
Buying Guide for Outdoor Dining Chairs

Why buy outdoor dining chairs?
Outdoor dining chairs are perfect for patio or backyard dining needs when it starts to get warm out. Unlike indoor dining chairs, they are made to stand up against the weather.
What should you consider in outdoor dining chairs?
- Weather-Resistant Materials: There are many choices for weather-resistant outdoor chairs. Even certain types of metal can be specially coated to stand up against inclement weather conditions. Treated wood is a great option, as are wicker and rattan. Over the years, just about any material can begin to fade due to sun, wind, rain, and humidity. So check with the manufacturer of your chairs for recommended care instructions to keep your chairs looking nicer longer.
- Color and Texture: Once you’ve chosen your favorite material, you can hone in on the color and texture of your choice. Natural colors blend into most outdoor settings beautifully; however, you’re not stuck with tan or brown. Some materials, such as metal, can come in various fun, colorful finishes. Natural materials such as wood can have a smooth, sleek surface. While other materials such as wicker and rattan can have weaves or braids, making them appear softer and more intricate.
- Size and Style: If you’re trying to save space, you may want to choose a slimmer, stackable option. But if your chairs will be placed around a fireplace or on a porch for the foreseeable future, you may want to opt for something larger with more room to relax and spread out. If you’re an entertainer, think about what style fits both your other outdoor decor or the theme surrounding your style.
What are some extra tips for maintaining outdoor dining chairs?
Typically, chairs made of treated wood and chairs with a wrought iron frame will last longer than others. The new darling of the market is rattan, made from recycled plastic. Many people take extra steps to keep their chairs from fading or rusting, like adding a coat of weather-resistant polyurethane to the finish. Buying a weather-resistant tarp to cover your chairs off-season is another great way to keep your chairs looking great.
Our Picks for the Best Outdoor Dining Chairs
FDW Outdoor Tolix Side Metal Kitchen Trattoria Chairs
Stackable and easy to store away, these metal dining chairs are also stylish, simple, and weather-resistant for all your outdoor dining needs.
Pros: These chairs come disassembled for shipping purposes, but they’re super quick and easy to put together and include quality hardware. Because they’re solid metal, they can withstand a lot of weight. They have a cool, industrial look to them that can work with many decor styles. There are many fantastic, complementary color choices, from bright red and orange to sky blue and dusty gray to matte black and farmhouse white. Considering the quality, this set of chairs is a fantastic value for the dollar.
Cons: These chairs aren’t super comfortable after a while and may rust.
Bottom Line: These sturdy, stackable chairs get the job done for your indoor or outdoor seating arrangements.
EMMA + OLIVER Two-Pack Medium-Brown Rattan Indoor-Outdoor Chairs
This versatile set of rattan chairs blends a high-end design with natural beauty for a look that fits just about any outdoor space.
Pros: These rattan patio chairs may look delicate on the outside, but they are heavier and more durable than they appear. They are also stackable, which is perfect for seasonal storage. They ship and arrive fully assembled, so all you need to do is remove the packaging and enjoy your new chairs. They’re also low-maintenance, requiring very little additional care, and they can easily sit out in the weather without becoming damaged.
Cons: These chairs are smaller and may be more comfortable for people with smaller frames.
Bottom Line: These chairs are a great no-fuss option for your new patio seating.
BALI OUTDOORS Stackable Outdoor Wicker Chairs for Patio
Made from environmentally-friendly and extra-tough rattan, these sleek outdoor dining and firepit chairs are perfect for most outdoor spaces.
Pros: These chairs are long, wide, and comfortable for most people. They’re simple yet elegant in their darker brown hue, so they can beautifully blend with just about any patio or fire pit setting. They also stack easily for off-season storage, saving space.
Cons: The assembly instructions aren’t the best, making assembly more difficult and time-consuming.
Bottom Line: These chairs are smooth, flexible, and easy to clean, making them a wonderful addition to your outside decor.
Christopher Knight Home Teague Outdoor Acacia Wood Dining Chairs
Make your next outdoor meal a special event with these sturdy, comfortable, and beautiful designer outdoor chairs.
Pros: One of the best things about these outdoor chairs is the quality—they’re made to last with acacia wood without succumbing to wear and tear. They’re also made to fit standard cushions perfectly, so if you want extra comfort, you can easily add them.
Cons: These chairs may be challenging to assemble without extra help.
Bottom Line: These chairs are built to last for years with their wooden build so that you can feel comfortable in your investment. The details on these chairs are sleek and beautiful, giving your patio space a stylish lift.
PHI VILLA Outdoor Metal Swivel Chairs
Sturdy, weatherproof, and UV-resistant, these metal-based swivel chairs are so comfortable you'll never want to get up and go back inside.
Pros: First of all, these chairs are incredibly sturdy with their metal construction. The metal is covered with a rust-resistant powdered coating, and the included cushions are water-resistant. They’re also quite handsome, elevating the look of your patio. Unlike others, these swivel smoothly without tipping or rocking.
Cons: These chairs may not be the comfiest on your back.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a great set of outdoor swivel chairs, these may be what you need. They’re solid with excellent framing that is built to last.
Final Thoughts
Whether you enjoy taking in the architecture of the cityscape on a rooftop patio or enjoying breathtaking country views in wide-open spaces, a great set of patio chairs allows you and your friends and family to sit outside in comfort. Consider some of our great selections of outdoor chairs to fit your style and budget.