Patio & Outdoor Dining Chairs

Patio & Outdoor Dining Chairs

 

Entertaining outdoors requires a significant amount of creativity and determination in ensuring that everyone has a seat. Explore our entire collection of Patio & Outdoor Dining Chairs to give you ideas on the style, design, material, color, height, and quantity. Pair with the perfect outdoor table to complete the dining experience and weatherproof seat cushions to get even more comfortable while seated. 


Q1: What defines a Patio Dining Chair, and how does it differ from a Lounge or Deep Seating Chair?


A: A Patio Dining Chair is defined by its specific ergonomic suitability for eating and upright conversation.

  1. Upright Posture: These chairs feature a straight backrest and a seat height of 17-19 inches. This design ensures the user is sitting upright with their feet flat and their forearms level with the dining tabletop.

  2. Difference: Lounge chairs are reclined and deep; dining chairs are structured, providing a firmer, more vertical support necessary for cutting food and serving.


Q2: Should I choose a dining chair with or without armrests?


A: Both styles are popular, but they have functional trade-offs:

  1. Chairs with Armrests: Provide superior comfort and are better for lingering at the table after a meal. They also make it easier for people with mobility issues to stand up.

  2. Chairs without Armrests (Side Chairs): Can be pushed closer to the table, and you can generally fit more of them along the side of a dining table. They offer a more informal, café-style aesthetic.

  3. Hybrid Set: A popular compromise is to use armchairs at the head and foot of the table, and side chairs along the long sides.


Q3: What makes stackable dining chairs a good choice for outdoor patios?


A: Stackable chairs offer major benefits for both maintenance and space management:

  1. Easy Cleaning: When cleaning the patio or deck (sweeping or power washing), stackable chairs can be quickly moved and consolidated to a small footprint.

  2. Seasonal Storage: They are ideal for storing large numbers of chairs during the off-season. A stack of four to six chairs takes up significantly less floor space than an equal number of non-stacking chairs.

  3. Material: Stackable chairs are often made from lightweight, sturdy, rust-proof aluminum or durable resin.


Q4: How should I choose the right size and number of dining chairs for my table?


A: Sizing must account for comfortable elbow room:

  1. Tabletop Clearance: Allow a minimum of 24 inches of table edge for each chair. For example, a 96-inch-long table should comfortably accommodate four chairs on each side.

  2. Pull-Out Space: Ensure there is at least 36 inches of clearance between the table edge and any wall or railing to allow guests to pull the chair out and sit down comfortably.

  3. Cushion Fit: If using separate cushions, ensure they are thin enough not to push the seated person too high and secure enough (with ties) not to shift during use.