Best Adirondack Chairs: Why I Chose Polywood

True story- our first purchase for the cabin was a set of Adirondack chairs… the chairs were delivered before the sellers even accepted our offer. Emmett told me I was going to jinx it, but as soon as we started the hunt for a mountain property, these were at the top of my list. I had this vision in my head and my heart was set. I did a deep dive on Adirondacks. There are lots out there, and they’re not all created equal. I wanted chairs that weren’t just pretty… but could survive Utah’s summer sun, whipping wind, feet of snowfall, and whatever the next decade throws at them. I also knew they needed to be low maintenance and super durable. In this post, I’m walking you through my search, why I landed on Polywood Adirondack chairs, and how we plan to style them at the cabin. If you’ve also been on the hunt for the perfect Adirondack- these are it (you’re welcome)!

If you missed cabin hunting in the Utah mountains, it’s definitely a fun scroll… I brought everyone along on our journey to find a second property. I shared our top four! Tomorrow, I’ll be revealing which one we bought- along with the full tour and our plans. In the meantime, this is how my hunt for the perfect Adirondacks for the cabin unfolded…

My Adirondack Criteria

The Best Designer-Approved Adirondack Chairs

When I first started shopping online, these were my must-haves (and non-negotiables). Being our first big purchase while manifesting this dream, I was pretty picky:

Truly outdoor-rated… I didn’t want to mess with furniture covers.
Low maintenance… My kind of outdoor furniture is cleaned once a year (max) with our pressure washer.
Durable & long-lasting… We live in a very harsh climate- with piles of snow, extreme heat, and guesting winds. They need to hold up and weather well.
Quality craftsmanship and heavy duty… I’ve seen way too many lightweight options with flimsy joints. I wanted something built in the U.S. with nice craftsmanship and weight behind it.
Aesthetically pleasing… Obviously, they need to look good. I was after that classic Adirondack aesthetic- specifically in a rich black color. I’m telling you, I had a specific vision! I didn’t want anything that looked too trendy.

Adirondack Chairs Circled Around a Gas Fire Pit

I went to look at a few wood and treated options locally… even a composite blend, but Emmett was not convinced. Most had compromises- wood wasn’t going to be durable and required maintenance, composites could fade or delaminate, and most appeared too shiny or plastic-looking. All of them suggested a cover during the winter or rainy seasons… something I was dead set against. That’s when I started reading reviews for Polywood.

Why I Picked Polywood Adirondacks

Below are the features that convinced me these chairs were right for our future cabin. I’ll be sure to follow up with how they’re holding up later on.

Sitting in Adirondack Chairs Around the Fire Pit

All-Weather Durability

Polywood chairs are engineered to resist splintering, cracking, rot, and chipping… even in intense sun, freezing temperatures, or heavy rain. They use HDPE (high-density polyethylene) from recycled post-consumer plastics, so the material itself is weatherproof. The material is also heavy, so they’re not going to blow around in the wind.

Can Be Left Outside (No Covers Needed)

This was the biggest selling point for me. These chairs are made to stay outdoors year-round, without covers… forever. You don’t need to tuck them away or worry that they’ll wear. Owners reported zero fading after years of sun exposure. I checked photos and was impressed!

Low Maintenance

These will never need to be stained, sealed, sanded, or repainted. A simple power wash now and then is plenty for keeping them clean. They’re also resistant to mold, mildew, insects, etc.

Quality Craftsmanship

Polywood outdoor furniture is all manufactured here in the USA. They turn recycled plastics into solid boards with minimal waste. It’s actually a really neat process! The designer in me was intrigued and now I’m secretly hoping for a factory tour invite, after I share this post (ha, only halfway kidding). Anyway, that means no overseas mass-plastic, no weak injection molds, no flimsy joints… instead they make heavy and substantial boards, that are built into furniture.

Black Polywood Adirondack Chairs with Table and Coffee Mugs

Variety of Colors and Styles

When I first started scrolling their site, I was overwhelmed by the amount of Adirondack styles they offer… there are a LOT (with subtle differences). Even for a seasoned designer, I had decision fatigue. I ended up sticking to my vision- a modern silhouette in a rich black hue, although they have a bunch of colors to choose from. I opted for a folding style, just in case we needed to store them… after all, I bought these before we officially owned the cabin and I wasn’t sure how that situation would unfold.

If I had to give you design tips on which Adirondack silhouette and color to choose, here are some quick pointers:

Stick to classic forms… symmetrical chairs, subtle curves, simple slats, etc. I’d avoid their die-cut options or chairs that feel too niche or trendy.
Folding or stationary… both are safe bets and have their place, depending on your needs!
Choose a timeless color… I’d recommend their earth tones and avoid anything too bright. They have some beautiful wood shades, too! The only ones I’m not into are the neon options (Aruba, Lemon, Lime, and Tangerine).

Adirondack Styling Ideas

At the cabin (full tour coming tomorrow!), I want to create a conversation area around a large fire pit… much like we’ve styled here in our yard at home. I might even grab one more chair to add to the circle and find a larger fire table. Ideally, we could lay some pavers and keep these at ground level (rather than on the deck), immersed in the landscape. Emmett and & I also talked about putting a pair on a small deck or platform at the mountain summit, overlooking the property. It would be a fun reward for a hike and the perfect place to catch sunsets, have a picnic, enjoy a coffee, or share a bottle of wine. Anyway… I’m daydreaming! Here are some quick styling ideas, of the top of my head:

Style two chairs on a balcony with a side table nestled in between.
Circle chairs around a fire pit or fire table for a classic and cozy conversation area.
Line or arc chairs facing a view or vista… toward the lake or beach, mountain view, etc.
Style two pairs facing each other on a deck, with a coffee table in between.
Style a single chair next to a side table in a garden for a quiet, secluded seat.
Line a row of chairs facing your pool- they make them in adjustable loungers, too!
Style a pair next to your outdoor sauna or spa… they make a good place to drop a towel or relax before or after your session.

Black Polywood Adirondack Chairs Around Fire with Fall Leaves

Things to Consider (So You Know What You’re Getting)

I’m always transparent in these reviews. There are some trade-offs I weighed when recommending these chairs. Some things you might consider…

Cost: Polywood comes at a premium over untreated wood or basic resin chairs. However, it’s because they’re made to last decades and require zero maintenance. For me, I was willing to invest in a really nice set, rather than replacing a less expensive chair down the road.
Weight: As I preciously mentioned, these chairs aren’t light. If mobility is crucial (say for balcony moves or shuffling), they’re on the heavier side. I was specifically looking for an option with weight, so it felt more substantial and could handle the canyon winds.
Aesthetic Expectations: If you’re after a “wood grain” look, Polywood isn’t the same. It’s a totally different material, so there is no grain to be found. It doesn’t look like wood at all. Check out the close up below, for a better look at the texture!

Pros and Cons of Polywood Adirondack Chairs

FAQ

Can you really leave Polywood Adirondack chairs outside year-round?

Yes, you can! They’re engineered for that. You don’t even need outdoor furniture covers.

Do they fade over time?

Because the color goes all the way through the material and UV pigments are built in, they shouldn’t fade. Many owners report chairs still looking good after a decade of use outdoors.

How do you clean them?

The manufacturer suggests soap, water, a soft brush, or even a power washer (on low pressure).

Can you link your exact chairs?

Happy to! You can find my exact chairs here… in the color black.

Black Polywood Adirondack Chair with Faux Fur Blanket Next to Fire Pit

Looking for more outdoor living sources and posts? I have a bunch and will link some of my favorites for you below. I’m excited to share more once we dive into the cabin renovation…

Room for Tuesday Emmett and Sarah Gibson with their Dogs

Choosing Adirondack chairs was more than a quick furniture decision for me… I think I was manifesting my vision of a cabin, and what that looks like. Because I was in my feels, I went full-send on researching and comparing the best options. I really wanted to choose the best one. I hope my research is helpful if you’re also on the hunt for outdoor chairs or patio furniture! I’ll keep you posted on how these hold up over time. I’ll make a note to check in after a year or so! Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below…

The post Best Adirondack Chairs: Why I Chose Polywood appeared first on Room For Tuesday.