.
                       
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                      • Victoria

                        Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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                        Morning Michael. We have these chairs with mesh which are cool and comfortable and have the arms to push oneself up. Easy to put cushion for back. We get them at our DIY Leroy Merlin (like B&Q) for about 30 Euros. Not too heavy for moving.

                        Sandbar 2 Aug 23.jpg
                         
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                        • Michael Hewett

                          Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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                          Thanks @Victoria, I must take a trip around some garden centres soon .
                           
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                          • Goldenlily26

                            Goldenlily26 Total Gardener

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                            I have found an old Lloyd loom bedroom chair the most comfortable garden chair to sit in since I have had to give up using my lovely, comfortable banana chairs.
                            It has to be kept indoors when raining and during the winter, the fabric of the chair is compressed paper twisted into a twine and woven. They cost about £25.00 from car boot sales and/or charity shops. I did buy some new copies from B&M but they were not the same shape and not comfortable. They were made from split cane and the shape was wrong, they felt hard,
                            sharp and dug into you.
                             
                          • lizzie27

                            lizzie27 Total Gardener

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                            @Michael Hewett, I am sorry to hear you have difficulty finding a comfy outdoor chair because of back problems and wondered whether your physio could advise on a suitable one? (if you have regular physio).

                            If you have a medical need, then very possibly you might be able to get one for free?
                             
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                            • ViewAhead

                              ViewAhead Total Gardener

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                              If you ever find a comfy one, @Michael Hewett, let me know. ;) Sitting is something I avoid, indoors or out.
                               
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