If you ask us what is an Adirondack chair, we’ll tell you that it is more than a piece of outdoor furniture. It is a symbol of relaxation and summer.
Technically though, Adirondack chairs are sturdy recliners meant to be enjoyed outside your homes, by the pool, or the beach. So, if you wish to know more about what makes them unique and how to choose the right Adirondack chair, then you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll help you appreciate the beauty of Adirondack chairs and give you a buying guide!
What Makes Adirondack Chairs Special?
Firstly, Adirondack chairs got their name from the Adirondack mountain range. It has several names, one of which is the Westport plank chair. Some Canadians call it Muskoka chair, while some French-Canadians call it Laurentian chair.
One thing that makes Adirondack chairs unique is its slanted seat, which allows you to see straight into the horizon from where it was made (Westport). Nowadays, Adirondack chairs are manufactured to be more comfortable using thinner wood planks for the backrest. Some also have headrests and foot extensions, an evident upgrade from its predecessor, the Westport chair.
The Best Adirondack Chairs
There are numerous Adirondack chairs out there. We’ve enumerated some of the best Adirondack chairs here to help you narrow down your choices. We based this using specific qualities such as their price, special features (e.g. rocking chair, retractable), and age suitability.
First, the most affordable Adirondack is RealComfort’s Charcoal Resin Plastic Adirondack. Usually, Adirondacks are expensive, but this one costs $22 and has similar features to expensive brands.
Moreover, they are weather- and fade-resistant, despite their price. They are also easy to store because of their stackable design.
If you are looking for an Adirondack rocking chair, then Christopher Knight’s Adirondack rocking chair may be perfect for you! You can buy this from Target at $300 for two chairs. It is made of sturdy material and can be quickly assembled, making it perfect for a small family’s patio.
Another Adirondack with unique features is Christopher Knight’s Outdoor Adirondack Chair with Retractable Ottoman. You guessed right; it has a retractable ottoman that folds under the seat and can easily be retrieved.
This Adirondack chair comes in a set of two, which is perfect for partners! So you two can relax outdoors with your feet up the ottoman.
If you are looking for an Adirondack ideal for kids, then Blue Kids Outdoor Adirondack Chair may be the one for your kid. This chair can accommodate toddlers and has the same sturdy features as Adirondack chairs. The paint used is non-toxic, so there’s no need to worry about the color harming your child.
However, apart from the best brands or types of Adirondack chairs, you have to know what you have to consider when you’re buying this type of chair. Hence, we’ve listed the things you need to view below.
How To Choose The Right Adirondack Chair?
Form and function
This is the first characteristic you need to consider because Adirondack chairs may pose difficulty for people with leg or back problems. If you have either of them, we recommend that you carefully consider the form of Adirondack that you want to buy.
If you are looking for a chair wherein you can relax and tend to a small pet or child on your lap, then, by all means, choose an Adirondack chair. It is perfect for the purposes mentioned above!
Material
Nowadays, Adirondacks are made with diverse materials. We have teak, HDPE lumber, and aluminum. However, the characteristics of these materials that you need to consider are more important than the type itself.
You have to consider the material’s durability because outdoor furniture is vulnerable to weather. Take into consideration the amount of maintenance the chair needs as well. Lastly, you have to consider if the comfort it gives is reasonable for its price because this chair is made for relaxing.
Height
In line with form and function, you should look for an Adirondack chair appropriate for your height. If you don’t, it would be difficult to get into and out of the chair. Moreover, properly space your Adirondack chairs in your patio so it would not feel crowded to make it easier for you to move into and out of the chair.
Accessories
While Adirondacks are relaxing on their own, having an addition to them (e.g., ottoman) could make the experience better and more comfortable. You can also add cushions for back support or headrest pillows for head support.
Should you leave your adirondack outside?
You can leave them outside since they are weather-resistant. Also, if you have little space to store them, it is better to leave them outside.
However, to protect them from the harsh weather, we still recommend that you cover them with a tarp or shield them with a roof instead of leaving them out in the open.
Conclusion
Now that you know what is an Adirondack chair and what makes them unique, you can decide if they’re worth buying. If so, you can use our buying guide to help you choose!