Check out this list of the top Adirondack chairs — it's summer's hottest seat.
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Buying an Adirondack Chair
Adirondack chairs are the quintessential American classic. Thomas Lee crafted the first at the turn of the 20th century, dubbing it the “Westport” chair after the upstate New York town near the Adirondack Mountains where his family spent their summers.
The style proliferated quickly after he handed off the design to a friend, who amended it to include a slatted back and seat rather than single sheets of wood. The public began casually calling them “Adirondack chairs” for their ubiquity in the region.
The low-slung design is perfect for lounging or snoozing on a porch, patio, or around a bonfire. The wide arms help loungers get in and out, as well as doubling as a place to hold a drink, plate or book.
Want one? Here’s what to look for in an Adirondack chair:
- Material: Adirondacks are typically outdoor chairs, so durability and weatherproofing are key. Material also contributes to the weight and mobility of the chair, and its comfort. Molded plastic chairs are lighter and stand up to weather, but lack the luxe feel of a wood chair. Wood chairs are the classic choice but can be expensive and heavy. Teak and acacia are great for the outdoors, while pine won’t last as long. Aluminum is another, lighter and durable option but won’t be as comfortable. Also, consider whether you want cushions.
- Price: The best-made Adirondacks tend to be spendy. Plastic is often cheaper than wood. If you pay more, you’ll get a classic, heavy-duty design you likely won’t regret.
- Style: Most Adirondack chairs offer the classic low-slung profile, slatted back and seat, wide arms and sturdily framed foundation. They come in a rainbow of colors, stains and finishes; some look as good in cherry red or black as they do in natural wood. While the style almost always retains the usual hallmarks, designers have taken the Adirondack design in lots of different directions, offering variations for every type of home and landscape, from classic to modern.
- Size: Chairs are often standard sizes, but it’s possible to find Adirondacks in different seat heights. Rules of thumb: Kids need about a 12-inch seat height; shorter people (5-foot-5 and under) should aim for 14 inches; and the tall probably need 15- to 16-inches.
Best All-Around Adirondack Chair
Polywood, revered for its weather-resistant recycled-plastic “lumber,” nails the classic Adirondack look with no maintenance. Its classic Adirondack delivers with an unparalleled warranty of 20 years, multiple finish and color options.
If you’re looking for a variety of seat heights, design options and furniture add-ons, Polywood is the place, offering a master class on the classic American style.
Best Recycled Plastic Adirondack Chair
Loll Designs went all in on their modern take on their U.S.-made Adirondack, in style and substance. Their all-recycled chair reclaims #2 plastic (think milk jugs and shampoo bottles), offers multiple seat heights and styles, and adds a footstool for the ultimate comfort. There’s even a hidden bottle opener for your summer beverages.
The color selection is striking, from easy neutrals to sunny orange and leafy green. A UV additive treatment preserves the color.
Best Budget Adirondack Chair
Made of water-resistant UV-protected resin, this plastic, stackable RealComfort Adirondack chair by Adams Manufacturing comes with a lot of perks for a wallet-friendly $27.
It features a 14.5-inch seat height with patented lumbar and head support. The feet offer a no-slip grip, which is great for a lightweight chair. This one tips the scales at eight pounds.
Best Affordable Wood Adirondack Chair
Many Adirondacks start at about $250, making this FSC-certified Acacia Wood Adirondack from Mainstays at Walmart a great deal at $79. The 22-pound chair comes in seven attractive colors, including wood finish.
Carol, a verified Walmart.com purchaser, raved about it: “Absolutely love these chairs!!! We bought six and they are not only comfortable they were easy to put together. I wanted color and the turquoise color delivered!!! Highly recommend. You can’t find a better price per chair.”
Best Armless Adirondack Chair
If you’re looking for a space-saving, armless design for your small patio or porch, the Devin solid wood chair from Wayfair is a stylish option that folds for easy storage in the offseason. Made of acacia, this water-resistant chair would look beautiful outside or in a plant-filled sunroom, too.
Anya of Tulsa, OK., who gave it five stars on Wayfair.com, writes: “Love the uniqueness of these. They were for my front porch, so I didn’t need to worry about them being comfortable or too low to the ground. They look great and are great conversation pieces.”
Best Adirondack Chair for Kids
The KidKraft Adirondack is the standard-bearer for child-sized East Coast style. At $66, this solid Samnu-wood product is affordable, too.
On the KidKraft web site, reviewer Mp-wv writes this chair is the perfect size for her child: “This little Adirondack chair is adorable! The quality and craftsmanship are excellent. The assembly was very quick and simple and took about 10 minutes.
“We have adult chairs in the yard in a similar finish and our toddler loves having his own chair. It looks so much better than the cheap plastic ones and will last for years to come (even if he outgrows it, it can be passed down).”
Best Splurge Adirondack Chair
Modern design lovers and those looking to add a sculptural piece to their backyard gardens will fall in love with the Paso chair from Crate & Barrel.
We love the spectacular teak version, which will stay honey-gold with regular treatments or weather to a patinaed silvery gray. It also comes in black and gray if you prefer recycled-plastic construction. The double-slat design feels chunky and elegant all at once.
Best Rocking Adirondack Chair
The sustainably harvested Acacia Wood Rocking Adirondack is a winner from World Market. We love its space-saving design, quality construction, UV-protecting finish and affordable price ($144).
The shop also offers attractive add-ons, including a drink holder, side table, and ottoman. Finishes come in natural, white and gray.
One verified World Market web site reviewer writes: “I absolutely LOVE these chairs! I am impressed by the quality of workmanship and materials. They are very comfortable due to the design, including a curved backrest and curved seat.
“Simple enough to assemble. I also bought the matching footstools and side table. Now if only they folded to take up less space … I have been looking for this exact design for over 15 years.”
Best Adirondack Loveseat
When only a seat for two will do, the natural fir wood Outsunny Adirondack Loveseat is a good deal at $168 and easy to move at 31 pounds. It accommodates up to 550 pounds, more than many other benches on the market. A curved back makes it comfy to lounge, and the classic design will fit your scheme for years to come.
Best Folding Adirondack Chair
For a portable, storable wood Adirondack chair, look no further than the Best Choice Products folding Adirondack. It’s made of hemlock, the same wood as the original Westport chair.
Pull your chair up to any backyard BBQ easily, since it weighs just over 18 pounds. DIYers will love that you can keep the natural finish or custom stain or paint it yourself.
Best Lounging Adirondack Chair
The original Adirondack accommodated a slight recline. But for true kick-up-your-feet outdoor napping, check out the Poly reclining chair from Overstock. It folds up for easy storage and comes in a wide spectrum of colors.
It’s a true outdoor stalwart with plastic construction, stainless steel hardware, UV protection and resistance to moisture, bugs and warping.
