Settle Into an Adirondack Chair: The Best in Outdoor Relaxation

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Adirondack chairs are the ideal outdoor furniture choice for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying nature. They are familiar even to those who have never had the good fortune to visit the Adirondack Mountains of New York state. Adirondack chairs are comfortable because the chair back usually has an incline of 30 degrees and excellent lower back support. These chairs are perfect for house porches, cabins or hunting lodges and are beloved for their durability since they are usually made from durable, insect resistant woods like cedar and redwood, although other forms of timber are acceptable.

Adirondack chairs were originally developed by Thomas Lee in 1903 to provide outdoor seating at a summer resort in Westport, NY, and the essential design has remained much the same ever since. After some experimentation using his family members as comfort “guinea pigs,” the design was patented in 1914. Adirondack chairs quickly became popular in the region for lounging in the outdoors. This design has spawned various different styles of outdoor furniture, and offer a classic choice in outdoor garden furniture synonymous with outdoor leisure and enjoyment. Adirondack chairs made of cedar are low maintenance, meaning you almost can neglect them over the winter months, and they will withstand the elements. It would be prudent, however, to cover them or bring them inside to get the maximum live out of the wood.

In addition to chairs, Adirondack rockers have been part of the American scene for a long time as well. Usually constructed by adding rocker runners to the legs of Adirondack chairs, rockers add a comfortable back and forth motion to the lounging experience. Further, since rockers sit up a bit higher, some folks find them easier to get into and out of than a standard Adirondack chair.

Cedar is the preferred wood for Adirondack chairs, although pine and redwood are used occasionally. Cedar is a wonderful choice for the road to being environmentally friendly as well. It has the US Forest Products Laboratory highest rating for decay and disease resistance, and is naturally resistant to insect damage and weather damage which makes it ideal for outdoor furniture. Cedar has a very high strength to weight ratio which means it is durable as well as easy to move about. Cedar Adirondack chairs are ideal for humid areas as it absorbs and loses moisture slowly, which minimizes the dry cracking, splintering and swelling more characteristic of oak or pine.

Adirondack chairs are also known as Cape Cod chairs and Muskoka chairs in different areas of the world. They are a unique combination of man-made ingenuity and craftsmanship in combination with the beauty of natural design. Adirondack chairs are an investment for life as they are very durable and can be used for a many decades with proper care. They look great in natural settings, blending in well with almost any decor. They are high quality pieces of furniture that work great for indoor use as well as outdoor use. Adirondack chairs are deep and comfortable and can usually be found accompanied by a matching footrest and table.

About the Author

Jay Gerth writes extensively about outdoor furniture. Specializing in Muskoka chairs and other Adirondack furnishings, his expert opinions have helped others find great uses for their outdoor living spaces.   

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