12 Heavy Duty Lawn Chairs That'll Add Style Your Backyard

Looking to up your style game out on the lawn during the warmer months of the year? Picking up a new chair or two can be an easy way to do just that. Today's lawn chair materials vary quite a bit, and designs range from super traditional to ultra-modern. Several of the most popular options are sturdy enough to enjoy in your yard from the first signs of spring through chilly fall evenings year after year. And with the price of lawn furniture going up drastically over the past few years, longevity is more important than ever. Many are heavy duty in the style department, too. 

If you're trying to decide which lawn chairs are perfect for your yard, start by looking at the many different types available. From folding styles that are portable and easy to store to cushioned comfort, there are designs available for every taste and budget.

The history of this chair design dates back to the early 1900s in, you guessed it, the Adirondack Mountains. It was designed to fit in with the varied terrain of the landscape there while offering a comfortable spot to rest. The basic elements are still found in modern Adirondack chairs: wide arms, high backs, and downward sloping seats. Wooden versions are often painted bright colors, but they can be ruggedly handsome in natural wood tones, too. The style is also available in plastics ranging from lightweight stacking varieties to folding examples made of high-density polyethylene.

While wicker furniture made of natural vine fibers has been around since about 3,000 B.C.E., it became really popular during the Victorian era. Fast forward to the early 2000s and along came synthetic wicker furniture, making wicker easier than ever to use on a lawn. Before that, moving wicker chairs to and from covered porches to grassy areas was necessary to safeguard them from the elements. Synthetic wicker, however, can be left out in the weather without worry. Chairs made of synthetic wicker also come in a variety of styles ranging from Victorian looks to boxy, modern designs.

Like wicker furniture, indoor lounge chairs have been around since ancient times. By the early 1900s, they made their way from bedrooms and parlors to outdoor spaces and we're still enjoying them on patios and lawns today. Designed to cradle the full length of a body, they beckon relaxation and come in a wide array of styles. If portability is key, some lounge chairs made of wood or aluminum have wheels to make them easier to move and they can easily be outfitted with cushions for extra comfort. Others with wrought iron frames and sling fabric offer easy care options. 

Cast iron first became popular in the 1830s, and chairs made of this material are so durable that some antique versions are still in use today. From armchairs to those found in bistro sets, these outdoor chairs can last a lifetime and beyond. Cast iron will rust when left out in the weather, so plan on some painting maintenance to keep it looking good and free of corrosion. Cast iron is also very heavy, so it's not a great option if you need portable outdoor chairs. 

Another option for durable lawn chairs is wrought iron. The difference between this material and cast iron is the way it's made. Cast iron is made by pouring molten iron into a mold while wrought iron takes shape when heated and worked over with tools. The result is a chair that looks nice, is not as heavy and therefore easier to move around, and is powder-coated (a way manufacturer's apply paint) initially to keep it looking good during outdoor use. Over time, however, you may have to repaint it to keep it in top shape and rust free.

Cantilever chairs — those supported by a curved frame rather than four legs — were first designed in the 1920s as part of the Bauhaus movement in furniture design. By the 1930s, they were being created using metal for outdoor use and really came into their own during the mid-century. As they experienced a revival with consumers in the 21^st century, manufacturers started producing them again in a wide range of colors. If your vibe is all about mid-century, these could be the perfect chairs to make a statement on your lawn.

Aluminum is another patio furniture material offering versatility. Aluminum outdoor chairs, in fact, are made in two ways: cast and extruded. Both types are durable, but the hollow nature of extruded aluminum makes it the lightweight hero of the two since the metal is hollow. That can be a key factor if you need chairs that you can move around and rearrange easily. Most cast aluminum pieces are powder coated to offer durability in the weather, and many are cushioned styles if that's your preference for comfort, although the cushioning could make the chairs heavier.

Zero gravity chairs were originally designed to pose the body in a reclining position that allows legs with marginally bent knees to be raised higher than the heart. This position could alleviate pressure on the spine and let your heart work more efficiently. The same principles applying to zero gravity recliners for the home also work for zero gravity lawn chairs, so you can use them to completely recline and recover after a rousing round of yard work or adjust them to another comfortable position for reading or relaxation. For additional comfort, you can add removable full-body cushions and detachable headrests.

If you're looking for comfort, cushioned chairs are one of the best options. As a bonus, most of the cushion covers can be removed for machine laundering according to label instructions when they need a refresh. Purchasing larger covers for winter storage is also an option to keep this type of furniture in top condition from season to season. One drawback of placing cushioned furniture directly on grass, however, is that it can damage your turf. To prevent larger lawn chairs from turning your grass brown, one solution is rotating the placement of the furniture weekly.

While some people believe keeping a rocking chair in your home may be unlucky, putting a couple out on your lawn is a great way for you and a friend to spend a leisurely afternoon while the weather is nice. Folks have been enjoying the peaceful motion of rocking chairs, in fact, since the early 1700s when an industrious individual attached ice skates to a traditional chair. Nowadays, rocking chairs are made of a wide variety of materials including wood, plastic, and aluminum, so if the soothing motion of a rocking chair suits your outdoor needs, you've got choices.

Since furniture designer Arne Jacobsen designed the first egg chair in 1958, many iterations of this style have come about. Some of them are made of materials like weather-resistant rattan and wicker with strong steel bases and have been designed for use outdoors. Most of these chairs, whether footed or hanging from a stand, are lined with cushions for comfort. These chairs are large so they can be rather unwieldy to move around a yard easily, but they make quite a statement with a modern flair.

Folding lawn chairs can have a heavy duty impact when it comes to style. Many are outfitted with solid or patterned fabric to coordinate with other outdoor furnishings like pillows and umbrellas. Other folding options are made of wood like acacia, eucalyptus, or teak and range in style from those with super high backs with no armrests to more traditional-looking armchairs. Others are made of high-density polyethylene, including Adirondack styles. When not in use, all types of folding lawn chairs can be easily stowed in a garage or shed to keep them looking good as new.