The Adirondack chair, one of the most iconic and beloved furniture designs, was invented and designed by Thomas Lee in 1903. Lee was a Harvard University graduate who spent his summers in Westport, New York, a small town nestled in the Adirondack Mountains.
The story goes that Lee was in search of a comfortable outdoor chair to relax in during his vacation, but he found the contemporary options lacking in terms of comfort and functionality. Determined to create the perfect outdoor seat, he decided to design his own.
Using locally available materials like a few pieces of boards and a single plank, Lee crafted the prototype of what we now know as the Adirondack chair. The design featured a slanted backrest, wide armrests, and a contoured seat. It offered excellent support to the back and legs, making it perfect for lounging and enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains.
Impressed by his creation, Lee shared his design with his friend, Harry C. Bunnell, a carpenter. Recognizing the potential commercial appeal, Bunnell sought Lee's permission to make and sell the chairs. Lee, being a generous person, granted the request without any royalties agreement, thinking it was a one-time favor.
Bunnell began manufacturing and selling the chairs under the name "Westport Plank Chair." He patented the design in 1905, claiming it as his own. Initially, the sales were local, but as people recognized the chair's comfort and charm, demand grew both regionally and nationally.
Over time, the Adirondack chair gained immense popularity, becoming a staple for outdoor seating. It became synonymous with relaxation, outdoor leisure, and rustic charm. Although Bunnell capitalized on the design's success, he never paid Lee any royalties despite the design being Lee's creation.
Despite not receiving credit or compensation in his lifetime, Thomas Lee's design has become a timeless classic. His innovative, practical, and comfortable chair design has stood the test of time and continues to be cherished today. The Adirondack chair serves as a testament to Lee's creativity and the beauty of simplicity in design, bringing comfort and joy to countless individuals enjoying the great outdoors.
Best Adirondack Chairs of December 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
SERWALL Adirondack Chair for Patio Garden Outdoors Fire Pit- (Folding Gray)
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FOLDING DESIGN – Are you still struggling with the size of Adirondack Chair? This Adirondack chair can be stored away easily. Buy SERWALL folding adirondack chairs to make more room for your home! Buy SERWALL outdoor table to match the chair(ASIN:B09M6H2DVX). Buy SERWALL Ottoman: (ASIN:B0BLXN44CM).
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WHY CHOOSE SERWALL? Material of SERWALL- HIPS: High Impact Polystyrene (Poly Lumber), looks and feels like real wood, composite, weather resistant, low maintenance, more durable than wood, surface is smoother than HDPE material. 22 inch armrest width and 380 lbs load capacity can make anyone of any body type feel really comfortable.
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PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: 32.9"D x 29.4"W x 35.8"H, The seat width of the SERWALL Classic Adirondack Chair is 2 inches wider than the average chair in the market, the Outdoor Adirondack Chair is the perfect companion for chaise lounge rocking chairs and outdoor patio furniture.
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WEATHER RESISTANT AND FADE-PROOF: SERWALL Adiorndack Chair adopt new Color retaining technology, made of high-quality, HIPS materials, this chair is built to withstand the elements for long-lasting durability won't fade, splinter, crack, chip, peel, or rot when exposed to the elements.
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE: Partial assembly required, hassle free. Just tighten the screws and splice parts according to the instructions, with 6 pieces, 5 steps, 15 minutes, you can own a durable folding Adirondack chair.
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GUARANTEE: We want our customers to be 100% happy and satisfied with SERWALL Adirondack Chair - You can always come to us for any product issue and product care at our Amazon store, we are committed to satisfying our customers.
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CLASSIC DESIGN: Classic and versatile appearance, making this chair perfect for your home or garden.
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STRENGTH AND DURABILITY: The HIPS material- Toughness is about four times higher than ordinary PS, with better impact strength. The melting temperature of PS is 150 ~ 180°C. SERWALL composite Adirondack chair is subject to a variety of climate changes including strong wind, sun exposure.
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SLATTED DESIGN: Slatted backrest and seat sheds rainwater and dries quickly, spacious armrests for comfortable sitting experience. Ergonomic structure with curved backrest brings for you more comfortable seating experience.
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COMFORTABLE SEAT: Large seat, tall backrest, and wide armrests make it a seating solution built for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. SERWALL Chair is free of burrs to prevent stabbing of the skin. And the exquisite connection between panels is firmly fixed by the screws to ensure that it won’t easily wobble or fall apart.
2
Rating is 5 out of 5
Modern Adirondack Chair Wood Texture, Poly Lumber Patio Chairs, Pre-Assembled Weather Resistant Outdoor Chairs for Pool, Deck, Backyard, Garden, Fire Pit Seating, Black
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Durable Material: POLYDUN Adirondack chair is made of high-density Polystyrene(Poly Lumber) and marine-grade stainless steel hardware, strong and durable, can withstand all kinds of harsh weather. 22.64 inch armrest width and 385 lbs maximum load capacity suitable for any body type. suitable for any body type.
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Ergonomically Design: The adirondack chair is ergonomically designed, the curved seat front and high backrest effectively release spinal pressure and relieve fatigue; 103°elevation design makes sitting more comfortable; 4.63" wide armrests are enough to place your belongings such as your daily drinking cup and phone.
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Weather Resistant & Fade-Resistant: Looks and feels like real wood but unlike wooden furniture, POLYDUN adirondack chairs will not fade, crack, warp, rust or rot when exposed to the elements. Composite, weather resistant, low maintenance, more durable than wood.
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Easy to Assemble: Detailed installation instructions, the pre-assembled contoured seat, and backrest make assembly very easy and fast, get a beautiful chair in just 15 minutes, saving you even more time.
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Easy to clean：You can use a towel dipped in water or soapy water to scrub directly If accidentally soiled, you can use the included sandpaper to gently wipe away stains or scratches if there are stubborn stains or accidental scratches. Normal cleaning and maintenance will not cause damage to the product.
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Rating is 4.8 out of 5
WestinTrends Outdoor Adirondack Chair, Plastic Fire Pit Chair, Weather Resistant Folding Patio Lawn Chair for Outside Deck Garden Backyard Balcony, Orange
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Better than wood: Our plastic adirondack chairs are made of high-density polyethylene (poly lumber) material, which is stronger and durable than wood. Look and feel like real wood, composite, weather-proof, easy to maintenance.
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Foldable and Stackable: Our folding Adirondack chairs can be easily folded and carried. Conveniently folds flat by removing two pins for easy transportation and storage. And you can take this patio chair out camping or fold it for storage when not in use to save more space on your patio.
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Water and Heat Resistant: It can withstand the environment of hot sun, heavy snow, salt spray and strong coastal wind. With strong resistance to wind and rain, and better color fastness, it is easy to clean and has low maintenance cost.
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Comfortable Seat: The curved and lengthened chair back effectively release spinal pressure and relieve fatigue. 103 degree elevation allows sitting design deeper, which easily fit for adults, tall and obese people More comfortable when sitting. The armrests are wide enough to place commonly used style cups and plates.
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Installation and Warranty: This outdoor folding chair comes with detailed installation instructions. You only need 5 steps to assemble 9 parts into a sturdy and comfortable adirondack chair in 15 minutes. Our chair comes with 2 year warranty and our customer service team will render you a solution within 24 hours.
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Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Cecarol Normal Size Adirondack Chair, Poly Lumber Comfortable Patio Fire Pit Chair with 2 Cup Holder, 385lbs Capacity, All Weather Resistant and Durable Chair for Indoor, Outdoor, Garden, Coffee-AC01S
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【Warm Reminder】Thank you for browsing our products. We redesigned the brand LOGO again (with a small roof design on the top), hoping that the product can bring you a casual, fashion and comfortable outdoor and home living experience. The videos on the current website all use the new LOGO to display the products, and our first batch of products use the old LOGO, only the pure English letters “Cecarol”. We hope you can know the design differences of the brand LOGO before purchasing. And if you have any question, please feel free to write us on Amazon, We will solve it for you as soon as possible.
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【Comfortable Curved Back Design】The concave and round backrest fits the body better. The high backrest supports the head and relax the cervical spine. Widened armrests are better for arm relaxation. The exclusive large circle design at the front end of the seat plate does not rest the legs, making the ride more comfortable.
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【Durable Material and Weather Resistant】Made of high-density polystyrene, which looks like wood, it is actually stronger and more corrosion-resistant than wood, and can bear a weight of 385 pounds. It is very suitable to withstand outdoor weather, including rain, snow, sunlight, sea breeze, and will not crack and fade.
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【Convenient Cup Holder and Glass Wine Holder】The cup holder is designed with a swing type, which can be hidden under the armrest when not in use, just pull it out when you want to use it. You can place cups or other small objects within reach.
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【Easy to Assemble】Embedded nuts make the installation easier and firmly fix the chair with the bolts. The product structure is simple and practical, and it can be easily operated according to the provided manual or installation video.
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【Easy to Clean and Maintain】You can use a towel dipped in water or soapy water to scrub directly If it is accidentally dirty, if there are stubborn stains or accidental scratches, you can use the provided sandpaper to gently wipe the stains or scratches. Normal cleaning and maintenance will not cause damage to the product.
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【After-sales Service】Please Note: Each chair is shipped separately, the arrival time may differ. And if there are shipping damage or other issue, can you give us a chance to solve your problem? you can write us on Amazon at anytime, we will provide you with a solution on the same day.
5
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Outsunny Adirondack Chair with Cup Holder, All Weather Patio Chair HDPE Lounger, Fire Pit Seating High Back and Wide Seat for Outdoor, Backyard, Garden, Deck, Lawn, White
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Plenty Of Room to Relax: These all-weather Adirondack chairs have a broad base that gives plenty of room for people of all shapes and sizes to sit down and be comfortable. Easily keep it clean by scrubbing its surface with soap, water, and a rag or brush.
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Comfortable Adirondack: Constructed for comfort, this rustic Adirondack chair was built with high-rise tilted back support, a sloped seat, and two wide-and-comfortable armrests to take weight off of what's sore.
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Cup Holder: Our Adirondack chair comes with cup holders in the armrest; bring your favorite drink to the backyard and relax when you conveniently keep your cup in your fire pit chair.
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Durable Consturction: Our Adirondack chairs are made of waterproof HDPE, a material selected to not splinter, crack, chip, or peel. Approximately 30,000 milk jugs per hour are reprocess into HDPE all-weather lumber.
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Deck Chair Info: Overall Dimensions: 29.5" W x 34.25" D x 35.5" H. Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
Have there been any controversies or legal disputes related to the design of the Adirondack chair?
No, there have been no major controversies or legal disputes related to the design of the Adirondack chair. The Adirondack chair is a classic and popular outdoor furniture design that has been around for over a century. While there may have been individuals or companies disputing minor aspects or claiming copyright on variations of the chair, there haven't been any widely known controversies that have significantly affected the design's overall popularity or created legal disputes of great significance. The Adirondack chair is considered a widely accessible and customizable design with no specific trademark or ownership concerns.
Are there any specific weather-resistant treatments recommended for Adirondack chairs?
Yes, there are several weather-resistant treatments recommended for Adirondack chairs. Here are a few commonly used options:
- Outdoor sealers: Look for sealers specifically formulated for outdoor use. These sealers create a protective layer on the chair's surface, preventing moisture penetration and UV damage. Choose a sealer that is suitable for the material your Adirondack chair is made of (wood, plastic, or composite).
- Exterior paint: If you prefer a colorful or customized look, you can paint your Adirondack chairs with exterior-grade paint. Opt for paints that have UV and moisture resistance properties. Ensure that the paint is suitable for the material of your chair.
- Stains and oils: Stains and oils specially designed for outdoor furniture can enhance the natural beauty of wooden Adirondack chairs while adding weather resistance. These products penetrate the wood, nourish it, and create a protective barrier. They also help prevent the wood from cracking, warping, or fading due to weather conditions.
- Varnish: Applying a weather-resistant varnish to your Adirondack chairs can provide protection against rain, sunlight, and other outdoor elements. Look for marine-grade or exterior varnishes that are specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
When selecting any of these treatments, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, prepare the chairs properly, and apply multiple coats if recommended. Additionally, it's advisable to regularly clean and reapply the treatment as needed to maintain the chairs' weather resistance.
Are there any famous or iconic locations where Adirondack chairs are commonly found?
Yes, there are several famous or iconic locations where Adirondack chairs are commonly found. Here are a few examples:
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Adirondack chairs can often be found along the beaches or coastal areas of Cape Cod. They offer a place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.
- The Hamptons, New York: Adirondack chairs are a common sight in the upscale beach towns of the Hamptons. They are often placed in gardens, patios, or near swimming pools.
- Mackinac Island, Michigan: This picturesque island in Lake Huron is known for its Victorian architecture and scenic beauty. Adirondack chairs can be found at various locations, including resorts, gardens, and along the waterfront, where they provide a relaxing spot to enjoy the views.
- Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts: Adirondack chairs can be seen at various spots on Martha's Vineyard, such as public parks, beaches, and outdoor dining areas. They are often painted in vibrant colors, adding to the island's charm.
- Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Adirondack chairs are commonly found at resorts, lodges, and cabins around Lake Tahoe. They offer a comfortable place to relax, enjoy the lake views, and soak up the mountainous scenery.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: This picturesque town located near Niagara Falls is known for its historic charm and wineries. Adirondack chairs can be found in vineyards, patios, and gardens, providing a cozy spot to sip wine and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
It's worth noting that Adirondack chairs have become widely popular in many locations beyond these examples due to their timeless design and comfortable appeal.
