Best garden chairs that are made to last

Cherish those moments outdoors with seating that's sturdy, durable and stylish.

best garden chairs

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

The best garden chairs will make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. Whether you have a patio, balcony, lawn or conservatory there is a perfect seating solution - yes, even garden sofas. You can get different designs and sizes to suit any style and complement existing outdoor furniture. And they'd needn't break the bank either as budget garden chairs can offer durability, weather resistance and a modern aesthetic at a bargain price.

Be a crowd-pleaser now that the longer days and warmer evenings are here. If patio drinks with friends have been pencilled into the diary, you may be looking for a set of garden chairs that are foldable or stackable so that they can be stored away without taking up too much space. If garden deckchairs aren't quite what you're looking for we recommend opting for lightweight plastic, rattan or tubular steel garden chairs. In fact, all of these options can be left outside as they're made from waterproof and fade-resistant materials.

Best garden chairs at a glance:

Best classic hanging cocoon chair: Charles Bentley Swing Chair - View on Wilko
Best outdoor rocking chair for durability: Outdoor Aalicia Rocking Chair - View on Wayfair
Best stackable metal chairs: PHIVILLA Metal Garden Chairs - View on Amazon

Make everyday as easy as Sunday morning and opt for a reclining garden chair to unwind. Take a deep breath and make time for yourself with the latest sun loungers, rocking chairs and zero gravity recliners. Go for an aluminium frame with a textilene fabric, as these chairs are super lightweight, weatherproof and contour your body. With clean-cut lines and ergonomic support, you get style and practicality, so you'll be sitting on cloud nine.

For the traditionalists out there, opt for wooden Adirondack chairs; sturdy and long-lasting, it's no wonder they've been popular for over 100 years. If you are looking for a wooden garden bench or chair, do choose FSC-certified wood that can be traced to a sustainable source. And if you've got some old wooden chairs that need a makeover, scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article for tips on how to upcycle your furniture for use outdoors.

Best garden chairs

Best classic hanging cocoon chair

Charles Bentley Swing ChairCharles Bentley/Wilko

Take it easy in this hot seat. A clean, grid-like weave and shiny steel frame make the Charles Bentley Swing Chair a classic piece. This hanging egg chair oozes class and attention to detail. We think it would pair perfectly with a black and white geometric outdoor rug and blanket. The black powder-coated stand and chain will ensure it will last for years. It also has a safety belt to control the swing range. Note that the maximum weight capacity is 120kg.

Customer review: “Over the moon with this egg chair after scouring online for one months and months and being let down by big designer companies. It’s easily the best-looking one I’ve seen with the rattan and the colour of the cushions and it’s also very comfy. Much quicker delivery than expected too so a perfect purchase.”

Pros

  • Classic design
  • Comfy

Cons

  • Cushion isn't waterproof

Best outdoor rocking chair for durability

Outdoor Aalicia Rocking ChairWayfair

Take a load off with this sleek and simple Outdoor Aalicia Rocking Chair. It ticks all the boxes with its lightweight yet durable rustproof frame and breathable fabric. Just be sure to position this chair in a sheltered spot, and don't hang anything on it that would cause it to tip. In addition, it's best to bring it inside in stormy, windy and wet weather. That said, we're all about the long summer evenings, and this contoured rocker is definitely a seat for sanctuary and sunshine.

Customer review: "Best garden chair I’ve bought. Has worn well left out in all weathers. Also, a very relaxing seat."

Pros

  • Designed for reclining
  • Contemporary style
  • Good price

Cons

  • A low chair that some may find difficult to get out from

Best stackable metal chairs

PHIVILLA Metal Garden ChairsPHIVILLA/Amazon UK

These attractive aluminium garden chairs feature a broad back for comfort. A sturdy mid-price option that is undeniably going to stand the test of time. Opt for the simple look of bare black metal or add a colourful cushion. The slatted seat and modern yet classical back add a decorative touch to your patio. It also provides ventilation when the weather hots up. Whether you're having a barbecue or relaxing with your favourite drink, the armrests offer understated support, and the chunky chair dimensions give you plenty of room to be comfortable.

Customer review: "The instructions were easy to follow. The chairs are very comfortable and sturdy. They are stackable and light to carry. An excellent purchase. I ordered two extra chairs as the table can fit eight round. Very happy with and price."

Pros

  • Lightweight frame
  • Four back designs to choose from
  • Stackable

Cons

  • Some found it could have been better quality

Best lightweight sun lounger

VidaXL 2 Folding Sun Loungers in Green TextileneVidaXL

These striking and streamlined sun loungers will brighten up your outdoor space and lend themselves to being accessorised with cushions that pop with colour. The armless design is minimal but supportive as the chair is contoured to your body for full-body lounging. For a bold luxe line, VidaXL 2 Folding Sun Loungers in Green Textilene are outstanding in any field.

Pros

  • No assembly required
  • Contemporary and on-trend

Cons

  • No customer reviews

Best hairpin style garden chair

Salsa 2-Seater Garden SofaJohn Lewis

Two's a charm with this sunny outdoor sofa set. The Salsa 2-Seater Garden Sofa will brighten up any garden. Made of durable weatherproof materials, you can leave this garden furniture outside all year (however, do store it away in the worst weather conditions). The sofa is lightweight so you can move it around your garden and follow the position of the sun. A touch of the exotic that'll give your garden a sunny update.

Customer review: "Love the ombré look of this bench, I already had two string chairs but I wanted a pop of colour in my garden and more casual seating for having people over. The yellow is so cheery. They're so comfortable and easy to maintain as they're waterproof and don't need to be stored away when the weather is bad like cushioned furniture."

Pros

  • Wipe clean
  • Stylish two-tone colour
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Try and have a look in-store before you buy to avoid any disappointment

Best wooden garden chair

Plant Theatre Adirondack chairPlant Theatre/Amazon

Rrp: $139.99

Price: $109.99

You can't beat an Adirondack garden chair for the ultimate in laid-back style. The reclined design means you have to sit back and relax, and the wide arms give you somewhere to place your glass of wine, book, and phone. This Plant Theatre version is made from durable Acacia hardwood and has been stained, oiled, and gently rubbed down by hand for a sturdy finish.

Customer review: "I ordered two of these to add to two that we've had for about five years now. The quality is excellent, the wood looks beautiful but will fade and silver a bit over time. For me the chairs are so comfortable."

Pros

  • Acacia hardwood
  • Foldable design

Cons

  • Not lightweight

Best curved garden sofa

John Lewis Chunky Weave 5-Seater Garden Corner Sofa SetJohn Lewis

With a swooping curve, the John Lewis Chunky Weave 5-Seater Garden Corner Sofa Set will sweep you off your feet. The chunky contemporary weave makes sure this rope-like-strung sofa is still a real head-turner. Sturdy and weather-resistant, it’ll create a gorgeous lounge corner on your patio with plenty of cushions to keep you comfortable all year round. Weatherproof: Yes, though recommended to cover during adverse weather.

Customer review: "We love this garden sofa. It is so comfortable and spacious to lounge out on, and it is wearing well. I highly recommend."

Pros

  • Set comes with a table and sofa
  • Suitable for a conservatory or outdoors

Cons

  • None

FAQs

How do I style my outdoor chairs?

Modern Gardens magazine writer Fiona Galley shares her 'Dark Botanicals' outdoor design expertise.

best garden chairs

We’re primed to unleash a cacophony of colour on our gardens as soon as the summer season kicks off, but going to the dark side can create a look full of intrigue and drama. This is a trend you’ll see on the catwalk for SS24 too, and it works just as well in the garden.

Painting a fence in black or another bold colour is a dramatic move, and attaching shapely wall planters in the same colour will add dimension. Avoid leaf-print overload by introducing a subtle geometric print in the form of a rug.

Set a dark sofa or set of dark chairs against a black backdrop and pile it with cushions in big and bold leaf prints. Team with accessories that are black but not boring, and add some natural materials such as wood, bamboo and jute. Plain rattan sofas in black or dark brown are practical and pared-back without being too plain. String chairs with gaps to allow light to pass through ensure the dark tone isn’t too dominating. Use cushions to parade pattern and texture, mixing and matching style and size. Stout multi-wick candles are great for the garden and this one’s citronella so it’ll keep the bugs at bay too.

How do I upcycle furniture for outdoors?

If you're feeling thrifty and like a creative project, upcycling old furniture to use in the garden can give an old chair a new lease of life. Modern Gardens Magazine Editor Emma Kendell explains how to:

Wooden furniture will last for years outside, just as long as it’s correctly protected. Fill cracks and dents before you paint with Cuprinol Ultra Tough Wood Filler. To make sure you're getting into every nook and cranny, we recommend using a GoodHome Fine Filament Tip Flat paintbrush. Its medium-stiff bristles will get into joints and cracks, and it's great value for money too. For your paint, Protek Royal Exterior paint is a good choice because it acts as a basecoat so can be applied without a primer. If you’re painting a very light colour on bare timber, you may need a primer and knotting agent to prevent tannin staining. And it’s fine to paint over an existing coating as long as it’s water-based.

There are over 100 hues to choose from and, as each coat builds the colour depth and sheen, you can achieve subtle variations by applying more or less coats to different parts of the furniture. Sand lightly and wipe clean with a damp cloth, then when dry, get painting, using a synthetic brush. Two coats are recommended.

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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