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The Best Adirondack Chairs We’ve Ever Tested

We put in the work to find the best Adirondack chairs for sitting outside in style and comfort.

Person sitting in an Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair on grass
Photo:

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

When it comes to outdoor furnishings, you just can’t beat the Adirondack chair. It has been a popular seating choice for over a century thanks to its signature angled seat and wide armrests, which make it more ideal for lounging than a traditional chair. Whether you place it in front of a firepit or on your porch, it’s sure to help you kick back, relax, and enjoy those summer soirees to the fullest. 

Adirondack chairs are available in a range of styles and finishes, and the best one will ultimately come down to your personal seating preferences. We’ve tested a variety of Adirondack chairs in the Des Moines lab and at home for up to six months, evaluating their assembly process, comfort, support, design, durability, and value to help you find a top-notch chair that meets your seating needs. We also spoke with Holly A Kopman, principal designer of Holly A Kopman Interior Design, for expert advice on how to shop for Adirondack chairs.

What Stands Out
  • This sleek Adirondack chair is in flawless condition after six months of use with little maintenance.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t fold up, so it’s difficult to move.

The comfort, durability, and sleek style this chair offers are hard to beat. Once assembled, we were able to quickly get comfy in this chair and felt the seat angle was perfect for sitting. While the armrests don't have cup holders, they're wide and flat enough to balance a drink on without it accidentally spilling. 

We also liked how steady it felt to sit in, and it didn’t wobble after we threw 15-pound medicine balls onto it as part of our testing. Plus, its streamlined silhouette brings a modern touch to our outdoor furnishings. 

We were also impressed by this chair’s durability. It’s made from Polywood, which is a material made from recycled plastic that’s also weatherproof and resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading from UV rays. Stains like barbecue sauce were wiped away easily, and it looks good as new six months afterward, even after it was left out all winter. All we had to do was give it a quick wipedown to clean it up again for warm weather. 

The one thing we would improve about this chair is its portability. It doesn’t fold, so it’s difficult to move around or bring inside, and it takes up a fair amount of room. If you have a small house or want a chair you can bring along on vacation, you may want to consider other lawn chair options, but otherwise, we’re sold on its modern style and remarkable durability and feel it’s a great addition to any outdoor space. 

Material: Polywood lumber | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Seat Width: 20.5 inches | Chair Weight: 34 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • This chair is made entirely from UV-protected acacia wood, so it can stand up to the elements while keeping a traditional look. 

What Could Be Improved
  • People under 5-foot-5 may have a difficult time using the rocking feature.

This rustic Adirondack chair is perfect for relaxing outside on summer evenings. It’s made from acacia wood coated with a UV-protective finish, so you don’t have to worry about it warping, chipping, or fading over time. It’s also very comfortable to sit in, but if you’re 5-foot-5 or under, you may find it difficult to rock the chair unless you scoot up to the edge of your seat. 

After testing this chair in rain, snow, and shine for six months, we can say it’s built to last. The wood surface barely shows any damage, and the finish hasn’t faded one bit. The only thing that scuffed it slightly was throwing a medicine ball at it, so unless you’re regularly hitting your outdoor furnishings while playing catch or frisbee in your yard, it should hold up nicely over time. Barbecue sauce stains also wiped away easily, but we did have to put in some extra elbow grease to get the marshmallow stain out. 

This chair is on the heftier side, but not so much that it’s impossible to move by yourself. It was also pretty easy to assemble, and overall, it didn’t require a lot of maintenance to keep in good shape. We think it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a classic Adirondack chair with some farmhouse flair. 

Material: Acacia wood with a U.V.-protective finish | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Seat Width: 20 inches | Chair Weight: 28.7 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

Person pushing the World Market Slatted Wood Adirondack Rocking Chair forward on a lawn

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

What Stands Out
  • This chair comes in lots of fun color options and is quite durable.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s very lightweight, so it’s more susceptible to being moved by harsh winds.

For those who crave color in their decor, the YEFU Adirondack chair is available in over a dozen vibrant hues that bring a pop to your outdoor space. We found the assembly process to be easy, and we also like how you can adjust the chair back angle to be more or less reclined. However, people with mobility issues may have a hard time getting in and out of the seat since it’s so steep. 

This chair is made from plastic, so it’s not the most sustainable option, but it is durable and light in weight. Plus, you don’t have to worry about splinters either since the surface is so smooth. 

Both the barbecue sauce and marshmallow stains were removed with just a bit of scrubbing, and it’s completely waterproof. However, our medicine ball test did leave a black mark on the chair that we weren’t able to get rid of. 

After six months of use in the elements, this chair didn’t have any significant damage like fading, cracking, or staining, and it looked just as good as the day we bought it. However, it’s very easy to move, so you may want to consider a more substantial chair if you live in a place that gets a lot of wind. Still, if you’re looking for a color and durable chair for your outdoor seating arrangement, this is definitely worth considering.  

Material: Plastic | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Seat Width: 20.3 inches | Chair Weight: 30 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • This chair is made from beautiful teak wood that resists stains and cracking.

What Could Be Improved
  • It needs to be stored indoors or in a shed during winter.

This Adirondack chair is made from teak, which is a great material for outdoor furniture because it's a hard wood that can hold up against all types of weather, and its natural oils resist pests. It did have a more involved assembly process than other options we tested, but once put together, it felt very sturdy and didn’t creak or wobble when we shifted in its seat. 

While the barbecue sauce and marshmallow stains were cleaned up with minimal effort, this chair does require some extra upkeep. When left out in the elements, this chair will develop a silvery patina, which can be prevented by sealing the chair (though, some people prefer the patina, so it comes down to your tastes). You can also customize it with your own finish, but it may fade if you leave it in the sun without regularly sanding it. 

During the warmer months, we kept this chair in a shady spot and didn’t notice any changes or imperfections to its finish. We did move it to our shed come winter per Grandin Road’s recommendations, so you should make sure you have storage space somewhere to keep your chair out of snow and harsh weather. But, given the craftsmanship and comfort this chair provides, we think it's worth the TLC to keep it in tip-top shape. 

Material: Teak wood | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Seat Width: 22.5 inches | Chair Weight: 22.5 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • This Adirondack bench is made entirely of sturdy acacia wood, so it has a rustic look that can stand up to the elements.

What Could Be Improved
  • The assembly process is time consuming.

This Adirondack chair has a loveseat-like design and is made from durable acacia wood, which is resistant to warping and cracking. The material felt quite sturdy and didn’t chip or move when we threw a medicine ball at it, and we never felt like the chair was going to tip over. It comes in a traditional wood and a chic gray finish, so you can match it to decor preferences.

While the assembly process was straightforward, it was time-consuming and eventually required a drill to finish the job, which isn’t ideal if you don't have power tools lying around. It was also difficult to remove the melted marshmallow, and we scraped off some of the wood stains in the process of doing so. That said, the barbecue sauce wiped away with no effort. 

This chair weighs just over 40 pounds and isn’t adjustable or foldable, so it may be difficult to move by oneself. But, it has a few design features that make it stand out, like an extra-tall back that you can rest your head against nice, wide armrests you can comfortably place a drink on, and scalloped detailing which brings farmhouse charm to your patio. Plus, the bench style adds an extra seating spot to your outdoor furniture while taking up less room than two separate chairs to make the most of your small space

Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Seat Width: 42.5 inches | Chair Weight: 41.9 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • It’s easy to store this chair, or even bring it along with you on vacation.  

What Could Be Improved
  • People who are short or have mobility issues may have a harder time getting up from this chair.

This chair is a great pick for people who prefer to store their patio furniture when not in use because it can be easily collapsed. Since it’s made from plastic, it’s lightweight while still being durable, and it stood up to sun, rain, snow, and wind over six months without a single scratch. It also comes in some fun color options to choose from.

We also found this chair to be quite comfortable to lounge in, though it was a little more difficult to get out of for some of us on the shorter side. Additionally, the seat has a large incline, which may be more challenging for people with mobility issues to use. But overall, we didn’t have any discomfort while using this chair and found it to be quite stable and supportive. 

This chair is low maintenance, too. We had to clean it when animals tracked dirt onto it, but it was easy to wipe away and didn’t require much upkeep. It also has a weight capacity of 380 pounds, which makes it one of the strongest chairs on this list. We also found the assembly process quick and simple, but we recommend having a buddy around to help you lift some of the heavier pieces. 

Material: Plastic | Weight Capacity: 380 pounds | Seat Width: 29.3 inches | Chair Weight: 37 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • This chair is easy on the eyes and is made from hardy acacia wood that can resist harsh weather. 

What Could Be Improved
  • Taller people won’t be able to rest their head and neck against it.

This Adirondack chair brought lots of style to our porch, so much so that our neighbors even complimented it. While traditional Adirondack chairs have vertical slats and a curved top on the back rest, this one has horizontal slats and straight lines that give it an updated look. However, the back is shorter than that of a traditional Adirondack chair, so those of us on the taller side were not able to rest our head against it. It also comes in a few different color options to add some extra flair to your furnishings. 

Beyond looks, we were also impressed by the durability of this chair. It’s made from sturdy acacia wood, which can take on all kinds of weather, and it’s treated to prevent mildew and fading from UV rays. Joss & Main recommend covering the chair when not in use to protect its finish, but we left it out during a massive snowstorm and didn't find water stains or other signs of damage, indicating it can withstand harsh weather. 

This chair is 24.25 pounds, so it’s light in spite of its sturdiness, and we had no issues moving it around. Though, it may feel awkward for petite people to carry due to its size and shape. The assembly process was also smooth and took us 15 minutes, and we think this chair is a great choice if you’re looking for a fresh take on the classic Adirondack chair.

Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Seat Width: 20.9 inches | Chair Weight: 24.25 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • This chair is foldable and lightweight, so it’s easy to move around and store.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s very low to the ground, so it may be challenging for taller people or those with mobility issues to sit in.

This sculptural Adirondack chair is both a stunning conversation piece and a functional piece of furniture. It has a foldable design which makes it effortless to stow away during winter, and it weighs just 18 pounds, so it’s easy to move around your home, or even bring along with you to the beach. It also doesn’t require any assembly; all you have to do is take it out of its box and unfold it once it’s delivered. 

Sitting in this chair took some getting used to. The floor-to-seat height is only 12 inches, so it was a bit awkward to sit down in, despite being shorter in stature. We imagine that taller people or people with mobility issues may have a harder time in this chair, especially since it lacks armrests that can provide grip. Once seated though, we were blown away by the comfort this chair provided and could lounge or work from home outside for hours without any discomfort or back pain. 

This chair felt sturdy throughout our testing, and it never wobbled or tipped over. While it’s made from manufactured wood, which typically offers less durability than solid wood, it didn't show any signs of wear and tear after sitting out during snow and rainstorms during our six months of testing. This chair is also treated with a UV-resistant finish to prevent fading, ensuring it can stand up to all seasons. 

Material: Manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Seat Width: 22.8 inches | Chair Weight: 18 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: No

What Stands Out
  • This chair is made from durable materials, so it’s long lasting and low maintenance. 

What Could Be Improved
  • We wished the optional ottoman came with the chair instead of requiring a separate purchase.

The Grandin Road Newcomb Adirondack Chair combines classic style and quality craftsmanship to make a timeless and lasting chair. The extra-long back gives you a place to rest your head while relaxing outside, and foot glides protect your floor while making it easier to adjust its positioning. 

The seat angle is just right, and it was easy for people of all weights and heights to sit and stand up from this chair in our testing. Grandin Road also has an ottoman you can add to your chair for additional comfort, but it’s sold separately.  

This chair is made from a combination of eucalyptus and mahogany wood, which are both known for their resistance to pests and inclement weather. The wood finish was noticeably smooth against our skin, and we didn’t have any aches or pains after sitting in it for an extended time. We were also pleased by the sturdiness of its construction, so we could let our kids play on it without worrying it was going to tip over. 

During our testing process, this chair was exposed to winds, pollen, and rain, and it didn’t show any signs of wear like water marks or scratches. It can also be easily cleaned with a damp cloth to remove pollen and other stains. While it’s on the expensive side, it lasts longer and requires less upkeep than other unfinished wood Adirondack chairs we’ve tried, which makes it a worthy investment in our eyes.   

Material: Mahogany and acacia wood | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Seat Width: 21.25 inches | Chair Weight: 33 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: Yes

What Stands Out
  • This streamlined chair is built to last, and it comes with an add-on cushion for increased comfort.

What Could Be Improved
  • The weight capacity is only 200 pounds.

With the optional cushion add-on Pottery Barn provides, this stylish chair strikes the right balance between supportiveness and softness for ultimate backyard lounging—though if you prefer to save some cash, we can reassure you that this chair is still very comfy without it. 

Thanks to its rust-free aluminum build, we didn't have to worry about Mother Nature damaging its finish, but we recommend that you cover it when not in use. When this chair got caught in a rainstorm, water got trapped inside the frame and started leaking out from one of the legs.  

While this chair weighs 35 pounds, it’s sturdy and doesn’t budge if you bump into it or place it on an uneven surface. However, it has a lower weight capacity of 200 pounds, which we regularly exceeded throughout our six months of testing. We didn’t notice any damage to the chair, but doing so could cause it to warp or break over the years. 

Given its price, we consider this chair to be an investment piece. We appreciate its sophisticated design and can envision ourselves relaxing in it for years to come, but we wish that the high price tag included the cushion or an additional chair.  But, if you’re in a position to splurge, we think you’ll get lots of use from this well-crafted chair.

Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Seat Width: 23 inches | Chair Weight: 35.5 pounds | Adjustable: No | Assembly Required: No

Final Verdict

We chose the Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair as our top pick because it’s a durable piece of furniture that requires little upkeep. We left it out in the rain and snow, and all it needed was a quick wipe-down to look good-as-new. For people who prefer a rocking Adirondack chair, we recommend the World Market Natural Wood Adirondack Rocking Chair, which is made from durable acacia wood that can resist harsh weather, and it has an easy assembly process.

Our Testing Process

To date, we’ve tested 42 different Adirondack chairs. We started by researching the market and creating a list of products that included a variety of design styles and price points. Once we selected all the chairs, we ordered and assembled them by following the assembly process provided by the manufacturer (or by using white glove delivery) to set up the chairs in our outdoor spaces (some of the chairs on our list were also tested in the lab first). 

Then, we used our chairs frequently throughout the testing period and incorporated them into our routines to see how they'd hold up to everyday wear and tear. While using our chairs, we recorded how comfortable it was to get in and out of them, any difficulties we experienced during the assembly process, and how easy they were to clean with mild dish soap and water.   

We also examined the durability of our Adirondack chairs. While sitting in them, we observed if we felt any instability while shifting or standing, and if we heard any creaking sounds. We also left the chairs outside in wind, sun, and rain to see how they responded to the elements, and if we noticed any movement, fading, or water damage that occurred as a result. 

Lastly, we made note of any add-ons a chair offered, like cup holders, a foldable design, a pull-out ottoman, or rocking capabilities. We factored these features into the overall value and comfort each chair provided when determining our top picks.

A person sitting on the Sand and Stable Abingdon Wood Folding Adirondack Chair while giving their dog a treat

Real Simple / Brit Haines

How to Shop for Adirondack Chairs Like a Pro 

Material

“Adirondack chairs come in all kinds of materials—cedar, aluminum, cherry wood, and poly lumber,” Kopman says. “I always prefer natural materials for my projects.” Hardwoods like acacia, teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus offer the most durability since they’re strong materials and resist signs of use like warping, staining, and scratching. In particular, a teak chair like the Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair will weather naturally to a mellow gray color and can withstand a variety of climates, Kopman says.

Cheaper chairs tend to be made with engineered wood, which doesn’t offer the same durability, though they can still last a while with proper care. Plus, they usually come in colorful options, Many wood Adirondack chairs come with a UV-protective finish, which also prevents fading from the sun, and they’re usually pretty easy to keep clean. However, some woods require more upkeep, like teak for example, which needs to be sealed and sanded to prevent fading. 

Plastic gets a bad rep for being a cheap material, but it’s very durable and naturally water resistant, which makes it a good choice for outdoor use. It also requires little maintenance other than wiping it down to clean off stains or debris, and it’s light in weight so it’s easy to move.

Aluminum is another lasting material that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep aside from wiping down stains. It’s lightweight while being sturdy, so it’s easy to move around your patio, but it won’t tip over if there are strong winds or if someone knocks into it. It’s also rust resistant, which is ideal for areas that get a lot of rain. 

Style

The Adirondack chair has an instantly recognizable look. “The defining characteristics are the wide wood slats and sloping back, but since its introduction in the 1900s, there are hundreds of variations and twists on the classic design,” Kopman says. 

If you prefer a modern look, chairs that have a low-profile design like the Joss & Main Ursa Acacia Outdoor Adirondack Chair or a sculptural look like the Sand and Stable Abingdon Wood Folding Adirondack Chair bring a sleek touch to a classic chair. 

Chairs that have straight lines instead of a curved top like the Pottery Barn Malibu Metal Adirondack Outdoor Lounge Chair also give your chair some more edge. If you want something that’s on the rustic side, you’ll want to consider chairs that are made from wood in a natural finish with smooth lines. 

However, design preferences shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when deciding your chair’s look. “Style also depends on use,” Kopman says. “For instance, are you taking it to a beach? You most likely want a design that folds and has drink holders. Or will it live on your front porch, in which case it might be fun if it rocks!” 

Size

When shopping for Adirondack chairs, consider not just the dimensions of the seat, but also how long the backrest is and how close they sit to the ground for maximum comfort. You don’t want to lean back to relax in your chair and find that your head and neck aren’t supported, nor do you want to struggle to sit in your chair because it’s too low to the ground. 

You should also check the weight of the chair to gauge how heavy it is to move, especially if it needs to be stored inside during winter, as well as the weight capacity to ensure you can sit comfortably. 

And be sure to take the overall dimensions of the chair into account, not just to determine its comfort, but how it will work in your space. If you're planning on styling your chair around a patio table or firepit, it’s especially important to make sure everyone can maneuver freely around their chairs. 

If you need extra seating but are lacking in space, consider a bench-style Adirondack chair like the Dewitt Adirondack Wooden Garden Bench. In general, chairs that are low sitting with a reclined back take up a larger footprint than a taller backed chair, according to Kopman. 

Additional Features

“There are many added features which can add to your lounging experience,” Kopman says. This can include cup holders, ottomans, adjustable backs, optional cushions, rocking and folding abilities, and more. 

Out of all the chairs we tested, the Grandin Road Newcomb Adirondack Chair has the option to add a matching ottoman to your purchase to rest your feet, and the Pottery Barn Malibu Metal Adirondack Outdoor Lounge Chair lets you add a cushion to bring extra comfort to your chair. 

For a rocking Adirondack chair, we like the World Market Natural Wood Adirondack Rocking Chair since it’s made from acacia wood which makes it quite durable. Lastly, the KINGYES Folding Adirondack Chair has a foldable design, which makes it easy to transport and store. 

A person wiping the Pottery Barn Malibu Metal Adirondack Outdoor Lounge Chair with a paper towel

Real Simple / Stella Yu

More Adirondack Chairs to Consider

Ciokea Folding Adirondack Chair: This is one of the most comfortable Adirondack chairs we've ever used, and its material resembles wood while being easier to clean. We also appreciate it has 18-ounce retractable cup holders, but we were frustrated by the assembly process which took us an hour. 

L.L. Bean All-Weather Waterfall Adirondack Chair: We were impressed by the craftsmanship of this chair and found it was comfortable for people of all sizes to use. It feels heavy and well made, but it's still light enough to move around, and the assembly process was straightforward. However, we think this chair is a bit basic for the price and wish that add-ons like an ottoman or cupholders weren't a separate purchase.  

A person rubbing the Ciokea Folding Adirondack Chair with a towel

Real Simple / Liza Schattenkerk

Questions You Might Ask 

What is the best material for an Adirondack chair? 

The best material is the one that matches your furniture and decor preferences. Solid hardwood, plastic, and aluminum all make for great Adirondack chairs—it just depends on what you’re looking for. 

In general, plastic and aluminum chairs are lower maintenance and can withstand inclement weather without being covered. Wood chairs have a cozier look, but you may need to seal them periodically to preserve the finish, especially if they’re seated in direct sunlight.   

Can you leave Adirondack chairs outside?

No matter how durable your chair is, keeping it inside or placing a cover on it when not in use will keep it in the best possible shape and extend its lifespan. Some chairs can be left outside without getting damaged—for example, our top pick, the Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair, was left out all winter and remained in pristine condition. When in doubt, storing it inside is the safest option. 

How long do Adirondack chairs last?

The lifespan of your chair can vary depending on several factors, namely where it’s placed, if it’s stored or left out in the elements, how frequently it’s used, and how well it’s taken care of. A well-maintained and high quality Adirondack chair can last over a decade. 

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we tested 42 Adirondack chairs to evaluate their performance in all types of weather and considered factors like ease of assembly, care, durability, and add-on features to make our final picks. For expert advice on how to shop for Adirondack chairs, Jen spoke to Holly A Kopman, principal designer of Holly A Kopman Interior Design.

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