For expert tips on what to look for when shopping for Adirondack chairs, we spoke with Talie Jane, owner and principal designer at Lake Tahoe-based Talie Jane Interiors, as well as Lisa Delane, chief of operations and marketing at Living Gardens Landscape Design. Your choice of Adirondack chairs will come down to personal taste and style, but according to Jane, you should always look for an Adirondack chair that’s both durable and portable: “A lot of Adirondack chairs are very heavy and are therefore hard to move around for gatherings. But, at the same time, they should be heavy enough to sustain winds so they can be left outside.” Our top pick is the Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair because it has a sleek, modern design, yet remains comfortable and durable, in part thanks to its poly lumber material that is weather- and UV-resistant. Plus, it’s available in over a dozen color options. Keep on scrolling to find more of our favorite Adirondack chairs based on our testing. You’ll also find expert tips to keep in mind as you shop. For people with an urban outdoor space or anyone who likes modern decor, this sleek Adirondack chair is the best of both style and comfort. “I felt the angle of the back of the chair offered some lumbar support and placed my body at a comfortable angle,” says one tester. In our “tip testing”—our testing for stability in which we tossed two 15-pound medicine balls on the chair and attempted to push it back with medium force—the chair did not rock back or sustain any damage, a testament to its durability, too. The Polywood construction is also in large part to thank for the durability of this chair. The material features UV inhibitors and stabilizers to protect from fading and is designed to stand up to all four seasons without chipping, peeling, cracking, splintering, or rotting. Our testers found it easy to clean up the marshmallow and barbecue sauce stains with a little soap and water. And when it came time to hose the chair down, the water beaded up and easily wiped away with a towel, and testers say they were able to sit on the chair immediately without getting wet. Plus, the smooth Polywood lumber felt nice on the skin and didn’t get overly hot when wearing shorts. But given that it’s the second heaviest of the chairs on our list and it doesn’t fold, it’s not going to be very portable. It doesn’t feature any adjustments or extras, such as cup holders, but if you’re looking for a weather-resistant, no-frills Adirondack chair that offers plenty of support, this chair fits the bill. It’s even available in over a dozen colors, from neutrals to brights. Product Details:
Material: Polywood lumberWeight Capacity: 300 poundsChair Weight: 34 poundsSeat Width: 20.5 inches
RELATED: The 9 Best Patio Umbrellas, According to Our Testing This chair provides the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a traditional Adirondack chair, but without the steep price tag of many of its competitors. At just 7.3 pounds, it’s the lightest chair on our list and can be easily moved around your backyard or patio to accommodate different gatherings. But this doesn’t mean it skimps on durability: This chair took a hit from two 15-pound medicine balls without tipping over or sustaining any damage. The durable plastic is weather-resistant and UV-protected to prevent fading. Although, testers do worry that the plastic may be prone to scratching with time, and noticed some scratches on the chair prior to use. One particularly unique feature of this chair is its built-in lumbar support that curves inward to support your lower back. Our testers also appreciated the nice, wide armrests that could easily support a drink (there are no cup holders). Cleanup was a breeze—the marshmallow and barbecue sauce lifted with the help of soap, water, and a cloth. And given this chair is plastic, the water does not absorb into the chair and can be easily wiped away with a towel. This chair is all one piece, meaning it doesn’t require any assembly, but it also doesn’t fold or break down, which could prove challenging for storage. However, the chairs do stack on top of each other, so this can cut down on space in your storage closet, given you purchase more than one. Product Details:
Material: PlasticWeight Capacity: 250 poundsChair Weight: 7.3 poundsSeat Width: 19 inches
RELATED: The 6 Best Patio Dining Sets for Outdoor Entertaining Teak is considered the cream of the crop when it comes to wood patio furniture, because it contains a natural oil that repels water and pests, as well as prevents warping or cracking. And unlike some other types of wood, it doesn’t require any finishing. However, if left untreated—as is the case with this chair—teak will develop a silver patina over time. If you’re wanting to prevent this, you’ll need to lightly sand it and treat it with a sealant on occasion. Our testers note that this chair sits higher off the ground than many we tested, making it easy to go from a seated to a standing position. The spacious seat will accommodate most body sizes, and the wide armrests are comfortable. In our testing, the marshmallow and barbecue sauce came up very easily without leaving any trace behind, while the water from the hose dried very quickly. Given the price we would like to see a few more bells and whistles, such as adjustable parts, a reclining seat, cup holders, etc. However, you’re really paying for the long-lasting and natural look of teak wood, which will give you years of use with proper maintenance. Product Details:
Material: Teak woodWeight Capacity: 250 poundsChair Weight: 22.5 poundsSeat Width: 22.5 inches
RELATED: The 7 Best Outdoor Canopies for Adding Style and Shade to Your Yard Who it isn’t for: People who have difficulty getting up from chairs. Made from high-impact polystyrene, this plastic Adirondack chair is embossed with a wood-like texture and even comes in a “teak” color to give the illusion of real wood. Our testers found it easy to assemble, although having a buddy could be helpful for handling the heavier pieces. The back adjusts slightly so you can sit up straighter or recline back further, and the seat comes positioned at a 103-degree angle, creating a deeper chair that is meant to relieve spinal pressure. However, testers note that it can be difficult to get in and out of, particularly for those with mobility issues. The chair did sustain some markings when hit with the medicine ball, which leads us to believe it might be susceptible to damage during inclement weather. However, the food stains came up with ease and left no residue behind, and the water from the hose was easy to wipe up. And surprisingly, this chair has the highest weight capacity of all those on our list at 350 pounds. Product Details:
Material: PlasticWeight Capacity: 350 poundsChair Weight: 30 poundsSeat Width: 20.3 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who have difficulty assembling furniture. If you’re in the market for a real wood chair but don’t want to break the bank on teak, acacia wood is a great affordable alternative. We love the high-end look of these chairs—available in a natural wood stain as well as several colors—especially given the affordable price point. Our testers say the seat isn’t quite as deep as some of the competitors, and it was easier to keep your feet firmly planted on the group—a plus for anyone who struggles to get in and out of chairs. Although it’s not adjustable, the Hanlee Adirondack Chair is foldable, so you can easily tuck it away during the off-season or when inclement weather is expected. Our testers note that it’s intuitive to both open and close and light enough to move around as needed. The smooth, finished wood feels nice on bare skin (no splinters here), and the finish does a good job at repelling water. The barbecue sauce and marshmallows came up very easily without leaving behind any sign, too. Plus, this lightweight chair even stood its ground against the medicine ball toss! Where this chair performed worst was in the setup—you’ll definitely benefit from having two people when building this chair. Product Details:
Material: Acacia woodWeight Capacity: 250 poundsChair Weight: 25 poundsSeat Width: 19 inches
RELATED: The 8 Best Picnic Blankets for Every Occasion, According to Our Testing Who it isn’t for: People who want a lightweight chair that’s easy to carry. The only other Polywood lumber chair on our list, the ECCB Outdoor Outer Banks Folding Adirondack Chair has a hefty build that gives the impression of long-term durability. But what’s more is we found it extremely comfortable, thanks to its curved back and waterfall front slats: “This chair was easy for me to get out of, but I could have relaxed there all day,” says one tester. The Polywood lumber has a smooth, comfortable surface and is available in over 20 colors, ranging from mahogany to lime green. And it’s the only chair on our list that comes with a cupholder—actually, two fold-out drink holders: one for cups and one for stemmed wine glasses that doubles as a cellphone holder. Although this chair doesn’t come with any adjustments, it is a folding chair. But given it’s the heaviest of all the chairs on our list, it can be a bit awkward to carry—a trade-off of its solid build. Considering it’s constructed with Polywood lumber, it was no surprise that the stains lifted with ease and the water beaded on the surface as opposed to soaking into the chair. In short, we think this chair is made to last many seasons, and its fun color varieties and drink holders are just the icing on top. Product Details:
Material: Polywood lumberWeight Capacity: Not listedChair Weight: 39.5 poundsSeat Width: 22 inches
Our Testing Process
We acquired 20 Adirondack chairs and put them through a series of rigorous testing in our Lab, starting with setup: Our testers used the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble each chair (given it did not come pre-assembled) and timed how long it took to build. Once each chair was built, we assessed its design, including whether it came with any additional features, such as cup holders. Our testers sat in each chair for five minutes to assess its comfort, using any adjustment features and bearing in mind that Adirondack chairs will be by nature more or less comfortable for some people. Next we performed what we called a “tip test” to determine how steady and durable each chair was: We tossed two 15-pound medicine balls into the seat of each chair and tried pushing each chair back with medium force, and noted whether it stayed in place, rocked, or fell over. To evaluate how easy each chair was to clean, we simulated everyone’s favorite fireside snack: roasted marshmallows. We smeared one roasted marshmallow and one tablespoon of barbecue sauce on the arm of each chair, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Our testers then used a damp towel and dish soap to clean the stains, taking note of any change in color or texture. Finally, we carried each chair outside—folding it when applicable—and evaluated it for portability. Once outside, testers hosed off each chair, taking note of whether the water soaked into the wood or beaded up, and whether the moisture had any ill effects on the chair.
How to Shop for Adirondack Chairs Like a Pro
Material
Adirondack chairs come in two broad categories—wood and plastic—which can be broken down even further depending on the type. Teak is among the most durable of all hardwoods: “Selecting teak is probably your best bet for a long lifespan of the chairs and we always recommend covering furniture when not in use, especially in areas with harsher weather,” says Delane. “Other hardwoods like cedar and redwood are also great options as they naturally resist insects, sun, and weather damage.” Some people prefer the rustic look of real wood, which will only gain character with time. However, wood requires regular refinishing or treatment with a wood sealer or conditioner to keep it in top-notch shape. Plastic tends to be more affordable and easier to clean, although it’s prone to chipping or cracking with time and may require replacing every few years. Jane recommends poly lumber (commonly referred to by the name brand version, Polywood), a durable, weather- and UV-resistant material made from recycled plastic that is designed to emulate the look of wood. It makes a great wood alternative if you want to avoid regular maintenance but prefer the durability and stability of wood. Some poly lumber furniture can even be embossed with a grain texture for a real-wood look.
Portability
When it comes to Adirondack chairs, it’s important to strike the right balance between portability and stability. By nature, Adirondack chairs tend to be more bulky and hefty, so that they’ll stay secure to the ground. However, you want to ensure that they’re still lightweight enough to move for outdoor gatherings or for storage during the winter months. Folding Adirondack chairs collapse for easier storage and carrying, making them ideal for bringing to and from the lake and/or mountains or just moving around the backyard.
Size and Comfort
The appeal of Adirondack chairs lies primarily in their comfort—there’s nothing better than sinking into the spacious seats by the fire with a glass of wine or warm cup of tea. Traditionally, Adirondack chairs have deep, angled seats, with straight angled backs and wide armrests. For those with limited mobility, a shallower seat angle will make it easier to transition from sitting to standing. A chair with a wider seat will accommodate loungers of all sizes and make for a more comfortable experience in general, and a smaller seat will be better for seating children. Some chairs even feature waterfall front slats, curved backs, lumbar support, and more. For added lumbar support and comfort, both Delane and Jane suggest adding pillows and keeping blankets nearby.
Style
You’ll find Adirondack chairs in a variety of shapes and colors, from the traditional rounded-top Adirondack chairs to the more modern straight-top chairs. For a more rustic look, a wood chair with a natural stain is a great choice, while a colorful chair is well suited to an urban outdoor space. In terms of styling, Adirondack chairs are statement pieces in themselves: “I think Adirondack chairs are best left untouched,” says Jane. “The beauty of them is in the design and the simplicity.” Delane says arranging four chairs around a firepit has a classic look and feel, and adding pillows and blankets can create a more warm and inviting atmosphere.
Additional Features
Some Adirondack chairs come with bonus features for added comfort and convenience, such as built-in cup holders, ottomans or footrests, and reclining or rocking abilities.
More Adirondack Chairs to Consider
Highwood Hamilton Folding & Reclining Adirondack Chair: If you’re willing to spend a bit more for an Adirondack chair with more than one seating option, this one has three reclining positions and folds completely flat for easy storage. Highland Dunes Welshire Adirondack Chair: This chair has a similar modern design to our best overall pick, but at a lower price point. It’s also made from solid wood as opposed to Polywood lumber, but we do have doubts about the longevity of the paint.
Questions You Might Ask
How do you clean Adirondack chairs?
It depends on the material of your chair, but most Adirondack chairs can be cleaned with a quick wipe down: “You can wipe down your chairs with a damp cloth and should cover them during the winter months or when not in use to preserve their lifespan,” says Delane. To remove stains, gently wipe down the surface with a combination of mild soap and water. For all-over messes, such as pollen or dirt, most Adirondack chairs can be sprayed down with a hose—but always be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially for wood chairs, which will require the occasional refinishing.
Can Adirondack chairs be used inside?
While you can technically use Adirondack chairs inside, their bulky build makes them better suited for outdoor use. “However, covered patios or porches would be a great place for an Adirondack chair as well,” says Jane.
Can you leave Adirondack chairs outside?
Most Adirondack chairs are designed to withstand all kinds of weather, so you can leave them outside year round. However, no matter the material, your chair will last longer if you store it under a protective cover or in a storage closet during the off-season.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 20 Adirondack chairs in our Lab, evaluating them based on setup, comfort, support, adjustability, design, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping, we consulted Talie Jane, owner and principal designer at Lake Tahoe-based Talie Jane Interiors, as well as Lisa Delane, chief of operations and marketing at Living Gardens Landscape Design.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
