A deck chair is a type of folding chair which was originally designed to be used on a ship's deck. Today, deck chairs can be found in all sorts of locations, including landlocked hotels, but they continue to be used for the same purpose as their nautical forbearers: lounging. The deck chair's design is intended to be extremely comfortable, allowing a sitter to wile away many hours sitting in the deck chair.

Because deck chairs were originally designed to be used on ships, they were typically made from very sturdy, durable materials which could withstand salt spray and wind. Teak was the classic wood of choice for traditional deck chairs, and the seats were typically made from heavy duty canvas. Modern deck chairs may be made from teak or other woods, but they can also be made from metal and plastic; canvas continues to be the material of choice for seating, because it is able to withstand heavy weight and weather, in the event that the deck chair is left outside.

The folding design makes a deck chair very easy to move and store, which can be extremely useful when space is limited. Early versions of the deck chair only unfolded into one position, usually with a tilted back to promote relaxation. Modern deck chairs are often adjustable, and they may include features like foot rests to make them especially comfortable, along with accessory pillows to soften the back of the deck chair.

Hotels, resorts, and other facilities which cater to vacationers tend to have an abundance of deck chairs, particularly around public areas like pools and patios. Often, the number of deck chairs is less than the number of guests, leading to fierce competition for deck chairs during the busy season. By convention, people may mark “ownership” of a particular deck chair with a personal item like a bag, book, or towel, and moving these items to take possession of a deck chair is generally frowned upon.

Some people also like to use deck chairs at home, typically bringing them out in the summer months, when it is enjoyable to be outside, and storing them in the winter. Deck chairs may be scattered across a lawn, deck, or porch for people to lounge on; thanks to their light weight, they are easy to move when people want to relocate. Deck chairs may also be taken along on hiking or camping trips so that people have a comfortable place to sit.