Adirondack Chairs, Rockers and Loungers

A deck, a fire pit or a pool edge all ask the same thing of a chair: let me stay put for a while. The right style depends on how you sit, how much room you have and how much you want to store or move. This page walks through the main shapes of relaxing wood chair, so you can match one to your space.

Classic Adirondack chairs

The Adirondack is the chair most people picture first: a deep seat, a sloped back and wide arms. It suits fire pit areas and lawns, where you want to sink back and stay a while. The Wide Slat version takes its name from 5" wide back slats, and the maker calls out its deep seating area. The Kennebunkport is another deep-seat option, made for a deck.

Folding Adirondack chairs

If storage is tight, or you like to clear the patio at the end of the season, a folding chair makes sense. The folding Adirondack keeps the deep seating area but folds flat for storage. It suits small decks, and anyone who likes to move seating around for guests.

Rocking chairs

A rocker suits a covered porch or a quiet corner of the garden, where a slow rhythm matters more than a view of the fire. Several back styles are on offer, all in treated pine. The Crossback has a slightly higher back, deep seating and a contoured back. The Fanback pairs a curved seat with a straight back, and is described as the most stylish in that pine line. The Curveback is the simpler, plain-spoken choice for a patio or garden.

Rocker sets with tables and benches

If you are furnishing a whole conversation corner, a set saves matching things up piece by piece. One set pairs a Curveback chair and a Curveback rocker with a round table, which suits two people with a drink each. A larger group swaps in a 5' Curveback bench alongside the rocker and the round table, which gives you room for a third.

Chaise loungers

For poolside reading or an afternoon stretched out, a chaise lets you recline fully. The Highback Chaise in red cedar has a contoured back that adjusts to any angle, with an armrest that can be placed on whichever side you like. The Treated Pine Chaise with Arms has contours for your back and a seat that lifts your knees. The Keystone Chaise, also called "Thin Slats", is red cedar with an adjustable back and a curved seat.

Footrests and stools

A footrest turns a good upright chair into a lounger, without taking up the room of a chaise. The red cedar footrest is built from solid 2 x 4's and thick slats. The folding Adirondack footstool in treated pine suits you if you want something that tucks away. Both can sit alongside the chairs above.

How to choose

• Wood. The range here is red cedar or treated pine. Check the listing for the one you are buying, and follow the maker's care guidance.
• Seat depth. Deep seats suit lingering. A narrower, upright seat is easier to get out of.
• Storage. If you will put chairs away, look for a folding model.
• How many you are seating. Sets and groups can cost less than the same pieces bought one by one, as the Keystone group's description notes.
• Space. Rockers and chaises need clear room around them. Measure the spot before you order.

The Keystone group pairs two chairs with a stool and an end table, which is a tidy answer for a fire pit pair.

Questions people ask

Can I use a rocker on a lawn?

Rockers sit best on a flat, firm surface such as a deck or patio. On soft grass they can sink, so a level spot is a safer choice.

Which suits a small deck?

A folding chair is a sensible start, since it stores flat. A single chair with a footrest also takes less room than a chaise.

Do I need a side table?

It is not essential, but somewhere to put a drink is handy. Some sets include a round table or an end table.

Should I buy a set or single pieces?

If you want a matching look and several seats, a set is simple. If you only need one spot to sit, a single chair will do.