The Adirondack chair—immediately recognizable by its wide, wooden slats and sloping back—is an iconic patio furniture set piece that has symbolized summer relaxation since 1903.
But which ones are the best? We tested over 40 Adirondack chairs from various manufacturers at The Lab and our own backyards across the country for up to six months. We carefully noted how easy they were to put together, sit in, and clean and how comfortable they were to get in and get out of.
Through testing, we discovered that an Adirondack chair's material and comfort are the factors to prioritize when shopping. Plastic is lightweight and easy to move around if you constantly need to move your chair indoors and out, whereas high-density polyethylene is a great choice for optimal weather resistance. Wood is another popular choice, but it may require a sealant to withstand inclement weather or an added cushion for long periods of sitting.
In terms of comfort, find a weight capacity suitable for you and the people using the patio chair. Then, look for added features like a contoured seat or a reclining back that makes sitting around a cozy propane fire pit in your Adirondack chair as comfortable as possible.
Editor's Note: This roundup was updated in October 2024 after testing seven of the below Adirondack chairs for six months in our own backyards.
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Ergonomic curved back
Waterproof, UV-resistant
Quick, easy assembly
Difficult to maneuver through doorways
The Polywood Grant Park Adirondack Chair is our top pick because it's made of high-quality poly lumber that resembles wood but is water-repellent and can last for many years outdoors. During testing, we had multiple friends and family members try the chair and they all agreed it felt extremely supportive and comfortable. Unlike other chairs we tested, we could sit in this one for hours without an issue. The chair supports your lower back and lets you plant your feet securely on the ground without the seat feeling too low.
The imitation wood not only adds to the chair’s appearance but is also practical. First, you'll find no splinters; we liked that it felt comfortable against bare skin. While wooden chairs can absorb water, soaking the chair with a hose simply causes water to bead up. The material is also UV-resistant, so it won't fade after years in the sun. This proved true after using it for six months without any fading, color changes, or staining from high temperatures or rain.
While this chair doesn’t have any additional features, such as a cup holder (for this, check out our best for beverages pick), you could confidently set a beverage on its flat, wide arms. The curved back contours your body for a comfortable place to sit for every member of your family.
While assembly is required, it only took us five minutes. There were only five steps that the helpful instructions clearly explained. The manufacturer provided an Allen wrench, which we found very useful for this and other projects.
With a 20-year residential warranty, three-year commercial warranty, and extensive color selection, we believe this chair is worth the splurge. Be aware that the oversized chair may be difficult to maneuver through doorways and around your backyard, but once you find the perfect place, you won't need to store the waterproof chair indoors during the winter.
Frame Material: Poly lumber plastic | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Seat Width: 20.5 inches | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 90 days
Best Budget
Plant Theatre Adirondack Folding Hardwood Chair
Comfortable lumbar support
Durable wood
Water beads on surface
Very low to the ground
No folding option for storage
If you’re looking for the aesthetics of an Adirondack chair but balk at spending a lot on a heavy-duty version, consider the Plant Theatre Wooden Adirondack Chair. At just under 30 pounds (it's almost 10 pounds less than our best portable option), we love this foldable chair that's portable and easy to move around your outdoor space but with durable wood construction that can withstand hours in the wind and rain.
During testing, we experienced some rainfall, and the water beaded on the surface of the chair, making it easy to wipe off with a towel. The acacia wood comes pre-sealed to withstand all weather conditions, which we love. However, as with most wooden furniture, the color has faded and weathered after six months of use. Still, we love its functionality and the comfort it provides.
We found this option to be extremely low to the ground, which is a common complaint with Adirondack chairs. Still, it felt comfortable for multiple individuals who tested the chair for hours at a time. The chair also proved sturdy when getting in and out. The wide arms have enough room to balance a cup of coffee or a book and double as a durable place to push off when getting up.
While this chair took us about an hour to assemble, we liked that all of the parts were clearly labeled and tools were included (although we preferred to use our own). Despite a somewhat lengthy assembly process, however, we loved this affordable, durable option that's easy to store in the off-season.
Frame Material: Acacia hardwood | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Seat Width: Not Listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
Best Modern
Crate & Barrel Paso Outdoor Adirondack Chair
Comfortable for multiple ages
Water-, wind-, and sun-proof
Easy to wipe off mud and chalk
Heavy
Gap between seat and back catches debris
The Crate & Barrel Paso Adirondack Chair is a great choice for anyone looking for a modern take on the classic chair design, and we love that it's available in several colors to match your outdoor decor. During testing, multiple people tested this chair, including a 5-year-old child and adults of various ages, and found it equally comfortable. It doesn't sit too low, recline too far back, or wiggle as you get in and out, even on uneven surfaces.
After a 6-month testing period complete with wind, rain, and snow, the chair looked as good as new. Water neatly beaded up on the surface, ready to be wiped away. The wind did not move the chair an inch and the sun caused zero fading on the rich green color chair we tested. We also loved that mud, chalk, and bird poop wiped away easily without affecting the finish of the chair, even without soap.
The only part that has proven difficult to clean is the small gap between the seat and the back of the chair. Leaves and debris often get stuck here and can be difficult to remove. This option comes with everything you need to assemble it, including tools. While the pieces are quite heavy, it took under 10 minutes to complete. We recommend recruiting a friend when you want to build or move this chair because the pieces are quite heavy.
Frame Material: Poly lumber plastic | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: Not Listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
Comfortable height off ground
Sturdy
All-weather resistant
Lacked essential tools for assembly
For traditionalists, the Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair is a great wooden option—especially so for individuals who cannot squat too low. That’s because this chair is higher off the ground than other Adirondack chairs on this list. We found it to have a sturdy build and design, thanks to its taller frame and wide teak planks. We also noted that the arms are at a comfortable height and wide enough to hold a drink or a small plate.
The manufacturer terms this chair “all-weather resistant,” but teak wood does patina (oxidize over time) to a silver color. If you prefer that it not fade, consider staining or sealing the wood and possibly sanding it regularly to maintain a fresh finish.
Putting this chair together can be a chore without a power drill and screwdriver, which we resorted to out of our toolbox. After we used this chair for months in our backyard, we loved it so much that we purchased a second one. It has braved several rain storms with no issues, even without a sealant.
However, we decided to store it during the winter months to protect its finish. since we still have not sealed the wood. If you do decide to leave your chair out year-round, we recommend using an outdoor furniture cover to protect it.
Frame Material: Teak | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: Not listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 90 days
Best Portable
Kingyes Folding Adirondack Chair
Sturdy design
Comfortable for multiple hours
Folding and lightweight
Can be difficult for short people to get in and out
If you live in a place where storing your deck and patio furniture in the off-season is necessary, consider the Kingyes Folding Adirondack Chair. It’s made from durable acacia wood, it’s foldable, and it’s lightweight enough to easily carry around, which makes it functional for a variety of outdoor seating scenarios.
During testing, a variety of people found this chair comfortable, but we think those shorter than 5 feet may have a hard time getting in an out. Still, the chair did not sway or wobble at all and felt very sturdy, even though it was lightweight. We were surprised to find that we could sit for hours (in this case, watching the Superbowl) comfortably in this chair without any pain or discomfort. Plus, this chair has the highest weight capacity on this list at 380 pounds, which is a plus.
Six months of snow, rain, and sun did not affect this chair and we found that muddy pawprints were easy to wipe away. This option is made from High-Density Polyethylene, which is a common plastic material that's waterproof and weather-resistant.
The assembly process took about 20 minutes with one person but would be a bit speedier with a friend to help. We love the 16 color options this chair comes in and that you can purchase it in sets of two, four, six, and eight.
Frame Material: High-Density Polyethylene | Weight Capacity: 380 pounds | Seat Width: 29.3 inches | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
Best for Beverages
ECCB Outdoor Outer Banks Folding Adirondack Chair
Two cup holder styles
Available in 23 colors
Foldable
Additional tools needed for assembly
One of the best ways to enjoy the comfort of an Adirondack chair is with a beverage in your hand. We tested and love the Outer Banks Deluxe Adirondack Chair, which is a great choice for avid entertainers who enjoy hosting outdoor parties or anyone who wants a secure place to rest their drink when they’re not sipping on it.
This chair has two retractable cup holders—one is designed for cans and cylindrical cups, and the other is meant for stemmed wine glasses. Both pull out from under the wide side arms. You also can use the stemmed glass holder to support your smartphone for a hands-free, mobile television experience. During testing, we found them fairly shallow, so drinks with rounded bottoms may wobble slightly.
This chair is made from poly lumber, a high-grade recycled plastic material that’s waterproof and fadeproof. It’s also available in 21 colors, so you’re sure to find one that speaks to you, and it’s foldable, so you can easily store it during the off-season. After months of use outdoors, we did not notice any wear or fading of the color while it stayed outside, but we did move it inside during the colder months.
As with several of the Adirondack chairs we tested, the major downside was assembly: The chair arrived with a deformed lag screw, so additional work was required. Our testing confirmed that it is helpful to have screwdrivers or a power drill on hand. Over time, the screws for the folding mechanism came loose, so we suggest re-tightening if you move your chair around often. Otherwise, we loved the comfort of this chair, its thoughtful design with two (!) cup holders, and its easy-to-clean surface.
Frame Material: Poly lumber with #316 stainless steel hardware | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: Not listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
Best Rocking
Frontgate Rowan Rocking Chair
Rocking feature
Sloped back and seat
Easy to carry and maneuver
Confusing instructions
Only available in one color
With this chair from Frontgate, you get the attractive design of an Adirondack chair and the comforting motion of an outdoor rocking chair. The Rowan Rocking Chair is made from stylish teak in a natural hue to match other wooden outdoor furniture with ease.
Because of the rocking feature, this chair is not as low to the ground as other Adirondack chairs, and the slope of the seat is gradual, so you don't feel like you're sinking into the chair as you sit. Even with the rocking motion, we never felt unstable in this chair or like it was going to tip over. If anything, we wished it rocked even more. This chair was a hit for people of all ages and body types, but people with longer legs will definitely experience a wider range of motion
Even though it weighs 46 pounds, we were able to carry this chair up two flights of stairs and through a narrow doorway with no problems. The teak resists mildew, warping, and fading over time and we saw no visible difference in the chair after six months of rain, snow, and sun. It still looks as good as it did fresh out. of the box. However, the manufacturer does recommend using an outdoor rug under this option to prevent staining your patio or deck.
The chair arrived in four pieces, but we still found the assembly process quite difficult. The instructions were confusing, and the pieces were awkward to hold while piecing them together, so we recommend asking someone to help put this chair together. One other downside is that this chair only comes in one color, but it's universal enough to seamlessly complement other patio furniture you already own.
Frame Material: Teak | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: 20.5 inches | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 90 days
Wide seat for added comfort
White glove delivery service
Matching cushion available
Durable construction
Low weight limit
Water gets trapped in the chair
For a chic, modern Adirondack chair that will be functional and stylish for years to come, thanks to the durable metal construction, we recommend the Pottery Barn Malibu Metal Adirondack Outdoor Lounge Chair. The durable rust-proof aluminum frame with a powder-coated finish can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it.
We tested this chair during periods of wind, snow, and rain. The sturdy chair did not move an inch, and water and pollen were easily removed with a cloth. After six months, it does look slightly weathered, but still performs beautifully. We are planning to use an outdoor furniture cover moving forward, especially during the winter.
This chair is wider than other chairs we tested at 23 inches, making it extremely comfortable for multiple ages and body types, including taller individuals. To increase this pick's comfort, a matching outdoor cushion is available for this chair in nearly 60 styles at an additional price. We always stored the cushion in a deck box or storage shed, but the high-performance and Sunbrella fabric options will resist damage from the elements over time.
On especially rainy days, we (and the manufacturer) recommend storing this chair indoors because water can pool inside. After a particularly rainy day, we discovered water trapped in the leg, so we will cover the chair or store it indoors from now on. However, it was easy to shake out the water, wipe it down, and continue to use it.
Sadly, these chairs do have the lowest weight capacity on this list at 200 pounds. However, we've shared the seat with little ones and exceeded the weight limit without consequences, but the manufacturer cautions against this.
One perk of shopping at Pottery Barn is the white glove delivery service. Professionals will deliver your chair and set it up exactly where you want it in your outdoor space. It arrived in one piece, ready to use, but we wish there were more communication between us and the delivery people. Still, this service adds to the luxury of this option, further justifying the high price tag.
Frame Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Seat Width: 23 inches | Assembly Required: No | Return Policy: 30 days
Final Verdict
The best Adirondack chair we tested is the Polywood Grant Park Traditional Curveback Plastic Patio Adirondack Chair This chair is made from high-grade poly lumber, took just five minutes to assemble, and won't fade over time. For a more affordable option, we recommend the Plant Theatre Wooden Adirondack Chair, our best budget option, which features built-in lumbar support and is lightweight for easy mobility throughout your lawn and home.
How We Tested the Adirondack Chairs
To recommend the best Adirondack chairs, we chose 41 from a variety of brands and tested them on a hot, sunshiny day outdoors at The Lab and in our own homes across the country.
- Setup: First, we timed the setup process, following the exact instructions provided by the manufacturer, and evaluated them for helpfulness and detail.
- Comfort: Once the chair was built, we sat in it, evaluating each product’s comfort based on its recline abilities, any additional features, and general feel. We then checked the support of each chair by performing a tip test, which assessed how the chair moved and sounded when leaning in it from side to side and backward. If a chair featured adjustability, we noted the comfort of each option and the ease of switching between positions. To evaluate each chair’s design, we considered the material, color options, and additional features.
- Durability: For chairs we tested in the lab, we threw two 15-pound medicine balls at each chair and noted any marks or cracks after impact. Then we microwaved a marshmallow to s’mores consistency, smeared it on a chair arm, and let the goop set for 10 minutes before attempting to wipe it off with a damp paper towel. We repeated the process with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce. Finally, we hosed the chair with water, allowed it to pool on its surface, and noted whether it beaded up or soaked into the material, and how easily we dried it off with a towel. For at-home testing, we noted how these chairs looked after a 2-week testing period, leaving them out in the elements the entire time. We noted any warping, fading, or damage caused by wind, rain, or snow.
- Overall Value: Finally, we noted each chair's listed price and rated it for value, and whether we'd recommend it to a friend or family member or purchase it ourselves.
- Long-Term Testing: After an initial testing period, we continue to monitor the winners in our own homes in Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Alabama, Wyoming, and Colorado to see how they perform over six months.
Watch Us Test the Best Adirondack Chairs
What to Look for in an Adirondack Chair
How it Withstands Wind, Rain, Snow, and Sun
Adirondack chairs tend to be pretty sturdy, but some are more durable than others, so consider how involved you want to be in caring for yours. Do you want an all-weather option that’s easy to clean, or would you prefer something a little fancier—even if it means more upkeep?
Our best for beverages pick, the ECCB Outer Banks Deluxe Oversized Poly Lumber Folding Adirondack Chair looked good as new after months of testing in the elements, but it's safe to always store your chair indoors during the winter if possible.
What Material is Right for You Based on Aesthetics and Durability
Although traditionally made from wood, you can find Adirondack chairs made from thick, weather-resistant plastic, like the Polywood Grant Park Traditional Curveback Plastic Patio Adirondack Chair (our best overall pick). Plastic tends to be more affordable and easier to clean, but it can chip, peel, or crack, so it might have a shorter lifespan.
“You can go for the heavy originals,” says Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal designer at Bartone Interiors. “Or there are many current models made from heavy-duty plastic that you’ll never have to refinish and are super-easy to clean with a garden hose.”
Adirondack chairs made from Polywood, a recycled plastic, come with a 20-year warranty. Other plastic and composite Adirondack chairs can last up to 10 years as long as they are maintained and stored properly.
If you prefer a wooden option, like our best teak pick, the Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair, consider adding a sealant for optimal weather resistance. During our testing, we stored this option indoors during the winter, but it still braved heavy rainfall without an issue. When properly cared for, wooden chairs, especially those made from teak, eucalyptus, redwood, and acacia, last the longest, often for generations.
If you like the look of metal, like our best metal pick, the Pottery Barn Malibu Metal Adirondack Outdoor Lounge Chair, make sure it's powder-coated, so it won't rust, corrode, or fade over time.
All the options on this list are meant to be used outdoors, but we always recommend covering or storing your outdoor furniture indoors during heavy snow or rainstorms.
Yes, Adirondack Chairs Can Look Chic
The classic Adirondack chair is crafted from wood paneling, and it boasts a chair back that’s slightly reclined and rounded along the top. You still can find Adirondack chairs fitting that traditional mold, but you also can find more contemporary options with sleeker, straighter lines like our favorite modern version, the Crate & Barrel Paso Outdoor Adirondack Chair by Polywood. And you can snag Adirondack chairs in a range of different materials and many colors.
There are small touches you can make to spruce up your Adirondack chairs to match your personal style. "Adding pretty pillows and even custom cushions can enhance Adirondack chairs and make them even more comfy," says Andi Morse, founder and principal designer of Morse Design. Just choose a durable outdoor fabric.
"Painting them a subtle or bright color is another way to bring some personality to them," Morse adds. Or opt for a chair, like our favorite pick for beverages, the ECCB Outer Banks Adirondack Chair, which comes in 21 colors from traditional brown and tan to bright green and orange.
Do Adirondack Chairs Come in Different Sizes?
Adirondack chairs tend to be large and hefty, with solid wood chairs generally heavier than their plastic counterparts. Weight is important only if you want to move your chair around, such as from your yard to your patio, or if you need to stow it indoors during indoor seasons. In this case, look for a lightweight chair that folds like our best portable option, the Kinyes Folding Adirondack Chair.
When shopping for Adirondack chairs or any other patio furniture, always remember to double-check the dimensions before buying, including the seat size and overall height and width. During testing, we found that some chairs, like our best overall option, the Polywood Grant Park Traditional Curveback Plastic Patio Adirondack Chair, were very comfortable for a shorter individual, but might feel small for taller folk. Therefore, it's important to consider who will be using your Adirondack chairs the most and what size chair will make them most comfortable.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, an associate editor at The Spruce. She compiled the current list based on exclusive results from tests we performed at the lab, and in our own homes across the country. Each of the Adirondack chairs in this list stood out for their construction, durability, design, and overall comfort while testing.
Our Experts:
- Andi Morse, founder and principal designer of Morse Design
- Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal designer at Bartone Interiors
- Jenica Currie, editor at The Spruce