Hello lovelies!!
I am *thisclose* to finishing the latest DIY that has taken over my life, the patio/firepit project! I shared this photo on Istagram yesterday of the last piece of the puzzle…..figuring out angles to cut on these slabs of bluestone to create a top for the firepit. I’m beyond excited about this part!! I’ll post about finishing the fire pit and creating the pea stone patio soon but first, let’s talk about one of the plans for this space…..seating!
I’ve been mulling over seating options the entire time I’ve been working out here. I really want the patio to be a social place that we linger at, where long conversations transpire, laughter abounds, music is enjoyed, and my teenagers don’t feel compelled to look at their phones every 30 seconds. That has been the driving force behind this project all along, to maximize the quality time we spend here as a family and with friends.
With all that in mind, when it came to seating I knew I could fairly easily and inexpensively build a few benches to go around the fire pit, but I really wanted seating that was comfy. I resisted the idea of adirondack chairs at first because it feels like EVERYONE has them, but in the end this style won out for lounge-ability. There is a reason they are so popular.
I went searching and it turns out this is actually an amazing time of year to buy outdoor furniture! There are some crazy sales going on right now and free shipping here, there and everywhere. As far as cost, adirondacks range from super cheap (the stackable plastic version sold at the grocery store) to chairs that necessitate selling organs to afford. We’re in the market for six for the patio, so I’m looking for budget-friendly, as well as chairs that can fold for winter storage. I think I have read every review of every chair sold out there, and these are my top picks for decent quality, weight and affordability, with affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.
1 | Wayfair Trex Cape Cod | Composite
2 | Ace Hardware Folding Adirondack | Wood
4| Hayneedle Shine Company Marina | Wood
5 | Hayneedle Highwood Hamilton | Composite
7 | Joss & Main Winston | Wood
8 | Joss & Main Adirondack Chair | Cedar Wood
9 | Overstock Ivy Terrace | Composite
10 | Joss & Main Norris | Composite
A few quick things to consider –
1 | The material. I was completely opposed to a synthetic material until I sat in an adirondack chair outside of a Cape restaurant, and was surprised that at close inspection it turned out to be some kind of heavy composite material like what is used on decks, and not wood. No painting or staining ever?? That is attractive, right?! On the other hand, some of the really good quality composites are exxxxxpensive ($400+ per chair. Times six for us? Ouch.) If you are going the wood route, cedar is one of the most durable species, resistant to rotting, splitting and warping.
2 | The size and weight capacity. I need chairs that will hold little munchkins all the way up to refrigerator-sized high school and college football players. 🙂 Some of the low-cost chairs are lightweight and can be on the smaller size, so keep an eye on the dimensions and weight cap before ordering.
3 | Your ability to assemble. All the chairs I shared above need to be assembled so if that’s not your thing you may consider bribing a family member or neighborhood kid to do this for you.
I’ll be back soon with the final steps in the fire pit build and installing the pea stone patio.
Hope you are having a great week!
If you have wood outdoor furniture you might be interested in this post on cleaning and sealing teak!
Sharon says
You are so right about outdoor furniture being a good deal this time of year. I love the idea of the folding Adirondacks and didn’t know that was an option. The cost of the composite chairs are crazy! But the fact that they require zero maintenance is hard to beat! Looking forward to seeing the final outcome–it looks amazing so far!
Lisa says
Thanks Sharon! Yes it’s a great time of year for outdoor furniture shopping! If only we could make decisions before things go out of stock……:)
Donna says
I have two of the expensive composites and they do not need to be put away in the winter in Michigan. They are moved to the deck and make a pretty sight covered with snow. Previously I had cedar and it did not hold up well and had to be painted every spring but eventually rotted. I’d go for composite!
Lisa says
Donna that right there is a fantastic argument for the composites. We’re not so great about putting away the outdoor furniture before the first snowfall, and then forget it! Thanks for sharing about your experience!!
Nancy says
Hi Lisa! Just talked to Kim and so sorry I wasn’t with you 2 last night- we could really have some fun!! I know you’re my kind of people and look forward to meeting you in person one day. Your fire pit are looks fantastic! Bethany bought inexpensive wood Adirondacks and 5 years later and a new coat of paint they are still doing well! Take care xo Nancy
Lisa says
Nancy!! We definitely need a real life visit, with Bethany too!!! How much fun would that be!
nancy says
I love your picks {as always} I have to throw this out there though…we have plastic stackable adirondack chairs from Lowes that were like $18. They come in various colors and besides the low price I love that they are absolutely maintenance free.
Stacey says
We purchased ours at Lowes a few years ago too and surprisingly they are still in great shape…. love that they stack and take up no room…..and if I had to replace them every year, for the cost I wouldn’t mind! I can’t wait to see your finished project!
Lisa says
Okay that is great to know because the budget is running low at the end of this project! I’m so glad yours have held up and about their stackability, thanks Stacey!
Lisa says
The more I think about it the more the maintenance-free versions sound like the way to go! I’m not sure I can handle scraping and repainting chairs with all those parts! Thanks for sharing what works for you Nancy! Hope you have a great long weekend.
Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says
Ok, so we have the Highwood chairs on our back patio. LOVE. We just had family over and they totally thought they were real wood! They were easy to put together by myself (I remember timing myself to see how long it took, and I want to say it was 10 minutes per chair). Some of the reviews I read said that they felt flimsy, but I feel that’s the nature of the beast when it comes to them being foldable. I certainly feel like they are sturdy, as does my husband who is well over 225 (don’t tell him I said that!). Also, they had some muddy paws prints on them the other day and once I hosed them off looked like they were brand new chairs. Score!
Lisa says
I was thinking about your new chairs after I posted on this subject. No maintenance sounds amazing to me right now, and I love the color of yours too Shelley! If your husband finds them comfortable then they sound like they’d be spacious enough for the football players that lurk around here on the weekends! Thank you for the scoop!
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says
I’m completely missing out on these super cool chairs. I have to admit my outside yard has yet to be touched this season. But I’m really loving these chairs. They would look awesome around the pit.
Lisa says
I think they would be comfy around the fire pit too Stephanie (the only part of my yard that has been touched this year so don’t feel bad!) Hope you have a great 4th!
cindy hattersley says
My kids have the Ace Hardware version and they have had great luck with them! Enjoy your summer!!
Arielle says
It’s looking so good, Lisa! Can’t wait to see it all finished. I’m hoping to get my act together and create a patio in our yard one of these days!
Lisa says
Thanks Arielle! We have used that space much since we finished it, it really is like an outdoor room!