Outdoor Furniture Dimensions: Standard Sizes of Every Piece

Outdoor furniture dimensions chart

These are the ranges for current residential outdoor furniture from the main material groups: cast and tubular aluminum, teak, resin wicker and recycled-plastic (HDPE) lumber. Width is side to side, depth is front to back, and seat height is measured to the top of the seat with any cushion compressed.

The depth is the figure that causes most fitting problems. Deep-seating pieces are 8-12 in (20-30 cm) deeper than dining chairs, so a sofa set takes far more floor than its seat count suggests. On a narrow balcony or porch, measure depth first.

Outdoor chair dimensions by type

Outdoor chairs fall into two families with different geometry. Dining chairs hold you upright at a table. Lounge chairs tilt you back, with a lower and deeper seat.

Dining chairs and armchairs

The seat is 17-19 in (43-48 cm) high and 16-19 in (41-48 cm) deep, the same as indoor dining chairs. Sling and mesh chairs tend to sit at the top of that range; a cushion pad adds 2-3 in, so a cushioned chair is usually built with a lower frame.

Arm height decides whether an armchair slides under the table. Outdoor armchair arms are typically 24-27 in (61-69 cm) from the ground. A 29 in table with a 1 in top and a 2 in apron leaves about 26 in underneath, so check the table's apron clearance against the arm height before ordering a set from different ranges.

Lounge and club chairs

A deep-seating chair is 28-34 in (71-86 cm) wide, mostly because of the arms, which are often 4-7 in wide each. The seat itself is 21-26 in (53-66 cm) deep, against 20-24 in on an indoor sofa, and sits 14-18 in from the ground. Sling lounge chairs without cushions are slimmer: about 25-28 in wide.

Adirondack chairs

The classic Adirondack has a seat that slopes down toward the back, so the front edge is 12-15 in (30-38 cm) high and the rear only 9-12 in. The overall footprint is about 30 × 35 in (76 × 89 cm), and the flat arms are 5-7 in wide, wide enough to hold a drink. Because the seat is low and reclined, standing up takes more effort than from a dining chair, which matters for older users.

Folding and sling lawn chairs

Classic folding lawn chairs are about 22-25 in wide with a 15-17 in seat height and fold flat to 3-5 in thick. Beach and concert chairs sit much lower, mostly at 4-12 in; their sizes are in the beach chair dimensions guide.

Outdoor sofa, loveseat and sectional sizes

Outdoor sofas use the same seat count logic as indoor ones, about 22-26 in (56-66 cm) of seat width per person, but the arms and cushions are bulkier. A sofa listed as 84 in wide may give only 72 in of usable seat.

To work out a sectional's overall size, add the module widths along each run, counting the corner module only once on each side. Three 30 in modules plus a 34 in corner give a 124 in run, about 10 ft 4 in.

Outdoor sofas for cafes and restaurants

Commercial outdoor sofas and banquettes are usually firmer and more upright: seat height 17-18 in (43-46 cm), seat depth 19-22 in (48-56 cm), so diners can eat from a table without leaning forward. A 2-seat cafe sofa is typically 50-56 in (127-142 cm) wide. Pair it with tables 28-30 in high for dining or 18-22 in for drinks only.

Taller and shorter outdoor seating

Most deep seating compresses to 14-17 in (36-43 cm). If a user has trouble standing, look for a listed seat height of 18-19 in or add a firmer, thicker cushion. Low "lounge" sets at 12-14 in look relaxed but suit fewer people.

Outdoor lounge chair and chaise dimensions

"Lounge chair" covers two different pieces. A deep-seating lounge chair is an armchair (see the chart above). A chaise lounge, or sun lounger, is a full-length recliner.

Most chaises recline in four to six steps, and the length shrinks by 6-12 in when the back is fully upright. Tall users should check the flat length: a 72 in chaise leaves the feet of a 6 ft person over the end once a headrest pad is in place. Leave about 30 in (76 cm) along one side to get on and off, and keep 18-24 in between two chaises for a side table.

Outdoor table heights and seat heights that match

Every outdoor table belongs to one of four height classes, and the seat goes with the class, not with the style. The working rule is a gap of 10-12 in (25-30 cm) between seat and table top.

Bar-height outdoor sets work well on sloping yards and on balconies with solid railings, because seated eyes are above the rail. For stool sizes in detail, see bar stool heights.

Outdoor dining table sizes and how many they seat

Allow 24 in (61 cm) of table edge per diner as a minimum and 30 in (76 cm) for comfort, especially with armchairs. Outdoor tables are often 38-42 in wide rather than 36 in, which leaves room for a center umbrella pole and serving dishes.

The same table sizes and seat-count math apply indoors; the dining table dimensions guide has the full spacing method. For a table with attached benches, see picnic table sizes.

Cushion sizes for outdoor furniture

Replacement cushions are sold by seat size, not by chair model, so measure the frame rather than the old cushion, which shrinks and flattens over time.

1. Measure the seat opening. Take the width between the arms at the front and back (they often differ by 1-2 in) and the depth from the front rail to the back frame.
2. Choose the cushion size. Order the nearest standard size that is no larger than the opening; a cushion 1 in too big bulges up at the edges.
3. Keep the thickness. Swapping a 4 in cushion for a 6 in one raises the seat by about 2 in once compressed and can put the back cushion out of reach.

Built-in and custom outdoor seating dimensions

Seat walls, built-in benches and custom pieces should copy the proportions of good freestanding furniture.

• Seat height: 17-18 in (43-46 cm) to the top of the seat, or 15-16 in under a 2-3 in cushion.
• Seat depth: 15-18 in (38-46 cm) for a backless bench or seat wall; 20-24 in (51-61 cm) for a bench with a back and cushions.
• Backrest: tilt it 100-110 degrees from the seat and make it at least 14-16 in tall above the seat for real support.
• Width per person: 24 in (61 cm) on a bench; 30 in (76 cm) if people will eat there with elbows out.
• Toe space: a 3-4 in recess under the front edge of a solid seat wall lets people tuck their heels back to stand up.

How weather and material change the size

• Teak and hardwood: heavier frame sections make chairs 1-2 in wider than aluminum equivalents. A teak dining armchair often weighs 20-30 lb (9-14 kg).
• HDPE lumber: boards are thick and heavy, so Adirondacks and benches resist wind but take more space; a recycled-plastic Adirondack often weighs 35-60 lb (16-27 kg).
• Aluminum and sling: the lightest and slimmest, 8-15 lb (4-7 kg) for a dining chair, which also means they blow around on exposed roofs and balconies.
• Stacking and folding: stacking chairs add about 2-4 in of height per extra chair in a stack, which is useful when planning winter storage in a shed.

To turn these piece sizes into a layout with walkways, see the patio furniture space guide. Shade and heat add their own footprint: compare patio umbrella sizes, fire pit dimensions and outdoor rug sizes before you settle on the furniture.

Frequently asked questions