By Stacey L Nash and Jasmine Harding | Updated May 26, 2022 10:33 AM

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Adirondack chairs, from their low, reclined back to their wide arms, exude relaxation. Once you’ve settled into an Adirondack chair’s natural slope, it’s hard not to close your eyes and doze. But, despite their laidback look, they’re quite stable and sturdy, which makes them ideal for use on a sandy beach, a lakeshore, or in your own backyard.

From traditional wooden chairs to durable molded plastic, the following models include some of the best Adirondack chairs available. Explore these top picks to find the next lounge chair (or chairs) for your outdoor space.

The top Adirondack chairs represent a major investment in backyard or campground seating. To make sure you’re getting the best of the best, the following guide outlines key features and considerations that should factor into your decision.

Traditionally, the best outdoor Adirondack chairs were made of wood, preferably cedar, teak, redwood, or shorea (a tropical hardwood similar to teak) because these woods naturally resist insects, sun, and weather damage.

Now, more exotic wood like eucalyptus and acacia ranks among the bug- and weather-resistant materials that comprise Adirondack chairs. Also common, oak and pine bring distinct advantages and disadvantages to Adirondack offerings. Strong and durable, oak doesn’t resist sun damage as well as other woods. An affordable option, pine doesn’t hold up well in the sun or poor weather.

All wood requires yearly maintenance, including restaining or treatment with a wood sealer to preserve the wood’s color and integrity. When not in use during the off-season, wooden chairs do best with a protective cover.

Other common construction materials include various plastics from new (virgin) to recycled. The best plastic Adirondack chairs vary in quality, but some of the highest-quality resins cost almost as much as wood and imitate it well in both appearance and feel. Often easier to maintain than wood, plastic Adirondack chairs don’t require staining or sealing.

Though usually lighter than wood, some of the more durable resins weigh almost as much as their all-natural counterparts. Plastic Adirondack chairs may come with a protective UV coating or protective additives in the pigments to increase their weather and sun resistance.

When properly maintained, plastic and plastic composite Adirondack chairs last for 10 years or more. With a protective cover during harsh weather to prevent fading and wear and tear, they may last even longer.

Durable Adirondack chairs made with plastics have come a long way in the last decade. High-quality plastics resist water and don’t attract bugs. Plastic also comes in a wide range of color choices that you won’t find with wood. Chairs made with UV- and weather-treated plastic rival wood in durability and often surpass it in portability.

The best all-weather Adirondack chairs rely on sturdy construction, quality material, and protective finishes. Cedar, acacia, eucalyptus, and redwoods offer the best weather resistance and naturally repel bugs. But, they need a new coat of stain at least once a year to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

Also, keep in mind that cedar fades to a natural gray with sun exposure. If that’s not your style, you’ll need to use a wood sealer to protect the natural color.

A full-size Adirondack chair isn’t exactly easy to carry. Long and sometimes heavy, some solid wood models weigh upwards of 100 pounds. If you’re looking for Adirondack chairs for the beach or the lake, go for small, folding versions.

Folding Adirondack chairs collapse in on themselves for easier storage and carrying. These make the best Adirondack chairs for fire pits, tailgates, camping trips, and anywhere that you must take the chairs with you when you leave.

Adirondack chairs come in a variety of shapes and colors, ranging from natural, stained-wood styles to colorful, patterned options. Traditional wooden Adirondack chairs feature an angled back with a rounded top and large armrests. This classic and simple look fits in with most decor types and traditional homes in particular. Deep wooden hues work best in this case.

For those who buck tradition, a wide range of other styles offer whimsical deviations from the standard. For modern homes, consider a contemporary Adirondack chair that features straight rather than curved lines. Lighter colors make a great pick for coastal or beachside outdoor seating. Bright colors and patterns suit the eclectic urban porch.

Various manufacturers change up the classic Adirondack design to add a few unexpected perks.

The best Adirondack chairs combine high-quality materials with a comfortable design. Some include extra perks like ottomans and cup holders for those who demand a little more from their favorite chair.

Lifetime’s high-quality plastic mimics real wood without the same maintenance needs. Available in five colors, including black, brown, rustic brown, gray, and light brown, each provides a real wood feel but with extra perks. Treated with a protective UV coating, this chair stands up to both sun and harsh weather.

At just 9.5 pounds, it moves from place to place with greater ease than wood, too. But don’t let the light weight fool you. These little powerhouses support up to 300 pounds of weight as users take a load off on the deep, reclined seat and matching ottoman.

Best Choice Products’ chair ranks as one of the most comfortable Adirondack chairs on the market. At 18.75 pounds, it weighs less than many other wooden chairs and folds down for easier transport and for the recommended storage in a covered area during the off-season.

Made of rot- and pest-resistant hemlock in a natural wood finish, this material requires regular weather-proofing treatment to fend off rot. Sturdy, strong construction supports up to 350 pounds. A tall backrest offers the ultimate comfort and relaxation for loungers of all sizes.

POLYWOOD’s sleek profile will accentuate most any modern outdoor decor with its contemporary angled seatback, classic contoured seat bottom, and waterfall front slats.

An extremely weather-resistant Adirondack chair, its weatherproof resin and plastic build won’t crack, chip, or peel when left outside in bad weather. Made from recycled plastic with Color-Stay technology, this modern Adirondack won’t fade in the sun’s UV rays.

Add rustic, coastal charm to outdoor seating areas with this solid wood chair from West Elm. Equal parts durable and beautiful, this seat comprises moisture-resistant solid mahogany and eucalyptus. A wire-brushed finish gives it a timeless coastal look, while a protective polyurethane topcoat offers better protection from the elements.

Angular lines and a textured finish make this contemporary coastal chair ideal for a coastal-inspired city oasis or for outdoor seating at a beach house. For optimum comfort, shoppers can purchase a matching ottoman at an additional cost. This solid wood chair comes in two natural tones and weighs in at 36 pounds – a bit heavy but worthwhile for the classic wood construction.

Bold shapes and contemporary lines set Crate & Barrel’s luxurious chair apart from its classic counterparts. Instead of several wooden slats, this chair features a wide, straight-edge, double-slat back and seat, along with plank-style rear legs for a modern statement. All angles in appearance, the chair features a reclined back and rounded armrests for comfortable seating.

Crate & Barrel’s chair comes in a variety of materials and colors, including colorful recycled POLYWOOD versions or a warm, teak wood option. Pair this Adirondack chair with the matching Paso ottoman for even better lounging.

Made from recycled plastic bottles and stainless steel hardware, Jarrat’s lightweight, recyclable Plastic Adirondack Chair provides a sustainable, eco-friendly option for outdoor seating. Sturdy and durable, the chair stands 40 inches tall and supports up to 500 pounds.

Recycled plastic construction withstands almost any weather, too. Note: Jarratt’s Plastic Adirondack Chair does not fold and requires assembly before use.

A rocking chair makes the perfect seat for relaxing outside on warm days and balmy evenings. Pottery Barn’s chair takes the classic Adirondack and adds rocker rails for ultimate relaxation. This combination of a deep reclined seat and calm swaying motion makes the chair an ideal choice for everyday outdoor seating.

Pottery Barn’s Adirondack rocker mimics a traditional wood look in water- and UV-repellent recycled POLYWOOD. It comes in three vintage-inspired colors, each with a color-stay finish for a low-maintenance bright color that lasts through the seasons.

Considered one of the best foldable Adirondack chairs, this POLYWOOD chair provides the look and feel of real wood in a bug-, weather-, and sun-resistant recycled plastic. UV inhibitors and stabilizers incorporated into the pigment provide extra fade resistance.

Folded down, the chair stores flat. It moves easily around the yard and doubles as a camping chair. At 37 pounds, while not a lightweight chair, it’s got the necessary heft to stand up to body weight and the elements. While not a cheap Adirondack chair, the price reflects the quality.

Hard to distinguish from wood, the plastic in QOMOTOP’s Poly Lumber Adirondack chair reduces the price and maintenance needs. But it’s the cup holder that makes it a standout. Big enough to hold your favorite drink or a smartphone, the cup holder swivels snugly under the armrest when not in use.

This chair’s size will impress, too. The seat offers extra width over that of a standard-size Adirondack chair. The 350-pound maximum weight capacity adds a full 100 pounds over some models. Like other plastic chairs, this one requires little maintenance except for a protective cover in the off-season.

These Adirondacks are easy to fold and stow for the winter. The two recycled plastic chairs stand up to weather, splinterling, rot, and chipping while in use or in storage.

For those who love a pop of color in their backyard or by the fire, this chair set comes in 13 colorways including white, lime, red, and dark brown.

Chosen for its durability, folding design, and ample color choices, the Lifetime Adirondack chair in weather-resistant plastic takes our top spot. For a more traditional look and feel, the Best Choice Products Adirondack chair made of hemlock wood offers rustic charm at a lower price point, though with less weather resistance.

Adirondack chairs are a classic choice for outdoor seating reminiscent of mountain retreats and days spent at the cottage. Each of the top picks comes with thoughtful features including ergonomic design, UV and moisture resistance, many positive Adirondack chair reviews, and heavy-duty construction to last for years to come.

In wood, resin, and plastic construction, these Adirondack chairs withstand most weather conditions with protective UV coatings and waterproof materials. Some of the above picks come in recycled plastic to provide a sustainable, eco-friendly option. Most of the featured Adirondack chairs meet manufacturers’ recommended dimensions of 35 to 38 inches in height with a seat width of 30 inches and a weight capacity of 250 to 500 pounds.

Many of these chairs collapse for portability and storage. Similarly, most models come in multiple colors and finishes to fit different outdoor spaces. For more special features, select picks come with large seat backs for added support, cupholders, and ottomans.

We answered a few of the most common questions about Adirondack chairs to help you decide whether one of these classic outdoor fixtures is in your future.

Adirondack chairs get their name from the Adirondack mountains where they first gained popularity. In Canada, this same chair design became popular in the Muskoka region, hence its Canadian moniker.

Muskoka chairs may look just like Adirondack chairs, but sometimes Muskokas have a lower back and seat.

The materials and where you live determine whether the Adirondack chair should stay outside year-round. Some woods and plastics withstand inclement weather and sun damage well enough for year-round outdoor storage. However, any chair, regardless of the construction materials, will last longer under a protective cover during the off-season and when not in use.

Adirondack chairs can blend with the color of your home or provide a pop of color. It depends on how you want to use them. If you want a natural look, invest in cedar, teak, or acacia. However, if you’re looking to add fun colors, plastic offers the widest range of options. Enthusiastic DIYers may choose to paint a wooden chair in their favorite shade.

Though wood tones rank among the most common colors for Adirondack chairs, blue, red, and white sit high on the list, too.

Wooden Adirondack chairs come clean with a power washer. For plastic and resin, use water, a mild soap, and a cloth or sponge.

While most Adirondack chairs include weather treatments, storing them under a cover and in a shed makes them last longer. Folding chairs are the easiest to store.

With proper maintenance including routine staining and retreating, storage, and protective covering, Adirondack chairs can live to their full life expectancy of around 10 years depending on the construction material. Here are some specifics:

Exposure to saltwater and harsh winters can drastically reduce a chair’s lifespan regardless of the quality of the materials.

Paint wooden Adirondack chairs with oil-based paint as it can resist chipping and fading. Before you begin painting, clean your chairs to ensure no particles or materials will get trapped under the paint.

If you plan to paint a plastic or resin Adirondack chair, the best option is standard exterior gloss paint as it is more likely to affix to these materials. But, a primer or undercoat may be required.

Adirondack chairs are fully recyclable and can be taken to your local recycling center.

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