I Found the Perfect Outdoor Chair That Balances Durability, Style, and Comfort

My toxic trait is that I never remember to drag outdoor furniture into the shed, wrestle covers onto grills, or protect anything, really, from the elements. I just can't be held responsible. So this year, I decided to shop for outdoor furniture that's made for people like me. Adirondack chairs have been at the top of my wish list because of their simple, timeless design and coziness, but classic wooden Adirondack chairs also have a reputation for being high-maintenance. They require annual staining — and sometimes, even sanding (gulp). As a workaround, I opted for Polywood's Modern Curveback Adirondack Chair ($339 each), which captures the look of a wooden Adirondack chair but is actually made from recycled plastics.

Modern Curveback Adirondack Chairs

From

$339

$339 at POLYWOOD

First, let's talk about durability. I've read countless reviews of customers raving about how well these chairs have held up over the years. Polywood's website notes the chairs are built to withstand a huge range of climates, including "hot sun, snowy winters, and strong coastal winds." Unlike their wood counterparts, I won't have to worry about them splintering, cracking, peeling, chipping, or rotting. In fact, they have a 20-year(!) residential warranty.

While the plastic material is durable, I was nervous that it would make them look cheap, especially in the white color that I chose. Thankfully, I was wrong. They're beautifully textured, they have a substantial weight to them, and the white looks crisp and classic. On hot days, the white chairs are also more comfortable to sit on than darker colors, like black.

Polywood has over 15 Adirondack chair styles (including kids versions!), and a variety of colors to choose from as well. I went with the Modern Curveback Adirondack Chairs because they capture the clean lines of Polywood's Modern Adirondack Chair style ($249-$289) with the added comfort of curved backs, roomier seating, a classic seat height, and a more upright position, which is ideal for socializing or sipping a drink (aka a summer entertaining necessity). The chairs are unbelievably comfortable. They're large enough for me to snuggle up with my 4- or 7-year-old in, and they have an ergonomic angle that supports my back and generous armrests that are large enough for me to rest a drink on — no side table necessary! If I ever want to add even more of a reclining feel, I can always pair them with a footstool or ottoman.

It took my husband about 20 minutes to put the chairs together, and he only needed my help when it was time to align the holes on the backrests and armrests. After a couple of weeks of heavy use in our uncovered backyard, the white color still looks crisp, even after being touched with sticky little hands and countless juice spills. When I do need to clean them, I can easily wipe them with a wet towel. For more thorough cleaning jobs, Polywood recommends using soap, water, and a soft-bristle brush.

If you aren't keen on white, you can purchase the chair in other colors like slate gray and black, which start at just $299. There are six nuetral shades, labeled "quick ship colors," that will ship within five to seven business days. Other colors, including lots of vibrant shades, are built to order and ship within eight to 12 business days.

Aside from someone who prioritizes ease, comfort, and a classic aesthetic, this option is also perfect for anyone looking for sustainable furniture. Polywood's proprietary lumber material is actually comprised of recycled and recyclable plastics, like milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and other materials that would otherwise end up in landfills and oceans. The chair itself is also recyclable, which, paired with its longevity, makes it a sustainable choice for a new piece of furniture.

Aside from shopping directly at Polywood's website, the brand's Modern Curveback Adirondack Chair is available to shop at Amazon ($339) and Bed Bath & Beyond ($339).

Amazon

From

$339

$339 at Amazon

Rating:

★★★★★