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In Search Of Weatherproof Outdoor Stools (That Will Actually Last In Oregon)… Oh, And We Need 10
I’ll be the first one to admit I used to get wrapped up in style and de-prioritize longevity (less so now, but still). Loving things that look good is not only my job but in my blood. But when it comes to things being left outdoors up here in Oregon, my #1 priority was to have it last so that it didn’t become my problem later (and obviously very bad for the environment). Now, if you are a normal person and you are good about “covering or storing your furniture” then you have more flexibility with your choices. But for these stools (that will be under a gazebo) I didn’t want to have to store them (y’all we need 10-12) nor cover them, so my search changed to “most durable” and “long-lasting” in addition to “classic + modern”. I’m a style snob and I need them to look good, appropriate for a farm-style BBQ area… that is getting admittedly kinda fancy. So today I’ll show you all that I considered before honing in on my real needs, at many different price points (from $50 each to $1,100 each). And you bet you’ll see what we ordered.
But first, and why this was more of a challenge, my biggest fear is that in 4 years, 3 of the 10 will be broken by my partying guests, and then what? What if they aren’t available anymore? What if they rotted even though they said they wouldn’t? Then we have 3 mismatched stools? Hell, no. And unlike indoor dining chairs, trust me outdoor furniture will not last as long unless you are vigilant about covering or storing (as mentioned, we are not). Similar to pets on furniture, I know that many of you will just say “Grow up and just join the rest of us” (ie. no pets on furniture and cover your outdoor furniture), but I’d rather find stools that can last a long time AND withstand the elements while looking good. Possible? (and I like to cuddle with my dogs…)
Fitzrovia Upholstered Counter Stool (Set of 2)
Now, as I was shopping these stood out for their affordability (making 12 of them $700). For classic stools that are super affordable, these had me at $57 each. Now that price point indicates it probably won’t last 10 years (I have no evidence of this, just being judgemental based on my experience) so this one isn’t for us, but y’all these are classic and nice for $57 each:)
We used these at my brother’s house and I LOVE them. They are at a higher price point ($700) and while I might have been able to get them partnered I was honestly still worried about wood outside for years. My only beef with these is that if you take off the cushion it’s just the webbing, meaning that you can’t use them without. I wish they had made the seat wood so if I didn’t want to have to deal with the cushions year-round in the rain I could just leave them out without the cushion.
If I wasn’t worried about upholstery outside (which I am) these are GREAT. Multiple finishes and so nice looking. Alas, not for me for this project, but I love these.
Ronaldo Polyethylene Wicker Outdoor Bar Stool
These were a solid option since they are plastic and wood (not natural material) meaning, they should last a lot longer. Very handsome and classic.
Lesley Metal Frame Patio Bar Stool
These don’t fit our style but I did appreciate that the “wood” is actually metal (which typically I would not like, but again for longevity maybe it’s better?).
Yvaine Franc Teak Patio Bar Stool
So pretty and very tempting. Do I think we can leave them outside for 10 years uncovered? Probably not. But I love.
Ruta Outdoor Counter Stool (Set of 2)
Now they are SOLID contenders. More affordable (2 for $350), metal, and has a nice classic shape. They look ergonomic and they come in a lot of colors. Stylistically are they as pretty as ones with upholstered seats or mixed material? NOPE. But they are good and look like they will last (but I have zero proof of that TBH).
Farrah Solid Back Outdoor Bar Stool (Set of 2)
Another solid contender that I showed Brian. More bistro style than farm, but classic nonetheless. You could always add cushions in the summer. I was very tempted by these…
Dark Green Metal Stackable Outdoor Barstool (Set Of 2)
For a second I thought maybe backless would be better so they could tuck underneath the counters. But they felt too contemporary for our gazebo kitchen.
I LOVE these, but there were two things wrong with them – $600 each (x 10 = $6k) and 10 weeks out. But they are classic, feel right for the more farm-like vibe and the color is fun. This brand (Fermob) is powder-coated and lasts a long time, but that price point is steep!
THE WINNERRR!!!!!
Modern Studio Plaza Lowback Bar Chair
As I was shopping I was like “Wait, what is that company that looks like wood and says they last forever” and I remembered Polywood. So I took a peek and not all styles were right for me but then BOOM, their modern low stool felt perfectly farm and classic. I loved the green (was tempted by black and white), but the best part is that they are guaranteed to last for 20 years. The “wood” slats allow water to go through and also feel farmlike at the same time. After hours of showing Brian all my options, he said “Oh yeah, get those” and I put 10 in my cart. At $200 a piece (not nothing, but felt appropriate) I felt really good about it. I did reach out via IG to see if they wanted to do a PR trade for my services and they did, but these are my stools no matter what. Also, they were made to order and still shipped within 2 weeks. I feel like once assembled and in place I’m not going to have to think about them for the rest of my life and all 10-12 of them (still figuring that out!) will LAST, will hold all of my friends easily, can be left outside year-round (still under the gazebo, but not covered). Plus, that pop of green will liven up the white outdoor kitchen. More to come, but I’m so excited to have the confidence that these will last forever (and are literally guaranteed to do so). You’ve seen their Adirondack chairs everywhere for a long time (sold by a lot of our favorite brands – VERY popular) but if you are in the market for outdoor chairs, stools, or sofas, check out Polywood. We are very excited :)
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green
It’s so funny before I opened the story, I said to myself – Polywood. We have four Adirondack chairs at our farmhouse that have held up beautifully. The elements are pretty harsh in the summer and very windy in the winter. These are heavy but in a good way. They wipe down easily. And show no real signs of wear or tear three years after purchase. They were a little difficult to put together but we love them! Also, we don’t cover them or protect them from the weather since we only use the house on the weekends. You will love them!
i did the same exact thing. I have a polywood table that is in the cedar color and gives the vibe of a wood table that i have to put zero thought into and its truly the best.
We have had Polywood adirondack chairs on our back patio for 5 years now, the last 3 of them being in New Hampshire winters. Lots of snow. Very cold. They sit out back uncovered year round and are holding up wonderfully! The ONLY downside was that the second fall in Kansas the squirrels went nuts for them and chewed them up a bit, so we did have to buy covers for that specific reason. But since we’ve moved to NH we haven’t had any issues with squirrels so they have remained uncovered, and I just sanded down the rough edges from where they nibbled. We power wash them in the spring and they clean up so well. Ours are white so they show all the dirt, but I just hose them off regularly in the summertime when I’m watering the plants. I think these will absolutely check all of your boxes for the gazebo! Can’t wait to see the final space!
I thought of Polywood immediately when I read this title. I have loved my modern Adirondack chairs and they are truly easy to clean (bird poop, hello!) and I can’t imagine having anything else outside year round. They have occasionally sales as well.
TY! Check out Loll! More like this! Chaise loungers, couch, chairs, tables that look great without cushions and are not made of wood which weather poorly. i.e. can be left uncovered except in MN winters & sit on OPEN deck, patio. I have spent countless hours searching. Was excited for your recent post on outdoor furniture but the furniture had to have cushions and were best used under covered areas. I want to look out my window and not see a bunch of covers. I want to see beautiful functional furniture. I was able to find what I needed on Loll (more modern then Polywood) and Sommer series sold at DWR.
Yes! We got some Loll furniture at our cottage in 2020 and it still looks brand new despite being out in the elements all year round. The price point is higher, but they’re not fast fashion (they’re made ethically & locally from recycled bottles). We have just invested in a set for our patio at home, where they will also get covered in snow, baked by sun, beaten up by our kids, and still look fabulous.
Ditto the Loll recommendation! I have a couple of Adirondack chairs with ottomans, a loveseat, rocking chair, several tables, a bench and stool. All outside year round for 12-15 years with no visible wear. I got some from Room & Board and the rest direct from Loll during sales. Totally worth the investment!
I love what you’re talking about here re: durability, longevity, accessibility (ie I don’t have to clean/uncover before using) for outdoor furniture. Like you, I need thing to look just so, but I also have a giant eye roll every time I see outdoor furniture and decor posts this time of year that showcase upholstered furniture and pillows for outdoor living. I can’t wrap my mind around it — we don’t all live in LA. ? But even there, do you really want to have to cover and cover things? Remember to bring things inside in the rain? I personally just want to be able to walk right outside and plop down.
I live on a wooded lot in Maryland and Polywood is pretty much the only company we’ll purchase furniture from for outdoor needs going forward. We absolutely love our adoraindaks from them. They look new 5+ years later. We also have a Blu Dot bar table and chairs that are powder coated and have held up beautifully.
TY, more like this please. Have you seen Loll outdoor furniture, more modern, more options? I am always looking for furniture that can go on an OPEN patio or deck, can be used without cushions, needs no covers except in (MN) winter, not made out of wood which ages/rots and of course looks amazing when I look out my window. I don’t want to see a bunch of covers.
+1 to Loll. We’ve had several Adirondack chairs and matching ottomans for more than 10 years. There is zero maintenance. They are rock solid (we’ve never had to tighten any screws, etc.) We leave them outside uncovered 365 days a year in the Portland area. The most we do is spray them down with a garden hose occasionally to remove pollen and dirt (no scrubbing required). Yes they were pricey but the wide variety of colors, comfort, and durability made them worth it for us. And sustainable bc we haven’t replaced or needed new patio furniture for over a decade. They will sometimes have 15% off sales. There’s one brand called Live Outer that I’m curious about and wondering if any readers have bought anything. Definitely pricey but they have very innovative waterproof/weatherproof materials. I didn’t see any bar height stools though.
I have a Polywood outdoor dining table that has held up for many years and I live in a harsh desert climate that is unforgiving to outdoor furniture. The table does not get as hot as a metal table would after sitting in direct sunlight and it’s easy to just hose down after sand/dust storms.
Polywood makes sense! We have two modern Adirondacks from them that have held up perfectly for 5+ years with the occasional hosing down. My only bummer is that, at least to me, they aren’t super comfy. I’d need to spring for cushions, maybe, to expect comfort, but I get antsy after a pretty short time reading or lounging in them. As others note, Loll Designs are great, but unfortunately, the price point kicks up to match the cool factor.
Over five years and no rust or corrosion on hardware. We are in upper Midwest and leave them outside year round.
We have Polywood furniture (rockers and chaises). I loved them out of the box, even though assembly was kind of a chore.
But the squirrels have gnawed them to death. We covered them, and still they get to them. Honestly, they’re an expensive nightmare.
Do not buy if you have squirrels. Seriously. I’m just waiting a few years to replace with metal, because of the waste – in materials and cost.
Interesting! I currently have all metal furniture, 20+ years old, purchased originally from Home Depot. The squirrels here chew the heck out of the cushions we use on them. Those stupid bushy-tailed rats ruin everything! I’ve thought about putting out bags of cotton batting or wool in the hope they use that instead of chewing up our cushions for their nests.
I live in Beaverton. You made a great choice…they’re perfect. Have followed you forever. My son, who works for Intel, went to Oxy & UCLA! Moved here in 2021…I love it. ?
Couldn’t love Polywood more. We have two Adirondack chairs and sofa side chairs and a coffee table and they should last way more than 10 years.
Hi,
Love your choice! I’ve been dying to get some Polywood for our new build. If you get to do a sponsored post, please try to get a code for your loyal readers.
Thanks,
I must have tried the wrong color of polywood, since everyone seems to love it so much. I got a white bench a few years ago, and it is consistently grimy. (We have a lot of very large, messy trees.) It also looks rather plastic-y for my taste, but it is holding up well to New England weather. The green seems like it might be more forgiving.
After that experience, I have purchased some teak pieces and some fermob stuff, both of which are not cheap, but are durable and blend in seamlessly with natural elements.
I am really glad Emily is highlighting the limited options for non-upholstered pieces. Where I live, the weather can alternate between rainy and beautiful several times over the course of a day. It’s not as if we have a “rainy season,” which would make covering reasonable. The blog has often featured pieces from Article, which has great style, but 80% of their stuff is supposed to be protected from the elements. No, thank you.
Polywood is great and we’ve been happy with how our rocking chairs have held up over several years. The texture does seem to hold dirt (our chairs are white and somehow look very dirty even sitting under a covered front porch) and takes more effort to clean as simply wiping them down won’t cut it. For our patio, we always try to use aluminum furniture, which is harder to find than steel, cast iron, or wood, but it doesn’t rust! We’ve had aluminum chairs on an uncovered patio (that gets blasted by the sun and pummeled by rain, snow, and wind) for close to a decade and there is no noticeable wear.
Great choice. I live in northern Maine, and we have the green Polywood Adirondack chairs outside on our porch all winter long, uncovered. They get buried under 4+ feet of snow and have held up incredibly well over multiple seasons. It is so much easier than taking big heavy chairs up and down narrow stairs to move them in and out of our tiny basement every fall (which is what we used to do, with wood chairs, just to have the wood still deteriorate in summer rains), and leaving the chairs outside means we can still enjoy the porch on unseasonably warm days in the shoulder seasons (when we need those days most!).
You won’t regret the Polywood purchase. All of my pieces have held up beautifully, sitting year-round on an uncovered patio, in southwestern Ohio.