Adirondack
chairs are an American classic. They can be found alongside Lake
Champlain (the birthplace of the Adirondack chair), poolside at resorts,
on cruise ship decks, on personal home decks and patios, and many
other places. People love Adirondack chairs because of their clean
and simple lines and because of how comfortable they truly are.
If you are in the market for an Adirondack chair of your very own,
you need to realize the different options that you have. Here are
some of the materials that Adirondack chairs are available in:
• Wood – teak is, perhaps, one of the most popular materials
for Adirondack chairs. It is durable, naturally resistant to insect
infestation, and ages beautifully. Many people love the silvering
color that untreated teak ages into. Other people prefer to apply
teak oil to keep it as restored as possible. When buying teak Adirondack
chairs, make sure you check first to see whether it has been treated
or not. Adirondack chairs are made in many other woods, as well. Certain
woods, like pine, most definitely need to be treated regularly with
a protectant. The benefit of other woods, though, is that they are
often much less expensive. Be sure to follow the care instructions
that come with your Adirondack chairs.
• Plastic – while plastic Adirondack chairs are not considered
to be as beautiful as wooden ones, it is less expensive and can last
for a very long time. And while the style is a little less, the comfort
is the same. Be sure to check out Adirondack chairs made from recycled
plastic – these are fun, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.
As an added bonus, they are very easy to clean. Just spray them down
with a hose!
• Skis – it is a growing trend to take multiple pairs
of old skis and turn them into Adirondack chairs. These are very fun
to have and are perfect for anyone who skis.
There are also many different types of Adirondack chairs that you
should consider:
• Folding – these Adirondack chairs are easy to fold
up and take with you to soccer games, the beach, or to the shed for
winter storage.
• Reclining – these Adirondack chairs can recline so that
you can find the angle of the most comfort.
• Rocker – this type of Adirondack chair has the classic
look of regular Adirondack chairs, but in rocking chair form.
• Love seat – it is possible to find some Adirondack chairs
that are built for two!
• Ottoman – there are ottomans that fit beautifully with
Adirondack chairs, looking more like part of the chair than a separate
piece. Adirondack chair ottomans turn your basic chair into a lounge
chair.
Other variances in Adirondack chairs that you might want to look
for is in the boards. The majority have vertical boards, but some
have horizontal boards. Some boards are wide, some are thin, some
are tapered, some are straight. Some Adirondack chairs are painted
with designs, others are shaped to look like fish. Some Adirondack
chairs are painted in bright colors, others maintain their natural
wood finishes. Some Adirondack chairs are made to be kid-size or even
doll-size.