If you’re in the United States, you call them Adirondack Chairs. If you’re in Canada, they’re Muskoka Chairs. But no matter where you are, these outdoor seating staples are a must-have for any exterior space. Their classic style screams summer, inspiring memories of campfires and barbecues, two things that, like the Adirondack Chair, never go out of style.
The Adirondack Chair was first designed in 1903 by Thomas Lee, who had the idea for the chair while vacationing in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. The chair is typically made from 11 planks of wood or wood composite and features a sloping and concave back and large arms that are parallel to the ground.
When it comes to choosing furniture for your outdoor space, finding pieces that are timeless, durable, comfortable, and stylish can feel like an impossible feat. Outdoor furniture must be able to withstand harsh climates, including blistering heat, strong winds, pounding rain, and in some cases, even snow and hail. Not only must outdoor furniture stand up to the elements, but it also has to be able to handle the regular demands of furniture, including everyday wear and tear from humans and pets. The five Adirondack Chairs we’ve chosen to highlight below are built tough to take on whatever Mother Nature throws at them, making them ideal options for backyards, porches, cottages, cabins, garages and more.
Though the style of the Adirondack Chair is largely consistent, we’ve included five chairs that offer variations of the famous design. This includes traditional wood-like finishes, brightly painted Adirondack Chairs, and a natural white cedar that will fit in perfectly with a tree-lined backdrop.
With a classic style, sturdy and comfortable design, and the many options for fun updates on the timeless outdoor staple, the Adirondack Chair is the perfect piece of furniture to complete any exterior space.
1. SERWALL Folding Adirondack Chair
This Adirondack chair from Serwall combines the classic comfort of a lawn chair with the convenience of a beach chair — that’s because of the unique folding design. That way, you can put it away to protect it from bad weather, or even take it with you to the park. The traditional slatted design ensures water won’t sit on the chair after it rains, and the chair is made to be fade-resistant as well.
Pros: Folding design for easy storage and transport. Wide variety of color options available.
Cons: Included assembly instructions could be better.
2. ECCB Outdoor Deluxe Oversized Folding Adirondack Chair
This Adirondack chair from ECCB Outdoor features a solid frame supported by stainless steel hardware and made of 95% recycled materials. It’s convenient, easy to assemble and transports and stores easily, too. The chair comes in 14 different colors and features a convenient smartphone holder in the armrest.
Pros: Durable frame, made of recycled materials, convenient armrest holders.
Cons: Medium size, could be uncomfortable for someone taller than 5’7”.
3. Lifetime Faux Wood Adirondack Chair
Lifetime’s Adirondack chair is made of weather-resistant simulated wood that’s also UV protected so it won’t chip, crack or peel after long sunny summers. The wood is stain resistant, easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. This design comes in six different colors for a variety of tastes and backyard designs.
Pros: Stain resistant, UV-protected wood that requires very little maintenance.
Cons: Assembly is a bit advanced and can be time-consuming.
4. POLYWOOD Classic Folding Adirondack Chair
POLYWOOD lumber is plastic made from recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles — so while you’re adding an attractive furniture piece to your home you’re also being environmentally friendly. These chairs are completely weatherproof so even after long blistering winters and hot summers they won’t chip, crack peel or rot. They fold up easily for convenient storage and are contoured for comfortable seating. This design also comes in over 10 colors so you can mix and match.
Pros: Comfortable seating, weatherproof wood, made of recycled materials.
Cons: Slats are wider apart than other brands.