Home Outdoor Living The 9 Best Adirondack Chairs for Comfortable Summer Lounging We have a pick for every home style and budget. By Lindsay Tigar Lindsay Tigar Lindsay is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on June 26, 2023 04:24PM EDT We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Rejuvenation, L.L. Bean, World Market When you think of a relaxing summer night—maybe you're lounging by the lake as fireflies dance in the sky—where are you sitting? Probably in an Adirondack chair. Believe it or not, this classic outdoor furniture piece has been popular since the early 1900s. Today, it's synonymous with summer. As for the Adirondack chair's origin story? It's believed that Thomas Lee, a designer from Westport, N.Y., was inspired to create outdoor furniture that could handle the uneven terrain of the Adirondack Mountains—his happy place. He wanted a chair that would be comfortable enough for extended periods of sitting, but also sturdy enough to withstand the elements. The original version, crafted in roughly 1903 from 11 wood pieces and dubbed the Westport chair, was a local hit for over 20 years. Many designers modified the chair over the decades and eventually, it earned the name Adirondack—a nod to the mountains its creator loved so much. Today, there are many wood, plastic, and even metal Adirondack chair models that range in style and price. Here, we've rounded up the best Adirondack chairs for all of your summer gatherings by lakes, pools, the sea, or just the backyard. How to Clean and Care for Your Outdoor Furniture Throughout the Year 01 of 09 L.L. Bean All-Weather Waterfall Adirondack Chair Courtesy of L.L. Bean As one of the oldest and most trusted adventure brands, L.L. Bean sells well-constructed clothing, gear, and furniture. Their signature Adirondack chair is no exception: Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this piece won't crack, chip, or warp. And though you may want to store it during the off-season, it can hold up against high winds and rainy weather. It features a waterfall front created explicitly for added comfort and support, meaning you can sit back, sip your lemonade, and savor the sunshine. Price at time of publish: $299 Buy on L.L.Bean 02 of 09 Rejuvenation "Vaughn" Teak Adirondack Chair Courtesy of Rejuvenation If you appreciate the classic lounge style of an Adirondack chair, but have a more modern aesthetic, this wood take is your happy medium. Since it's made from FSC-certified teak, it will repel water and last for many summers without wear and tear. Imported from Indonesia, this Adirondack chair is not only supportive in the right places, but eye-catching for your backyard oasis. To ensure the longevity of this chair, use teak oil regularly to restore the original honey wood color; cover or store it when not in use. Price at time of publish: $799 Buy on Rejuvenation 03 of 09 POLYWOOD "Paso" Gray Outdoor Adirondack Chair Courtesy of Crate & Barrel As every homeowner can confirm, outdoor furniture is often expensive. But there's a good reason why: It has to last no matter the weather forecast. One of the most valued and well-rated brands in this space is POLYWOOD, which crafts its entire line from a proprietary blend of plastics made with things like detergent bottles and milk jugs. The result is a beautiful selection of outdoor furniture known for its durability and style. We love their take on the Adirondack chair; it's more modern with a wide, dynamic base, luxury recline, bold armrests, and rear plank legs. When you're not gazing up at the starry night from this chair, store or cover it so it lasts decades, not years. Price at time of publish: $499 Buy on Crate & Barrel 04 of 09 West Elm "Portside" Outdoor Adirondack Chair Courtesy of West Elm While most Adirondack chairs are on the larger size, this one has a slimmer design. It may not have the bulkiness that you typically associate with this classic piece, but it offers just as much support. Crafted from moisture-resistant mahogany and solid eucalyptus wood, it feels understated and lightweight, much like the summer breeze. Because it's smaller, it's a good choice for those with limited outdoor space, like a townhome's outdoor patio or a balcony in a city. We suggest buying a pair so you can enjoy happy hour with a friend or partner once the clock strikes 5 p.m. Price at time of publish: $399 Buy on West Elm 05 of 09 Soleil Adirondack Chair Courtesy of Frontgate If you have an outdoor pool, you need this splurge-worthy statement piece from Soleil. Modeled on the traditional Adirondack chair, it's suitable for water, giving you the very best seat for lounging half-in and half-out of a pool's wading section. You can place this chair in about 9 inches of water, next to the pool, in the sand, and so on. Crafted from durable polyethylene, it will hold its color for up to 16,000 hours of sun exposure and can't be damaged by pool chemicals. Fair warning: You'll become so obsessed with this beauty, you won't want to lounge poolside in anything else ever again. Price at time of publish: $1,061 Buy on Frontgate 06 of 09 SERWALL Folding Adirondack Chair Courtesy of Amazon Another solid option for homeowners or renters with limited space, this foldable, 5-star-rated Adirondack chair from SERWALL can be tucked away when it's not in use. Crafted from high-impact polystyrene lumber, it's also weather resistant and more durable than wood—though it looks and feels just like it. In addition to withstanding high temperatures and unpredictable weather, the slatted backrest helps rainwater roll away quickly, which prevents water damage over time. Price at time of publish: $145 Buy on Amazon 07 of 09 World Market Modern Slatted Wood Adirondack Chair Courtesy of World Market This slightly slender Adirondack chair begs you to start your day slowly and comfortably. Made from 100-percent acacia wood finished with UV protectant, it's a more contemporary take designed just for a patio. Choose from natural or espresso colorways to match your outdoor color scheme—just cover and store it when you’re not using it for maximum longevity. Price at time of publish: $149 Buy on World Market 08 of 09 Adams Manufacturing Deluxe RealComfort Adirondack Chair Courtesy of Target If your budget doesn't allow for multiple $100-plus Adirondack chairs, but you have a large family, try these well-rated plastic versions. Not only are they fade-resistant, but they’re available in two classic shades that will liven up your backyard. Though they might not last as long as others on our list, storing them when they aren't in use will at least get you through a summer (or three). Price at time of publish: $30 Buy on Target 09 of 09 Pottery Barn x POLYWOOD Rocking Adirondack Chair Courtesy of Pottery Barn Made in America as part of a collaboration with Pottery Barn and POLYWOOD, this white rocking Adirondack chair is polished, durable, and comfortable. And believe us: It doesn't get any better than rocking on the front porch, iced tea in hand, telling stories all night long. Price at time of publish: $499 Buy on Pottery Barn Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Martha Stewart is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Learn about the history of the iconic adirondack chair. Adirondack.net.