The traditional sunbed has been a backyard staple for decades. It does the job — but it’s also heavy, awkward to reposition, quick to show wear, and frankly, not all that interesting. As outdoor living continues to evolve into a genuine extension of the home, more people are asking a simple question: is there a better way to lounge outside?
The Case for a Net Over a Sunbed
At first glance, a suspended net and a plastic recliner seem like different categories entirely. But when you consider what you’re actually looking for in an outdoor lounging experience — comfort, airflow, a sense of ease — the net starts to make a compelling case for itself.
Air circulation changes everything. A traditional sunbed traps heat between your body and the surface beneath you. A net, by contrast, is open on all sides. Air moves freely around you, which makes the experience dramatically more comfortable on hot summer afternoons — the exact conditions when most people want to be outside.
It holds more than one person. A quality home net, properly installed on a deck or patio, becomes a shared space. Two people can lounge side by side, children can sprawl across it, and it naturally invites the kind of unhurried togetherness that outdoor spaces are made for.
It’s a visual statement. Decks and patios benefit enormously from thoughtful design. A net — whether installed horizontally as a floating lounge platform or angled to catch a particular view — brings an architectural quality to an outdoor space that a row of sunbeds simply cannot.
Making It Work on a Deck or Patio
Installation comes down to anchor points: sturdy posts, beams, or a pergola structure that can bear a distributed load. Many deck builds already have what’s needed. The net itself can be sized to fit the footprint you’re working with, and materials can be chosen to complement the aesthetic of the space — natural tones for a wood deck, something bolder for a modern patio.
Feelnets offers custom-made nets built specifically for this kind of residential use, with options to tailor size, colour, and configuration to your setup.
Ahead of the Season
Summer doesn’t wait, and the best outdoor upgrades are the ones that are ready when the first warm weekend arrives. A custom net is a one-time installation that pays off every time someone chooses to spend an afternoon outside rather than in.
It’s a small shift in thinking — from furniture you place on a deck to a feature that becomes part of it.
