:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AdirondackChairs_SerwallFoldingAdirondackChair_RM_173.jpg-d2ad0a42f6594223ad1725b73d219289.jpg)
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
While you have lots of options when buying outdoor furniture like a lounge chair, the Adirondack chair—immediately recognizable by its wide, wooden slats and sloping back—is an iconic outdoor furniture piece that has symbolized summer relaxation since 1903. The Adirondack chair can also become part of your personalized outdoor decor. "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.
But which ones are the best? We purchased 24 Adirondack chairs from various manufacturers and tested them in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. 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.
Then, we tested their limits, slamming them with medicine balls to assess durability; dousing them with a garden hose to see how well they repelled moisture; and smearing them with barbecue sauce and melted marshmallows to check how easy we could clean off outdoor cookout goop. Finally, we evaluated each product for its setup, comfort, support, adjustability, durability, and design. After testing these chairs in the lab, we took them home to assess their durability in our own outdoor living spaces for six months.
Testing Stats | |
---|---|
Products Tested | 23 |
Hours Spent Testing | 12 |
Tests Performed | 7 |
Unique Testers | 10 |
Best Overall
Highwood Hamilton Folding & Reclining Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Highwood-Hamilton-Adirondack-Chair-Badge-bd88a1ed9cd742fb8fa6ada38d463b5d.jpg)
Amazon
Comfortable
Three reclining positions
Fairly easy to clean
Durable construction
Difficult to switch between positions
Expensive
The Highwood Hamilton Made in the USA 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.
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 caused water to bead up. We also found it was easy to clean up barbecue sauce; the melted marshmallows required a bit of scrubbing with a wet paper towel and dish soap but eventually came off. While this chair doesn’t have any additional features, such as a cup holder, you could confidently set a beverage on its flat, wide arms. The cutouts also make the chair comfortable for larger bodies and for parents cuddling small kids.
The adjustable back has three reclining positions, which we especially enjoyed. We noted that changing the position of the chair’s back requires two hands and can still be quite difficult to accomplish. Assembly in our lab took over 10 minutes, but we had no problem, thanks to threaded inserts for the bolts and separate pieces. We also like that although the chair’s durable material doesn't require storage, the piece can easily be folded flat to store during colder months.
All of this does come at a price. But overall, we believe this chair’s intuitive design, comfortable and durable frame, and easy-to-clean surface make it a great investment piece that will enhance usage of your outdoor space year-round.
How It Performed Long-Term
With regular use over six months, we noted that this chair does seem narrower than other Adirondack chairs we had previously purchased for one of our homes. However, it was still comfortable to sit in and get out of. We also left this chair out for as long as the warm weather permitted, and it did not suffer any damage from weather and the elements. Once it got cold, we chose to store this chair inside, and we noticed that it does not fold quite as flatly as advertised. The folding mechanism does make it very convenient to move and store, however.
Price at time of publish: $270
Frame Material: High grade poly lumber with 304 grade stainless steel hardware | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Seat Width: 20 inches | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Budget
RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-RealComfort-Charcoal-Resin-Plastic-Adirondack-Chair-Badge-759ff8d14d734e57ac1c0b5e28b7061a.jpg)
Home Depot
Comfortable lumbar support
Durable plastic
Easy to clean
May not be best for tall people
No folding option for storage
If you’re looking for the aesthetics of an Adirondack chair but balk at spending a lot on a wooden or heavy-duty version, consider the RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair. It’s lightweight enough to be moved to different areas of your home and yard, making it a flexible piece of home decor, but its durable plastic withstood a hit from two 15-pound medicine balls. One member of our testing team, who is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, noted that she fit in it comfortably, especially with the added lumbar support (but it may not be as comfortable for taller individuals).
Aside from this chair’s durable resin frame, we also like that its armrests are parallel to the ground, so you can easily use them as drink rests without worrying about spillage. Although this chair doesn’t fold up, it could easily stack on top of others of the same style. While the RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair may not be the best chair of its kind, it fulfills its purpose while being comfortable and affordable.
How It Performed Long-Term
We've appreciated this chair's design in one of our own homes, even though it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options. It has also held up well on an outdoor patio against blistering heat and intense thunderstorms. We left it outside during the intense Iowa winter, and it has not faded or cracked at all. It's easy to wipe off with a wet cloth, and we're excited to begin using it more often once warmer weather starts again.
Price at time of publish: $30
Frame Material: Fade-resistant resin | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Seat Width: 19 inches | Assembly Required: No | Return Policy: 90 days
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Best Design
Yefu Plastic Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-YEFU-Adirondack-Chair-Badge-702198815a2e4e5e9e3d91d819afe567.jpg)
Amazon
High-quality look and feel
Priced less than similar options
Adjustable back
Bends and creaks on impact
If you’re looking for durable design and easy construction in an Adirondack chair, then check out the YEFU Adirondack Chair. This chair is made out of a high-impact polystyrene that resembles wood but can withstand the elements without fading. We recognize that this isn't the cheapest material to seek out in an Adirondack chair, but it will hold up for multiple summers.
We found the chair’s recline comfortable, and enjoyed the option of reclining further or sitting more upright. Somewhat unsettlingly, the chair creaked when leaning side to side or backwards. The back also bent slightly and tipped over during our durability test.
The online product listing notes that this chair only takes 15 minutes to assemble, but it took one member of our team 29 minutes; 15 might have been doable with additional help to hold the heavier pieces. While this Adirondack chair is still expensive, we appreciate that it’s priced less than similarly designed chairs.
How It Performed Long-Term
After adding this chair to our back deck, we found that we preferred to sit in this chair opposed to the other seating on our deck. It also looked great surrounded by potted plants and an outdoor rug, something to consider if you want to give your outdoor space a quick refresh. This chair has also stayed outside during the winter and has not changed in appearance or durability at all. We recommend this chair for anyone who is in the market for a reliably designed Adirondack chair that’s durable and available in numerous color options.
Price at time of publish: $140
Frame Material: High-impact polystyrene with 304 stainless steel accessories | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Seat Width: Not listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Best Modern
Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/POLYWOOD-Modern-Adirondack-Chair-5d0afd45f91c4bf497d41acfe73b6836.png)
Amazon
Comfortable recline
Sturdy
Easy to clean
Difficult assembly
While many folks love the traditional aesthetics of Adirondack chairs, often the furniture piece doesn't blend into every style of outdoor decor. The POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack Chair is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a modern take on the classic chair design in a variety of colors. We found it pretty comfortable to sit in because of the angle of its back; we also noted that the resin material felt pleasantly smooth against bare legs.
The modern-style chair easily passed our tests: It didn’t move or crack when we slammed it with two 15-pound medicine balls, and the barbecue sauce and melted marshmallows wiped off relatively easily with a wet cloth.
Despite all of this chair's accolades, we wish it were easier to put together; the provided instructions weren’t clear, and we had to consult the manufacturer’s website, where detailed videos helped with assembly. Once we put it together, however, we found this chair a great option for anyone who is looking for a modern and durable version of an Adirondack chair.
How It Performed Long-Term
This chair has also held up beautifully on a deck against rain, wind, snow (during the winter), and bird droppings. We love how easily this chair wipes off and how we can sit on it after a rainstorm without getting our clothes wet. While the cost may be more upfront, compared to traditional wooden Adirondack chairs, we think this option is an awesome low-maintenance and modern design.
Price at time of publish: $240
Frame Material: Resin | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: 17.37 inches | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Best Wood
Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Grandin-Road-All-Natural-Teak-Adirondack-Chair-Badge-fab532a4df604296927a1e9a3c09b084.jpg)
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 we tested. We found it to have a sturdy build and design, thanks to not only its taller frame but also 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 to a silver color over time. 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 own tool box. The Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair wooden chair is a great choice for anyone who wants the traditional charm and original style of the Adirondack chair.
How It Performed Long-Term
After a team member used this chair for a month in her backyard, she loved it so much that she purchased a second one for her partner to sit outside with her. It has braved several rain storms with no issues and without a sealant on it. During the winter months, she decided to store this chair to preserve its finish, since she still has not sealed the wood, but the quality has held up over the past several months.
Price at time of publish: $349
Frame Material: Teak | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: Not listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 90 days
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Best Portable
Christopher Knight Home Hanlee Acacia Wood Folding Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Christopher-Knight-Home-Hanlee-Acacia-Wood-Folding-Adirondack-Chair-Badge-b3ff178067a6485a926666ebf34c55e9.jpg)
Amazon
Easy-to-clean painted surface
Comfortable seat depth
Folding and lightweight
Confusing instructions
Some pre-drilled holes missing
If you live in a place where storing your deck and patio furniture in the off-season is necessary, consider the Christopher Knight Home Hanlee Acacia Wood 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.
This chair also isn’t as deep as other Adirondack styles, which made it more comfortable to sit in. Because of its painted surface, we didn’t have to worry about splinters. We also were impressed that it didn’t stain from the barbecue sauce and melted marshmallows we spilled on it during lab testing.
This chair arrived with all its pieces well labeled, but it did take some time to assemble. We recommend having additional help and a power drill available. Some pieces were missing pre-drilled holes, which also slowed down assembly, and portions of the instructions were difficult to understand. Once we assembled this chair, though, we had nothing but good things to say about it. It’s reasonably priced and well-made and a good value for the money.
How It Performed Long-Term
One of our team members said she's been using this chair on her three-season porch and carries it indoors with no issue. It's easy to fold, and while it is still heavy, she said it's not too difficult to maneuver alone. She also noted that this chair felt deep to her (she is 5'5"), so she may add a cushion for more back support, but her husband sits very comfortably in it (he is 6'3"). Overall, we couldn't be more impressed with this painted Adirondack chair. It's surprisingly durable, and it hasn't shown any signs of peeling or fading while sitting on a non-temperature-controlled porch.
Price at time of publish: $192
Frame Material: Acacia wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: 21.75 inches | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Best for Beverages
ECCB Outdoor Outer Banks Deluxe Oversized Poly Lumber Folding Adirondack Chair
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-ECCB-Outdoor-Adirondack-Chair-Badge-2f659c6abf784936858b868bd607f846.jpg)
Amazon
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. The Outer Banks Deluxe Adirondack Chair 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.
This chair is made from poly lumber, which is a high-grade recycled plastic material that’s waterproof and fadeproof. It’s also available in 23 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.
As with several of the Adirondack chairs we tested, the major downside was assembly: Our tested chair arrived with a deformed lag screw, so additional work was required. We found from experience that it is good to have screwdrivers or a power drill on hand. Otherwise, we loved the comfort of this chair, its thoughtful design with two (!) cup holders, and easy-to-clean surface.
How It Performed Long-Term
We think this chair has improved our outdoor space, and loved using it during the warmer seasons in one of our backyards. 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. This chair does slightly fold to make carrying easier, but we noticed that the screws come loose, so we suggest re-tightening if you move your chair around often. The cup holder is also fairly shallow, so drinks with rounded bottoms may wobble a bit. However, we think that overall we couldn't ask for much more from this chair, given its comfort, versatility, and durability.
Price at time of publish: $299
Frame Material: Poly lumber with #316 stainless steel hardware | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Seat Width: Not listed | Assembly Required: Yes | Return Policy: 30 days
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Compare
Overall Rating | Setup | Comfort | Support | Adjustability | Design | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]()
Best Overall:
Highwood Folding & Reclining Adirondack Chair
|
Target | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | |
![]()
Best Budget:
RealComfort Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair
|
Walmart | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | ||
![]()
Best Design:
Yefu Plastic Adirondack Chair
|
Amazon | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | |
![]()
Best Modern:
Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair
|
Amazon | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | ||
![]()
Best Wood:
Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair
|
Grandinroad.com | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3.2 | ||
![]()
Best Portable:
Christopher Knight Home Hanlee Folding Adirondack Chair
|
Amazon | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||
![]()
Best for Beverages:
ECCB Outdoor Outer Banks Folding Adirondack Chair
|
Amazon | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Our top pick for Adirondack chairs is the Highwood Hamilton Made in the USA Adirondack Chair. This chair is made from high-grade poly lumber and has three reclining positions for ultimate comfort outdoors. For a more affordable option, we recommend the RealComfort Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack Chair, which features built-in lumbar support and is lightweight for easy mobility throughout your lawn and home.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AdirondackChairs_GeneralTesting_RM_183.jpg-8aabe57a08d943cbb8fcdc4be008738c.jpg)
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Other Options We Tested
World Market Natural Wood Adirondack Rocking Chair: This rocking Adirondack chair was pretty easy to set up and passed all of our durability tests for the most part with ease (the medicine ball left a black scuff and the marshmallow was challenging to wipe up fully). Our main concern that led us to not include this chair is that it's taller than the other chairs we tested, which proved a major problem for us when one member of our testing team (5'5") could not sit in it comfortably and rock the chair. She had to scooch forward and rock on her tip toes, which was a rather uncomfortable sitting experience. However, if you're a taller use who's looking for a rocking-style Adirondack chair, this is a great option.
Crate & Barrel Paso Teak Wood Outdoor Adirondack Chair: This chair just isn't comfortable—and that's not just because it's an Adirondack chair. It's designed with a shorter back rest and deeper seat, making it awkward for shorter users to sit in, and unsupportive for taller users. The assembly process was also confusing, because none of the pieces was labeled, but the instructions did refer to letters instead of specific parts (e.g., left arm, right leg, seat). Overall, we think you could find a more comfortable chair that's just as stylish, at a fair price.
How We Tested the Adirondack Chairs
To recommend the best Adirondack chairs, we researched and purchased 24, from a variety of manufacturers and stores, and tested them on a hot, sunshiny day outdoors at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. First, we timed the setup process, following the exact instructions provided by the manufacturer, and evaluated them for helpfulness and detail. Once the chair was built, we sat in them, 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 backwards.
Durability was as much a testing factor as comfort, occupying a significant proportion of our evaluation. First, we threw two 15-pound medicine balls at each chair and noted any marks or cracks after impact. Then, to see how well each chair resisted staining from predictable cookout crud, 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. For both, we rated the chair on how easy it was to clean and whether there was any residue or staining. 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.
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. Finally, we noted each chair's listed price and rated for value, and whether we'd recommend it to a friend or family member or purchase it ourselves. After putting these chairs through the ringer in the lab, we took 10 home and used them in our outdoor living spaces for six months. Our team evaluated each chair based on its long-term durability, comfort, and practicality, and we considered how we'd store these chairs during colder months. (Some of us actually did store them!)
What to Look for in an Adirondack Chair
Durability
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 portable pick, the Christopher Knight Home Hanlee Acacia Wood Folding Adirondack Chair, performed well in both Lab and home durability tests. We decided we would likely leave the chair on a porch year-round.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AdirondackChairs_WestElmPortsideOutdoorAdirondackChair_RM_108.jpg-d8ed66aacfe3449d99f4bcf8c1588998.jpg)
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Material
Although traditionally made from wood, you can find Adirondack chairs made from thick, weather-resistant plastic, like many of the options in our roundup. “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.” Selecting an Adirondack chair based on its material is largely up to personal preference and desired maintenance level.
Style
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. And you can snag Adirondack chairs in a range of different materials and in many colors.
Size
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. Remember to double-check the dimensions of an Adirondack chair before buying, including the seat size and overall height and width.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AdirondackChairs_TroyPlasticAdirondackChair_RM_185.jpg-fb4ce9d7fd3f4a32841291829ed4f6e7.jpg)
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
-
What is the best material for Adirondack chairs?
Typically, Adirondack chairs are made from wood or plastic, and both materials have pros and cons. Wood is unlikely to chip, warp, or peel over time, but you might have to refinish it every few years to keep it in tip-top shape. (Check out our guide for how to refinish wood properly.) Plastic tends to be more affordable and easier to clean, but it can chip, peel, or crack, so it might have a shorter lifespan. If you’d prefer a chair that lasts, with a little care and upkeep, opt for a wooden Adirondack chair. If you’d rather pay no attention to your Adirondack chair—and if you don't mind buying a new one every few years—consider a plastic option.
-
How long should Adirondack chairs last?
How long an Adirondack chair will last depends on the chair’s materials and how well it is maintained. When properly cared for, wooden chairs, especially those made from teak, eucalyptus, redwood, and acacia, last the longest, often for generations. 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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AdirondackChairs_ThreePostsHartingtonPlasticFoldingAdirondackChair_GW_259.jpg-09ce4c6138ca42b58c553e558afbf6c4.jpg)
The Spruce / Grant Webster
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was updated by Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce. She compiled the current roundup based on exclusive results from tests we performed at The Spruce Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Each of the selected Adirondack chairs in this tested roundup stands out for its construction, durability, design, and overall comfort.
For extra insight, Phelps consulted two experts—Johnathan Brewer, a licensed general contractor and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, and Andi Morse, founder and principal designer of Morse Design. With decades of experience in construction and interior design, Brewer and Morse provided helpful advice on what to look for in Adirondack chairs and how to care for them over time.
Original reporting for this article was done by Deanna McCormack, a writer who specializes in home, outdoor, and family products. McCormack reached out to Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal designer at Bartone Interiors, to gain more insight on what to look for in Adirondack chairs.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.