Originally Published on September 11, 2018. Last Updated on January 26, 2024.
The Adirondack chair has staked its claim as everyone’s favorite all-season seat. Its American-born design has kept families reclined and relaxed for over 100 years—the laid-back seat and body-hugging arms consistently fulfilling a promise of sigh-inducing comfort.
If you haven’t added an Adirondack (or two) to your yard, there’s no better time than now to make the investment. We say “investment” because there’s more to buying high-quality outdoor furniture than selecting Add to Cart. Finding the right seats for your home takes time and research, but don’t stress. We’ve done all the work for you and created a detailed guide on how to buy an Adirondack chair that makes shopping quick and easy.
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Step 1: Choose the Best Material
Step 2: Consider Design & Ergonomics
Step 3: Pick an Adirondack Style
Step 4: Choose Your Color Scheme
Step 5: Accessorize
Step 1: Choose the Best Material
Aluminum, hardwood, softwood, injection-molded plastic, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are the most common materials used to build Adirondack chairs. Consider the following factors when browsing outdoor furniture materials:
- Comfort: An Adirondack should have a pleasant tactility and support your back, arms, and legs.
- Durability: Your chair can handle any climate, from intense desert heat to blizzard conditions.
- Value: The seat’s benefits over time should offset the cost.
- Aesthetic: The material you’re considering fits the look of your outdoor setting.
- Upkeep: Low-maintenance Adirondack chairs require minimal care and cleaning.
- Weight: The seat’s heft makes it wind-resistant, yet it’s light enough to move without issue.
Aluminum
Aluminum chairs are affordable and readily available, making them popular among homeowners.
Hardwood
Hardwoods like teak and ipe are strong and dense—preferred qualities for outdoor furniture.
Softwood
Chairs built from pine, cedar, and other softwoods are abundant and reasonably priced, making them attractive outdoor furniture choices.
Injection-Molded Plastic
Injection-molded plastic chairs are budget-friendly options found at many retailers.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic
HDPE is prized for its durability and longevity, often used to build outdoor furniture, playground equipment, and fencing.
Step 2: Consider Design & Ergonomics
You want furniture that fits and sits comfortably, so the shape and size of an Adirondack chair are essential elements to keep in mind when shopping. We took a more granular approach to these factors so you can consider them from every angle.
Seat Depth and Width
A larger seat offers extra room and support for your hips and thighs. Many folks will appreciate the ample space, but it may not be necessary for children or more petite individuals.
Backrest and Seat Angle
A tilted back and seat lets you lean into relaxation. However, this reclined angle may make standing up difficult for those with knee, hip, or back issues.
Armrest Width
Wide, flat armrests allow ample elbow room (and ideal drink-resting space) so your arms won’t feel cramped at your sides. Plus, they help open your chest to breathe more easily.
Leg Design
An Adirondack’s long, thick back legs extend behind the chair to support its pitched seat and back. Its unobtrusive front legs stand straight and meet the armrests at a 90-degree angle, offering sturdy handholds that assist with standing and sitting.
Seat Edge Design
An Adirondack chair’s seat will either have a waterfall front or a straight edge. Waterfall seats feature short lumber slats pieced together in a cascading curve, and straight-edged seats are simpler, with a single lumber slat positioned above a front apron. Most Adirondacks with waterfall fronts stand taller and offer extra knee support, while chairs with straight-edge seats typically have low-sitting designs with deeper reclines.
Step 3: Pick an Adirondack Style
One style doesn’t fit all when it comes to outdoor furniture. Take a look through the varied Adirondack types below to help you pick the one that fits your tastes.
Traditional
Traditional-styled Adirondack chairs pay homage to Thomas Lee’s original design from 1904. Straight backs, wide armrests, and tilted seats come together in a timeless style families have loved for more than a century. Our Cape Cod and Monterey Bay Adirondack chairs pay tribute to the iconic design with their flat backs, reclined seats, and broad arms.
Curveback
These seats are similar in design to the Muskoka chair, Canada’s take on the American-born Adirondack. Composed of thick slats that flare out slightly, the curved backrest beckons between wideset arms and a reclined seat with a rounded waterfall front. Our Yacht Club Collection offers a curveback Adirondack with an intuitively contoured back design consisting of six slats and a generous waterfall front for extra support.
Shellback
A nod to sandy beaches and salty ocean breezes, shellback Adirondack chairs feature backrests resembling seashells. The back slats taper inward, offering a fanned-out look that crowns a contoured seat. Find all these coastal-inspired features in the Yacht Club Shellback Adirondack Chair, an ideal choice for those who adore the shore.
Folding
Adirondacks that fold up give you the best of comfort and convenience. They’re always road-trip-ready (just tuck them in your trunk before heading to the lake) and can be stored when you need extra space on your deck for other activities. Our Cape Code and Monterey Bay Collections feature folding designs that let you take the comfort and relaxation of the Adirondack chair anywhere.
Rocking Chair
The seat of an Adirondack paired with the curved runners of a rocking chair—can it get any better? Yes, it can. Our Cape Cod Adirondack Rocking Chair offers a contoured seat that sits higher above a strong base, which offers extra support while you rock. This style has swaying power, letting you lean back (and forth) into a soothing motion.
Built-In Ottoman
The extra Adirondack amenity we all need: a built-in ottoman. Our Cape Cod Ultimate Adirondack has this hidden gem beneath its seat and can be extended when you want to stretch your legs or pushed in to save space. Bonus: This design also folds up, allowing you to use it when you want and tuck it into storage when more floor space is needed.
Step 4: Choose Your Color Scheme
Adirondack chairs are available in a variety of colors so you’ll easily find one that fits your home’s aesthetic. If your home’s architecture is on the eclectic side, seek spirited shades that complement the lively look, such as bold red, energetic lime green, or sea-inspired turquoise.
To match an outdoor space that has more chill vibes, go for neutral tones. Warmer hues like tan and chestnut are cozy and inviting, while cooler shades of grey and navy are calming and add a touch of modernity.
Step 5: Accessorize
Accessorizing your Adirondack chair enhances both its comfort and aesthetic. A coordinating ottoman or footstool gives your legs some love, and a seat cushion adds more support for your hips and thighs, allowing you to lounge even longer.
Seat Cushion – 16.5″D x 17.5″W x 2.5″H
Plus, accessories are less expensive style options. Seamlessly add seasonal shades to your deck using cushions and pillows tailored in all-weather performance fabric, and swap them out with the rest of your decor.
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