This rustic chair must be one of the most ideal relaxation chairs on the market today; the only problem is that once you settle in you don't really want to get up. The chair design was before its time in ergonomic and aesthetic design, with contoured back and strut supports, oversized arm rest and smooth overall finish. Adirondack chairs have also been quoted as the Muskoka chair in Canada. The chair's design has been accredited to Thomas Lee, who tested his designs on his family, as far back as 1903 – it was made from a 11 pieces of wood all cut from a single board. Like everything else the chair was shrouded with controversy when Lee gave the opportunity of manufacturing the chairs to his friend, Harry Bunnell, who patented the plans behind Lee's back and proceeded to make the 'Westport' Plank chair for the next twenty years. Adirondack chairs have become so famous that there is even a term of Adirondacking – which is an Adirondack chair picnic.
Although it was generally accepted that white cedar was used in construction of this chair, nowadays one can find the chair made from engineered wood, plastic lumber, teak and a variety of other materials. The original design of this chair has also progressed to the next level; one can enjoy a cozy evening with a loved one on the double sized loveseat, or rock the little one to sleep with the adirondack rocking chair. After working the whole day in the garden, there is nothing like getting that beer out of the fridge, and pulling up the matching ottoman to the chair and sitting back surveying all the great work you have done.
The popularity of these chairs has spread all over the world and they can be bought from anywhere, and seen everywhere. Walking down a street one will see the chairs in sidewalk cafes and restaurants; They are especially useful when space is restricted due to their oversized arm rests, which eliminates the need for a table, as these rests can serve as a makeshift table for drinks, plates and the like.
When a bit of imagination is used, one can create a whole new look by creating different covers or cushions for these chairs, if space permits one can create several looks for this furniture type and interchange as the need arises. I was also taken aback by the apparent ease of actually making your own Adirondack chairs, provided you have the necessary tools and skills. A question did arise as to the suitability of which wood to use as well as the staining or painting options. Generally oak, cedar and cypress was recommended and if you are a wood lover, deep penetrating oil would provide that natural deep wood finish.
So for a time tested chair, that's been around for more than one hundred years – providing the satisfaction of a very comfortable ergonomic seat one can't seem to go wrong with Adirondack chairs, go ahead and enjoy!
