Affordable and perfect for unpredictable weather, wooden garden chairs are a great option when shopping around for garden furniture. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a cup of tea outside, having comfortable outdoor garden furniture is essential.
Choosing the perfect wooden garden chairs can be quite the task with so many choices out there, from garden armchairs to cocoon chairs - but it doesn't have to be. In this guide, we help you find chairs that are not only comfortable but also durable and stylish enough to stand the test of time. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed, but fear not - we're here to guide you through the process.
Best wooden garden chairs at a glance:
• Best rattan-style wooden garden chair: Dunelm Phoenix Acacia Chair
• Best value foldable wooden garden chairs: GoodHome Virginia Acacia Wooden Foldable Chair
• Best wooden garden rocking chair: Beachcrest Home Outdoor Rocking Solid Wood Chair
• Best comfortable wooden garden chair for lounging: Vonhaus Grey Sun Lounger Chair With Cushion
• Best wooden garden Adirondack chair: Garden Store Direct Acacia Adirondack Garden Chair
In our FAQs section, you can learn exactly what garden chair is right for you with our guide to the types of wood, designs, and style. Whether you are looking for a rocking chair to take you on a journey to relaxation or a foldable set to sit out on your balcony or garden - there is a chair for you.
The best wooden garden chairs
Best rattan-style wooden garden chair
www.dunelm.com
This charming rattan garden chair is crafted from high-quality acacia wood, known for its durability and water-resistant properties. Not only is it practical and stylish, but it's also responsibly sourced and FSC-certified, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing you're supporting sustainable forest management. Sit back, relax and soak up the sun in this beautiful rustic chair.
Customer review: "Small wicker chair, comfortable, looks great and easy to move around. Good value ."
Pros
- Rattan design
- Made from FSC® - certified acacia
- Water-resistant
- One year guarantee
Cons
- Some reviews say the wood could have been sanded smoother as it’s a little rough and needs oiling
Best wooden garden recliner chair
www.johnlewis.com
Kick back in style with this weather-resistant garden recliner, crafted from beautifully finished FSC-certified eucalyptus wood. The naturally moisture-resistant, hardy, and long-lasting wood is complemented by an all-weather fabric seat and backrest for year-round use. Plus, the chair folds easily for convenient storage.
Customer review: "Good and really comfortable chairs. Easy to handle."
Pros
- Reclining chair with FSC-certified eucalyptus wood frame
- Weather-resistant fabric seat and backrest
- Folds for easy storage
- One-year guarantee included
Cons
- Expensive
Best wooden garden chair set
www.johnlewis.com
Upgrade your garden with this stylish bistro set made of beautifully finished, FSC-certified eucalyptus wood. If you are looking for wooden garden chairs but would benefit from a matching table, this would be a great choice. It is weather-resistant and naturally moisture-resistant, making this set perfect for year-round use. The round table comfortably seats two people and matches the two dining chairs. With easy assembly and the ability to fold for easy storage, this set is easy to maintain and a functional addition to your outdoor space.
Customer review: "I am very happy with this set - good quality and excellent value."
Pros
- Round bistro table made of FSC-certified eucalyptus wood and two dining chairs
- Weather resistant
- Foldable chairs
- Good value
Cons
- Some may just prefer to buy chairs
Best designer wooden garden chair
www.oka.com
The Terrazzin Outdoor Dining Chair features a stunning basket-weave back made from wood. The chair also boasts an angled back and a deep, foam-filled seat cushion for maximum support and comfort. This chic wooden dining chair is sure to impress.
Pros
- Great discounted price
- Beautiful design
- Combine with other pieces from the Terrazzin Garden Collection
Cons
- Low stock
Best rustic wooden garden chair
www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk
This unique piece of garden furniture is built to last, designed with both comfort and durability in mind. The epitome of country-style charm, this wooden chair will add a magic touch to your outdoor space. Made from rustic oak, this garden chair uses timber that comes from European ecologically supervised forests to support sustainable wood management by using fallen oak branches.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Handcrafted unique design
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Low stock
Best value foldable wooden garden chairs
www.diy.com
Basic yet affordable. The excellent value GoodHome Virginia range from B&Q offers weather-resistant and durable acacia wood chairs that can be easily stored with its foldable design. The chair's compact size makes it ideal for patios and balconies and pairs perfectly with the matching table. You can also buy the full bistro set too. To ensure its longevity, clean with a mild soapy solution and store it indoors during the off-season. For outdoor storage, cover with a waterproof cover.
Customer review: "I have a pair of chairs with the matching folding Virginia table. Very easy to use, fits light & folds to store under a bed. I use a seat cushion as well as a cushion tied to the back, making them comfortable for dining."
Pros
- Set of two
- Matching furniture or bistro set available
- Good value
Cons
- For comfort, it requires a cushion
Best dark wood garden rocking chair
www.diy.com
The Outsunny garden rocking chair is the perfect choice for both comfort and quality and screams rootsy Americana. The traditional rustic Adirondack chair style adds class and charm to its solid and weather-resistant natural fir wood construction. With an oversized backrest and seat, along with comfortable armrests, this rocking chair offers a full-body lounging experience making it a great addition to your front porch, garden, patio or deck.
Customer review: "Great item, very happy with my purchase."
Pros
- Crafted from solid and weather-resistant natural fir wood
- Wide seat and backrest with comfortable armrests
- Holds up to 113kg
Cons
- Some may prefer a lighter wood finish
Best light wood garden rocking chair
www.wilko.com
Bring a piece of coastal living to your outdoor space with the charmingly designed rocking chair. Inspired by long summer days spent by the sea, this chair will whisk you away to your very own seaside retreat. Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, the chair is built from solid and weather-resistant natural fir wood for unbeatable strength and support.
Customer review: "I love my rockers! They were easy to put together and are pretty comfy!"
Pros
- Lovely charming design
- Rocking design for relaxation
Cons
- None we can think of
Best unique hand-crafted wooden garden chair
www.etsy.com
This stunning hand-crafted piece is made of solid softwood, perfect for camping or relaxing in the garden. It's easy to fold and store, with two coats of wood stain, making it weatherproof. The chair comes as a flat pack, with an instruction manual included for easy assembly. For those looking for a custom look, other colours are available upon request.
Customer review: "Happy with our purchase, it’s extremely high quality, great style and design - exactly like the pictures. The delivery was quick and sustainable as the pack is small, considering the chairs. It is easy to assemble just follow exactly the instructions. The chairs are very comfortable also and look fabulous in our garden."
Pros
- Hand-crafted from independent
- Unique design
- Other colours are available upon request
- Easy to assemble, just follow exactly the instructions
Cons
- Sells out fast
Best designed wooden garden chair for lounging
businessandpleasureco.com
The ultimate combination of style and functionality for sun chasers. With a five-position recline, armrests, and a soft-touch outdoor canvas sling, this chair offers both comfort and convenience. Plus, it comes in over 15 different designs to hit the beach in style. Whether it takes permanent resistance in your garden or taken to the beach, the practical chair comes with a large back zip pocket and folds up into a backpack for easy transport.
Customer review: "Really love these lounging chairs! The best!"
Pros
- Premium hardwood frame
- UV, mould and water-resistant canvas backrest
- Padded backpack straps for carrying
- Large back pocket with full-length zip
Cons
- Expensive
Best comfortable wooden garden chair for lounging
www.vonhaus.com
This relaxing and practical chair is perfect for enhancing your outdoor space. The chair combines the durability and elegance of hardwood with the comfort of 100 per cent polyester cushioning that is strong, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant. The adjustable design offers seven backrest positions and an adjustable footstool, providing customised relaxation. For convenient storage, the chair is designed to fold away easily and comes with instructions for fast and easy self-assembly. Simply apply a thin layer of teak oil once every 12 months to keep the hardwood frame's sheen polished.
Customer review: "I love our new steamer chairs, as they were just what we needed for the sunnier weather! They look very stylish in our garden, matching our existing table and chairs due to the neutral cushions. They are extremely comfortable."
Pros
- Easy to fold and store
- Comfortable and weather-resistant cushions
- Seven backrest positions
Cons
- Some reviews say the wood stain and quality of the wood isn’t the best
Wooden garden chairs FAQs
What to consider when choosing wooden garden chairs
When it comes to choosing the best wooden garden chairs, there are a few things to consider. The type of wood and the style and design of the chairs to name a few. Do you prefer a traditional or modern look or something in between? Most importantly these chairs need to be comfortable to sit on. Here are a few aspects to consider when choosing the perfect wooden garden chair for your outdoor space.
Material
There are many different types of wood to choose from. Here are some of the standard options for furniture. Firstly, Acacia wood is a solid and durable wood that also has natural tannins that make it resistant to moisture. Eucalyptus wood is also easy to work with and incredibly practical. It's also less expensive than traditional hardwoods. Oak wood is a type of hardwood that is strong, hard, heavy and dense. Pine is another option due to its affordability, but it requires regular maintenance to protect it from weather damage. Of course, there are many more, but here are just a few examples.
We'd recommend chairs made from durable woods like teak or eucalyptus, which are resistant to rot and decay.
Some wooden garden chairs require more maintenance than others. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into maintaining your chairs, and choose accordingly.
Style and design
Choose chairs that complement your outdoor space's overall aesthetic, whether modern, traditional or somewhere in between. However, ensure you choose something practical and comfortable, not just because of the design. The type of cushions or pillows you pick could help add extra comfort.
In terms of the chair backing, there are a few different options to consider. A slatted back can be a good choice for warmer climates, as it allows for airflow and ventilation. You can also opt for a canvas backrest that comes in many designs and colours. A solid back can provide more support and comfort but may not be as breathable. Some chairs also feature contoured backs for added comfort.
Price
Wooden garden chairs can vary in price depending on the quality of the wood and the construction, but knowing if you would like a standalone chair or a set helps you keep to a certain budget.
What are the different types of wooden chairs?
Adirondack chairs: This has been a garden furniture staple for generations, and for a good reason. Its iconic design is both comfortable and stylish and built to last. Made from durable wood like acacia or eucalyptus, these chairs are perfect for relaxing in the sun or reading a book on the porch.
Folding chairs: These are a great option for those who want to save space or store their chairs during the winter months. Made from sturdy wood like acacia or cedar, these chairs are perfect for impromptu gatherings or outdoor events. They are also easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips or picnics.
Rocking chairs: Rocking chairs are a classic addition to any garden or patio. Their gentle rocking motion can be soothing and relaxing, making them the perfect chair for unwinding after a long day.
Dining chairs: If you love entertaining guests in your garden, then dining chairs are a must-have. They are designed to be comfortable for long periods of sitting and can be paired with a matching table to complete the look.
Lounge chairs: These chairs are perfect for those who want to stretch out and relax in the sun. They are perfect for garden lounging or reading a book on the lawn.
Now that you know what to look for, let's take a look at some of the best wooden garden chairs on the market. Take your time and choose chairs that suit your style and needs and with proper maintenance, your chairs will provide you with years of comfort and enjoyment.
Can wooden garden chairs be left outside all year round?
It depends on the type of wood and the weather conditions in your area. Teak, eucalyptus, and cedar are all weather-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to cover your chairs or store them indoors during the winter months to prolong their lifespan.
How do I maintain my wooden garden chairs?
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your wooden garden chairs in good condition. Clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap, and oil them once a year to protect them from the elements. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as they can damage the wood.
Are wooden garden chairs eco-friendly?
Yes, wooden garden chairs are a great eco-friendly option as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. Look for chairs made from sustainably sourced wood to ensure you're making an environmentally conscious choice.
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Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.