Outdoor Chairs Price Comparison
Compare 935 outdoor chairs from VidaXL, TecTake, Keter and more — find the best price across multiple UK retailers, from 43 £ to 334 £.
Outdoor Chairs price comparison UK
Outdoor chairs are one of those purchases that look straightforward until you're standing in a garden centre wondering why a steel-framed chair costs three times as much as an almost identical one. The answer, almost always, comes down to what happens after the first British winter. Our catalogue of 935 products — spanning everything from lightweight folding terrace chairs to padded polyrattan loungers — reveals a market dominated by VidaXL, which accounts for the overwhelming majority of listings and keeps prices competitive across the board.
The price spread here is genuinely wide: from 43 £ at the very bottom to 334 £ at the top end, with the median sitting around 80 £. That middle ground is where most buyers land, and it's also where the real decisions happen. A powder-coated steel frame with a polyrattan weave at this price point will outlast a budget aluminium chair that costs half as much — but only if the UV-stabilised coating is properly applied. We've seen plenty of chairs in the 68 £–80 £ range that punch well above their weight, particularly VidaXL's teak and acacia wood options, which benefit from naturally weather-resistant timber that requires minimal treatment in the first couple of years.
Material choice is the single biggest factor in long-term satisfaction. Polyrattan — the synthetic woven material that mimics natural rattan — has become the default for terrace chairs because it handles rain, UV exposure, and temperature swings without complaint. Teak and acacia wood offer a warmer aesthetic and genuine durability, but they do need annual oiling to maintain their appearance. Steel frames are heavier and cheaper to produce, but rust inhibition quality varies enormously between manufacturers. If you're pairing your chairs with a full set, it's worth browsing our outdoor furniture sets for coordinated options, or checking outdoor tables to match materials and finishes.
One thing that catches buyers out: stackability. If you're furnishing a smaller patio or terrace, the ability to stack chairs vertically for winter storage isn't a luxury — it's a practical necessity. Not every chair in this category offers it, and the product listings don't always make it obvious. Similarly, weight capacity is frequently overlooked until it matters. Most standard terrace chairs are rated to 100–150 kg, but heavier-duty options exist and are worth seeking out if needed. For a more relaxed setup, our patio sofas offer a comfortable alternative for those who prefer a lounge-style arrangement.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Chair
With prices ranging from 43 £ to 334 £ and materials spanning teak, polyrattan, powder-coated steel, and anodised aluminium, the outdoor chair market rewards buyers who know what to look for. The wrong choice doesn't just look tired after a season — it can become a genuine safety issue. Here's what actually matters.
Frame material and weather fastness
This is the decision that determines how long your chair actually lasts. Teak and acacia wood are naturally dense and oil-rich, making them highly resistant to moisture and rot — but they require annual sealing to maintain their appearance. Powder-coated steel is affordable and sturdy, but the quality of the coating varies: cheaper options start to rust at joints and welds within two to three seasons. Anodised aluminium is the low-maintenance choice — lightweight, rust-proof, and virtually indefinite in lifespan if the anodising is done properly. Polyrattan over a steel frame is the most common combination in this catalogue and offers a good balance of aesthetics and durability, provided the steel core has adequate rust inhibition treatment.
Seat comfort and cushion strategy
Non-padded chairs are more durable and easier to leave outside year-round, but they're uncomfortable for anything longer than a casual cup of tea. Padded seats with polyester or foam cushions dramatically improve comfort for extended use, but cushions need to come indoors over winter — or at minimum be stored in a weatherproof box. Removable cushions are far preferable to fixed padding for this reason. If you're buying chairs primarily for dining, a firm seat at the right height matters more than deep cushioning. For lounging, a reclined backrest angle of 100–120 degrees makes a significant difference to how relaxed you actually feel.
Stackability and storage footprint
Often ignored until the first time you need to store eight chairs in a shed. Stackable designs can reduce storage space by 70–80% compared to non-stackable equivalents. If your outdoor space is compact or you plan to rearrange frequently, this should be a non-negotiable requirement. Foldable chairs offer similar benefits and are particularly useful if chairs need to be transported. Fixed-position chairs — typically heavier, more substantial designs — make sense only if you have dedicated outdoor storage or a covered terrace where chairs can remain in situ.
Weight capacity for your household
Most standard outdoor chairs are rated to 100–150 kg, which covers the majority of users. However, this rating is often tested under ideal conditions, and cheaper frames can flex or fail at lower loads than advertised. If anyone in your household is above 100 kg, look specifically for chairs rated to 150 kg or above, and pay attention to the frame construction at joints — welded steel is generally more reliable than bolted connections at higher loads. This specification is frequently buried in product listings and worth checking before purchase.
Maintenance commitment over time
Be honest with yourself here. Teak looks beautiful but needs oiling once a year — if you won't do it, the wood greys and eventually cracks. Polyrattan requires only occasional cleaning with soapy water. Powder-coated steel needs touch-up treatment if the coating chips, otherwise rust sets in quickly. Cushion fabrics need UV-resistant treatment or regular replacement. The lowest-maintenance option in this catalogue is aluminium-framed chairs with textilene or polypropylene seating — they can be left outside, hosed down, and forgotten about. That's a genuine advantage for busy households.
Aesthetic fit with your outdoor space
Practical considerations aside, a chair that clashes with your garden or terrace will quietly annoy you every time you look at it. Natural wood finishes suit traditional and cottage-style gardens; powder-coated black or white aluminium frames work well in contemporary settings; polyrattan in grey or brown tones is broadly neutral and tends to age gracefully. Consider whether you're matching to an existing table or set — if so, check our outdoor furniture sets for coordinated options that remove the guesswork.
- Entry-level picks (From 43 £ to 68 £) : Basic folding or fixed steel-frame chairs, often with fabric or textile seating. VidaXL dominates this segment. Functional for occasional use, but don't expect them to survive more than two or three British winters without showing wear. Fine for a rental property or a secondary seating area you don't care too much about.
- The sweet spot (From 68 £ to 80 £) : Where most buyers should be looking. Polyrattan over steel frames, basic teak or acacia options, and stackable terrace chairs with decent weather resistance. VidaXL and TecTake both have solid offerings here. Expect 4–6 years of reliable use with minimal maintenance.
- Mid-range with real comfort (From 80 £ to 125 £) : Padded polyrattan chairs, acacia wood with cushions, and aluminium-framed loungers. This is where ergonomics genuinely improve — backrest angles, seat depth, and cushion quality all step up noticeably. Allibert and Keter appear at this level alongside VidaXL's more premium lines. A sensible investment for a primary seating area used regularly.
- Premium and long-lasting (Over 125 £) : Substantial teak or aluminium constructions, often with high-density foam cushions and UV-stabilised upholstery. Hay's designs sit here — more considered aesthetically, built to last a decade or more. Worth the outlay if you're furnishing a terrace you use seriously and want chairs that won't need replacing. Rare in this catalogue but available.
Top products
- VidaXL 4008507 outdoor chair Terrace Polyester, Teak (VidaXL) : The most-offered chair in the catalogue and for good reason — teak construction at this price point is genuinely hard to beat. Naturally weather-resistant and attractive, though you'll want to oil it annually to keep it looking sharp.
- VidaXL 318766 outdoor chair Terrace Fabric, Steel Black (VidaXL) : The budget pick of the top 15 — straightforward steel-frame construction with fabric seating. Fine for occasional use, but the steel frame will need monitoring for rust at joints after a couple of wet winters. Don't expect it to last a decade.
- VidaXL 317699 outdoor chair Terrace Padded seat Polyester, Teak Green (VidaXL) : Teak frame with a padded polyester seat — a genuinely comfortable combination for a terrace dining chair. The green upholstery is a bold choice that suits cottage and traditional garden settings well. Cushion care is essential to get the most from it.
- VidaXL 364696 outdoor chair Lounge Padded seat Polypropylene (PP) White (VidaXL) : The lounge option in this selection — polypropylene frame with a padded seat makes it lightweight and low-maintenance. White finish looks clean in contemporary settings but shows dirt quickly. Best suited to a covered terrace rather than an exposed garden.
- VidaXL 318502 outdoor chair Terrace Padded seat Acacia wood, Polyester, Polyrattan, Steel Black, Cream, White (VidaXL) : The premium pick of the top 15 — acacia wood combined with polyrattan weaving and a padded polyester seat. The most material-rich construction in this selection and it shows in the price. A serious terrace chair for buyers who want comfort and longevity without crossing into luxury territory.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most weather-resistant material for outdoor chairs in the UK?
Anodised aluminium and high-quality polyrattan are the most weather-resistant options for the UK climate. Aluminium won't rust, and polyrattan — a UV-stabilised synthetic woven material — handles rain and temperature fluctuations without warping or fading. Teak is also highly durable but requires annual oiling to prevent greying. Powder-coated steel is adequate if the coating is intact, but chips and scratches expose the metal to rust, which accelerates in the UK's damp conditions.
Do I need to bring outdoor chairs inside over winter?
It depends on the material. Aluminium and polyrattan chairs can generally stay outside year-round, though covering them extends their lifespan. Cushions should always be stored indoors or in a weatherproof storage box — prolonged winter moisture causes mould and fabric degradation. Teak and acacia wood chairs benefit from being stored under cover or treated with teak oil before the cold season. Steel-framed chairs should ideally be stored indoors if the powder coating shows any chips, as exposed metal rusts quickly in wet conditions.
How do I know if an outdoor chair will fit my patio space?
Check the overall dimensions carefully — particularly seat depth and the chair's footprint when in use. A standard terrace chair typically measures 55–65 cm wide and 60–75 cm deep, but loungers and padded armchairs can be considerably larger. Allow at least 60 cm of clearance around each chair for comfortable movement. If you're buying multiple chairs, stackable designs are worth prioritising: they can reduce your storage footprint by up to 80% when not in use, which matters significantly on smaller UK patios and terraces.
Is it worth paying more than 80 £ for an outdoor chair?
Yes, if you're furnishing a space you use regularly and want chairs that last more than a few seasons. Chairs priced above 80 £ typically offer better frame construction, proper UV-stabilised materials, and more comfortable ergonomics — particularly in terms of backrest angle and seat depth. Budget chairs under 68 £ are fine for occasional use or secondary seating, but the material quality and rust inhibition are noticeably inferior. The sweet spot for most buyers is between 68 £ and 80 £, where durability and comfort genuinely improve without crossing into premium territory.
What traps should I avoid when buying outdoor chairs online?
The most common mistake is ignoring weight capacity — most standard chairs are rated to 100–150 kg, and cheaper frames can fail below their stated limit. Also watch out for chairs listed as 'weather resistant' without specifying UV resistance: a chair that handles rain but fades badly in sunlight will look shabby within a season. Non-stackable designs are another trap for small spaces — always check before buying if storage is limited. Finally, assembly complexity is frequently understated in listings; some chairs require 60+ minutes and specific tools, which isn't obvious from the product description.
Are VidaXL outdoor chairs actually good quality?
VidaXL chairs offer reasonable quality for the price, but consistency varies across their range. Their teak and acacia wood options are generally well-regarded — the timber quality is solid and the construction is reliable. Polyrattan models are decent at the mid-range price point, though the steel frames on budget lines can show rust at joints after two to three seasons. Their aluminium-framed options tend to be the most durable. As with any large-volume brand, reading specific product reviews matters more than relying on brand reputation alone — quality differs significantly between product lines.
Can outdoor chairs double as dining chairs for an outdoor table?
Yes, but seat height is critical. Standard outdoor dining tables are 70–75 cm high, so you need chairs with a seat height of 43–47 cm for comfortable use. Many terrace chairs in this catalogue are designed for this purpose, but lounge chairs and recliners have much lower seat heights — typically 30–40 cm — and are unsuitable for dining. Always cross-reference seat height specifications when pairing chairs with a table. Our outdoor tables section lists compatible dimensions if you're building a coordinated set.



















