Wooden garden chairs: a complete buying guide to styles, materials and sets

Wooden garden chairs are one of those purchases that look simple on the surface but quickly get complicated when you start comparing options. Dining or lounging? Stackable or fixed? Slatted back or lattice? Teak or something else? This guide cuts through the noise and helps you match the right chair to your garden, your use case and your budget.

Dining chairs vs lounge chairs: the first decision

Before you get into aesthetics, it is worth being clear about what the chair is actually for. Dining chairs are designed for upright seating at a table. They have a straighter back, a higher seat height, and they work in sets with a dining table. Lounge chairs are built for relaxing. They have a deeper seat, a more reclined angle, and wider arms. Sitting in a lounge chair at a dining table is uncomfortable. Sitting in a dining chair when you want to unwind is equally frustrating.

If you want a chair for outdoor meals, head to the outdoor dining furniture range. If relaxation is the priority, the Adirondack chairs are worth a look.

Teak vs other woods: why it matters

Most wooden garden chairs in the UK are made from teak, hardwood or pressure-treated softwood. Teak is the top tier for outdoor use. It contains natural oils that repel water, resist rot and deter insects, all without needing annual treatment. Grade A teak, which is what Sloane and Sons use, is cut from the dense heartwood of mature plantation-grown trees. You can read more about what makes it different in the guide to teak wood.

Softwood chairs are cheaper to buy and cheaper to replace. They need regular staining or treating to survive a UK winter without deteriorating. For a chair you plan to keep for a decade or more, teak is the more economical option over the long run.

The main teak garden chair styles

Here is a practical overview of the main styles available from Sloane and Sons, and who each one suits.

Westminster flat arm chair

The Westminster flat arm chair is a classic teak garden chair with wide, flat arms, an ergonomic slatted back and a design that has been used in British gardens for generations. It works as a standalone chair on a patio or veranda, and it pairs neatly with the Westminster bench and table collection. The flat arms double up as a side table for a drink, which is useful if you are just sitting out without a table nearby.

Oxford lattice back chair

The Oxford chair has a lattice-patterned back rather than simple slats, which gives it a more decorative, traditional feel. It is a dining chair at heart and works particularly well with the Oxford teak bench range. If you are furnishing a formal dining area on a patio or decking, the Oxford style tends to look more considered than a plain slatted chair.

Adirondack chairs

The Adirondack is a very different proposition from the dining chairs above. It has a deeply sloped seat, high slatted back and wide arms that are specifically designed for comfort over posture. Originally an American design, it has become popular in UK gardens precisely because it is so good at doing nothing in. Available with matching ottoman footstools and side tables, it is best suited to a quiet corner of the garden rather than a dining setup.

Stackable dining chairs

If storage is a consideration, the stackable wooden dining chairs are worth knowing about. They are compact teak chairs that stack flat when not in use, which is ideal for smaller gardens where you do not always have space for a full set of chairs. They also work well as extras for a garden that already has a bench or two but occasionally needs more seating.

What to look for when buying wooden garden chairs

Grade A teak only

Not all teak chairs are made from the same quality of wood. Grade A is dense, oily heartwood. Grade B and C teak contain more sapwood, which is paler, less oily and less durable. Always check which grade you are buying. All Sloane and Sons chairs are Grade A.

Joinery quality

Look for chairs made with mortise and tenon joints rather than metal fasteners alone. Traditional joinery holds well over time and does not corrode or loosen the way screwed joints can. It is a good indicator of overall build quality.

Seat height

Standard dining chair seat height is around 45 to 47 cm. If you are pairing a chair with an existing table, measure the table height first and work backwards. A rough guide is that you want around 25 to 30 cm of clearance between the seat and the underside of the tabletop.

Armrests or not

Armchairs take up more horizontal space than side chairs. If you are fitting chairs around a fixed-size table, check whether armchairs will actually fit comfortably. For entertaining larger groups, a mix of armchairs at the ends and armless chairs along the sides is a practical approach.

Cushions

Teak garden chairs are comfortable without cushions but more so with them. If you plan to add cushions, check the dimensions of the seat before buying. Sloane and Sons offer cushions in several colours that are sized for the relevant chairs in the range.

How to care for wooden garden chairs

Teak is one of the lowest-maintenance materials for outdoor furniture. The main decision is whether you want to keep the golden honey colour or let it weather to a silver-grey patina. Both are valid choices. If you want to preserve the colour, apply teak oil once a year after cleaning. If you are happy with the silver-grey look, leave it untreated. The wood remains structurally sound either way. See the full teak furniture care guide for step-by-step advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Windsor and Oxford garden chair?

Windsor-style chairs have a simpler slatted back, while the Oxford chair features a lattice or cross-hatch pattern that gives it a more decorative look. Both are dining chairs but the Oxford tends to suit more formal or traditional garden settings.

Are teak garden chairs heavy?

Solid teak chairs are heavier than aluminium or plastic alternatives, typically around 5 to 8 kg for a dining chair. This is actually an advantage in the garden because they do not blow over in the wind. Stackable models are slightly lighter.

Can I leave wooden garden chairs outside all year?

Yes. Grade A teak can be left outside in all UK weather conditions without deteriorating. It will weather to a silver-grey colour if left untreated, which some people prefer. Using a furniture cover during winter is optional but does keep the chairs cleaner and extends the life of any cushions.

How many chairs do I need for a teak dining set?

Most teak dining tables at Sloane and Sons are sized for four, six or eight. As a rule of thumb, allow around 60 cm of table edge per person. A 180 cm rectangular table comfortably seats six. You can also mix chairs with a teak bench to increase capacity without adding more individual seats. See the outdoor teak dining furniture range for sets with chairs included.

Do Adirondack chairs come with matching pieces?

Yes. The Adirondack range at Sloane and Sons includes matching ottoman footstools and side tables, so you can build a proper relaxation corner rather than just buying a single chair.

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