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Oct 15, 2024

Best Adirondack Chairs, According to Months of Testing

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Sit back and relax this summer in one of these comfortable chairs. In This Article

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Sit back and relax this summer in one of these comfortable chairs.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Grant Webster

Kicking back in an Adirondack chair is a classic front porch activity, whether you're enjoying a cold drink in the summer or watching the autumn leaves change. Our favorite Adirondack chairs provide you with a smooth, comfortable seat that won't keep you sunken or trapped when it's time to refill your beverage while also looking attractive in your outdoor space.

Susanne Fox, founder of Susanne Fox Design, says the number one feature to look for in an Adirondack chair is longevity. "These are classic pieces that will not go out of fashion, so make sure you select a style that compliments your home and a high-quality material that will last for years to come," she says.

We tested 18 Adirondack chairs for their setup, comfort, support, design, and durability. For more information on how we tested Adirondack chairs, check out our testing process below.

The chair resembles real wood but is much easier to clean, and the included cup holder can hold beverages up to 18 ounces.

The tools provided for assembly were of poor quality and assembly took about an hour.

The Ciokea Folding Adirondack Chair was our top choice after testing. Although the style of Adirondack chairs is meant to be low to the ground, we noticed the design of the chair made it easy for us to stand up. We used it almost every day for six months and are considering buying more!

During testing, we found that it was supportive while we were sitting in it, and the chair felt comfortable and smooth. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it was made of plastic, making it easy to clean and maintain—which we appreciated when we had to clean bird droppings off the chair.

The chair includedsa cup holder that held our 18-ounce glasses, and we appreciated that it swung in and out so it could be tucked away when not in use. Even though the chair was exposed to a great deal of sunlight as well as dampness due to rain and morning dew, it showed no signs of wear and tear.

Although the chair was not lightweight, we were still able to move it around without too much difficulty, and we could effortlessly fold it up and put it into storage. However, the assembly took about an hour, which was a bit longer than the other chairs we tested.

Thankfully, the instructions were clear, but the included tools weren't of great quality. We found that our own socket wrench was much easier to use. It also required two people to assemble this chair, so you may want to call a friend or neighbor to help you.

Product Details: Material: Wood grain high-density polyethylene (HDPE) | Weight Capacity: Up to 380 pounds | Weight: 40.2 pounds | Dimensions: 29.4 x 35.8 x 32.9 inches

It's a comfortable and weather-resistant chair that’s available in a variety of colors.

Depending on your height, it may be difficult getting in and out of the chair.

If you’re trying to spruce up your porch or patio on a budget, we loved the Kingyes Folding Adirondack Chair during testing. Not only did we find it comfortable, but other members of our household enjoyed sitting it in as well, including our dog (the arms are the perfect height to rest their head on).

Assembling the chair was straightforward and only one person was needed for the job. The surface was smooth, and the bottom slats were close enough together that it didn't pinch our skin. We watched a football game in this chair and were surprised to discover we weren't uncomfortable, even after a couple of hours.

During testing, the chair was exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including snow, rain, and warm temperatures. The chair didn't fade in color, and the wind didn't cause it to move from its position. After six months of frequent full sun exposure we still saw no signs of fading or damage.

We liked that the chair had a bolt that we could remove in order to fold up the chair and store it in a garage or an outdoor shed when needed.

The chair was easy to get out of and provided sufficient support. It was also stable, and we never worried it would tip us backward. However, due to its design, getting out of the chair may be a bit of a challenge for those shorter in height or with disabilities.

It’s available in several different colors including light pink, baby blue, green, and black. You can purchase one singular chair or opt for a set of two, four, six, or eight.

Product Details: Material: High-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) | Weight Capacity: Up to 380 pounds | Weight: 36.8 pounds | Dimensions: 29.1 x 35.8 x 32.5 inches

This sturdy, weather-resistant chair only took 10 minutes to assemble, and it’s made of recycled plastics.

The chair has certain parts that can be difficult to clean.

If you’re looking for a chair with a design that stands out, the Crate & Barrel Polywood Paso Outdoor Adirondack Chair is our top choice because it's sturdy, durable, and made of recycled plastics. In addition to being comfortable, we liked the modern style.

Putting together this chair was easy and simple—it only took about 10 minutes to assemble thanks to the clear and straightforward instructions. However, you may need another person to help you with assembly since the individual pieces were a bit heavy.

The chair reclined at an angle that didn’t feel severe or awkward. We had plenty of support without fear it would tip over or move unintentionally. Since it is a hard-surface chair, we experienced some slight discomfort after sitting for a prolonged period of time, but some outdoor throw pillows may make it more comfortable.

This weather-resistant chair endured strong rains and winds during our testing period. Despite this, the chair didn’t show any signs of fading or wear and tear. It was easy to wipe clean, although the gap where the back and seat of the chair meets made it a bit more difficult to remove stuck grass and weeds.

We're also pleased with how the chair is aging after six months of being kept outside. The color remains vivid, and we were able to scrape bird droppings off the chair when needed without or damaging the surface.

Product Details: Material: Polywood plastic | Weight Capacity: Up to 250 pounds | Weight: 29 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 39 x 28 inches

The assembly was quick and we appreciated its modern interpretation of a classic design.

The back of the chair was a little short, offering no head or neck support.

The Joss & Main Ursa Acacia Outdoor Adirondack Chair is sleek and simple design, offering a contemporary twist on a traditional design. We even received compliments from neighbors about the chair, as it was a beautiful addition to our front porch area.

We enjoyed that the chair was deep and comfortable to sit in, although that made it a bit of a challenge when attempting to stand up. We also noticed that the back of the chair didn't come up as high as we would have liked—we weren't able to rest our head or neck at all.

We were able to put the chair together within 15 to 20 minutes without any difficulty, requiring no outside assistance. We found the instructions clear and easy to follow.

The chair was supportive, showing no signs of instability when rising up from or sitting down in it. Several different members of our household (including a senior adult, a tall adult, and a petite adult) tried out the chair. They had no major issues standing up from the chair and were able to use the armchairs for support if needed.

The chair was placed in an uncovered area and exposed to major weather systems, including a snowstorm. Once all the snow melted away, it looked as good as new. There wasn't any noticeable water or ice damage on the chair.

That said, the color has begun to fade a little bit after six months of use in a high elevation area with intense sun. Still, we think the chair looks great and find the slightly weathered look charming. It hasn't diminished our opinion of the chair aesthetically or performance-wise.

Product Details: Material: Solid wood | Weight Capacity: Up to 275 pounds | Weight: 24.25 pounds | Dimensions: 29.53 x 28.4 x 31.9 inches

It was comfortable to sit in, and it seamlessly stacked on top of other chairs when not in use.

The chair is wider than standard-size door frames, which may make it a challenge to bring in and out of storage sheds.

The Polywood Grant Park Traditional Curveback Adirondack Chair was another top contender during our testing. This outdoor chair is made out of recycled plastics and is UV and weather-resistant.

The seat isn't too deep, making it easy to stand from a seated position. People of varying sizes all had the same positive experience. We felt like we could sit in the chair for hours without difficulty. Although the chair doesn't have any special features, the arms were wide enough to comfortably hold a drink or a small plate of appetizers or snacks.

The assembly process was uncomplicated and there were minimal steps to follow.The included Allen wrench was of high quality, and we even kept it for future projects. While sitting in the chair, we were able to plant our feet on the ground without our knees resting above the center of our body.

We noticed the chair was heavy, although that likely contributed to its sturdiness. However, those who have a hard time lifting or moving around a heavier object may have a hard time. In addition, the chair was wider than the doorframe, which made it difficult to bring inside if we had it outdoors.

The sturdiness proved useful during long term testing—during a six-month period we never had to tighten the screws, and the chair sustained no visible marks (not even weather-related staining). It has certainly lived up to our initial expectations.

Product Details: Material: Polywood plastics | Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds | Weight: 36 pounds | Dimensions: 29.25 x 36.38 x 33.63 inches

The chair looked brand new even after undergoing erratic weather conditions that exposed it to all four seasons in a short period.

It was difficult to stand from a seated position due to being so low to the ground and not having armrests for support.

If you live in an area that has harsh weather conditions, the Sand and Stable Abingdon Wood Folding Adirondack Chair is the best pick for you. During our testing period, it experienced snow, strong winds, and warm, sunny days. Despite the unpredictable weather, it looked brand new after six months and showed no signs of wear and tear.

The chair arrived completely assembled, making this an ideal choice for those who aren’t handy. It could easily be folded, which made it great for storing it between seasons. We appreciated that it was lightweight at 18 pounds so it could even be taken to the beach or the park.

Though the chair is low to the ground, we were comfortable while sitting. However, getting up may be a challenge for some since it doesn’t have armrests for support. But the chair was relaxing to sit in, even after a lengthy period of time. We appreciated being able to stretch out our legs, and we had plenty of back support.

Product Details: Material: Manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: Up to 250 pounds | Weight: 18 pounds | Dimensions: 22.8 x 32.2 x 25 inches

It's ergonomically friendly and can be folded or stacked for storage.

The pin to hold the chair in place can be difficult to reinsert when unfolded.

The WestinTrends Outdoor Adirondack Chair was one of our favorites during testing because it can be folded in half when not in use, making it ideal for storing. It can even be stacked on top of other chairs.

Putting the chair together was a somewhat lengthy process—it took almost an hour to complete. We used the tools provided, and some of the instructions were clear, but others took us a moment to comprehend. It was possible to assemble on our own, although having another person helping could make it easier.

The chair was comfortable to get in and out of, although we felt someone who is taller or heavier may find it challenging. It was supportive, and we were able to comfortably relax for a lengthy period of time. In fact, we found it more comfortable than our wooden chairs and plan to replace those with more of these eventually.

A removable pin near the arms of the chair enabled us to fold it up when needed. However, once the chair was unfolded, we found it difficult to put the pin back in place. Overall, the chair was easy to move around but remained sturdy during various weather conditions.

Cleaning it was also simple, requiring no more than a microfiber cloth and a gentle soap. Though we were initially concerned about whether the composite material would show scratches and wear-and-tear more easily than our previous wooden chairs, it still looked perfect after six months.

Product Details: Material: High-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) | Weight Capacity: Up to 300 pounds | Weight: 40 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 35.75 x 32.25 inches

The Kingyes Folding Adirondack Chair was comfortable for us to sit in for several hours without any discomfort. Other household members also comfortably sat in the chair as well, all of whom were different sizes and heights. For a more budget-friendly pick, the Ciokea Folding Adirondack Chair comes with a cup holder that can hold 18-ounce beverages.

To find the best Adirondack chairs, we tested 18 products within a two-week period. We began testing by putting the Adirondack chair together, identifying how long the process took, whether instructions were clear, and whether another person was needed to help.

Once assembled, we placed the Adirondack chair in an outside area. We noted the surface it was placed on, such as whether it was grass, concrete, covered, or uncovered, among other scenarios.

As we used each chair during the testing period, we kept in mind the specific style of Adirondack chairs, keeping in mind they are designed to sit low with a sloped back. We made note of the process of getting into and out of the chair, the sturdiness, and the ease of cleaning.

We also noted how the chair fared during certain weather conditions. If it was windy, we identified whether the chair moved at all. For rain, we looked for signs of mold or structural damage. If it was sunny, we examined the chair to see if it showed signs of color fading. We also identified any stains that occurred on the chair and whether they were removable.

We cleaned the chair at least once with only mild dish soap and water, using a pressure washer for plastic chairs and a garden hose for wooden ones. We also moved the chair around, testing whether this was easy or difficult.

In addition, we reviewed included features, such as cup holders, folding or storing, pulling out any included ottomans, and any ability to rock the chair.

Better Homes & Gardens / Karli Bendlin

"Personally, I always stick with the classic wood Adirondack chair," says Douglas Dedrick, a professional landscaper. "While they are rather heavy, they are nearly indestructible and last for many years with very little maintenance. However, if you want to go with a specific color, plastic and resin chairs may be a better option, as they won't need to be painted every few years."

Fox agrees. "If you are someone who doesn't have the energy to provide long-term care for an item, a resin [chair] might be best as it requires very little maintenance," she says.

"If you are someone who values using all-natural materials, as they are the most timeless, wood might be the best way to go. But make sure you are prepared to provide the care needed for natural wood to keep it in tip-top shape in the winter, including a cover."

No one likes to be squished in between two narrow armrests (if we wanted that, we'd get on an airplane). Make sure your chair's dimensions are sufficient for you to sit comfortably as well as a good match for your available space.

Better Homes & Gardens / Liza Schattenkerk

Adirondack chairs themselves don't usually have built-in storage, other than the occasional cup holder. In terms of storing a chair, if you are going to need to bring it indoors in the winter, make sure you have adequate space and are capable of moving the chair. A folding chair may be a better fit for you since it will be easier to move and stash away.

If you like to lounge, Dedrick recommends considering a chaise lounge extension, whether that's collapsible or detachable. Cup holders are also a nice bonus, though many Adirondack chairs have wide enough armrests to set your drink on without a dedicated cup holder.

Some chairs are also adjustable, which can be helpful if you're fussy about your back angle, though it's not a super common feature.

The Frontgate Rowan Rocking Chair is a sturdy Adirondack chair made of real wood. It was comfortable for us to sit in and weathered the elements. However, the price was more than we'd be willing to pay, and the assembly instructions were incorrect. Plus, despite it being an outdoor rocking chair, it had limited movement.

The Pottery Barn Malibu Metal Adirondack Outdoor Lounge Chair had numerous positive features. It didn’t require setup and was delivered with white glove service, meaning it was fully assembled and brought inside for us. It was also comfortable and felt stable even on uneven terrain. However, we tested more affordable options that performed the same or better.

Though the Birch Lane Blackwell Solid Wood Adirondack Chair was initially our best splurge pick, we found that it didn't hold up as well as other options during long-term testing. The structure began to break down after a few weeks, with one arm rest becoming loose. Overall it did not feel very sturdy with consistent use.

Better Homes & Gardens / Cara Milhaven

"Resin is technically a plastic, but it is made with different ingredients than many common plastics, so it has some distinctive qualities," Fox says. "Resins are composites made from plant matter rather than synthetics, resulting in a generally higher-quality material than most plastics on the market. Resin feels thicker and sturdier while most plastics feel quite thin, flimsy, and brittle."

"Adirondack chairs were invented to survive the extremes of the Adirondack mountains in northern New York," Dedrick says. "So they can certainly handle winter weather. That is why they make such a tremendous outdoor chair."

Fox points out, however, that wood chairs may be negatively impacted by heavy snow over time and will need regular maintenance. Plastic chairs, on the other hand, will be fine in snow but may take damage from the sun.

Nicole Pyles is an experienced freelance writer, having written for publications such as Better Homes & Gardens, Mental Floss, and more. Rena Behar has been researching and evaluating products for publications including Wirecutter, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, Reviewed.com, and more since 2014. For this story, Nicole analyzed the data and research from the Better Homes & Gardens testing team. We also interviewed Douglas Dedrick, a landscaper with over a decade of experience, and Susanne Fox, an NCIDQ-certified interior designer.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.