We evaluated numerous folding chair options on ease of setup and storage, comfort, and sturdiness. Our best overall pick, the Emma + Oliver Resin Folding Chair, is durable, lightweight, and features a removable waterproof seat pad. Here are the top folding chairs available online. When it comes to folding chairs, Emma + Oliver is hard to beat. Made of weatherproof thermoplastic resin with padded vinyl seats, this exceedingly durable and easy-to-clean set can be used both indoors and outside. Each chair weighs just 9 pounds and boasts an almost unheard-of 1,000 pound capacity. Not only do they fold up flat, but they can also be stacked. These folding chairs come in sets of two or four in your choice of chic black, red mahogany, or a simple white finish. They come fully assembled, and thanks to the thermoplastic construction, you’ll never need to repaint them either. Happy customers love that they don’t scratch hardwood floors and stand sturdily on grass due to the chairs’ wide base, making them perfect for switching between dinner parties and outdoor gatherings. Plus, they are super comfortable compared to competitors, so you’ll actually want to use them. Price at time of publish: $190 They’re made of 18-gauge steel with riveted components and double-braced legs for ultimate support and durability. Each chair is just 8 pounds and can support up to 225 pounds of weight. Price at time of publish: $39 The roomy seat measures 24 inches wide and 18 inches from the ground and can support up to 325 pounds of weight. As its name suggests, the Cooler Quad has a built-in chiller for up to four cans, plus side pockets and a mesh cup holder. Price at time of publish: $40 Non-marring caps on the legs help protect your floors from scuffs and scratches. You can buy these chairs in sets of two or ten and choose from black, brown, or white. Price at time of publish: $45 You’ll get a set of two chairs, each 13 pounds with a sizable seat and a 300-pound weight capacity. The sophisticated appearance and versatile design make this folding chair a perfect choice for desks, conference rooms, and card tables. Price at time of publish: $160 A patented spring-action mechanism offers smooth rocking on various outdoor terrains, and the brand’s Eazy-Fold Technology makes for effortless folding and unfolding. This portable rocking chair also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $70 Thanks to a heavy-duty steel frame and sink-resistant leg caps, this low-profile folding chair can support up to 300 pounds of weight. The breathable seat and cup holder are made of industrial-grade polyester mesh to keep you cool and comfy as you watch the waves. Price at time of publish: $80 You can pull it down and lock it when you need cover and draw it back when you want to go shade-free. What’s more, the canopy doubles as a carrying case and has a built-in shoulder strap for maximum portability. At almost 12 pounds, the Kelsyus is on the heavier side, but it can support up to 250 pounds of weight. Price at time of publish: $65 Are you looking for a matching set for a special occasion, or do you need extra seats for a garden party, game night, or barbecue? Alternatively, you might be in the market for a fold-up beach or camping chair. In any case, the intended use will partially determine the style and material.
Material
To support the folding mechanism, the frames are typically made of stainless steel or thermoplastic resin, both of which can withstand year-round weather conditions. Some folding chairs also have fabric upholstery (such as weather-resistant polyester), woven wicker seats, or padded seats with vinyl covers. “If you want to use folding chairs in outdoor settings, indoor folding chairs would not hold up very long, so make sure the material is rated for outdoor use,” says Mecham. “If your region requires additional weather protection, features like water resistance or insect resistance are important to check for.”
Size
Size is also an important consideration, so be sure to check the overall dimensions for both the folded and unfolded positions. This will help you figure out how many folding chairs you can fit in your space and how much room you need to store them. The average dining chair is about 17 inches wide and 17 inches deep with a seat height of roughly 19 inches. Folding chairs are often a little smaller than average, though you’ll also find options with wider or deeper seats.
Weight
When shopping around for folding chairs, there are two weights you should look for: the product weight and the weight capacity. Most options are between 6 and 13 pounds. If you’re bringing a folding chair on the go, a lighter option may be best. “Checking the weight capacity on folding chairs is also important—making sure it’s durable and can stand up to repeated use for years to come,” says Mecham. The capacity of most chairs is between 225 to 300 pounds, but you’ll also find some that support up to 1,000 pounds.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned content creator with a background in lifestyle and home design. For this roundup, Theresa interviewed Decorist designer Ashley Mecham and looked at dozens of folding chairs from a broad range of brands and retailers. Before making her selections, she reviewed various types, combed through reviews, researched critical features, and considered the key specs, portability, and usages of each product. The best outdoor folding chairs are made of alloy steel frames and weather-resistant materials, including breathable and mesh fabric. Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers furniture, recreation, entertaining, and outdoor living.
