Last week we looked at the best outdoor dining tables on the market this year — but what's a table without seating? We're back this week with our look at the best outdoor dining chairs. From low priced IKEA to mid-range Crate and Barrel, these chairs are standouts for the design, quality and price.
Returning Favorites, left to right:
• Bistro Folding Metal Chair from American Country Home Store, 2 for $198
• Marais A Side Chair from Industry West, $145
• Grasshopper Chair from Tectona, €270
New Additions, left to right:
• Ada Chair from Industry West, $135
• Balcony White Stacking Chair from Crate & Barrel, $65
• Slatted Teak Chair from Terrain, $248
• Stacking Armchair from Pier 1, $60
• TARNO Folding Chair from IKEA, $15
The last time we took a comprehensive look at outdoor dining chairs, a wise reader chimed in with this advice:
Just some comments from someone who has made too many mistakes buying outdoor chairs:1) Regarding 'surpisingly heavy' comment under C&B chairs. I have heavy outdoor chairs that are hard to pull out from the table, hard to tuck yourself under the table and are a bear to move around the yard. Beware of *too* heavy chairs for ease of use!
2) Note your outdoor surface and it's cracks/crevices. Some of these chairs have poky little feet that get stuck in cracks or between wood deck slats causing awkward moments for guests.
3) Arms vs. no arms -- sometimes (esp in small spaces) armless chairs make all the difference for being able to squeeze a few more people at the table.That being said, I personally love the Light Blue Marais copy. I am adding them to my wish list to replace my heavy, poky-footed armchairs :)
- Robyn
Previous Years Best Outdoor Dining Tables Guides
• Best Outdoor Dining Chairs 2011
• Best Outdoor Dining Chairs 2010
• Best Outdoor Dining Tables 2009
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Any chance we could get a post on comfortable outdoor seating? Arm chairs, lounges, sofas, etc.?
The slatted teak chair is the only one I would have if I could afford $250 per chair. You can place it on the grass without a leg sinking into the ground. Coleman makes a very well consructed "camping" director-type chair that has slat/tubular legs at the bottom and has good back support It does have arms. Costco did a knock off of this chair. Yes, they are in green and gray, but after seeing this poor selection, I'm getting some outdoor enamel and I'm reupholstering the canvas. The chairs you show look miserable with tiny seats.
to Embryo: comfort in outdoor furniture is so subjective. I think you just have to go out there and sit in stuff untill you can tolerate the look, the feel and the price. Not an easy job.
I just spent weeks trying to choose chairs for my patio. Living in Florida by the beach, my furniture has been killed by the sun, humidity, and rainy season; plus the salt water air speeds up corrosion big time. After a few years, my pretty, white powder-coated steel chairs have turned to dust. (Mind you, I'm not one to bring outside furniture in or do much maintenance, so that's my fault.)
I think I'm going for the white Urban chair from Ikea, which I've seen on AT before. It's plastic but seems surprisingly sturdy, stackable, cute, low maintenance, has a small hole in the seat to drain water; plus at $40, it won't break the bank. Anyone know how these chairs hold up?
You may find the durability and comfort concerns being answered by a product like Polywood with cushions. And they certainly have the cushy and extremely comfortable outdoor sofas in their "Deep Seating" collection. All their pieces are fairly heavy but that does keep them from blowing away. And here in the northeast you can actually leave them outside year round if you are not inclined to or have the space to store them away for the off season. Agreed, they don't come cheap but they just may be the last set you ever buy?
http://vermontwoodsstudios.com/categories/outdoor-patio-furniture-sets-collections
None of these would do for long term comfort. I like the new "wicker" looking chairs with the replaceable cushions.
We have the Pier 1 chairs (and table) - they have held up amazingly for 2+ years! Can't beat the price too!
I love IKEA furniture. Great prices, great quality, easy to assemble. However I don't see furniture for outdoor bars on this page. Visit Outdoor Bar Stools Furniture
Jessica by the Beach I am also in s fl.
My teak chairs collapsed and I am also looking for something else it is SO difficult.
I have my eye on the cb2 yellow ones , but they have chrome legs so I wonder if they will rust.
I Googled 'fake wood ones' as well.
have not found anything yet, all plastic ones would be the best option fo us I guess.