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While many types of patio furniture, such as benches and table-and-chair sets, remain outdoors during warm weather, the best folding chairs are designed to be stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
Typically lightweight and easy to use, folding chairs are simply pulled out when guests drop by, and they’re portable enough to toss in the car for jaunts to the beach, the park, the campsite, and other favorite leisure destinations.
Folks rely on folding chairs whenever extra seating is needed, but today’s models go the extra mile with weather-resistant materials and ergonomic designs for added comfort. So if you’re in the market for some new ones, read on to learn what factors and features to look for and find out why the following are considered among the best folding chairs available.
- BEST OVERALL: Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner
- BEST BUDGET: Coleman Quad Camping Chair
- BEST PATIO: Winsome Robin 4-PC Folding Set Teak Chair
- BEST CANOPY: SwimWays Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair
- BEST ROCKER: GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Chair
- BEST ADIRONDACK: POLYWOOD Classic Folding Adirondack Chair
- BEST PADDED: REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair
- BEST FOR CAMPING: ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Folding Chair
- BEST FOR BEACH: STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair
- BEST FOR KIDS: Coleman Kids Quad Chair
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Folding Chair
Unlike stationary chairs, folding chairs offer a degree of portability, depending on the type, folded size, and weight. A wide range of folding chairs are available in many designs, colors, and styles to suit individual users’ needs.
Type
Folding chairs are typically designed to be moved around and taken somewhere, like to and from the beach. Whatever your preferred seated position, there’s probably a style of folding chair to suit. More portable options include upright lawn chairs and camping chairs, low-profile beach chairs, rockers, swivel chairs, and zero-gravity chairs that recline.
Other folding chairs are less portable and intended for fixed placement. These options are more heavy-duty, such as Adirondack chairs, patio dining chairs, and chaise lounges made from solid wood or synthetic wicker.
Size and Weight Capacity
Folding chairs run the gamut in size, depending on the amount of weight they will hold and their intended use. Seat widths range from around 23 to 31 inches, while seat backs are about 30 to 40 inches high when in the upright position.
Loungers and zero-gravity recliners top out approximately 72 to 74 inches in length, although a few oversize models may measure as long as 80 inches or more. Standard seat height is about 17 to 18 inches above the ground, except for Adirondack chairs, designed for the rear of the seat to slope as low as 10 to 13 inches, while the front part of the seat remains standard height.
A child’s folding chair typically supports 75 to 120 pounds, depending on the chair’s size and quality, while adult folding chairs will support between 250 and 400 pounds. Oversize and extra-large-size chairs may support even heavier individuals.
Material
Folding chairs designed for interior use, such as those that come with a folding card table, are often made from wood or metal and have padded seats. However, folding chairs meant for exterior use need to withstand damage from the elements. Exterior folding chairs often feature a powder-coated steel frame with a seat and back made from waterproof nylon weave or mesh.
Molded polyethylene is another popular material, especially for chairs used around a pool, since it won’t rust or corrode. Some outdoor folding chairs may feature real wood, but it should be a species resistant to water damage, such as cedar, redwood, or teak.
Comfort
A chair that isn’t comfortable is a chair that no one will sit in. Look for features such as a gently curved back and built-in footrest, as well as a padded seat, armrests, and headrest. Some folding chairs also come with a sunshade or canopy so you can sit comfortably in the rain or hot sun.
If you’re looking for more support, focus on seats built from solid materials such as wood or metal. As an alternative, opt for a fabric or mesh seat and back that will flex when supporting body weight; mesh also provides breathability to lessen that sticky feeling on a hot day.
Additional Features
Extra accessories and features can make a folding chair more comfortable or convenient to use. Whether you’re out camping or at a tailgate, a cup holder is a useful accessory to hold a cup of coffee in the morning or refreshing beverage at night. A built-in side table is great for placing snacks, drinks, or a camping dinner.
Some folding chairs also have storage pockets attached to the seat or armest. These pockets can be small to hold odds and ends, or larger to hold drinks, snacks, and bottles of sunscreen. Look out for lined or insulated pockets, which can keep your drinks cold for longer. Additionally, more portable options can include a carrying bag, shoulder strap, or backpack straps that make the chair easier to lug around and store.
Our Top Picks
Explore folding chairs of all types for your patio setup, sports games, beach days, and more.
Best Overall
Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner
Adjust your position from upright to fully reclined for maximum stress relief in this oversize chair that can bear up to 350 pounds. A locking system allows you to recline in safety and comfort at any angle ranging from 0 to 170 degrees. Recline to your preferred position, then simply push the locking lever under the arm rest.
The fully-padded seat is made of breathable, weather-resistant nylon and polyester. Ergonomically-designed armrests are constructed from smooth, natural wood for added comfort and an attractive appearance. Use the removable, padded headrest to support your head and neck, or move it lower for lumbar support.
The attached tray provides a cup holder and phone holder for added convenience. This oversize chair from Timber Ridge is foldable for portability and storage. Weighing in at 24.3 pounds, the fully reclined length of the chair is 72 inches. Overall dimensions when open are 43.5 by 22 by 21.3 inches.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Extra Features: Removable headrest, attached tray with phone and cup holders
- Colorways: 3
Pros
- Oversized, padded seating
- Multiple reclining positions
- Ergonomic design offers lumbar support
- Breathable, water-resistant seat material
- Real wood armrests
- Triangle base enhances stability
Cons
- Wood armrests eventually need to be re-sealed
- Heavier than other folding chairs
Get the Timber Ridge folding chair at Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair.
Best Budget
Coleman Quad Camping Chair
The Coleman camping chair is top of its class when it comes to budget camping chairs. In addition to a classic design, the Quad Chair boasts comfort, sturdiness, and ample support. A range of features make lounging more comfortable in the Coleman Quad, including a mesh cup holder, side pocket for snacks and gadgets, plus a built-in cooler pouch that holds up to four cans—keeping them cold and within easy reach.
The durable steel frame on this camp chair can hold up to 325 pounds, featuring a roomy cushioned back and seat. The Coleman Quad weighs around 8 pounds and comes with a convenient carrying bag. It has a seat height of 38 inches and a width and length of 8 inches.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
- Extra Features: Cooler pouch, cup holder, side pocket, attached tray, carrying case
- Colorways: 4
Pros
- Affordable camp chair
- Lightweight design
- Cushioned back and seat
- Sturdy steel frame
- Cooler pouch holds four drinks
Cons
- Limited weather resistance
Get the Coleman folding chair at Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Best Patio
Winsome Robin 4-PC Folding Set Teak Chair
Well-suited for decks, patios, and poolside, these Winsome folding chairs are a sunny day staple. Sold in a set of four, these chairs come already assembled and go straight into the back yard. Measuring 17.6 inches wide and 32 inches high, these chairs are best suited for full-time setup in the backyard.
Made from solid teak, the strong and durable hardwood joinery give the chair its durability, and the chair’s exposed hardware adds a beautiful metallic finish. As a material, wood tends to wear over time. When this happens, it only takes a couple of hours to sand and restrain the chairs, so they continue offering years of use.
This simple-looking classic patio chair comes without arms, and doesn’t come with a padded seat. Consumers can purchase canvas cushions to make the chairs feel softer.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 170 pounds
- Extra Features: No assembly required
- Colorways: 1
Pros
- Sturdy and stylish design
- Made from solid wood
- Four chairs included
Cons
- Heavier and less portable than other folding chairs
- Wood experiences weathering over time; requires sanding and new stain
Get the Winsome folding chairs on Amazon.
Best Canopy
SwimWays Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair
Eliminate the need to pack around both a sun umbrella and chair. SwimWays’ folding chair is an excellent example of how to incorporate these two items into one. The fabric canopy has a 50+ UPF rating, offering protection from the elements and locks in an up or down position.
The folding chair is designed to set up and pack away quickly, taking about 10 seconds to do either. The canopy has storage pockets for your smaller items and converts to a carry case. Weighing less than 12 pounds, it’s relatively easy to transport this chair from place to place, whether you use the built-in shoulder strap or not.
The chair features a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and breathable seat fabric. It includes a built-in fabric cup holder, though larger tumblers won’t fit. It’s a good-size chair, measuring 37 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 58 inches high.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Extra Features: Sun cover/storage case, cup holder, storage pockets, shoulder strap for carrying
- Colorways: 1
Pros
- 50+ Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
- Dual-function canopy becomes carry case
- Storage pockets inside canopy
- Quick setup
Cons
- Canopy only has two settings
- Cup holder does not accommodate larger cups
Get the Kelsyus folding chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Rocker
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Chair
Leisure time outdoors becomes more relaxing with rocking chairs like the GCI Outdoor folding rocker. This portable outdoor chair features patented spring-action rocking technology for a smooth, steady motion. This rocking chair is made of weather-resistant fabric, has padded armrests for comfort, and supports up to 250 pounds.
Available in a choice of “Indigo Blue” and “Cinnamon” colors, the GCI rocking chair might become a favorite chair of family or friends. When open, the GCI measures 25 inches wide and stands 34.8 inches high. The 12.1-pound rocker also features a detachable beverage holder and includes a bag for easy storage.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Extra Features: Detachable cup holder, carrying bag
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- Spring-action rocking technology
- Padded armrests
- Weather-resistant fabric
Cons
- Does not fold flat; limited storage convenience
Get the GCI folding chair at Amazon, Walmart, Camping World, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Best Adirondack
POLYWOOD Classic Folding Adirondack Chair
Those looking for classic Adirondack style in a folding chair need look no further than the POLYWOOD folding Adirondack chair. The company’s attractive, smooth-to-the-touch Polywood product is made from recycled plastic to withstand the elements—it won’t splinter, crack, or peel. It’s an eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious buyers, and it will support 400 pounds of weight.
The chair comes in bright white (though other color options may be available) and measures 35.75 inches long with a 29-inch seat width. The seat back is 35.75 inches high. It weighs 37 pounds, folds flat for storage and transport, and cleanup is as simple as wiping with a damp rag.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Extra Features: N/A
- Colorways: 14
Pros
- Classic aesthetic
- Eco-friendly; made from recycled plastic
- High weather resistance
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Expensive, but long-lasting
Get the POLYWOOD folding chair on Amazon and at Polywood.
Best Padded
REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair
REI’s padded seat folding chair gives campers a cozy place to take a load off. The intuitive bi-fold design of the aluminum frame requires no instruction on how to set up or fold down this chair. A secure closure system offers users a space to store a camping blanket or pillow inside the folding chair during transport.
The single-piece padding offers users cushioning on the entire sitting surface, and it’s covered in a ripstop polyester treated with DWR finish, which stops light rain and spills from seeping into the padding. Cleaning is simple by spot washing any soiled areas.
At less than 8 pounds, it’s well suited to accompany users on their adventures. Constructed with a tough aluminum frame, this chair supports up to 250 pounds. It’s a lower folding chair, with a seat height 11 inches from the ground, and measuring 23 inches high by 24 inches wide.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Extra Features: Backpack straps for carrying
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- One-piece cushion covers the entire seating surface
- Backpack straps and handle for easy transport
- Easy to spot clean
Cons
- Padding is not removable
- Lower to the ground
Get the REI folding chair at REI.
Best for Camping
ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Folding Chair
Sit with confidence on the ALPHA CAMP Oversized Folding Chair that offers a broader seat and will safely and can comfortably hold up to 450 pounds. Like select camping chairs, it features a reinforced alloy steel frame and a padded seat and back made from weather-resistant Oxford fabric.
The ALPHA camp chair also features fabric-covered armrests, a recessed drink holder, a cooler bag, and a handy side pocket for stowing a phone, flashlight, or other small items.
This spacious folding chair has a seat height of 39.37 inches tall, 25.2 inches from front to back, and an ample 37.40 inches in seat width, offering plenty of sitting room for extra comfort. Even with the extra steel in the reinforced frame, this kingsize chair weighs a reasonable 13.22 pounds and folds nearly flat for storage and transportation.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Extra Features: Cup holder, cooler bag, side pocket
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- Oversized seating
- Sturdy alloy steel frame
- Weather-resistant Oxford fabric
- Padded seat and armrests
Cons
- Does not come with a carry bag
Get the ALPHA CAMP folding chair on Amazon and at Alpha Camp.
Best for Beach
STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair
STRONGBACK incorporates details into their chair to make it a practical and pleasant option for the beach. Offering comfort with its padded lumbar support and armrests, users also benefit ergonomically from the design. The patented support system of this folding chair better aligns the spine, preventing slouching and providing relief to the back muscles—even if the chair is in a reclined position.
Wider feet better distribute weight, helping prevent the chair from sinking into the sand. Measuring 24.5 inches high and 20 inches wide, this beach chair doesn’t take up much room. The chair only weighs about 8.5 pounds, making it easy to pack along. Once unfolded, it’s important to lock the brace bar properly. This keeps the chair in a secured position, and prevents accidental collapse.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Extra Features: Beverage holder, backpack carry bag
- Colorways: 4
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Padded lumbar support
- Wide feet for better foundation
- Stable locking system
- Compact folding for transport
Cons
- Expensive for a beach chair
Get the STRONGBACK folding chair at Amazon, Walmart, and STRONGBACK.
Best for Kids
Coleman Kids Quad Chair
Little ones may enjoy the outdoors even more with the Coleman Kids Quad, and grown-ups will feel secure knowing that this model has a locking steel frame for safety and durability. The seat, back, and arms are covered in 600D polyester (heavy-duty waterproof fabric) and, unlike most adult camping chairs, boasts a fun glow-in-the-dark design.
This pint-size folding camp chair weighs just 3.66 pounds, safely holds up to 160 pounds, and has a 24-inch-wide seat. Seat height is only 10.2 inches off the ground, making it well suited for smaller children that might find it challenging to get onto the seat of an adult-size chair.
Product Specs
- Weight Capacity: 160 pounds
- Extra Features: Cup holder
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Durable locking steel frame
- Waterproof polyester fabric
- Glow-in-the-dark feature
Cons
- Not suitable for kids over 10 years of age
- No carry bag included
Get the Coleman folding chair at Amazon, Walmart, and Coleman.
Our Verdict
Selected for its sturdy build and next-level comfort, the Timber Ridge zero-gravity chair is a top choice for foldable seating. This chair offers ample lumbar support and multiple reclining positions for next-level comfort. If you’re looking for something more affordable and portable, the Coleman camp chair may be a better fit. This lightweight option is perfect for camping and other outdoor events and comes with a convenient carrying case.
How We Chose the Best Folding Chairs
The right folding chair can ensure comfort, support, and convenience whether you are looking for semi-permanent patio chairs, or more portable options for outdoor events and beach trips. The above selection of the best folding chairs was determined by their design, materials, durability, weight capacity, and special features to fit your needs and preferences.
Each of the above chairs comes with a sturdy construction with most offering some level of weather resistance. Some of these materials include powder-coated steel and aluminum, 600D polyester, and Oxford fabric for ample sturdiness and long lifespans. These chairs are also meant to hold ample body weight from 225 to 400 pounds and some come with multiple reclining positions.
Plus, select options come with padded seats and backs, folding trays, a cup holder, and even canopies for added comfort and convenience. Though some of these options come in limited colorways, select options are made with multiple color options to match your current patio furniture or outdoor accessories.
FAQs
Folding chairs are a staple in many backyards for seating family members or extra guests. If you want a bit more info about buying and using the best folding chair, check out the answers to these common questions.
Q: What are the dimensions of a folding chair?
The most common seat width for a folding chair ranges from 25 to 31 inches, while length and height vary depending on the type of chair, from about 30 to 40 inches in back height when sitting upright to as much as 80 inches for a folding chaise lounge chair stretched out in a lounging position.
Q: How much weight can a folding chair hold?
The average folding chair will hold up to 250 pounds, while some of the beefier models can hold up to 450 pounds, or more.
Q: How do I keep my folding chairs from sinking in my lawn?
Plastic chair feet are available that feature wide bases to stop chair legs from penetrating the soft ground. Alternatively, positioning the chair’s feet on something flat and stable, such as concrete pavers, is a smart solution.
Q: How do you store folding chairs?
The best way to store folding chairs is to place them upright against a garage or shed wall in their folded position. If wall space allows, consider hanging the chair on a hook to keep it up off the floor.
