A good beach chair should make settling in feel easy. Before the colour catches your eye, give the practical details a quick check: how it feels to sit in, how it carries and where it will fit when the day is done.

Use these six checks when comparing beach chairs at Boatshed7. For a fuller explanation, read our beach-chair buying guide.

1. The sitting position

Picture your usual afternoon. Reading upright and leaning back for a long chat call for different positions. Check the actual backrest angle and adjustment options, rather than assuming every folding chair reclines.

2. The seat measurements

Compare seat height, width and depth, plus the manufacturer's stated weight capacity. A low chair may suit the way you like to sit; a higher seat or usable armrests may suit you better when getting up. If you can try a chair, sit down and stand up as well as checking the look.

3. The walk from the car

Read the stated chair weight and check how it carries. Handles, straps and bags vary by model. Think about the whole load: a chair that is manageable on its own still needs to work alongside your towel, shade and lunch.

4. The folded size

Folding does not always mean compact. Measure your boot and the storage space at home, then compare the folded dimensions. Check whether accessories or a separate carry bag add to the packed size.

5. The care it needs

Read the care instructions for the specific fabric and frame. Do not assume a chair is rust-proof, mould-proof or maintenance-free because it is made for the beach. Remove loose sand, deal with salt residue as the manufacturer directs, and let the chair dry before storing it.

Check fastenings and moving parts regularly. Follow the opening and adjustment instructions, and stop using the chair if it is damaged.

6. The extras you will use

A pocket, cup holder or headrest can be handy. Check what is included, what costs extra and whether a separate accessory is compatible with your model. Choose the useful details after comfort and portability, rather than letting a long feature list decide for you.

Make a little space for summer

Once those six checks are sorted, choose the colour that feels like your beach day. Keep the pieces you love and add what makes the outing easier; there is no need to start the whole kit again.

Explore our current beach chair range, compare shade for your setup, or use our Australian beach packing checklist to pull the day together.