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Best Adirondack Chairs

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Highwood Classic Westport Adirondack
Highwood
Classic Westport Adirondack
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Most Eco-friendly
Bottom Line

Environmentally friendly choice, with recycled polymers in the material and rust-resistant stainless steel hardware. Looks like real wood.

Pros

Very natural wood-like appearance. Easy to assemble and maneuver. Never requires re-staining or water sealing.

Cons

Uncomfortable angle between the seat and the back. Some sun fade reported. Construction material is fragile.

Best Bang for the Buck
Lifetime Faux Wood Adirondack Chair
Lifetime
Faux Wood Adirondack Chair
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

An attractive and durable alternative to wooden Adirondack chairs at an enticing price point. Patience is a virtue during assembly.

Pros

Traditional Adirondack construction, not molded plastic. The seat angle is very comfortable. Very resistant to weather elements.

Cons

Difficult to remove or reduce staining over time. The polymer material can become brittle. Assembly hampered by misaligned holes.

POLYWOOD Classic Folding Adirondack
POLYWOOD
Classic Folding Adirondack
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Built to Last
Bottom Line

All the features of a traditional wooden Adirondack chair, but won't rot or mildew after rain or sun exposure. Expensive, but will last for years.

Pros

The synthetic material is resistant to rain and other outdoor elements. Arrives mostly assembled. Various colors are available.

Cons

Smaller than expected. Seating angle is uncomfortable for some users. Instructions could be clearer.

Phat Tommy Recycled Poly Resin Folding Adirondack
Phat Tommy
Recycled Poly Resin Folding Adirondack
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Alternative Option
Bottom Line

This synthetic chair is a great replacement for older wooden Adirondacks used outdoors year-round. Recycled material actually heavier and sturdier than real wood.

Pros

Available in a number of bold colors. Heavy-duty polymer resists sun damage and warping. Oversized arms and slats for comfort.

Cons

Assembly is a challenging, 2-person operation. The back is not angled comfortably, some users report.

Alcott Hill Auroura Outdoor Lounge Chair
Alcott Hill
Auroura Outdoor Lounge Chair
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Lounge in Style
Bottom Line

Lounge for hours in this steel-framed wicker chair designed to withstand the elements and constant use with ease.

Pros

A heightened back section and fixed arms make this sturdier and easier to sit in than other options on the market. The mocha finish fits in well with different types of outdoor setups. The cushion gives you a comfortable base to sit on.

Cons

The cushion was a little thin for some, but you can always add a pad to help with that.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
155
Consumers
Consulted
28
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Researched
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Buying guide for best adirondack chairs

Many a lazy summer afternoon has been spent sitting in an Adirondack chair, sipping iced tea and basking in the sunshine. The very shape and silhouette of this famous chair are synonymous with relaxation and fun.

While the design of the Adirondack chair hasn’t changed for decades, the materials they’re made of have developed over the years. Finding the right chair made of the right material for your climate may not be the easiest task.

This shopping guide can help you determine which materials and design features would work best for you. We’ve also included our top picks so you know which chairs we think would give you the best value for your money.

Content Image
Child-sized Adirondack chairs are identical to their adult counterparts and make a fun addition to an outdoor set.

Adirondack chair materials

Traditionally, Adirondack chairs were made of wood. Today, there are more woods to choose from, as well as plastic and polywood.  

Wood

The climate you live in will greatly determine which wood is right for you. Those who live in wet climates will need a durable wood that resists bug infestation and rough weather. Dry climates need wood that resists sun damage, cracking, and fading. A globalized economy provides more options than ever before. A few of the most common woods include the following.

  • Teak: Teak is one of the most durable hardwoods on the market. A special oil found in the heartwood gives it the strength and durability to last a good 60 to 70 years. Even in weather conditions that swing from hot to cold and wet to dry, teak won’t split, rot, or crack. You will need to apply a sealant each year, but that’s it for upkeep. This popular wood comes at a high price, but you can leave it outside for years, and it will still provide a beautiful, relaxing surface on which to sit.

  • Pine: While pine takes more maintenance than teak, it is far more affordable. This light wood slowly fades to an attractive gray. As a softwood, it’s more susceptible to dings, scratches, and, unfortunately, bugs. You’ll need to refinish it every year or two to keep the wood looking its best and to help protect it from the weather. But if upkeep doesn’t worry you and you’re on a tight budget, pine is an excellent choice.

  • Cedar: While not as tough as teak, cedar does make a more durable chair than pine. The wood has a natural oil that resists bug infestations and decay. Like pine, a cedar Adirondack chair will need to be refinished every year or two. Cedar naturally adjusts to the moisture found in wet climates, making it an excellent choice for chairs that will be left in the rain.

  • Oak: Durable and solid, oak is a popular wood for all types of furniture, and for good reason. It’s heavy, giving Adirondack chairs a solid feel, and it’s beautiful. The price is comparable to that of pine and cedar. However, maintenance is another matter. Direct sunlight can cause streaking or color changes. Oak chairs should be kept in the shade, and they will need a UV-protectant stain.

  • Cypress: This popular wood has a beautiful grain and natural oils that protect it from bug infestations, warping, and rotting. A white acrylic stain is often used on cypress Adirondack chairs.

  • Mahogany: Mahogany rivals teak and oak for strength. It has a rich, dense grain and resists decay. It also has good scratch resistance, but it requires refinishing every year to stay that way.

  • Shorea: If aged wood in shades of gray and silver appeals to you, you need an Adirondack chair made of shorea. Some types of shorea start as light brown and slowly take on a soft gray if left unfinished. Shorea resists bugs and holds up well in tough weather conditions.

  • Other wood: Less-common woods you may find include hemlock, acacia, and fir. Hemlock and acacia are hardwoods. Fir is a softwood that is occasionally used to make inexpensive Adirondack chairs.

Polywood

Polywood is not actually wood but a material made from recycled plastic. Consumers value it for the following traits.

  • Eco-friendly

  • Weather resistant

  • Resists pest and sun damage

  • Little maintenance

  • Many color options (some fade more than others)

  • Can be expensive

Plastic

All-weather plastic chairs are an affordable option. You may need to wipe them down or clean them once in a while with soap and water. Benefits of plastic include the following.

  • Weather-resistant

  • Many color options

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Little maintenance required

Adirondack chair features to consider

Eco-friendly materials

Concerns over deforestation may have you rethinking the traditional wood Adirondack chair. If you want the look of wood without the environmental impact, a high-quality polywood can be almost indistinguishable from natural wood. Polywood doesn’t require the maintenance of wood and can hold up in extreme weather conditions. Recycled plastic is another option that offers a colorful addition to your backyard.

Specialty designs

  • Rocking chairs: Adirondack rocking chairs have the same comfort and look of a traditional Adirondack chair except the legs are on rockers. If you enjoy the rhythmic comfort of a rocker, you may wish to consider an Adirondack rocking chair; it makes a great addition to a front or back porch.

  • Comfort back chairs: A comfort back has a slight curve to it rather than the traditional straight back. You may want to sit in one of these models before purchasing because, depending on your size, the curve of the back may not fit you.

  • Foldable chairs: This type of chair has hinges that allow you to fold it flat for easy storage, which is great if you don’t have a lot of storage space. They’re often made of wood that can’t be left out in tough weather. Foldable chairs are also more portable if you want to take them camping or on vacation.

  • Chairs with oversized seats: Oversized seats work well for anyone who is taller or larger than average. They give you more space and room to get comfortable.

  • Reclining chairs: The back of a reclining Adirondack chair can fold down nearly flat for sunbathing. These models often include a footrest so you can lie flat on your back with your feet extended.

  • Swinging chairs: Adirondack porch swings fit two or three people and are a lovely way to relax on a summer evening.

  • Gliders: These chairs offer smoother movement than a rocker but still provide a rhythmic way to relax.

  • Two-seaters/loveseats: Adirondack-style loveseats have two backs with one seat. They make a fun addition to your outdoor space if you need lots of extra seating.

Cushions

Wooden chairs can be hard on your backside. Cushions are usually sold separately, but they can make your Adirondack chairs much more comfortable. You’ll need to make sure the cushion fabric repels water and resists fading in sunlight. Cushions should be removed in the winter months if you plan to leave the chairs outside year-round.

Maintenance

Before deciding on a chair material, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to put into the chairs. It might be worth spending the extra money for teak or polywood to minimize your maintenance requirements. If you’re willing to refinish the wood every year and keep the chairs covered when they’re not in use, you can get an inexpensive set of Adirondack chairs.

Adirondack chair prices

  • Inexpensive: For less than $50, you can find a hemlock or pine Adirondack chair. They may be finished or unfinished, but chairs at this price will require regular maintenance.

  • Mid-range: Between $50 and $100, you’ll find painted wood chairs, foldable models, softwoods, and a few hardwoods.

  • Expensive: In the $100 to $200 range, you’ll find foldable and reclining models in high-quality hardwoods and polywood. These chairs can withstand tough weather conditions.

  • Premium: For over $200, you’ll find Adirondack gliders, swings, sets of two or more chairs with a table, and other variations on this backyard favorite.
"Teak comes with a high price tag because it’s in high demand for outdoor and indoor furniture. Its incredible durability makes it a worthwhile investment since you won’t need to replace it for years, and it can be left outside all year. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Plastic Adirondack chairs will never need to be stained or waterproofed. However, they will need to be cleaned periodically. Be sure to avoid harsh solvents and abrasives that could scratch or harm the integrity of the plastic.

  • All-weather plastic chairs can be stored outdoors year-round.

  • If you live in a wet climate, you’ll want to use a mold-resistant finish or paint. Varnishes made for boats also work well if you live on the coast where humidity and moisture will be an issue all year.

Some Adirondack chairs come as a set that includes a matching table for drinks, food, or someplace to set your book while you take a nap.

FAQ

Q. Will I have to assemble my new Adirondack chair?
A.
Most wood chairs purchased online will have to be assembled. Plastic chairs usually come fully assembled. Assembly isn’t too difficult. However, gliders, rockers, loveseats, and swings may require more extensive assembly and specialized tools.

Q. Do cushions come with some Adirondack chairs?
A.
Most cushions have to be purchased separately. Many manufacturers make cushions to fit their chairs, but unless you purchase a specialty chair with a wide seat or curved back, a generic cushion should fit almost any basic Adirondack chair.   

Q. Does the color of a polywood Adirondack chair bleach over time?
A.
There will be some change in color, especially if it’s a bright, vibrant hue. Polywood maintains its color better than painted wood. However, the color tones down rather than bleaches.

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