A good beach chair makes room for the best part of summer: settling in. A book, a long chat, sandy feet and nowhere else you need to be.

The best choice depends on how you spend your day and how far you carry your gear. Before choosing colours, compare the seat height, packed size, chair weight, reclining positions and stated weight capacity. Here is how to find your spot in the sand.

Which beach chair suits your beach day?

• For a short stroll and a long afternoon: compare reclining positions, back support and the space you have to stretch out.
• For a longer walk from the car: put carrying weight, folded dimensions and a comfortable strap or carry bag near the top of your list.
• For picnics and conversation: compare upright seating positions and a seat height that feels comfortable to get into and out of.
• For a small boot or limited storage: measure the folded chair against the space you actually have.

Explore our beach chairs collection to compare the current range. Features vary by model, so check the individual product details before ordering.

1. Start with seat height and comfort

Low seats bring you closer to the sand, while a higher seat may suit you better if you prefer a more upright position. Neither is the best choice for everyone. Check the seat height, seat width and backrest shape rather than relying on a photograph.

Think about how you sit, too. Do you like to lean back with a book, sit upright over lunch, or change position through the afternoon? A chair that suits your usual beach day is more useful than a long list of extras.

2. Compare carrying weight and folded size

A folding chair is not automatically a lightweight chair. Check its stated weight and the dimensions when folded. If you are carrying towels, a bag and the rest of the family's gear, consider how the chair fits into that load.

Look for the carrying arrangement that suits you: handles, a shoulder strap, backpack straps or a separate bag, where offered. Check whether it is included. Measure your boot and storage space before choosing a larger chair.

3. Check how the recline works

If reclining matters to you, check how many positions the specific model offers and how those positions are adjusted. Some chairs favour upright seating; others offer several angles. A lounger and a reclining chair can give quite different sitting experiences.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions when opening, adjusting and folding the chair. Check that its frame and adjustment mechanism are properly engaged before sitting down.

4. Read the stated weight capacity

Use the manufacturer's stated capacity for the exact model. Do not infer it from the size of the chair or the material of the frame. If that information is missing from a listing, ask us before purchasing.

5. Choose the extras you will use

A pocket for a book, a cup holder or a headrest can be handy. Check what comes with the chair and what is sold separately. Start with comfort and portability, then choose the small details that make your day easier.

6. Give it a little care between beach days

Follow the care instructions for your chair's fabric and frame. Remove loose sand, deal with salt residue as directed, and let the chair dry fully before putting it away. Avoid leaving it damp in a closed bag or boot. Check moving parts and fastenings regularly, and stop using a chair if it is damaged.

A quick check before you choose

• Does the seat height and width suit you?
• Can you comfortably carry its stated weight?
• Will it fit in your boot and storage space when folded?
• Does it offer the sitting or reclining positions you want?
• Have you checked the capacity, included accessories and care instructions?

Then comes the fun part: choosing a colour that feels like your summer. Browse Boatshed7 beach chairs, find your favourite, and make a little more time for beach outdoors.