While bistro chairs and outdoor dining sets work perfectly for al fresco dinners and barbecues, they definitely aren’t intended for kicking back and relaxing for long periods of time.
Far more inviting, Adirondack chairs still reign supreme in the comfort department - and make a lovely spot to whittle away a few hours in the sunshine.
Dreamed up by designer Thomas Lee in 1903, the original Adirondack chair was intended to be the “perfect outdoor chair” for socialising - whatever the terrain - and was used by Lee and his family at their New York lake house at Lake Champlain. With their supportive yet comfortable silhouettes, it wasn’t long before these chairs became a popular outdoor seating choice for convalescents in tuberculosis sanatoriums in the nearby Adirondack mountains, which is how the design ended up with its name.
Despite a few tweaks here and there over the years, Adirondack chairs can still be identified today by their famous wide and flat armrests, tall slatted backrests, and spacious sloped seats that are spot-on for sinking into and snoozing. From simple and traditional options to more unique alternatives, these are the Adirondack chairs and sets that deserve a spot around your fire pit or chiminea on your patio.
What material is best for Adirondack chairs?
Rustic and timeless, it’s no surprise that wood feels like the perfect aesthetic match for the charming vibe of Adirondack chairs. In terms of the types of wood traditionally used to build these lounge chairs, premium hardwoods like acacia, cedar, and teak remain popular choices thanks to their durability and gorgeous natural warmth.
As with all pieces of wooden outdoor furniture, proper maintenance is key - so make sure you regularly treat your wooden Adirondack chair with suitable oil to keep it shiny, and bring it inside (or cover it) during the wetter months to avoid any excess weathering.
But if you’d like a slightly more modern finish, then it might be worth considering an Adirondack chair that’s been crafted from some kind of polywood or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). As well as being readily available in a wide range of different colours, HDPE Adirondack chairs boast waterproof and UV-resistant properties and require less upkeep than most wooden alternatives. Generally, the more a HDPE chair mimics the appearance of wood, the higher its price tag.
Best Adirondack chairs at a glance:
- Best for all-round great value: VonHaus Green Adirondack Chair - £99.99, VonHaus
- Best for socialising: Berkfield Garden Adirondack Chairs with Table - £395.99, Wayfair
- Best for acing the aesthetic: Beliani Adirondack Garden Chair with Footstool - £229.99, Amazon
- Best for a classic and timeless look: VonHaus Set Of 2 Adirondack Chairs - £194.99, VonHaus
- Best for making a statement: Berkfield Garden Adirondack Rocking Chair - £82, B&Q
- Best for sunbathing: Highland Dunes Chair with Ottoman and Table - £102.99, Wayfair
- Best for easy storage: VonHaus White Folding Adirondack Chair - £119.99, VonHaus
- Best for romantic evenings: Outdoor Living Double Adirondack Relax Garden Bench - £189, Debenhams
- Best for easy adaptability: VonHaus Grey Garden Chair with Footstool - £114.99, VonHaus
Shop below
VonHaus Green Adirondack Chair
When it comes to affordable Adirondack furniture, VonHaus is truly leading the charge with this staple lounge chair. Despite being made from sturdy and stable HDPE, it still has a somewhat authentic feel thanks to its charming faux wood grain - but we love that its sage green colourway gives it a slightly more contemporary feel.
Best of all, the pull-out cup holder will ensure your drink of choice is always kept in easy reach. Not sure if green is really your vibe? It also comes in grey, natural wood, and a foldable white option.
Buy now £109.99, VonHaus
Berkfield Garden Adirondack Chairs with Table HDPE White
If you’re bored of the classic bistro table and chair set, then consider this Berkfield Adirondack alternative instead. In this set, you’ll get two chairs and a matching table - all of which have been made with steel frames and HDPE, and are both weather-resistant and UV-resistant.
Despite the bright white finish, mud and drink spills can be easily washed away with just soapy water and a soft bristle brush. But, if you’d still prefer a slightly more forgiving shade, you’ll be pleased to know that it also comes in warm taupe brown and statement aqua blue.
Buy now £395.99, Wayfair
Beliani Adirondack Garden Chair with Footstool
With so many different shades to choose from, it’s no surprise that these Beliani Adirondack chairs are so popular. A modern and stylish take on the traditional design, this chic chair has been manufactured with a high-quality faux-wood material that truly looks the part - and it even comes with a matching footstool for maximum relaxation.
For a timeless and understated look, you can’t go wrong with dark grey, but if you like to make a statement, we’re big fans of the turquoise blue and yellow hues.
Buy now £229.99, Amazon
VonHaus Set Of 2 Adirondack Chairs
A slightly more traditional option, these pretty VonHaus Adirondack chairs have been crafted from durable Acacia hardwood, and boast real rustic and elegant charm with their traditional slatted styles, and classic silhouettes.
Sure to seamlessly integrate with the existing style of your garden as well as any other pieces of furniture, there’s no denying that they make a truly pretty pair. Just remember to brush them with teak oil occasionally to help maintain the wood’s gentle sheen.
Buy now £194.99, VonHaus
Berkfield Garden Adirondack Rocking Chair
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a splash of colour. Essentially the outdoor equivalent of a statement armchair, this Adirondack rocker definitely won’t get as much use as your classic bistro chairs, but it will certainly add a pop of personality to your patio.
As well as this pretty pink colour, it also comes in mustard yellow, lime green, and bright red, so you’ll have no problems finding a hue that works for you. Made from fir wood, it’ll benefit from being kept somewhere dry during the winter months.
Buy now £86.00, B&Q
Highland Dunes Garden Adirondack Chair with Ottoman and Table
Swap the standard fabric sunlounger out for this far more attractive Adirondack alternative made from solid fir wood. It can be easily folded up for storing away when not in use, and comes in four different natural finishes; brown, beige, grey, and white.
Super versatile, the footrest part can be detached when you want to use it as just a chair - and it even comes with a matching stool for storing essentials like your drink and phone.
Buy now £102.99, Wayfair
VonHaus White Folding Adirondack Chair
The great thing about the VonHaus Adirondack chairs is that they can also be bought in a foldable design, which is ideal if you’re after a chair that’s easy to store and transport.
As well as this bright white finish, it also comes in grey, sage green, and a classic Acacia finish. Made from durable polywood, it offers effective weather resistance, but is still best kept inside during the wetter months.
Buy now £119.95, VonHaus
Outdoor Living Double Adirondack Relax Garden Bench
The only thing better than kicking back and relaxing in the sunshine is kicking back and relaxing in the sunshine with the one you love. Expertly crafted out of premium timber from sustainable FSC-certified forests, this double Adirondack seat boasts separately contoured seats and individual backrests so that you’re both always comfortable.
With its gorgeous scalloped detailing, and sweet loveseat design, it’s an upgrade to the standard wooden garden bench.
Buy now £189.00, Debenhams
VonHaus Grey Garden Chair with Footstool
Not just your standard piece of Adirondack furniture, this durable HDPE chair has an integrated footstool hidden in its seat that can be both pulled out and tucked away in a mere matter of seconds. Capable of extending your seat an impressive 46 centimetres, it’s a great versatile option for those who like the sound of a little more relaxation, and it’s even got a handy pull-out cup holder attached to the armrest.
Finally, as we’ve come to expect from the VonHaus Adirondack range, this cleverly designed chair can also be purchased in the brand’s gorgeous sage green colourway.
Buy now £114.99, VonHaus
