Plastic Patio Chairs
Buy the best plastic patio chairs selected and recommended by interior designers. By Tara Gosselin.
Now the hottest weather of the year has arrived for many, plastic patio chairs are the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Easy to keep clean and maintain, a patio chair made of plastic is versatile and can come in many different styles, from modern to classic. Plus, you can use your chair as a sun lounger or a place to sit when dining al fresco. Our design experts have picked out some of the best plastic patio chairs below.
Plastic Patio Chairs
Buying Guide
Tara Gosselin
Interior Design Expert
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
Harsh elements and inclement weather can wreak havoc on your outdoor areas. As such, it is of utmost importance to make sure you choose furniture that is made to stand up to being outside continuously.
Luckily, there is a myriad of durable and long-lasting materials used to make outdoor seating and patio chairs so the furniture withstands exposure to rain, sun, wind, and other harsh elements. Outdoor furniture is typically made of the following:
- Aluminum: The most popular material used to create contemporary outdoor seating. It is lightweight, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Available in a wide range of finishes.
- Resin Wicker: Unlike natural wicker, resin is a waterproof synthetic material that is also fade-resistant and mold/mildew resistant. It looks like natural wicker and comes in a variety of natural and neutral finishes. It comes in contemporary and traditional styles.
- Wood: A classic choice for outdoor seating made of dense hardwoods including teak, mahogany, pine, cedar, and oak. Wood withstands high temperatures and humidity.Comes in a plethora of stain, finish, and color options. Choose from all décor styles from modern to rustic.
- Concrete: The hardiest of the materials used to make outdoor seating, it can stand up to any outdoor elements. Concrete is prone to chipping and cracking if not taken care of properly. It is traditionally the heaviest of the outdoor materials, but new technology and mixing compounds have resulted in some lightweight designs. Décor styles run the spectrum from extravagantly ornate to sleek contemporary.
- Wrought Iron: Historically used to create traditional style outdoor seating with ornate detailing and ample use of scrolls. Today, iron is used for contemporary seating as well. Luxurious, long-lasting, and available in practically endless finish options. It is durable, strong, and heavy. Moderate maintenance is required.
- Plastic: The most inexpensive and lightweight material used for outdoor seating. Some plastics are prone to fading, chipping, cracking, and, thus, are not long-lasting in outdoor settings. Alternately, substantially made polyurethane chairs are treated and made to stand up to the elements.Typically, made in contemporary designs.
Wrought iron outdoor seating and patio chairs provide the most durable and long-lasting option. They are typically higher priced than other materials but can last decades if used and cared for properly.
It depends on the manufacturer. If they do, they are usually standard cushions with limited color and fabric selection. If they do not come with cushions, then the manufacturer will often offer cushion options in different materials and colors made specifically for your seating.
Otherwise, you will need to search for cushions online to fit the measurements of your chairs or outdoor seating. Be sure the cushions you choose are made for outdoor use and treated to be waterproof, fade-proof, and mildew/mold resistant.
There are some outdoor fabrics that are better than others in terms of longevity and durability. Determine where you will be using your cushions and if you will be leaving them out in the elements for periods of time.
- Polypropylene/Olefin Fiber: Durable, synthetic material stands up to the harshest elements of sun, wind, rain, and snow. Waterproof, fade-proof, and resistant to stains, mold and mildew. Comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Best outdoor cushion fabric for all types of situations, in and out of harsh elements.
- PVC Mesh: Durable, breathable, manmade material. Ideal for pool furniture and furniture left out in humid tropical areas.
- Marine Vinyl: Strong, durable, man-made. Retains heat making it sticky and hot in warmer months. Comes in varied solid colors and patterns. Not well suited for outdoor cushions.
- Canvas/Duck Cloth: Highly durable, common for outdoor furniture. Available in ranges of color/patterns. Best for use in covered areas where cushions will not be exposed to the elements continuously.
- Cotton: A popular choice for outdoor upholstery and cushions. Cotton can be easily washed and is cool and comfortable. However, it is prone to mildew and mold. Best for temporary outdoor use. Store these cushions in water-tight storage when not in use.
- Solution-Dyed Acrylic: Durable, synthetic material. Resists mildew, mold, and fading. Soft to the touch. Sold in ranges of colors and patterns. Good for temporary and long-term use outdoors. (Brand name: Sunbrella)
Typically, the most comfortable and resilient cushions are constructed with a high density quick dry foam core. This foam is ideal for outdoor use because it easily drains any excess water and dries quickly after.
Polyurethane foam is also comfortable, durable, and resistant to mildew. However, it is best used on outdoor seating that is kept out of the elements.
Polyester fiber fill is the least expensive yet is least comfortable and durable too. It tends to break down in a short period of use and results in a flat or lumpy cushion.
A 4 inches to 4 ½ inch foam core cushion thickness is the most comfortable for outdoor seating and will remain resilient over long periods of use
- Consider how your outdoor space will function (relaxing or dining?)
- If comfort is top on your list, be sure to sit on the chairs or sofa before purchasing.
- Choose low-maintenance materials to keep things easy.
- If you have lots of stuff you use outdoors, consider dual-purpose storage furniture pieces.
- Quality over trendiness is always preferable for saving money and enjoy your seating for years to come.
- Be sure if you have a brick patio or deck that the chairs you choose will not fall through the cracks or be unstable.