Adirondack chairs, which get their name from their origin in the Adirondack Mountains, are the perfect summer seat. Made from highly-durable weather resistant wood, the best Adirondack chairs are made to withstand varying weather conditions, from wet winters to dry summers. With proper care and maintenance, they can stand the test of time, making them a worthy investment.
Over the past few years, Adirondack chairs have gained so much popularity, partly because they’re one of the best chairs ever for relaxation. Not only do they have a visually-appealing aesthetic, they’re designed with wide armrests, a tall slatted back and a seat which is higher in the front than the back—making them the ideal place to sit back in the summer sun (or under a patio umbrella).
Forget those tiny, flimsy beach chairs and swap them out for an Adirondack chair you won’t have to replace every year. From bright and colorful to foldable and portable, here are our recommendations for the best Adirondack chairs you need in your backyard this summer.
Frontgate Rowan Adirondack Chair
With their chic and comfortable setup, Adirondack chairs are a great way to elevate beach bungalows and pool side arrangements. Made from high-quality teak, this weathered finish chair naturally resists mildew and can withstand wet and humid weather. Take a seat in this smooth chair to bask in the rays of the sun, take a quick nap or catch up with a friend.
Looking for the next step up? Buy the matching Rowan Adirondack Ottoman ideal for kicking your feet up and relaxing. If you’re unsatisfied, Frontgate has a 90-day return policy or the ability to receive a refund with proof of purchase.
All-Weather Classic Adirondack Chair
Adirondack chairs can look pretty low to the ground—and that’s because they usually are. But not this one from L.L. Bean. Made from Marine-grade quality hardware, this chair has a unique design with a higher seat for less strenuous ins and outs. With a seat height of 15 inches, adults of all ages can ease into this relaxing chair. Plus, since it’s made to endure all weather—it’s warp-, rot-, crack- and splinter-proof, there’s no need to worry about taking it indoors or having to maintain it.
All-Natural Teak Adirondack Chair
Having a sturdy chair is crucial to achieving ultimate summer relaxation goals. This Adirondack chair from Grandin Road is crafted from durable teak with watertight mortise and tenon joinery. Made to thrive in any climate, the chair stays intact without rotting or splintering—and it doesn’t need to be covered or stored away.
Natural Wood Adirondack Rocking Chair
Lovers of good old-fashioned rocking chairs can rejoice with this Adirondack rocking chair. Crafted from 100% acacia wood, the chair offers a reclining seat for a comfortable experience. Covered with a UV-protected finish, this chair stands up to scratches, chips and potential fading. And with a high-gloss sheen, it will give your space a luxurious rustic feel without having to spend a fortune. (Note: This chair does not fare well to harsh weather conditions, so it’s best to store it on those rainy days.)
Polywood Classic Folding Adirondack Chair
As some communities are in the final phases of reopening, you may very well be planning your first trip back to the beach, campground or pool. This spitting image of Irving Wolpin’s 1938 design, made from recycled plastic by Indiana manufacturer Polywood, includes a barely-there hinge that allows the chair to fold flat—and to come along on your day trips. If you’re less interested in toting your chair around, Polywood also has a classic version that can live more permanently on the porch or deck.
Pottery Barn Adirondack x Plywood Rocking Chair
Looking for another rocking chair? Pottery Barn’s Adirondack x Polywood Rocking Chair promotes restful relaxation with its rocker rails. Made in America from recycled plastic, this chair offers a classic, clean finish with color-stay technology to keep the chair looking brand new all year round. This Adirondack chair is available in white, Sahara and Vintage Coffee—classic colors that look good in any backyard space.
Serwall Adirondack Chair
If the size of an Adirondack chair is preventing you from buying one, look no further. This foldable version provides the same features with wide armrests, a tall slatted back and a seat higher in the front than the back. Made with 100% PC material, this chair is made to withstand the test of time and never fades, cracks, chips, peels or rots. Plus, if you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase or it doesn’t live up to its claims, Serwall offers a lifetime money back guarantee.
West Elm Modern Adirondack Lounge Chair
If you lay its backrest slats horizontally, the rustic Adirondack chair suddenly assumes a low-slung appearance, ideal for the waterfront. In this design for West Elm, Polywood rendered the arms in a combination of recycled plastic and tubular metal that evokes a dock ladder or classic ocean liner—and it’s weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about bringing it in and out of the elements.
Loll Designs Adirondack Chair
Duluth, Minnesota–based 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 that include this exclusive Adirondack chair for Design Within Reach. Expansive plastic slats and a galloping profile give this chair a look that is as modern as its manufacturing method.
Room & Board Emmet Rocker with Cushion
Firmly planted in the ground and pointing in the direction of the best vista, the traditional Adirondack chair was made for loafing. For those of us who can’t completely sit still, this Loll exclusive for Room & Board features two gently-curved rockers. A small gap in the backrest, as well as a Sunbrella-wrapped cushion, prevent your spine from feeling smushed against the recycled-plastic surfaces.
Outermost Chair
After pouncing on an Adirondack chair at a flea market, designer and builder Chris Nagle was so fascinated by the purchase that he conceived his own homage to Thomas Lee. The result employs notched sapele mahogany to recreate the solid boards of Lee’s 1903 prototype. It also bears a strong resemblance to the furniture of pioneering modernist architect Gerrit Rietveld.
Polywood Classic Adirondack Glider Chair
The difference between a rocking chair and glider has to do with movement. Whereas a rocker sways in an arcing motion, a glider moves back and forth on a fixed path. A glider’s smooth ride requires a mechanism, which explains why this second Polywood entry seems a bit bottom-heavy. To make it disappear, choose a color that blends into the immediate surroundings. Irrespective of color, Polywood’s surfaces are fade-resistant and backed by a 20-year warranty.
Restoration Hardware Olema Teak Lounge Chair
In this sleek reinterpretation of the classic Adirondack, a teak backrest joins to the seat instead of touching the ground—this thing looks as if it could slink into the nearest pool. Left untreated, the sustainably harvested teak will weather to a silver color that softens David Sutherland’s laser-sharp design.
