The Best Outdoor Folding Chairs

Buying Guide

Outdoor seating has a variety of purposes. It can be used for weddings and family picnics, or it can be set out on a patio for everyday enjoyment. You might want a lounger that lets you relax and enjoy the afternoon sun. Or you might just want chairs that can provide extra seating when you have guests over.

If you’re setting up a seating area for a one-time event, for instance, you may want to invest in folding chairs that can be easily stored in case you need them in the future. In that case, comfort won’t be as important as portability.

For daily use, though, you’ll likely want something that can be set out permanently. If you plan to store your chairs sometimes, portability will still be a consideration, but it won’t be as important as comfort.

You can also find outdoor chairs that recline. If you ever need to store them, you can break them down, but these chair types are designed to spend most of their time in an unfolded position. If you choose a recliner, pay close attention to how far it reclines. You can get everything from a 100-degree slight recline to one that goes all the way to zero gravity.

• For outdoor chairs, waterproofing is essential, even if you’ll only be using them for a special event. If you’re storing them in a shed or garage, they could be exposed to moisture in the air, so that waterproofing can come in handy long after you’ve put them away.
• The frame is an important part of how well your outdoor seating will hold up, long-term. It also will increase its weight capacity. Steel is always a safe bet, but you can also trust outdoor chairs that have iron tubing frames.
• Consider how often you’ll need to move your outdoor chair. If you’re purchasing a reclining lounger, for instance, you might find it’s less portable than a standard folding chair. Look at the weight of the chair, as well as how compact and easy to carry it is when folded.
• Even with a standard folding chair, a padded seat makes a big difference. Your guests won’t want to sit for hours on a hard surface without padding.
• Assembly can take time. Look at how complicated the setup process will be, as well as what tools and hardware you might need to have on hand.
• Cupholders can come in handy if you don’t plan to have a table near your outdoor chair. Some even come with accessory trays that give you a convenient place to store small, lightweight items like your smartphone or your sunglasses.