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Defined by their low-slung silhouette, slanted base and wide armrests, Adirondack chairs are an iconic piece of outdoor furniture built for all-weather use. The best models strike a balance between support and durability—and can last for years when properly maintained. After reviewing top-rated Adirondack chairs across material quality, comfort and durability, we selected Frontgate’s Rowan model as our best overall pick for its weather resistance and more supportive seat. (Another favorite is Polywood’s Classic Folding option, which folds flat for easy storage and is available in over a dozen vibrant colors.)
The best Adirondack chairs are durable, attractive and created with comfort in mind.
Materials: Sustainably harvested, kiln-dried teak |Colors: One color, a weathered finish What You’ll Love:
Teak’s natural properties help prevent mildew
Contoured seat is comfortable enough to skip a cushion
Matching ottoman available for a more relaxed experience
Why We Named It Best Adirondack Chair Overall Made from high-quality teak and topped off with a weathered finish, this incredibly comfortable chair naturally resists mildew and withstands all manner of wet and humid weather. Its smooth, sleek finish means a seat cushion isn’t necessary, making it a comfortable spot to sit outside—whether you’re catching up with a friend or reading. For an elevated setup, consider the matching Rowan Adirondack Ottoman, which offers a comfortable place to kick your feet up while seamlessly complementing the chair’s design. If you’re not satisfied with either purchase, Frontgate has a 90-day return policy. What The Reviews Say These “comfortable, super well-constructed” chairs live up to the hype—in fact, one reviewer “loved them so much we decided we needed two more.” Others claim they’re easy to assemble. And in terms of how they stand up to the elements, one customer remarked that the chairs seem to be “weathering nicely.”
An Easy-Folding Option That Comes In Vibrant Colors
Polywood
Polywood Classic Folding Adirondack Chair
Material: Sustainable, UV-protected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) |Colors: 15 colors, including Sunset Red and Pacific Blue What You’ll Love:
Folds flat with a discreet hinge for easy transport
Made from recycled plastic for a durable, low-maintenance build
Classic design inspired by the original 1938 silhouette
Why We Named It Best Portable Adirondack Chair During warmer months, when trips to the beach, campground or pool are on the agenda, Polywood’s Classic Folding Adirondack Chair stands out for its portability. Modeled after Irving Wolpin’s original 1938 design, it includes a barely-there hinge that allows the chair to fold flat and is constructed with a proprietary plastic that resists cracking, peeling and splintering when exposed to the elements.
What The Reviews Say An overwhelming number of this Adirondack chair’s reviews are positive—and there are over a thousand of them. “Beautiful product, well-made and durable through rain and other inclement weather,” one such review reads. “Definitely planning to purchase more!”
Best Adirondack Chair For Families
Stylish, Weatherproof And Wide Enough For 2 Toddlers
Editor’s Pick
Amazon
Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair
Material: Sustainable, UV-protected high-density polyethylene |Colors: 13 colors, including Teak, Tangerine and Aruba
What You’ll Love
ColorStay technology preserves color vibrancy
Polyethylene withstands extreme temperatures
Wide base for use by multiple children
Why We Named It Best Adirondack Chair For Families Families with small children looking for an equally comfortable, durable and stylish Adirondack chair need look no further than Polywood’s Modern model. Like our other picks from the brand, this chair is made from sustainably sourced, high-density polyethylene engineered to withstand heat, wind and precipitation, while offering sleek, comfortable details like a contoured seat, curved waterfall front and modern back. Plus, as one of our staffers points out, this particular Adirondack chair is wide enough to fit two small children, and its armrests offer ample space for drinks.
What Our Experts Say Deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala shares, “I have a pair of Polywood Modern Adirondack Chairs in black for our backyard fire pit. I love the sleek look of this design, and they’re comfortable, too." Sala adds that two of her kids fit in a single chair, and “the armrests are wide enough to balance a drink on for a moment.” She also notes the chairs’ durability, citing Polywood’s strong reputation for holding up well outdoors. "I leave the chairs outdoors in New Jersey year-round and they’ve held up.”
Best High-Seat Adirondack Chair
Uniquely Designed And Tested In The U.S.A.
USA-Made
L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean All-Weather Classic Adirondack Chair
Material: Partially recycled high-density polyethylene |Colors: Seven colors, including Classic Navy and Mahogany What You’ll Love
Higher seat for easier entry and exit
Marine-grade quality hardware
Can stay outdoors year-round
Why We Named It Best High-Seat Adirondack Chair Adirondack chairs aren’t always easy to enter and exit, as they typically sit low to the ground. This model from L.L.Bean has a unique design with a higher seat for less strenuous ups and downs. With a seat height of 15 inches, adults of all ages will be able to enjoy it without any strain. Like many of its competitors, it’s resistant to warping, cracking or rotting, so there’s no need to bring it indoors during inclement weather. Its marine-grade hardware adds to its overall durability.
What The Reviews Say Equal parts “lightweight and sturdy,” it’s no surprise these chairs have earned high marks from hundreds of reviewers. One customer says they’ve kept their chairs for over 15 years—an impressive feat and a testament to the durability of the product.
A Rust-Resistant Metal Option With A Cushioned Seat
Pottery Barn
Malibu Metal Adirondack Chair With Cushion
Material: Rust-proof, powder-coated aluminum |Colors: One color, black What You’ll Love
Several cushion fabric options are resistant to mildew, fading and moisture
Minimalist design
Lightweight for easy mobility
Why We Named It Best Adirondack With A Cushion Complete with a comfortable cushion on a lightweight aluminum base, this minimalist take on the classic Adirondack chair is an excellent choice for fans of modern design. While you can buy the frame by itself, the cushion is a great investment, especially if you choose one of the Sunbrella fabric options. Like the chair’s construction, the outdoor high-performance fabrics as well as the Sunbrella options stand up to mold, mildew and stains.
Best Plastic Adirondack Chair
A Modern Design That’s Eco-Friendly And Comfortable
Sustainable
Design Within Reach
Loll Designs Adirondack Lounge Chair
Material: Recycled plastic | Colors: 13 colors, including Sunset Orange and Driftwood Gray
What you’ll love:
Made from recycled materials
Modern, streamlined take on a classic design
Built-in hidden bottle opener
Why We Named It Best Plastic Adirondack Chair
Minnesota–based manufacturer Loll was founded in 2006 to redirect waste from custom skate-park ramps into outdoor furniture. Today, the company transforms post-consumer milk jugs and detergent bottles into sturdy plastic pieces, including this Adirondack chair made exclusively for Design Within Reach. Expansive slats give the chair a look that’s as modern as its manufacturing method.
What The Reviews Say One reviewer says these chairs are “worth every penny.” And unlike more traditional wooden options, these chairs “don’t splinter with time, they don’t fade; a quick soapy brush and hose can get them nice and clean.” One user also points to their durability, noting they’ve held up well outdoors year-round without needing to be brought inside.
Best Adirondack Glider Chair
A Smooth Ride That Might Just Rock You To Sleep
Polywood
Polywood Classic Adirondack Glider Chair
Material: Sustainable, UV-protected high-density polyethylene |Colors: Eight colors, including Slate Grey and Sand What You’ll Love
Smooth, supportive gliding motion
Weather-resistant construction
Materials mimic the appearance of painted wood
Why We Named It Best Adirondack Glider Chair Polywood’s surfaces are fade-resistant and backed by a 20-year warranty, making their chairs a solid consideration when purchasing an Adirondack chair. With its gliding function, this chair delivers on comfort and durability. Curious about the difference between a rocking chair and a glider? It all has to do with the “shape” of the movement. Whereas a rocker moves along an arc-like path, a glider drifts back and forth with a straight, fixed motion. This smooth ride requires an extra mechanism, which explains why this Polywood entry is a bit bottom-heavy. It also sits more upright than the slanted styles of other Adirondack chairs on this list.
What The Reviews Say One reviewer noted they had been searching for a similar glider and appreciated finding this option at a lower price. “I had been looking for gliders like these for a long time and was excited to find them at about half the price of others." They also highlighted its suitability for outdoor lounging.
Best Modern Adirondack Chair
A Cool, Structural Take On The Classic
Crate & Barrel
Polywood Paso Adirondack Chair
Material: Teak or Polywood plastic blend |Colors: 12 colors, including Mahogany and Lime
What You’ll Love
Available in two material options
Matching ottoman available for added comfort
Modern double-slat construction
Why We Named It Best Modern Adirondack Chair
This attractive option offers a fresh, modern take on the classic Adirondack chair. It’s available in either teak or Polywood’s proprietary plastic blend, with the latter offered in 12 colors ranging from natural wood tones to bright turquoise. A streamlined double-slat back adds a contemporary feel, while the broad armrests remain just as comfortable as the original. Pair it with an equally attractive ottoman for added comfort and relaxation.
What The Reviews Say Customers seem to love the unique look of this chair, with many commenting on how attractive it is. “Beautiful wood and a sturdy, modern take on a classic Adirondack,” one reviewer raves.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our home team regularly covers home furniture and outdoor living, with dozens of guides across both categories.
This story was written by senior home and kitchen editor Amy Moran, a seasoned editor specializing in service-driven home and kitchen content.
To determine our top picks, we evaluated a wide range of Adirondack chair styles, comparing materials, construction and design, and incorporating firsthand feedback from our editors.
We regularly revisit this guide to ensure our recommendations remain accurate and up to date; it was last updated in April 2026.
What To Look For In An Adirondack Chair
Material
Typically, Adirondack chairs are made from either high-quality plastic or a durable wood like cedar, eucalyptus, acacia or teak (these woods also naturally repel bugs). Oak and pine are also commonly used, though they aren’t as sun- and weatherproof as the other options listed here. When you’re setting out to choose the material of your chair, take all of the above into consideration alongside other important qualities like the overall weight, portability, maintenance requirements, capacity and ease of use of each material. Note, too, that while wood chairs are typically the higher-quality option, they do require regular maintenance. If you want your chairs to last for decades, you’re going to have to stain and seal them. (Investing in a protective cover is also a great idea.) On the other hand, if you’re looking for chairs you can easily move about or stow away, lightweight plastic or polycarbonate materials are the way to go.
Comfort
Adirondack chairs may not be as cozy as, say, a plush sectional sofa, but they’re definitely way more comfortable than your average lawn chair—surprisingly so, in fact. With their unique sloped backs, low seat and wide armrests, these chairs are designed for lounging. And whether you choose wood or plastic, you’re in luck: One material isn’t objectively more comfortable than the other. In any case, you can adjust the feel of your chair by adding outdoor cushions; some of the chairs we’ve shared here even come with them. And the more thought you put into maintaining and protecting the chairs from damage, the more comfortable they’ll be.
Durability
The longevity of even the best Adirondack chairs depends on how well they’re maintained. For example, wood chairs need to be stained or sealed once a year, because wood stain naturally fades with sun exposure. With proper care and storage, though, Adirondack chairs made of acacia, teak and eucalyptus can last between 20 and 30 years, if not longer; softer woods like pine, which aren’t as naturally weather-resistant, may only last five years with regular exposure to the elements.
Well-maintained plastic chairs, on the other hand, can last around 10 years (repeated exposure to the elements and UV rays will weaken their construction over time). That’s why it’s a good idea to store plastic chairs during inclement weather. While some hardy wood chairs can be left outside year-round, it’s also not a bad idea to bring them inside when you’re not using them; at the very least, it’s wise to put protective covers on them during harsh conditions. To learn how to best care for your chairs, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on your particular model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Adirondack chairs are typically made from either plastic or wood, and there are pros and cons to both. Wood is more weather-resistant and durable than plastic, and is unlikely to chip or peel. But again, wood requires regular maintenance, and you’ll likely want to invest in protective covers.
Plastic, on the other hand, is more portable, affordable and easier to maintain; you can easily travel with these chairs and they don’t require too much upkeep. However, they’re less durable than wood. All that being said, both wood and plastic can last for years, so the material that’s right for you depends on your needs and lifestyle.
When it comes to lawn chairs, Adirondack chairs are hard to beat. Not only are they designed with comfort in mind, but they’re also durable and very attractive. Plus, if you opt for a lighter design made of plastic or a folding model, they’re highly portable, making them easy to transport from your backyard to the beach or campground. And with proper care, all of these chairs can last decades, which makes them well worth the investment.
Many Adirondack chairs—especially those made from weather-resistant materials like Polywood—are designed to withstand outdoor conditions year-round. However, storing or covering them during extreme weather can help extend their lifespan.
