Adirondack Chairs: Comfort, Style and Function for your Outdoor Spaces
Introduction
An Adirondack chair is the combination of form and function in outdoor relaxation. Also known as a Cape Cod chair or Muskoka chair in different areas of the world, Adirondack chairs are usually made from durable, insect resistant woods like cedar and redwood, although other materials are also used. Well made Adirondack chairs are quality pieces of outdoor furniture that can last for generations.
Design
The ancestor of today’s Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee in 1903. After arriving at a final design for the “Westport plank chair,” Lee offered it to Harry Bunnell, a carpenter friend in Westport, New York , who built the chairs during winter for sale in the springtime. Harry Bunnel eventually patented the robust design, which combined a slanted back and wide armrests.
While the original Adirondack chair was thought to have a straight back, contemporary designs often include more curves. Adirondack chairs are comfortable because the chair back usually has an incline of 30 degrees and excellent lower back support. These chairs also feature wide, level arms that double as tables for drinks and books.
The basic design of the Adirondack chair has been expanded over the last 100 years to include chaise lounges, loveseats, rockers and other outdoor furniture that follow the lines of the traditional Adirondack chair. Other variations of the chair’s design feature a curved back and rolled seat made to wrap around the body and cushion the legs, something you just do not get with any other type chair. And no matter what style you choose, these robust All-American chairs will offer years of pleasure and comfort.
Wood Types
Nothing is quite as relaxing as sitting in a wooden Adirondack chair with your hands on the large, smooth armrests. This is one reason for their enduring appeal; another is the fine looking wood of which many of these chairs are made. Other than the most popular (red or white cedar,) woods used in the manufacturing of Adirondack furniture include teak, cypress, mahogany, alder, eucalyptus, and southern yellow or white pine. The wood can be stained to preserve its natural color, painted in any shade you desire, or left to weather naturally. Certain woods, like pine, most definitely need to be treated regularly with a protectant.
There are those who prefer resin rocking chairs to wooden ones because they are easier to maintain and are more durable. Plastic Adirondack chairs are not considered to be as beautiful as wooden ones, but are less expensive and can last for a very long time. Winning the longevity award for a natural material, however, is teak. With an average lifespan of 75 years, teak wood has long been commended as the ideal choice for outdoor furniture. Teak is exceptionally expensive, however, and is out of reach for many on a budget.
Conclusion
Adirondack chairs are a unique combination of man-made ingenuity and craftsmanship in combination with the beauty of natural design. Adirondack chairs were once found only on campgrounds and summer retreats. Now, these chairs are found more and more on porches, lawns and in the homes of people who have fallen in love with them while on vacations in the mountains, at the lake, or similar places. While Adirondack Chairs are not confined to a single manufacturer, or even a single style, they are still beautiful pieces of furniture that can call to mind a vacation-like experience for just about anyone.
About the Author
Jay Gerth writes about outdoor furnishings and outdoor living. Specializing in Adirondack chairs and other furnishings, his expert opinions have helped others find satisfaction with and great uses for their outdoor living spaces.
Shop Class Adirondack Chair Intro.
|
|
Tervis Tumbler Assorted Adirondack Chairs 16-Ounce Double Wall Insulated Tumbler, Set of 4 $27.45 Tervis Tumblers are the strongest, most durable drinkware available. Featuring ultrasonically sealed double wall insulation and made of polycarbonate with the clarity of glass, they keep beverages hot or cold longer without a drop of condensation. Lifetime manufacturer guarantee…. |
|
|
Beach Umbrellas & Adirondack Chairs Coffee Latte Mug $9.09 Beach Umbrellas & Adirondack Chairs Coffee Latte Mug… |
|
|
Adirondack Chair Beach Umbrella Tempered Glass Coaster Set of Four Spice up your Beach themed decor with this beautifully detailed coaster set. Made of tempered glass, these high quality coasters will protect your furniture from spills and heat, while looking absolutely gorgeous. Makes a great housewarming gift! Set of 4. |
|
|
The New Yankee Workshop: Adirondack Chair Master carpenter Norm Abram, who for 10 years has helped guide intrepid do-it-yourselfers through home renovation projects on This Old House, now will show viewers how to build simple, elegant furniture at home in The New Yankee Workshop, a new public television series…. |
|
|
Beach Chair and Umbrella Cake Topper Decorating Kit $7.99 From the Party Supply Collection. Beach Chair & Umbrella Cake Topper. Recreate a relaxing beach front scene with this cake topper. Features a small white beach chair and a yellow umbrella. Measures approximately 3″ tall. Perfect for pool parties and other summer themed events. Not recommended for children under 3 years of age…. |
|
|
White Adirondack Chair Place Card Holders Finding the right beach wedding favors is a breeze with these adorable Adirondack chair place card holders. Searching for beach wedding favors that really capture the leisurely seaside atmosphere? Well, what could say casual and comfortable better than these white resin Adirondack chair place card holders that cheerfully invite your guests to take a seat and relax? These tiny chairs make lovely an… |
|
|
Adirondack Chairs By The Water Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Birthday cards & photo Birthday cards from Greeting Card Universe will bring a smile to your loved ones’ face. Make this birthday a memorable one by sending a custom card. Send a paper birthday card from Greeting Card Universe this year. This paper card includes the following themes: Adirondack Chairs, watercolor, and Happy Birthday. General B… |
|
|
Susan Brown Designs General Themes – Adirondack Chairs – Mouse Pads $11.99 Adirondack Chairs Mouse Pad is measuring 8w x 8h x .25d, soft commercial quality high resolution product. The image is permanent and becomes part of the mouse pad surface. Our transfer method produces professional matte finish with Premium Quality and Superior image resolution…. |
|
|
Susan Brown Designs General Themes – Adirondack Chairs – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Adirondack Chairs Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
|
|
Dimensions Needlecrafts Paintworks Paint By Number, Adirondack Evening $12.62 Dimensions brings you paint kits that are fun and quick to paint. With their color mixing you will achieve the subtle tones that make their designs look so realistic. Kit includes: pre-printed textured art board, high-quality acrylic paints, a paint brush, and easy to follow instructions. Finished size: 14″ x 20″. Frames and mats are not included. Conforms to ASTM D4236. Made in USA…. |
Tags: adirondack, adirondack chair cushions, adirondack chair kits, adirondack chair los angeles, adirondack chair plans, adirondack chairs, chair, furniture, plans, woodworking