What You Need to Know Before Buying Aluminum Patio Furniture
Lounge Chairs
Lounge chairs usually feature cushions for extra comfort, creating the perfect spot to sit for hours with a glass of wine or a cup of steaming coffee. They’re generally relaxing, comfortable, and cozy, with several oversized options. In addition, the cushions are often removable, so you can store them when not in use to protect them from the elements.
“Lounge chairs immediately evoke a sense of coziness and invite folks to settle in to enjoy great conversations. These are great around a fire pit, and they work for all seasons,” said Sara Raak.
Lounge chairs have a couple of common variations:
- Traditional chaise lounge: “The traditional chaise lounge is the quintessential pool lounging, a sunbathing chair that allows you to lay flat or to sit up with your feet stretched out. Not just for pools, a chaise lounge is a perfect outdoor reading chair on any patio or balcony,” explained Christine Kobervig Munger.
- Low, wide armchair: “The second popular iteration of an outdoor lounge chair is a low, wide armchair with a seat and backrest that have more reclined pitches than an upright chair,” Christine continued. “This lounge chair style is often paired with an ottoman for the ultimate ‘sit back and relax’ moment.”
Lounge Chairs Worth Checking Out
The Sun Lounger
$1,500 from Neighbor
The Sun Lounger is perfect for sunny poolside days. This outdoor chaise is made from FSC-certified teak wood, and the adjustable back boasts five reclining positions. It also has convenient wheels to make it easy to move and store and a built-in teak side table that slides out on either side. The removable cushion comes in spill-proof Sunbrella® fabric in your choice of six colors with quick-drying reticulated foam inside.
Dante Cushioned Double Daybed
$6,595 from SunVilla
Dante Cushioned Double Daybed with Louvered Roof - a harmonious blend of contemporary design and enduring comfort, crafted to elevate your outdoor living experience. Constructed from high-strength aluminum featuring a sophisticated wood-look heat transfer finish, this daybed exudes both durability and elegance. The plush cushions, upholstered in premium Sunbrella fabric, offer exceptional comfort and are resistant to fading, ensuring longevity even under constant exposure to the elements. The innovative louvered roof allows for adjustable shading, enabling you to effortlessly control your sun exposure—open the louvers to bask in sunlight or close them for a more secluded, shaded retreat.
“The SunVilla’s collections is quickly becoming a bestseller,” Corey Lee told Living Cozy.
Isola Lounge Chair
$799 from Frontgate
The Isola Lounge Chair is the perfect outdoor chair for arid and coastal climates. It boasts oversized features with a premium teak frame and 3/4” bands of all-weather wicker in a driftwood finish. In addition, the Isola Lounge Chair is super comfy with a rounded seat and back that comfortably cradles you as you sit. Try pairing it with a teak outdoor sofa and patio table for a relaxing outdoor hangout.
“This low-maintenance, cushionless chair features breathable open-weave resin wicker and invites all-day lounging. It’s virtually maintenance-free, and it’s stylish to boot! And with a seat depth of 23.75” and width of 30”, it’s a generous and deep sit,” commented Linsey Foster.
Colby Outdoor Chaise Lounge
$860 from Yardbird
The Colby Outdoor Chaise Lounge features a simple, comfy design with X-back detailing and a thin aluminum frame. It provides an upright sit with a tall, comfortable back cushion made from Sunbrella fabric for stain resistance and easy cleaning. This accent chair also boasts a powder-coated dark brown espresso frame that’s versatile enough for a wide range of design styles.
Tate Chair Set of 2
$290 from Industry West
The Tate Chair is an effortless, modern solution to outdoor entertaining. It’s made from durable metal that’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and lightweight and features a convenient, stackable design. The Outo can work well as a space-saving seating solution on a small balcony, but this versatile design can also pair with almost any style of porch furniture, providing extra room for guests.
Lucara Lounge Chair
$499 from Article
The Lucara Lounge Chair brings the island vibe to you with a mix of beachy sensibility and mid-century shapes. This wicker patio chair is made from weather- and water-resistant material on an aluminum base for years of lasting enjoyment, and the plush ivory cushions will keep you comfy under the string lights.
“I love the beachy boho design of these cozy lounge chairs,” said Katie Simpson.
Adirondack Chairs
Adirondack chairs are a type of outdoor lounge chair traditionally made from wood planks from the Adirondack mountains. You’ve probably seen them in images of mountain cabins and lakeside cottages, providing a comfy spot on the porch or dock.
“Their style is quintessential American, easily recognizable, and associated with lakeside/seashore living,” Christine Kobervig Munger told Living Cozy.
These timeless outdoor and lawn chairs usually feature slatted seats, tall backs, and wide armrests. They’re comfortable enough for hours of conversation and relaxation with an attractive low-to-the-ground reclined design. In addition, you’ll see variations of the classic Adirondack design, including outdoor rocking chairs and patio dining chairs.
Adirondack Chairs Worth Checking Out
Low Chair
$800 from Neighbor
The Low Chair offers a modern take on the classic Adirondack design. Instead of wood, it’s made from recycled ocean and landfill-bound HDPE plastic from POLYWOOD, so you’ll enjoy a waterproof, fade-resistant, and maintenance-free experience with a 20-year warranty. In addition, it boasts a relaxed recline position, a curved back, and wide armrests, with your choice of white, grey, or black colors. The Low Chair has an optional matching ottoman, and you can get the same design in solid teak.
Classic Folding Adirondack Chair
$239 from Joss & Main
The Classic Folding Adirondack Chair is a durable and attractive option made from HDPE plastic and stainless steel hardware. It’s stain-, UV, water, and weather-resistant, and it comes in your choice of 15 colors. And with a stackable design, you can store and move your patio lounge chairs quickly and easily.
Folding Adirondack Chair
$349.99 from Highland Dunes (via Wayfair)
This Folding Adirondack Chair is lightweight, all-weather, and available in many colors. It’s made from HDPE plastic with stainless steel hardware for lasting durability, and the material is painted with a simple, chic wood-inspired finish.
“What I love about these Adirondack chairs, besides the price tag, is that they are foldable and come in many colors to coordinate with your outdoor space,” said Tina Delia.
Rustic Acacia Wood Folding Adirondack Chair Set
$220.53 from Christopher Knight Home
The Rustic Acacia Wood Folding Adirondack Chair Set comes with two to a set and has one of the lowest price tags on this list. It comes in 10 attractive colors, and it’s made from acacia woof for lasting beauty and durability. With an iconic design and convenient folding feature, this rustic set will bring a rugged outdoor appeal to any outdoor space.
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Paso Adirondack Chair
$499 from Crate & Barrel
The Paso Adirondack Chair features modern lines, bold shapes, and a sculptural silhouette. It’s made from recycled plastic POLYWOOD materials and pairs beautifully with its matching ottoman for a complete lounge experience. The Paso is also available in various colors, with a teak option exclusively available for in-store pickup and purchase.
“These Adirondack chairs are a cool, modern take on the original classics. And they’re made from a blend of plastics, including recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles,” Katie Simpson told Living Cozy.
Dining chairs
Patio dining sets feature smaller outdoor chairs designed with a more upright seat and sized to fit around a table. For example, you might position your patio dining chairs around a dining table with an umbrella in the center for shade or a table on a covered patio. Or you might opt for outdoor bar stools around a bar-height table.
“Dining chairs come in a variety of different styles, but a commonality between them is the fact that they’re easy to wipe down. Also, because these are usually left outside throughout the year, selecting a material that can withstand the weather and harsh elements is important,” said Katie Simpson.
Dining Chairs Worth Checking Out
Teak Outdoor Director’s Dining Chair
$625 from Outer
This Teak Outdoor Director’s Dining Chair comes in a set of two with a lightweight, foldable design for convenient storage and transportation. In addition, they feature FSC-certified Grade-A teak and grey all-weather fabric that’s mildew-resistant, water-repellent, and UV-safe, so it can endure rain, sun, and high heat without fading.
Navene Outdoor Dining Armchair
$349 from CB2
The Navene Outdoor Dining Armchair comes in blue, black, and red, with a trendy silhouette and iron tube frame. It’s designed by Jannis Ellenberger and inspired by French Industrial pieces, allowing you to introduce vintage resort vibes to your outdoor seating area. In addition, the Navene boasts removable, cleanable cushions, and the chairs are stackable for convenient storage.
“These dining chairs take me to the coast of Greece, and the minimalist frame and saturated blue hue make a sleek, sophisticated statement,” commented Katie Simpson.
Brava Outdoor Dining Chair
$329 from CB2
The Brava Outdoor Dining Chair is handwoven from all-weather wicker with an elegant black and white diamond pattern. Mermelada Estudio designed it with a silhouette and style to create personality and energy in any outdoor space. The Brava features a solid aluminum frame with hand-welding and a soft, sculptural curve.
“I love these elegant, black and white chairs. They immediately bring energy and personality to the outdoor space,” said Tina Delia.
Offline Outdoor Chair
$475 from Blu Dot
The Offline Outdoor Chair is designed with an unplugged experience in mind. This lounge-style dining chair features a back and seat made with responsibly-sourced solid teak, a powder-coated aluminum frame, and plastic glides on the feet. In addition, it boasts a stackable design for easy storage and a gently-curved, super-comfy seat inspired by Adirondack chairs.
Conversation sets
Conversation sets are groups of furniture designed for gathering around to share food, drink, and talk. These sets encourage a living room-type atmosphere in an outdoor setting, creating a relaxing lounge in your backyard.
As you might see in a living room, “conversation sets are a collection of coordinating lounge seating pieces and a coffee/side table. The seating pieces can be arranged around the table creating an inviting space to gather and share food/drinks and, of course, conversation,” explained Christine Kobervig Munger.
While you can piece your conversation set together with outdoor chairs and an outdoor table, a matching set often creates a more unified appeal. And if your goal is to facilitate hours of engaging conversation, that’s what you’ll want to draw people into the space.
Conversation Sets Worth Checking Out
Biblos Dining Set
$2,931 from SunVilla
The Biblos Outdoor Patio Dining Set is a 7-piece collection that includes an 82-inch Permastone® sintered stone tabletop and 6 chairs. Like many outdoor sectionals, the Biblos set is designed to fit a wide range of outdoor spaces. The harmonious blend of the chairs' organic accents and the table's polished surface creates a dining set that is both stylish and resilient. Ideal for intimate family meals or larger gatherings under the open sky, the Biblos Dining Set is poised to become the centerpiece of your outdoor living space, offering a unique combination of aesthetic appeal, comfort, and lasting quality.
Allegra Outdoor Seating Set
$799 from Fernish
The Allegra Outdoor Seating Set includes two natural wood chairs, two matching ottomans, and an end table. It features a classic design and acacia wood construction, with black woven hammock-style seat supports to provide the right mix of comfort and support. This five-piece set would be at home anywhere, from a compact balcony to a deck overlooking an expansive yard.
Brown Wicker Conversation Set
$2,700 from Outer
This Brown Wicker Conversation Set includes two armless chairs, and it’s crafted using all-weather wicker for lasting durability. It boasts a built-in OuterShell® cover to protect the cushions when not in use, machine-washable cushion covers, and a convenient handle for transport and storage. You can choose from multiple cushion covers, and the chairs feature a modular design to allow you to expand your set in the future.
If you want to hear more about this set, check out what Kelly Weimert had to say about it in her review of Outer’s outdoor chairs and furniture on Living Cozy.
Maui Loveseat & 2 Lounge Chairs Set
$1,999 from Castlery
The Maui Loveseat and Two Lounge Chairs Set features nature-inspired design and plenty of seating for friends and family. This modern tropical set comes with your choice of black or taupe cushions and an optional cover to protect the furniture from the elements. In addition, it boasts a solid acacia wood base and legs, a sturdy aluminum frame, and loose cushions with removable covers.
Armchairs
Armchairs are often designed with wider, deeper seats, an upright back, and an oversized look, but they come in many shapes and sizes. For example, outdoor chairs like dining chairs, lounge chairs, and club chairs often feature armchair-inspired styles.
“Armchairs offer you the opportunity to bring a little bit of your inside home, outside,” commented Sara Raak, and we couldn’t agree more.
If you want classic wide, deep armchairs, use them to create a conversation set by adding a table for drinks and snacks. And if you’re looking for something different, like dining chairs, you’ll find comfy, cozy armchair-style designs from many top outdoor furniture brands.
Armchairs Worth Checking Out
The Chair
$1,100 from Neighbor
The Chair is a modern outdoor chair made with solid teak wood, a rope back, and cushions upholstered with spill-proof Sunbrella® fabric in six color options. You also get to choose between cushioned and solid teak arms, both of which create an eye-catching modern silhouette. In addition, The Chair is part of Neighbor’s modular Haven Collection, and you can pair it with other Haven pieces to customize your space.
Ontario Outdoor Patio Armchair
$699 from Fernish
The Ontario Outdoor Patio Armchair boasts a modern grey theme with a crisp, coastal style. It has a powder-coated aluminum frame, sleek armrests, splayed legs, and an open barrel back design for an eye-catching aesthetic. And the comfy 4” all-weather UV-resistant cushions will make you want to stay and talk with guests for hours.
Braxton Deep Seating Swivel Chair
$739 from POLYWOOD
The Braxton Deep Seating Swivel Chair offers the perfect blend of comfort and style, with a charming cross-back design and soft cushions. It comes in a wide range of cushion and frame colors, so you can customize it to fit your patio’s style, with the option to add throw pillows to your order for extra coziness. And with the swivel base, this chair would pair nicely with a patio rocking chair or a glider.
“Our POLYWOOD Braxton Deep Seating Swivel chairs are hands down our favorite patio furniture. We situated ours around our firepit, and even in the summer months, they’re considered the premium seating for our guests,” Sara Raak told Living Cozy.
Kitts Swivel Chair
From $2,399 from Frontgate
The St. Kitts Swivel Chair stands out with clean lines, wide-plank geometric angles, and broad, sturdy arms. It’s made from powder-coated aluminum and comfortable foam core cushions. The cushions come in a wide range of fabric colors and options, including your choice between a durable, mold-, mildew-, and fading-resistant fabric and the ever-popular Sunbrella® fabric.
“The 360-degree swivel allows for extra movement, so guests don’t have to twist awkwardly to join the conversation. Plus, it’s overscale with cushions available in over 100 all-weather fabric options,” commented Lindsey Foster.
Teak Outdoor Armless Chair
$1,550 from Outer
This Teak Outdoor Armless Chair brings indoor comfort outside with your choice of four durable fabric options. It’s made from FSC-certified teak hardwood with a modular design and luxurious memory foam cushions. And with a built-in OuterShell® cover, you can easily protect your purchase when not in use.
