The 5 Best Patio Chairs (2023 Review)

Patio chairs range from simple, portable camping seats to plush, premium loungers. Whether you want an affordable seat to move around your yard or a long-lasting set to host outdoor parties, there are plenty of available options.

The This Old House Reviews Team researched the best patio chairs on Amazon to help you make sense of your choices. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks.

In This Guide: Top 5 | Buyer’s Guide | Care | FAQs | Why Trust This Old House

Top 5 Patio Chairs

• Best Folding Chair: Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs With Side Table
• Best Wicker Chair: Devoko Chairs With Table Set
• Best Adirondack Chair: Signature Design by Ashley Outdoor Patio Adirondack Chair
• Best Swiveling Chair: PHI VILLA Patio Swivel Dining Chairs
• Best Rocking Chair: Greesum Rocking Bistro Set

Best Folding Chair: Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs With Side Table

Courtesy Amazon

Amazon Basics Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs

• $99.98

Prices taken at time of publishing.

These two folding chairs each come with a removable head pillow and side tray. You can use the included matching table to hold two more drinks and other items. Users can also recline in these chairs until they’re nearly parallel to the ground to feel weightless.

• $99.98 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Set includes a small foldable table
✔ Features two table-integrated cup holders and one cup holder per chair
✔ Comes with removable head pillows

✘ Light frame not made to withstand high winds
✘ Table surface area is limited

What Customers Are Saying

Users liked the overall value of these lounge chairs, stating that their build quality met or exceeded their expectations given their affordable price. However, some customers expressed concerns about the limited weight capacity of the chairs.

Best Wicker Chair: Devoko Chairs With Table Set

Courtesy Amazon

Devoko Chairs With Table Set

• $169.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

These rattan wicker chairs include a matching table with a flat glass tabletop to hold drinks, snacks, phones, sunscreen, and other items. The chairs have sponge-filled bottom cushions that you can remove and clean once they get dirty from pollen, sweat, or anything else.

• $169.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a strong steel frame under the rattan wicker
✔ Can remove the cushion covers to clean them
✔ Won’t split, crack, fade, rot, or deteriorate

✘ Can’t swivel, recline, or rock in the chairs
✘ Doesn’t have a back cushion

What Customers Are Saying

Many positive customer reviews highlighted an easy assembly process and a stylish design. As a whole, most customers found this patio chair set to be worth the price. Alternatively, some users claimed that the outdoor chairs weren’t sturdy or comfortable enough.

Best Adirondack Chair: Signature Design by Ashley Outdoor Patio Adirondack Chair

Courtesy Amazon

Signature Design by Ashley Adirondack Chair

• $311.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This classic Adirondack chair is made from high-density polyethylene as opposed to hardwood that splinters or warps with time. It tilts slightly black and has a slatted design, serving two purposes—to recline and relax your body and to force rainwater to run off.

• $311.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Features a slatted design to drain rainwater
✔ Heavy-duty finish is weather resistant and waterproof
✔ Available in several classic colors

✘ More expensive than lighter-duty alternatives
✘ Doesn’t fold or collapse down

What Customers Are Saying

Most customers thought that the chair had a straightforward assembly process and sturdy construction. The main complaint about this Adirondack chair was that it was awkward to move because it had a bulky build that didn’t fold.

Best Swiveling Chair: PHI VILLA Patio Swivel Dining Chairs

Courtesy Amazon

PHI VILLA Patio Swivel Dining Chairs

• $309

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Whether you are fidgety or want to talk to someone on the other side of the patio, these two chairs swivel and rock. They move back and forth as the chair turns 360 degrees. Built for years of heavy use, they have a rust-resistant steel frame and a breathable textile seat.

• $309 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Features a weather-resistant powder-coated steel frame
✔ Has a breathable, fast-drying seat
✔ Supports 250 pounds per chair

✘ Set does not include a side table
✘ Metal armrests heat up in direct sunlight

What Customers Are Saying

Many satisfied customers paired these swiveling chairs with a separate side or dining table to create a complete patio set for lounging or eating. While weight capacity wasn’t an issue for some users, others struggled to stay supported in the chairs. Some users also reported issues with the assembly instructions, stating that they were incomplete and confusing.

Best Rocking Chair: Greesum Rocking Bistro Set

Courtesy Amazon

Greesum Rocking Bistro Set

• $149.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Made of strong metal and decorative rattan, this patio chair set effortlessly combines function and fashion. They’re paired with a side table that has a metal frame and a glass tabletop to remain steady while it’s holding drinks, books, phones, and more.

• $149.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes removable back and seat cushions
✔ Features a wicker pattern frame
✔ Set comes with a matching side table

✘ Has a thin bottom cushion
✘ Decorative wicker pattern not visible when cushions are in place

What Customers Are Saying

Positively, customers were pleased that this outdoor rocking chair set looked exactly as it did in the pictures on its Amazon page. Customers also highlighted the easy assembly, gentle rocking motion, and vibrant cushion color in their positive reviews. Negatively, other customers thought that the chairs and table were too small.

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re in the market for one or multiple patio chairs, it’s worth researching before you invest money into your outdoor living space. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important factors to consider.

Material

A patio chair’s material determines how durable and long it lasts. A lot of patio furniture is made from woven rattan. Metal, such as aluminum and powder-coated steel, is another common material that’s often used for the frame of patio chairs. If the patio chair you’re interested in is made of wood, make sure it has a water-resistant finish.

Weight

Patio chairs should be heavy enough to remain stationary when it’s windy outside but light enough to move on your own. The average weight of a patio chair is between 25 and 50 pounds.

Weight Capacity

Different from the weight, weight capacity refers to how much weight the chair can hold. Depending on their construction, most patio chairs can support between 250 and 350 pounds.

Comfort

If you plan on spending hours at a time lounging in your patio chair, comfort should be one of your top priorities. While you can’t determine how comfortable a chair is going to be until you purchase and test it, there are a few elements you can look out for.

Chairs that rock, recline, or swivel adjust to the user. Back and bottom pillows also provide more cushioning.

Portability

Lightweight, foldable patio chairs are easy to throw in your car to take with you on your adventures. However, you will sacrifice sturdiness for these chairs, as they cannot withstand heavy winds and other extreme weather conditions.

For convenience and storage, some patio chairs are stackable.

Style

Matching patio chairs create a more cohesive look than mismatched chairs that you place next to each other. You can purchase a set or several of the same individual chair. Conveniently, many models are available in various colors and finishes.

Accessories

Some patio chairs are sold in sets that include a small side table for drinks, plates, and other personal belongings. Some tables even have built-in cup holders. You may also find patio chairs that come with protective covers, similar to grill or fire pit covers.

Taking Care of Your Outdoor Furniture

Patio furniture is key to any inviting outdoor space. Whether your patio has only one or two chairs or a full kitchen with a pizza oven and grill, it’s good to know how to take care of these items. Here are some maintenance tips to help you get the most use out of your outdoor furniture:

• Sweep any surfaces with a soft-bristle brush. We recommend doing brief cleans every few days or once a week to minimize debris buildup.
• Use a patio umbrella for shade. This shade will make you and your guests more comfortable and minimize the number of harmful UV rays that reach and fade your outdoor furniture.
• If it’s forecasted to rain or snow, remove any seat cushions, and store them indoors.
• If your seat cushions have removable covers, wash them by hand or in your washing machine every few weeks or immediately after any spills.
• Apply a sealant or spray to your furniture’s frame for additional water and sun protection.
• Carefully follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, as these guidelines are specific to your furniture.
• Don’t use any cleaners that contain harsh or abrasive chemicals, as these ingredients could scratch, stain, or otherwise damage your furniture.
• If you live somewhere that experiences extreme cold for multiple months out of the year, consider storing your outdoor furniture in a shed or garage until it warms up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most durable patio chairs?

The most durable patio chairs often feature powder-coated steel or treated resin, which is heavy duty and weatherproof. Treated rattan can be another viable option as it is water- and UV-resistant, light enough to move, and modern looking.

Will rain or snow damage my patio chair?

While most patio chairs are built with weather-resistant materials, they can sustain damage from repeated heavy rain or snow exposure. This is especially true of any included cushions or pillows.

To protect your patio furniture from premature wear and tear, weatherproof it, invest in furniture covers, or move it to a sheltered location before a storm.

How long do patio chairs last?

The lifespan of your patio furniture depends on a number of factors, including its material, setting, and upkeep. In general, most patio chairs last around 10 years with the proper maintenance.

How can I make my patio chair more comfortable?

To make your patio chair more comfortable, consider adding cushions or pillows. If your chairs already have cushions, replace them every couple of years after they flatten.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.