Shopping for Outdoor Folding Chairs
If you’ve ever scrambled to find enough seating for guests while hosting a party, you definitely understand the appeal of outdoor folding chairs. There are several benefits to having folding chairs around your home, including:
- Their compact form allows you to stash them away in a shed or garage.
- They’re sturdier and more comfortable than fabric “camping chairs.”
- If you forget them outside during inclement whether, they’ll hold up just fine.
- Many are stylish, helping to tie together your outdoor decor.
There are a few factors to consider when shopping for outdoor chairs. First, think about how you’ll use them. Will they be for dining or lounging by the pool? More traditional dining chairs are better suited for eating, while a sling or lounge chair is ideal for putting up your feet and relaxing.
You should also know how much storage space they take up, and whether they require any maintenance. Many wooden chairs, for instance, need to be oiled each season to preserve their color and appearance.
Finally, think about how many chairs you need. Some chairs are sold individually, which is ideal if you only want a few, while others come in sets of two, four or more.
Best All-Around Outdoor Folding Chair
These Josie teak folding dining chairs are everything you could ask for in an outdoor folding chair — sturdy, stylish and compact. These chairs come in sets of two. They’re made from solid teak, which repels moisture, making it ideal for outdoor use. The wood chairs have a slatted back and natural finish, and they’re available with and without arms.
Best Budget-Friendly Folding Chair
If you only need extra chairs once in a while, Ikea’s FEJAN chairs are an affordable option at $10 per chair. These no-frills white chairs feature a folding metal frame and plastic seats. They’re extremely lightweight, making them easy to move around your yard as needed.
Best Splurge-Worthy Outdoor Folding Chair
On the other hand, the Chatham mahogany folding dining chair, which costs $299, is an extremely high-end seat that will last for years to come.
Crafted from sustainably harvested mahogany wood, these chairs are put together using mortise-and-tenon joinery for unmatched durability. They have an attractive gray finish, and you can make them even more welcoming with outdoor seat cushions. Bonus: A touch-up kit is available to fix those accidental scratches.
Best Set of Outdoor Folding Chairs
The Tangkula folding patio chair set includes four weather-resistant outdoor chairs, ideal for arranging around a table or outdoor fireplace. Each chair features a steel frame with plastic wicker seats and backs, and can support up to 250 lbs. Their ergonomic design and armrests make them extra comfortable. And when patio season is over, they’re extremely easy to clean.
Best Wicker Outdoor Folding Chair
If you like wicker, check out the StyleWell wicker patio dining chair. Its attractive light-brown woven back and seat are mounted on a durable metal frame. Each chair can support up to 225 lbs. The materials are weather-resistant so you don’t have to fret about leaving them out in the rain.
Best Outdoor Rocking Folding Chair
The Claytor folding eucalyptus outdoor rocker allows you to relax anywhere. It collapses into a compact form for increased portability and easy storage. Made from sustainable eucalyptus wood and resin wicker, it comes in several colors, including black, brown and white.
Best Folding Adirondack Chair
The Woking folding Adirondack chair offers a comfortable reclined seat where you can watch the sunset or relax by the campfire. Best of all, it folds for easy storage in the off season. The Adirondack chair is made from solid acacia wood, comes in several finishes and it can support up to 250 lbs.
Best Outdoor Folding Bistro Chair
The Portside outdoor folding bistro chair, made from solid mahogany and eucalyptus wood for top-tier durability, has the kind of quaint appearance common at a posh café. These bistro chairs come in three wood colors. The seat and back are made from easy-to-clean textilene fabric that stays cool, even on hot summer days.
Best Outdoor Folding Sling Chair
The Ballard Design classic beach folding chair features a comfortable sling seat on a folding teak frame with four reclining positions, making it a great choice for relaxing by the pool or taking to the beach. Choose from various striped upholstery colors. And it comes with a matching pillow.
Best Outdoor Folding Lounge Chair
You’d never guess by looking at it, but the Beachcrest Home Nannette chaise lounge folds into a surprisingly compact form for easy transport or storage. There’s even a handle on one side of the chair that makes it easy to carry. This lounge chair is made from solid acacia wood with a curved, slatted seat, so it’s extremely comfortable for lounging.