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Including lounge, rocking, wicker, and Adirondack chairs. Office Chair Leather
Cindy is a freelance writer and editor whose career began in cookbook publishing. An expert in bakeware, cookbooks, and kitchen organization for Food & Wine, she has reviewed over 25 vacuums, 23 steak knives, and dozens of baking tools, such as cookie sheets, silicone utensils, and proofing baskets.
The right outdoor furniture can transform your empty patio or yard into a beautiful place to relax and entertain. “Whether you want to capture a moment on a small patio or add lounge furniture to an expansive terrace, outdoor furniture will help define additional spaces for family and friends to enjoy,” says Erica Volkmer, principal and founder of Evensen Design. “Patio chairs are a simple addition that extends the livability of a home.”
With countless types of patio chairs available — from stackable and folding options to rocking and wicker varieties — which ones are worth the investment? Weighing important factors like material and comfort, we’ve put together a list of the best patio chairs for every style, budget, and location. Continue reading to find out which ones are our favorites and why we think you’ll love them too.
These sleek, durable chairs are well-designed to handle the outdoors.
These sleek, durable chairs are well-designed to handle the outdoors.
If you’re buying chairs that will be living outside, you want them to be as easy to maintain as possible. Wonderfully suited to face the elements, this one features a dependable, powder-coated aluminum frame (available in a matte white or gray finish) plus a fine mesh synthetic seat — no flimsy or fussy materials here. That makes cleaning the chair seat a breeze: Just use a clean, dry cloth to wipe up any spills. For the frame, you can just use soap and water. Less time to attend to the chair’s upkeep means more time to enjoy it.
If you prefer your patio chairs with cushions, you’ll have to buy those individually; however, the mesh alone will adjust to and support your shape well. Buying multiple? You’ll appreciate the silicone bumpers on the inside of the chair legs that allow you to stack them without signs of damage.
Material: Powder-coated aluminum, fine-mesh synthetic | Quantity: 1 | Cushion(s) Included? No
Comfortable and convenient, these foldable, reclining chairs come in a rainbow of color options.
You’ll want to watch out for rusting, so it's best to keep these outside of the rain.
With these patio chairs, you get a lot for an affordable price. For starters, two come in a set, so if you’re working with a small outdoor space, you may be good to go with this one purchase. And thanks to their flexible but durable fabric, the chairs are versatile and user-friendly. You can adjust the reclining angle to 160 degrees backward, fold them up for easy portability, and benefit from the removable cushioned headrest for extra comfort. There’s even a detachable holding tray where you can fit two cups, your phone, and a tablet or book all at once.
One thing to note is that they can rust quickly, so be careful about leaving them uncovered in the rain. These chairs come in nearly two dozen color options to match any exterior design.
Material: Mesh, alloy steel | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes, removable headrests
These stylish chairs come with extra-comfortable cushions and a handy protective cover.
The teak frame needs to be cleaned at the end of the season to prevent signs of age.
Memory foam isn’t just for your mattress: This dual set of stunning patio chairs features luxurious memory foam cushions, a responsibly sourced teak hardwood frame, and polished, stainless steel clips. You don’t have to worry too much about the cushions getting messed up when not in use since the chairs come with a trademarked protective cover that’s water- and UV-resistant and can be fastened in place. If there’s a big storm coming through, simply pick up the cushions by the handle built into the cover to carry them inside.
The fabric for the cushions is available in light gray, dark gray, cream, and navy, plus the covers are machine washable for easy deep cleaning. In terms of maintenance for the wood frame, remember that teak has natural oils that prevent rotting, but it’s normal for some of that to get on the cushions or cover. Also, if you don’t clean the teak at the end of patio season, it’ll eventually take on a silvery patina. Some may prefer that distinct, aged look, though!
Material: Teak, memory foam, blown polypropylene fiber, OuterShell cover | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
This durable, fuss-free chair is made with recycled plastics and can take on the elements year-round.
It can be difficult to put together.
If there’s one iconic outdoor chair, it’s the Adirondack chair. We tested the best Adirondack chairs, and this one was deemed our best overall due to its classic low-to-the-ground design, foldability for easy storage, and adjustable recline for ultimate alfresco comfort. It’s constructed of proprietary poly lumber that looks a bit like wood but offers the low maintenance of plastic (weather-resistant, easy to clean, and doesn’t require any staining or sanding). The patio chair comes in 10 colors, but if you want to stay as close as possible to a real wood look, consider hickory brown, toffee, weather acorn, or white. It does not feature drink holders, but the armrests are wide enough to accommodate any glass of your liking.
You might need to practice patience while putting it together since assembly can be tricky, but once you have it figured out, you’ll have a chair that looks good without requiring a lot of upkeep.
Material: Plastic and stainless steel | Quantity: 1 | Cushion(s) Included? No
Your family may fight over who gets to lay on this chic, well-cushioned chair that screams vacation.
It’s pricey, and you should take some steps to avoid staining.
You’ll feel like you’re hanging out at a tropical resort anytime you stretch out on these luxurious lounge chairs. The chair’s clean, elegant design comes from a sleek teak frame paired with plush cushions made from a foam core wrapped in polyester. The teak is naturally resistant to mildew and has been kiln-dried to protect it from warping and cracking. Meanwhile, the cushions feature all-weather fabric resistant to mold, mildew, and fading. If you’re willing to shell out a little more, you can opt for the brand’s trademarked Sunbrella Rain performance fabric, which is 100% waterproof.
Since teak’s natural oils can stain, the manufacturer advises you to wait until it’s rained at least three times before putting the new chair on a porous stone surface — that way the oils can be released. But you can speed this up by following the manufacturer’s instructions for hosing it down and then drying it.
Material: Teak, foam core in polyester | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
Pretty and comfortable, these chairs swivel in a full circle.
Assembly isn’t the easiest.
Want to see every angle of your outdoor oasis? Look no further than this set of two 360-degree swivel chairs. They feature handwoven wicker and rust-proof aluminum frames topped with comfy foam cushions covered in fade-resistant Nuvella fabric, an attractive combination of materials to elevate any outdoor space. Simply put, these are the kind of chairs you could easily imagine yourself sitting on for hours while gathered around the fire pit and enjoying some drinks with friends.
Admittedly, the chairs can be difficult to put together, so you may want to grab your handiest friend to help out. Whatever short amount of frustration you feel during assembly, though, will be offset by the relaxation the chairs give you in the days and years to come.
Material: Resin wicker, aluminum, foam, Nuvella | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
Perfect for the front porch or patio, these high-quality chairs are both comfy and sturdy.
The chairs may be too tall for shorter people to sit comfortably.
There’s something sweet about sitting in a rocking chair, soaking up the scenery and fresh air, but this minimalist set brings some modernity to the classic design. Made from solid acacia wood, the chairs are durable and weather-resistant. The included removable foam cushions are wrapped in a polyester-blend fabric, and along with being comfortable to sit on (they’re just over three inches thick), the covers are machine washable.
Due to the seat height, these rocking chairs are particularly suitable for tall people, while shorter people may find their feet don’t touch the ground when they sit all the way back. If on the chance something is off or goes wrong, the chair does come with a 90-day product warranty.
Material: Acacia wood, foam, polyester | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
They’re light, easy to stack and move, and attractive to boot.
Cushions must be purchased separately, and chairs require extra care if placed near salt water.
If you’re limited on space, consider these lightweight, stackable patio chairs that are easy to store and transport. They are the perfect seats for at-home, alfresco dining around a patio table and fit any outdoor aesthetic with classic color options, including black, dove, golden bronze, and white.
Unlike some other stacking chairs, these bring more style with their handwoven wicker (which is antimicrobial), plus extra comfort from the curved back. While matching cushions are sold separately, you’ll find that the chairs are still very nice to sit on without them. One particular maintenance note: If you have a beach house or are planning to set these up by a saltwater pool, it’s best to rinse the chairs weekly to protect the longevity of the wicker.
Material: Resin wicker, powder-coated aluminum | Quantity: 4 | Cushion(s) Included? No
This foldable, lightweight chair has backpack straps for even easier transportation.
It’s more functional than stylish.
If you’re always hopping from one outdoor adventure to another, it helps to have a versatile patio chair you can bring with you — whether it be to a picnic in the park or your weekend campground. Not only is this chair foldable, but it also has a light aluminum frame, built-in backpack straps, and a handle, so nothing is stopping you from taking it on the go. Another unique feature is the chair’s secure closure system, which allows you to store blankets and other things inside when it’s all folded up.
The padded seat is treated with a water-repellent finish, so you shouldn’t have to worry about stains or damage from a little rain shower. No, it’s not the swankiest-looking chair, but it gets the job done.
Material: Aluminum, polyester | Quantity: 1 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
It’s easy to assemble these cool, roomy, Bohemian-inspired chairs.
The cushions could be thicker.
If you love boho-style home decor, these wicker chairs are an excellent way to tie your taste into your outdoor space. The base is made from rust-resistant steel, while the seat is constructed of weather-resistant, woven wicker. It can be annoying when your seat cushion keeps slipping off your chair, but that isn’t an issue since the cushions tie to the chair frame. One drawback is that the cushions aren’t super plush, but you could easily throw on another or add throw pillows for more comfort.
Assembly is required, but not anything you have to be worried about tackling — you won’t even need tools to put these together. Another plus is that this set comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Material: Woven wicker, steel | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
They have a delightful design, and they’re relatively inexpensive.
You’ll need to take some extra steps to make sure the chairs last as long as possible.
Bring a little French flair to your home with this set of bistro chairs. The frame is made with rust-resistant aluminum, while the rest of the chair features supportive-yet-flexible polyethylene rattan. At the bottom of the legs, you’ll find non-slip pads for extra stability. While the chairs are designed to be weather-resistant, it’s best to cover them or even bring them indoors when there’s rain or a storm — doing so will lengthen their lifespan.
The overall charming design is a big plus with these chairs, and for the faux rattan, your color options are black and white, blue and white, or gray and white. Pair the chairs with a bistro table for the perfect coffee break or teatime spot.
Material: Faux rattan, aluminum | Quantity: 2 | Cushion(s) Included? No
These comfortable lounge chairs are true statement pieces.
They're heavy, so you’ll want to set it up in its designated spot.
An egg chair can turn any outdoor space into an oasis. We bet anytime the weather is nice, you’ll want to be snuggled up in this funky chair reading a book or talking with friends. It has thick, weather-resistant fabric cushions on top of a wicker and powder-coated steel frame, and in addition to the seat and back cushions, you get two more pillows to add to the cozy, nest-like vibe.
Many egg chairs are designed to hang, but this one sits on a swivel base, so you don’t have to worry about what to attach it to. While the chair is on the heavy side, the swivel aspect means you can still reorient yourself (to face the sun, for example) without picking up the whole thing and moving it to another area.
Material: Powder-coated steel, wicker, Olefin | Quantity: 1 | Cushion(s) Included? Yes
The Santa Barbara Outdoor Metal Club Chair earned our top spot because of its streamlined look, durability, and easy maintenance. For a luxury pick, we like the Outer Teak Outdoor Armchair Conversation Set for its sophisticated design and high-end cushioning.
Patio chairs come in a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, wicker, and plastic. What you decide on depends on your personal design tastes. “I definitely think the flow from inside to outside should feel like an extension and not a new thought,” says Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. “Materials and selections can be different, but the overall vibe is most successful when it thoughtfully coordinates with the interior.”
You should also consider your environment when choosing the best material for your patio chairs. “Upholstered furniture will be hard to maintain in wetter climates, for example, and when uncovered, furniture covers are key to increasing longevity,” Volkmer says.
There are many types of patio chairs to choose from, but some are more suitable for certain situations than others. For example, an Adirondack chair is great for sitting around a fire pit, while a bistro chair is better for positioning next to a table. For pure relaxation, a rocking chair, a lounge chair, or an egg chair might be ideal. If you need chairs that you can easily move around or store as compactly as possible, a folding or stackable chair might be best. Think about what function you want your outdoor space to have and how you’ll use the chair to decide what type is best for you.
Patio chairs have to strike a balance of comfort and durability. Some chairs are made from materials that can hold up well in the rain but may not be the most comfortable to sit on for long periods. The right cushions can greatly improve a patio chair’s comfort, but remember padding will require different kinds of care than the chair itself. “Cushions can be hard to maintain, and squirrels love nibbling on upholstery,” Volkmer says. “Metal, while durable, is not always comfortable.” You’ll have to determine what’s comfortable for you and how much time you’ll invest in your chair’s upkeep.
While some patio chairs don’t require any assembly, many do and will specify if tools are needed and whether tools are included with the product. The manufacturer should provide detailed instructions about how to assemble the patio chair. Even if you consider yourself handy, it may be worth it to call some friends or family to help if the chair you like involves a little bit more effort to set up since you only have to build the chair once to enjoy it!
Beyond assembling, most outdoor furniture must be maintained in some capacity as to not damage over time. If the thought of bringing in cushions every time it rains sounds annoying to you, look for a more water-proof material. Same thing goes with more delicate wood. Choose a material that suits your lifestyle.
“Powder-coated aluminum, reinforced concrete, and grade-A teak are good materials to use in most environments,” says Ramsey. “The teak will gray over time, so either plan for that in your color scheme or make sure you reseal the teak every year to keep the warm brown tone.” Wrought iron and stainless steel furniture are also highly durable.
Since patio chairs are made from many different materials, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific piece of furniture. For example, Volkmer says that synthetic wovens are very easy to clean. “A simple soap attachment to a hose can quickly rinse off pollen and dust.” For chairs that have fabric, Ramsey always suggests using covers to protect cushions when not in use. “Though cushions are comfortable, they can get wet or stained and be a hassle, so finding a chair that requires no upkeep is a win,” he says.
Office Chair Ergonomic Cindy Brzostowski is a freelance writer and avid home cook who has previous experience in cookbook publishing. Her writing has been featured in Allrecipes, Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and Clever among other publications. For additional insights, she interviewed Erica Volkmer, the principal and founder of Evensen Design, and Brad Ramsey, the principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors.