When you picture seats placed around a cozy fire pit, nestled among blooming hydrangea bushes, or sitting at the end of a dock, you’re likely imagining Adirondack chairs. Originating in New England, these rustic chairs have become wildly popular across the U.S. and are traditionally paired in an outdoor space with patio umbrellas and patio heaters.
“They look great outdoors in almost any environment,” New England-based designer Desiree Burns tells PEOPLE, noting that the low-maintenance design is a big draw. “They usually don’t require constant scrubbing or fixing.”
The Best Right Now
After testing 41 Adirondack chairs, we still stand by our top pick, the Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair. It’s durable, comfortable, and looks good in any outdoor space.
To put these classic loungers to the test, we gathered teammates who wanted to sit on something besides an office chair for the day. We tested 41 Adirondack chairs for qualities like setup, comfort, support, design, and durability to see which ones stood out from the rest. Plus, we continued testing the chairs for six more months at home to see how they held up over time through various climates and seasonal changes.
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Comfortable, with lumbar support and good recline
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Resistant to splinters, cracking, and peeling
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Passed our water-resistance test
This Polywood Adirondack chair is everything we want in an outdoor seat: it’s durable, comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. We loved the wide armrests, lumbar support, and slanted design, which allowed us to sit at a comfortable angle.
While this is a simple chair (no special features like adjustability or cupholders), the flat arms allow for convenient beverage placement. The chair also passed our moisture-resistance test, with hose water beading immediately and easily wiping off. It’s a backyard must-have, along with outdoor lights, a pizza oven, and some yard games.
What’s more, the polywood (high-density polyethylene) material promises not to crack, peel, or warp in all weather conditions. The setup was challenging since there were minimal instructions, but assembly only took about 20 minutes.
How It’s Held Up
We tested this Adirondack chair for six months at home and didn’t go easy on it. After staying outside through multiple seasons and weather conditions, it still looks brand new.
Material: High-density polyethylene | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: No | Available Colors: 14
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Good support and wide armrests
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Weather-resistant and a breeze to clean
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Lightweight and easy to move around
Our team swooned over this chair. The thermoplastic looks and feels like real wood but is weather-resistant in nearly any climate. We found it supportive and appreciated that it’s adjustable to different recline positions. Though we liked the deep slant, those with mobility issues might find it difficult to get up and down. The arms are also wide enough to hold drinks without cupholders.
Assembly only took 30 minutes; the instructions were clear, the parts were labeled, and all tools were included. We had no problems cleaning this chair, though it did sustain a few scuff marks after our medicine ball impact test. The plastic dried quickly after being hosed off. It’s lightweight, too, making it easy to move around but potentially blowing over in strong winds.
How It’s Held Up
After six months of home testing, this chair looks brand new. The finish, comfort level, and material are the same as the day we tried it in our lab.
Material: High-impact polystyrene | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: Yes | Foldable: No | Available Colors: 15
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Comfortable height and angle
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Sturdy, high-quality design
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Cleans easily and dries quickly
If you’re looking for a sleek Adirondack chair that’ll hold up for many years, you can’t get much better than teak wood. This one earned high scores for design, sturdiness, and comfort. We liked the height and seat angle for sitting purposes and appreciated that it wasn’t too low to the ground. You can also place drinks on the wide, flat armrests. The natural teak wood looks chic but isn’t stained. Since the material develops a grayish patina over time, you may need to refinish it regularly to preserve the color.
We were impressed with how easy it was to clean up melted marshmallow and barbecue sauce messes, and the chair dried quickly after being rinsed off with a garden hose. It’s not adjustable, but this isn’t a dealbreaker for us.
How It’s Held Up
This chair has held up over time, too. After six months of home testing, it’s still in excellent condition, and the teak wood looks fantastic.
Material: Teak wood | Water-Resistant: Mostly | Adjustable: No | Foldable: No | Available Colors: 1
The More You Know
From traditional woods like teak, cedar, and oak to recycled plastics, high-quality Adirondack chairs come in a variety of materials. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance chair that is affordable and durable, your best bet might be a chair made of plastic. But if you don’t mind the occasional staining and sealing project to keep it in top shape, an Adirondack chair made of wood is a solid choice.
Constructed from high-density polyethylene, L.L.Bean’s All-Weather Adirondack chair lives up to its name. It’s durable, waterproof, UV-resistant, and super easy to clean. The sturdy design held up well against strong winds, rain, and other weather conditions. We appreciated how simple it was to set up — it comes assembled, but you’ll need to attach a few screws.
We found this chair supportive, with a good seat angle and well-placed armrests wide enough to set a drink, book, or phone. Though it doesn’t adjust or fold, we liked the overall design. It might be a bit expensive for some budgets, but given the quality and sturdiness, we think it’s a solid value.
Material: High-density polyethylene (resin) | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: No | Available Colors: 7
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Supports large, tall bodies
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Durable and stands up to various weather conditions
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Flat, functional armrests with cupholder
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Repels stains and cleans easily
This chair stood out for its sturdiness. It has a 350-pound capacity but supported a 360-pound tester without moving or shifting under their body weight. We felt comfortable in a seated position for extended periods, were able to get up and down easily, and had no issues with durability whatsoever.
Though it stays put in windy weather, the thermoplastic design is also light enough to move around without help. Water and dirt accumulated after a few days in the rain, but the chair cleaned up and dried off pretty effortlessly.
We liked the cupholder, though you can also set drinks on the wide, flat armrests. Assembly was a simple, one-person task that took less than 15 minutes. An ottoman might make the setup more comfortable, but in the end, we really have no complaints about this product.
Material: Polypropylene | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: No | Available Colors: 3
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Collapses for easy storage and transport
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Quick, straightforward assembly
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Stands up to all types of weather and stains
Unlike many Adirondack chairs we tested, this one is foldable. When you pull the bolt on the side, it collapses into itself for easy storage and transport. Assembly was straightforward and only took about 20 minutes. This chair was comfortable and supportive enough to sit in for multiple hours. But since it’s pretty low to the ground, shorter people and those with mobility issues may have a harder time getting up and down.
This Adirondack chair held up well to all types of weather — we’re talking rain, snow, and high heat. It didn’t fade in direct sunlight or budge from strong winds. The thermoplastic also repelled stains and was a cinch to clean with soap and water. All things considered, we think the price is right on point.
Material: High-density polyethylene | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: Yes | Available Colors: 14
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Cupholder swings out and tucks away
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Folds up for storage and transport
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Comfortable, supportive, and sturdy
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Good weather resistance and easy cleaning
If a cupholder is a must-have (or even nice-to-have) feature, this one’s for you. The Ciokea Adirondack Chair’s cupholder swings out from underneath the right armrest and tucks away when you don’t need it. It’s pretty wide, fitting an 18-ounce glass and most cans and bottles. We also liked that the chair folds up for storage.
We found this chair comfortable, supportive, and easy to get in and out of. It feels sturdy, too. At about 40 pounds, it’s heavy enough that it stays in place under high winds but light enough to move around as needed. The thermoplastic also performs well in different weather conditions and washes clean with minimal effort.
Setup instructions were clear, but unfortunately, assembly took about an hour and was a two-person job. While it’s not the most affordable Adirondack on the market, we think the price is fair, as it seems like it’ll hold up for many years.
Material: High-density polyethylene | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: Yes | Available Colors: 8
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Classic features: tall backrest, deep seat, flat armrests
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Waterproof, fade-resistant material requires almost no maintenance
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Quick, easy assembly
This chair checks all the boxes of a traditional Adirondack chair: tall, straight backrest, deep angled seat, and flat armrests wide enough to set a drink or book. We found it comfortable and easy to get up from, and we thought the supportive back promoted good posture without feeling too upright. One thing to note is that the seat is quite wide, which adds to the comfort but may not fit through all door frames.
The assembly process was very straightforward, with just five steps and an included Allen wrench. At around 43 pounds, this chair stays in place in windy conditions, but it might be harder for some people to move on their own. Based on other polywood outdoor furniture we’ve owned, we can tell you the waterproof material doesn’t fade in direct sunlight and remains in pristine condition for years — and it requires almost no maintenance.
Material: High-density polyethylene | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: No | Available Colors: 13
The More You Know
Adirondack chairs made from plastic or polywood are water-resistant and can be left outdoors. However, it’s best to cover the chairs for added protection during extended periods of inclement weather. Adirondack chairs made of wood are more susceptible to the elements. If the chairs are well-sealed, they can withstand some bouts of precipitation but will last longer if protected with a cover or stored in a garage or patio.
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Stunning wooden design
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Arrives fully assembled and folds up for storage
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Incredibly comfortable; suitable for reading and working
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Holds up well in extreme weather
We also liked this contemporary take on the Adirondack chair. This stunning wooden seat comes fully assembled, so all you have to do is remove it from the packaging and unfold it, and you can fold it back up for off-season storage. We found it incredibly comfortable to sit in, whether reading a book or working on a laptop. You can stretch out your legs and recline on the tall backrest.
Since it’s so low to the ground and doesn’t have armrests, getting up and down takes a bit more effort than other chairs we tested. It seems sturdy, though, never wobbling or rocking when sitting or standing up. This chair made it through strong winds, a massive snowstorm, and bright, sunny weather, looking and performing just as well as the day we unboxed it. With that in mind, we absolutely think the price is warranted.
Material: Manufactured wood | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: No | Foldable: Yes | Available Colors: 1
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Adjustable with three recline positions
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Comfortable to sit in for long periods
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Weather-resistant and easy to clean
Want a chair that moves with you? This one might be your best bet. The adjustable design can be set to three recline positions, but adjusting does take some effort, so we recommend figuring out your preferred angle and keeping it there for a while. Almost foolproof to set up, this chair was assembled in under 15 minutes. Its smooth texture and wide base make it comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time.
During our cleaning tests, marshmallow residue and barbecue sauce came off with a wet paper towel and some elbow grease. It also dried rapidly after being hosed down (and following rainy weather), allowing us to sit almost immediately without getting our clothes wet.
This is a well-designed Adirondack chair with durability and easy maintenance. And although it’s among the most expensive we tested, it’s worth the investment. Plus, it’s made from recycled materials, which we love.
How It’s Held Up
We’re still impressed with the performance of this chair after six months of home testing. However, we did store it inside for the winter and noticed it didn’t fold as flat as we’d hoped.
Material: Recycled plastic, engineered wood | Water-Resistant: Yes | Adjustable: Yes | Foldable: Yes | Available Colors: 14
Other Adirondack Chairs We Tried
- Grandin Road Newcomb Adirondack Chair: This solid wood chair has a smooth, easy-to-clean finish. It was comfortable for various body types to sit in, but we wish the matching ottoman came with it. Also, assembly was a two-person process.
- Joss & Main Ursa Acacia Adirondack Chair: We liked this modern take on the classic Adirondack but wished the back was taller for better head and neck support. Still, assembly was quick, and the sturdy design survived a massive snowstorm with no signs of damage.
- L.L.Bean All-Weather Waterfall Adirondack Chair: This chair was comfortable for testers of different heights and body sizes. It has a sturdy, well-made feel without being so heavy that it’s hard to move around. Since the price is a little steep, we wish it had useful accessories or features, like a footrest, cupholder, adjustable recline, or foldability.
What to Know About Adirondack Chairs
Durability
As chairs that live outdoors, Adirondack chairs get exposed to all kinds of hazards. Considering that, you’ll want a highly durable chair, like the L.L.Bean All-Weather Adirondack Chair. A durable Adirondack chair can hold up to rain, gusts of wind, extreme sunlight, bugs, and general wear and tear from kids, pets, flying objects, toys, and any activities that take place in a backyard. Finding a sturdy chair with a solid structure will ensure many years of use. Burns says it depends on “the quality of the chair and the outdoor elements it’s exposed to,” but that a well-made chair can last up to 20 years.
Comfort Level
Adirondack chairs have a unique design, and while they look gorgeous in backyards, they’re not always conducive to those with long legs. The front of the chair is very low to the ground, so if you are tall, you should keep in mind that these types of chairs may not be comfortable for extended periods of time. That being said, the seats are generally supportive, as the reclined back position provides mild lumbar support and plenty of room to lounge. We love the comfort factor in our best overall pick: the Polywood Modern Adirondack Chair.
Material
Part of the chair’s durability (as well as comfort) depends on the material of the Adirondack chair. “Look for weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity,” says Burns. “Durable, weather-resistant materials like poly lumber are great for being able to hold up outdoors year after year.
If you want a more sophisticated design, teak wood — found in the Grandin Road All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair — provides stability, holds up against bugs and inclement weather, and is generally smooth on the skin when sitting. Plastic or recycled materials have a more casual appearance but offer similar durability and comfort when in use. Burns also cautions to “pay close attention to the thickness of the boards. Chairs made with thinner boards can lead to the chair wearing out or breaking at a quicker pace.”
Behind the Scenes
Our team tested 41 top-rated Adirondack chairs, evaluating each based on assembly, appearance, sturdiness, comfort, maintenance requirements, and weather resistance.
- Setup: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, we assembled each chair, timing how long it took, how much labor was involved, whether it was a one- or two-person job, and if the necessary tools were included.
- Design: We judged how each chair looked and what features it came with (if any), like a cupholder or footrest. We also noted whether they were adjustable or foldable.
- Comfort: Settling into the chairs, we rated them based on comfort, support, and how easily we could get up and down.
- Durability: We also examined the sturdiness, checking for any unsteadiness when pushed and seeing how the chairs held up against impacts (like a medicine ball tossed onto the seat).
- Ease of Cleaning: We smeared melted marshmallows and barbecue sauce on the arms, then cleaned up the mess after letting it sit for 10 minutes.
- Water Resistance: We also brought the chairs outside and hosed them off to check for water resistance and how quickly the materials dried.
After our lab tests, we continued testing these chairs at home for six months. We left them outside to see how they held up against snow, wind, rain, and direct sunlight. After scoring each for setup, comfort, support, design, durability, and overall value, we narrowed it down to the best Adirondack chairs of 2024.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is an editor for PEOPLE who covers beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has also appeared in publications like Food & Wine, Real Simple, Health, Martha Stewart, and more. She has written on a number of outdoor products for PEOPLE, including garden hoses, solar lights, and pellet grills. For this article, she used our testing insights on the most popular Adirondack chairs and considered comfort, materials, durability, and maintenance when choosing our winners. PEOPLE contributing writer Theresa Holland updated this article with fresh insights and new products from our most recent real-world test that was conducted in early 2024.
Our Expert Panel
Desiree Burns is an award-winning interior designer based in New England.
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