Kicking back on your patio is the ultimate way to enjoy your outdoor space, but the right seating matters. The best patio chairs are stylish, comfortable and crafted from weather-resistant materials that hold up well over time. They also provide extra seating for outdoor gatherings and dinner parties. Our top picks include the popular West Elm Porto Outdoor Swivel Chair and Polywood Nautical Adirondack Chair, but we’ve also included several other recommendations to accommodate various styles and budgets.
The best patio chairs are stylish, comfortable and crafted from weather-resistant materials.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Many options are available, from inexpensive stackable seats to cushioned varieties you’ll want to lounge in. When choosing patio chairs, look for an option that best suits your lifestyle: “It’s best to consider whether you want patio chairs that are more for curling up and reading a good book or something for entertaining guests,” says Alexis Vitale, lead designer at Vitale Design Group. Beyond that, the materials, design and cost are also important to consider. With that in mind, here are the best patio chairs on the market now.
Dimensions: 34.5 x 33.5 x 27 inches | Material: Mahogany, olefin| Special features: Swivel base, foam core cushions, handcrafted
What you’ll love:
Stylish design
Weather-resistant cushions
360-degree swivel base
Things to consider:
Expensive
Should ideally be covered in inclement weather
The best-selling West Elm Porto Outdoor Swivel Chair is a stylish and durable top pick with several features to maximize outdoor seating. It has a wide, deep seat and comes in your choice of Driftwood or reef-finished mahogany wood—both of which are neutral enough to pair with existing outdoor furniture. It also has ample padding (in the seat, back, and sides) and features a 360-degree swivel, allowing you to see everywhere without getting up. While the entire seat is weather-resistant and designed to survive outdoor life, West Elm suggests covering it up when inclement weather is approaching.
Dimensions: 25 x 32 x 30.5 inches | Material: Acacia, polypropylene| Special features: Kiln-dried wood, water-based paints, low-slung silhouette
What you’ll love:
Weather-resistant poly seat and back
Hand finished
Things to consider:
Frame may need to be oiled with time
Should be covered during rain storms
The Pottery Barn Abbott Acacia Outdoor Lounge Chair combines earthy acacia with durable polypropylene for a chic seat that can spruce up your backyard or patio. This pick is crafted with a kiln-dried frame to lower the risk of warping, splitting, cracking and mildew growth, with your choice of two finishes (gray or brown). Also, the woven seats have a slight give and bounce to maximize your comfort.
Dimensions: 29.3 x 36.4 x 32.9 inches | Material: Polywood| Special features: Marine-grade hardware, durable all weather, waterfall front
What you’ll love:
Incredibly durable
Good for eating and lounging
Wide range of colors
Things to consider:
Can’t be stacked
Some say it’s difficult to assemble
While durability is a prized feature in patio chairs, few seats are as robust as those made by Polywood. The brand’s Nautical Adirondack Chair is a fan-favorite, with gentle curves at the seat and front to enhance your comfort. Because it’s made from Polywood lumbar, it’s unlikely to splinter, crack, chip, peel or rot and is backed by a 20-year residential warranty. The material can also withstand most weather conditions, including direct sunlight, snow and strong wind gusts. Choose from a wide range of shades, including bright green and navy blue.
Dimensions: 24 x 39.5 x 29 inches | Material: Resin, aluminum| Special features: Low profile, rocking base
What you’ll love:
Comfortable, sloped back
Modern take on a rocker
Matches everything
Things to consider:
Expensive
Should be cleaned twice a year
Rocking chairs have a distinct look and feel, but the Serena & Lily Catalina Rocker takes a modern approach, eschewing arms and providing a wide base for ample gliding. This rocker is wrapped in woven resin and stretched over an aluminum frame for durability while maintaining a coastal feel. While it’s comfortable on its own, there’s plenty of room for seat or back cushions if you want extra support.
Amazon
Patio Sense Vega Natural Stain Outdoor Chair
Dimensions: 31 x 24 x 29 inches | Material: Acacia, nylon| Special features: All-weather nylon cording seat, handwoven
What you’ll love:
Inexpensive
Relatively lightweight
Nylon seat dries quickly
Three neutral color options
Things to consider:
Some assembly required
Can’t be folded
The Patio Sense Vega Natural Stain Outdoor Chair is a popular choice across a range of retailers, with a relatively low price tag compared to others on this list. This chair features an acacia wood frame and a backrest made from all-weather nylon, which dries quickly after contact with rain or wet bathing suits. If you’re going to pair this with existing outdoor furniture, the clean, modern lines should work well with a variety of different styles.
Dimensions: 32 x 24.7 x 23 inches | Material: Resin | Special features: Stackable, built-in smartphone holder
What you’ll love:
Very inexpensive
Easy to stack
Lightweight
Things to consider:
May blow over in high winds
Not as thick and durable as other picks
The Penza Outdoor Stack Chair is not the most stylish option, but it has a few elements that elevate it above your average stacking chair. For one, it has a contemporary design and wide arms to accommodate a range of users up to 250 pounds. It also features a smartphone holder built into one arm—a popular feature with reviewers. Moreover, these chairs stack up quickly when you want to conserve space and are made with UV-protected material to lower the risk of sun damage.
Amazon
Amazon Basics Outdoor Textilene Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Rocker
Dimensions: 37.4 x 38.6 x 24.9 inches | Material: Alloy steel, mesh| Special features: Rocker base, padded headrest
What you’ll love:
Inexpensive
Relatively lightweight
Folds up
Things to consider:
Some recommend adding a padded seat
Chair may squeak
The Amazon Basics Outdoor Textilene Zero Gravity Folding Lounge Rocker is an excellent option for those in search of a lower-cost rocker. It offers a zero-gravity feel with a padded headrest for added comfort and a powder-coated steel frame that can support up to 300 pounds. The chair has slightly curved armrests and a mesh seat that stands up to rain storms and wet swimsuits alike. And if you’re headed on a camping trip or outdoor excursion, this seat folds up for easy portability.
Dimensions: 32 x 19 x 28 inches | Material: Polyethylene| Special features: Slopped design, open bottom, pool-friendly
What you’ll love:
Cool, modern design
Six color options
Waterproof
Things to consider:
Water may pool in seats
Expensive
The Tupelo Loop Lounge Chair is a true statement piece with a unique ergonomic design that is sure to garner plenty of compliments. It has a high-gloss finish, and the seat’s unibody design means there are no seams to dig into your legs. This pick is also highly durable—it’s made from polyethylene (a common type of plastic), so it’s fully waterproof and a breeze to clean. As a result, it can sit out in rain storms or be used in the pool. Choose from six colorways, ranging from pure white to hot pink.
Dimensions: 28 x 26 x 28.5 inches | Material: All-weather wicker, steel| Special features: Powder-coated steel frame, folds up
What you’ll love:
Mixed materials
Slightly sloped back
Modern take on wicker
Things to consider:
Expensive
Takes a moment to unfold
Folded seat still takes up plenty of room
Wicker chairs aren’t known for their outdoor durability, but the Burrow Banks Outdoor Chair is a stylish (and practical) solution. This modern take on the traditional material uses all-weather wicker that won’t rot, fray, or degrade in the sun and rain. The seat also features a powder-coated steel frame for added sturdiness and even folds up when you want to stash it away. Pick from natural and black seat colors.
Dimensions: 26 x 32.5 x 35.5 inches | Material: Polyethylene resin, aluminum| Special features: Folds flat, curved seat
What you’ll love:
Easy to move
All-weather materials
Ergonomic seat
Things to consider:
Comes in one color
Limited inventory
The Frontgate Balencia provides a modern look with a hidden secret: It folds flat for fast storage and transportation, making it easy to tote around as needed. The patio chair is crafted from a polyethylene resin weave over an aluminum frame for maximum durability. A gentle curve at the seat and back delivers peak ergonomic comfort, too. Frontgate sells a matching ottoman, so you can make it a set, but only one color option is available.
Dimensions: 32 x 34.5 x 28 inches | Material: Polywood| Special features: Sloped back, wide arm rests
What you’ll love:
Modern look
Lounge-ready design
More than 10 color options
Things to consider:
Delivery takes two to four weeks
Some assembly required
While Polywood chairs typically have a classic feel, this version is a modern take on the Adirondack style many people know and love. This sculptural seat uses wide slats and bold angles to create a stylish, contemporary look. Made from Polywood for peak durability, it comes in various colors, from neutrals to tropical hues. The double-slat seat and back provide additional airflow on warmer days, while the wide armrests are broad enough to hold your favorite drink.
Dimensions: 27.1 x 35.4 x 35.8 inches | Material: Polyethylene rattan, mesh| Special features: Fast-dry seat, folding design
What you’ll love:
Channel cushioning
Cushions velcro to seat
Easy to store
Things to consider:
Seat needs to dry after rain storms
Support bar is metal
The Rove Concepts Jericho Sling Chair resembles a sophisticated interior chair, but it’s actually designed for outdoor use. This lounger has a sturdy aluminum frame wrapped in polyethylene rattan for durability, and it’s covered in UV- and water-resistant cushioning that dries quickly. If you want to kick back, this seat has an adjustable headrest, and the gently curved back is comfortable and supportive. What’s more, floor protective glides keep your patio from getting scratched or scuffed.
Dimensions: 39.5 x 39.5 x 32 inches | Material: All-weather wicker, aluminum| Special features: Swivel base, foam-core cushions, Sunbrella fabric
What you’ll love:
Plenty of cushioning
Swivel base
Things to consider:
Expensive
Should be covered in inclement weather
The Torrey Wicker Papasan Swivel chair has an inviting feel, making it the perfect patio chair for reading or lounging. It has an all-weather wicker frame that’s resistant to the sun, rain, and heat and a rustproof aluminum frame for sturdiness. The Papasan design gently cradles you with thick foam cushions for added comfort, and the swivel base is also convenient.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. We’ve published scores of expert-backed roundups on outdoor products, including the best fire pits and best outdoor sofas.
How We Chose The Best Patio Chairs
To find the best patio chairs, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked our experienced staffers for insights.
Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on patio chairs from trusted brands and retailers, such as Pottery Barn and Polywood.
We analyzed features such as materials, dimensions, durability, cushioning and comfort to determine the best options.
We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Patio Chairs
There are many different patio chairs available, which can make the search for the ideal seating overwhelming. Consider these features as you shop to help narrow the field.
Materials
It’s easy to forget about the materials when you’re focused on aesthetics, but a chair’s durability often comes down to the materials. Aluminum frames are typically a good option, but weather-resistant materials such as polywood and resin are also ideal. “Look for pieces with sturdy backs and comfortable cushions made from all-weather-resistant fabric,” says Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors. “Keep an eye out for washable materials,” adds Kim Gordon, the founder of Kim Gordon Designs.
Size
Most furniture retailers list the dimensions of the chair you’re considering, but you also want to make sure you’ll have room to walk around the seat and place other furniture. If you’re dealing with a tight area, consider a patio chair with an open bottom—that space can be used for storage.
Weather
Your patio chair will inevitably be exposed to the wind and rain, and investing in a seat that can withstand inclement weather is essential. “Think about the type of weather the patio chair might be exposed to, such as rain, sun and salt,” says Shaolin Low, lead designer at Studio Shaolin. If you’re dealing with a particularly tough climate, a highly durable material like Polywood may be preferred over a cushioned option.
What Chairs Are Best For Outdoors?
There are a lot of different chairs that can be used outdoors. However, there are certain elements you’ll want to look out for. Materials like all-weather wicker, Polywood, acacia and polypropylene are more durable than basic wood. If you prefer a chair with cushions, make sure it will dry fast in case it gets caught in a rainstorm or comes into contact with a wet bathing suit. “Also, don’t skimp on the covers to keep outdoor furniture fresh,” says Gordon.
