Outdoor Patio Chairs: Size, Rating and Stacking

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Quick answer

Outdoor patio chairs fall into two practical families: stackable metal or plastic chairs that store compactly, and deeper wicker or rattan chairs with cushions that stay out and look like furniture. The numbers to check are the seat height against your table, the footprint of each chair, the weight rating and whether the cushions are removable and where they go when it rains.

We read three Amazon listings on 2026-10-01: the COSTWAY stackable dining chairs set of 2 with armrests (ASIN B0GQTMZQ9X), the SAILARY stackable metal patio chairs set of 2 (B0GXS66LFZ) and the SAILARY wicker patio dining chairs with cushions set of 2 (B0D7HHV53F). They are examples of what to compare, not a ranking. We have not tested or sat on any of them, and we do not show prices; check the current price on Amazon. Every number comes from the listings.

For stools and benches, see outdoor bar stools and outdoor dining bench. For lounge chairs, see zero gravity recliner. For the table, see high top table and chairs patio.

Seat height against the table

Most patio dining tables are about 28 to 30 inches high, our general expectation and not a figure from these listings. A comfortable gap between the seat and the tabletop is roughly 10 to 12 inches, which is our own planning estimate.

The COSTWAY listing gives a seat height of 16.5 inches, so on a 29 inch table the gap is 29 − 16.5 = 12.5 inches, a little roomy. The SAILARY listings did not give seat heights in the text we read, but the metal chair is 35.4 inches high overall and the wicker chair is 35.8 inches. If you assume a seat of about 17 to 18 inches, which is a guess, the gap on a 29 inch table is 11 to 12 inches. Measure the chair or ask the seller before you buy for a low table.

Footprint and stacking

The COSTWAY chair is 29 inches deep, 21.5 inches wide and 35.5 inches high, a footprint of 29 × 21.5 = 623.5 square inches. The SAILARY metal chair is 23.6 inches deep, 22 inches wide and 35.4 inches high, a footprint of about 519 square inches. The SAILARY wicker chair is 22.4 inches deep, 20.2 inches wide and 35.8 inches high, a footprint of about 453 square inches.

The COSTWAY and SAILARY metal chairs are stackable; the SAILARY wicker chair is not described as stackable. The COSTWAY chair weighs 10 pounds, so lifting and stacking is easy. The listings do not say how many chairs stack safely or how tall the stack is, so ask the seller if you have a shed to fit it in.

As our own planning estimate, allow about 36 inches of clear space behind a chair at a patio table so a person can sit down and pass. A 29 inch deep chair needs more of that than a 22 inch one.

Weight rating

The COSTWAY listing gives a maximum weight recommendation of 330 pounds. The SAILARY metal listing says each chair supports up to 300 pounds. The SAILARY wicker title says 350 pounds.

A worked example. A 230 pound adult on a 300 pound rating has 70 pounds of headroom, which is 70 ÷ 300 ≈ 23 percent. On a 330 pound rating the headroom is 100 pounds, about 30 percent, and on a 350 pound rating it is 120 pounds, about 34 percent. These are the sellers’ figures, and a rating is for weight at rest, so a chair that gets dropped into or tipped back loads more.

Metal, fabric or wicker

The COSTWAY chair has a rust-resistant metal frame and what the listing calls fade-proof fabric, with a high back, curved armrests and non-slip foot pads. The SAILARY metal chair is steel with an E-coating and powder finish, with a lattice-weave backrest, slatted detail, armrests and anti-slip foot pads. The SAILARY wicker chair is PE rattan over a powder-coated steel frame with thick sponge cushions, a high back and curved arms.

Metal chairs need no cushions and can be hot in direct sun; a fabric or mesh seat is cooler than bare metal, which is a general property. Wicker with cushions is more comfortable and the cushions need to be stored when it rains. The sellers’ weather and fade claims are their own, and we have not seen test results.

Armrests and back

All three chairs have armrests and high backs. The COSTWAY listing describes a humanized tilting angle in the backrest and curved arms. The SAILARY metal listing says a high backrest sculpted for ergonomic support and streamlined arms. The SAILARY wicker listing says a high backrest and curved armrests that support the neck and arms.

Armrests matter for tucking the chair under a table: an armrest that is too high will not slide under the tabletop. Measure the height of the underside of your table against the armrest height, which the listings do not give.

Cushions and care

The wicker chair’s cushions are thick sponge, according to its listing. Cushions soak water and can mildew if left out wet, and the covers fade in direct sun. The metal chairs have no cushions to store, which is their advantage in a rainy climate.

A quick wipe with soap and water is the usual care for metal and rattan. If a chair has scratches in the coating, touch them up so rust does not start, which is a general tip and not a statement from the listings.

Floor protection

The COSTWAY and SAILARY metal listings both mention non-slip foot pads that protect decks and stone. Foot pads wear out and can drop off, so check them each season.

Assembly

The COSTWAY listing says it provides an assembly video, accessories and a guide. The SAILARY wicker listing says all hardware and instructions are in the package and that the seller offers free replacement of damaged or defective parts. As our own estimate, a pair of chairs takes 20 to 40 minutes to assemble.

The three listings we read

COSTWAY Patio Stackable Dining Chairs Set of 2 with Armrest and High Back (ASIN B0GQTMZQ9X). The listing gives 29 by 21.5 by 35.5 inches, a seat height of 16.5 inches, a 330 pound rating, a weight of 10 pounds and a rust-resistant metal frame with fabric. Good for: a stackable chair with a stated seat height and the lightest build. Keep in mind: it has the biggest footprint of the three. The page showed an Add to Cart button.

SAILARY Patio Dining Chairs Set of 2, Stackable Outdoor Metal Chairs High Back (ASIN B0GXS66LFZ). The listing gives 23.6 by 22 by 35.4 inches, a 300 pound rating per chair, a steel frame with an E-coating and powder finish and anti-slip foot pads. Good for: a stackable chair with a smaller footprint than the COSTWAY. Keep in mind: the lowest rating and no seat height. The page showed an Add to Cart button.

SAILARY Outdoor Wicker Patio Dining Chairs with Padded Cushions Set of 2 (ASIN B0D7HHV53F). The listing gives 22.4 by 20.2 by 35.8 inches, a 350 pound rating, PE rattan over powder-coated steel, thick sponge cushions and a high back. Good for: cushioned comfort and the highest rating. Keep in mind: it does not stack and the cushions need storing. The page showed an Add to Cart button.

Choosing between the two families

If you have a shed or a garage, stackable metal chairs are the practical choice, because six of them take up the floor space of two. If you leave your furniture on the patio all year, a wicker chair with removable cushions looks better and is more comfortable, and you can store the cushions indoors. If you have a small balcony, count the footprints: two chairs of 22 inches wide each fit a 4 foot wide balcony with room to walk, but a 29 inch deep chair uses a lot of that depth. Think about the table too, since an armrest that does not clear the tabletop forces you to sit away from it. Finally, check how the chair feels on your surface. Foot pads help on a smooth deck, and on grass or gravel a chair with narrow legs can sink, which none of the listings addresses.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not buy before checking the armrest height against your table. Do not leave cushions out in the rain. Do not assume a “stackable” chair stacks high. And do not skip checking the foot pads each season.

Who should skip patio chairs

If you want to lounge, a lounge chair is better. If your table is bar height, you need stools. If you have little storage, a non-stacking chair takes more room.

Frequently asked questions

What size are patio chairs?

The three we read are about 20 to 22 inches wide and 22 to 29 inches deep, with overall heights of 35 to 36 inches.

How much weight can patio chairs hold?

The listings say 330, 300 and 350 pounds. Those are the sellers’ figures.

Are metal patio chairs comfortable?

For a meal, yes. A cushion adds comfort. The wicker chair comes with cushions.

Can I stack them?

The COSTWAY and SAILARY metal chairs are stackable. The wicker chair is not described that way.

Do patio chairs rust?

The listings describe rust-resistant coatings. Touch up scratches and wipe them down.

Bottom line

Choose outdoor patio chairs by seat height against your table, footprint, weight rating and whether you want cushions to store. Of the three listings, the COSTWAY is the 10 pound stackable chair with the biggest footprint, the SAILARY metal chair is the compact stackable one rated for 300 pounds and the SAILARY wicker chair is the cushioned one rated for 350 pounds. Measure your table first.

Products worth checking

We have not tested these products. Sizes and features come from the Amazon listings, checked on September 30, 2026; where a listing does not say, we say so.

Sources checked

• COSTWAY Patio Stackable Dining Chairs Set of 2 with Armrest and High Back
• Patio Dining Chairs Set of 2, Stackable Outdoor Metal Chairs High Back
• Outdoor Wicker Patio Dining Chairs with Padded Cushions Set of 2

Specifications checked on September 30, 2026. Product details and availability can change, so confirm on the product page before you buy.