Plastic vs Composite Outdoor Chairs: What to Buy for Your Deck or Fire Pit
By Sebago Lake Lovin
Every year, like clockwork, I'm pulling chairs out for the season and thinking:
"Didn't I just buy these?"
And the answer is always yes.
The Truth About Plastic Adirondack Lawn Chairs
Look, plastic adirondack chairs aren't terrible… but they're not built to last.
They look good when you first get them. They're easy to move around. And for a while, they do the job.
But then the same thing happens every time.
They start to fade. They get a little weaker. And eventually… they crack.
One of our latest casualties actually happened this year—in our igloo setup. Just a clean crack right through it.
That's usually how it goes. You might get a season or two, but you're always replacing them.
To Be Fair… They Do Have Their Place
I'm not saying plastic chairs are useless.
They're cheap. That matters.
They're also really lightweight, which makes them easy to move around—whether you're setting things up out front, on the deck, or just need extra seating when people come over.
If you've already got them, I wouldn't throw them away. They still have some life in them.
But if you're buying new chairs this year, it's worth thinking about something that lasts a little longer.
What I Switched To
Last year, I decided to try composite HDPE outdoor adirondack chairs.
Nothing crazy—just something a step up from the usual plastic ones.
I used them all season, left them outside (under the deck) over the winter, and just pulled them back out again.
They look exactly the same.
No fading, no cracking, no surprises.
They're also foldable and stackable, which makes storing them pretty easy.
Where I Use Them
Most of the time, the composite adirondack chairs are set up on the deck, out front of the house, or at the firepit.
That's where I notice the difference the most...you're actually sitting for a while, and you want something that feels solid.
If I had a bigger dock, I'd probably have a few down there too. They're heavy enough that you're not worrying about them blowing into the water, which is always a thing with the plastic ones.
The Biggest Difference: How They Feel
This part wasn't surprising, but it's the biggest upgrade.
They just feel solid.
When you sit down, there's no second guessing it. No shifting your weight to test it out. No wondering if this is the chair that finally gives out.
You just sit and relax.
And Yes… The Cup Holder Matters
It sounds like a small thing, but it's not.
Having a built-in cup holder just makes everything easier. You're not balancing a drink somewhere or setting it on the ground.
The Two Versions I Like
There are a lot of versions of these chairs out there, and honestly, most of them are pretty similar.
GREENVINES Folding Adirondack — Single Cup Holder Version
Simple, clean, does the job.
View the GREENVINES chair on Amazon →
NAVINE Adjustable Adirondack Chair (Two Cup Holders + Storage)
A little more going on—extra cup holder, phone slot, more space.
View the NAVINE chair on Amazon →
Honestly, if they're anywhere close in price… go with this one. Two cup holders are better than one.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
One Quick Note on Brands
I went down the rabbit hole on this a bit and tested a few different versions—including some no-name ones.
They're all pretty close.
Most of these are made from the same HDPE composite material and are manufactured in China, then private labeled under different brand names.
So in reality, you're often looking at very similar products with different labels on them.
I wouldn't overthink the brand too much. Focus on reviews, features, and hardware quality.
Assembly (Not the Best Part)
There is some assembly required.
It took me about 30 minutes per chair. Not terrible, but not something you're looking forward to either. Gets faster as you build them.
Tip: if you buy a bunch and don't have time to assemble them all, hire someone from TaskRabbit or another service to help you out. I have a great local Sebago guy, Ben Martin, who helped with mine. Hit me up if you want me to connect you with him.
Cost
These run about $100 or less per chair.
So yes, they're more expensive than plastic ones—but still far less than $300+ premium versions.
They sit right in the middle—more upfront, but a lot less replacing over time.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Plastic Chairs | Composite Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30–$40 | ~$100 |
| Durability | 1–2 seasons | Multi-season |
| Comfort | Basic | Solid |
| Stability | Can flex/crack | Sturdy |
| Weather Resistance | Fades/weakens | Holds up well |
Hardware Check
This is usually where things fail first—but these held up perfectly.
After One Year
After a full year of use, I can say I really like these chairs.
They still look good. Still feel solid. Still do exactly what I want them to do.
What About Long-Term?
How will they hold up after five years?
I don't know yet—but based on what I've seen so far, they should hold up well.
Plastic vs Composite Outdoor Chairs
| Feature | Plastic Chairs | Composite Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30–$40 | ~$100 or less |
| Durability | 1–2 seasons | Multi-season |
| Comfort | Basic | Solid + supportive |
| Stability | Can flex or crack | Sturdy |
| Weather Resistance | Fades / weakens | Holds up well |
| Storage | Stackable | Foldable + stackable |
| Cup Holder | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Best For | Quick extra seating | Deck, fire pit, lake house setup |
| Overall Value | Cheap short-term | Better long-term |
Final Take
If you've already got plastic chairs, keep them.
But if you're buying new ones this year and want something that lasts a little longer…
These are a pretty easy upgrade.
Better feel. Better durability. Less hassle over time.
And no more wondering if the chair is going to crack when you sit down.