How can you tell if you’re getting value for your money?
Not all Adirondack chairs are created equal, but it’s very difficult to determine quality when all you have to base your opinion on is a photo. Here are some of the things to consider when shopping for an Adirondack chair.
Comfort:
When comparing Adirondack chairs, here are some things to look for:
Reclined Back – Adirondack chairs were originally designed to sit on a hill (or mountain) when placed on this sloping surface, the chair actually sat level…most would take this chair and place it on flat surfaces without adjusting the chair recline, therefore the standard chair tilts back too much and makes it difficult to sit down and get up. Make sure the backrest has a gentle slope, not an armchair slope.
Flat Back vs. Curved Back: A flat back is hard on your spine when sitting, but a curved (fan-style) back that is too curved causes you to hunch your shoulders forward to lean back in the chair, creating tension between the shoulder blades. The curve should be slight like the natural curve between the shoulder blades.
Seat curve: If you see a dramatic curve in the seat, it’s probably not as comfortable as a smooth curve. A dramatic curve creates sharp edge angles from the top screw-in slats that dig in when you’re sitting. A flat seat is better than one that is too curved, but the slight smooth curve is the most comfortable as long as the seat does not curve too much. Too much curve can also cause pressure points behind the knees.
Bottom of Seat: Some chairs have a custom shaped wide last seat slat to fill in the space where the back curves around the seat…that space is actually more comfortable left unfilled than with a flat piece of wood that often digs into the coccyx because it slopes upward following the curve of the chair seat. It may look prettier, but it’s less comfortable and can cause lower spine problems.
Seat Front: The seat front of the Adirondack chair may be cut flat (behind the knees)…if so, be aware that this edge may sag below the knees creating pressure points that will cause the feet to slip. sleep.
Legs under the seat: The legs under the seat should have a solid bracing system (either cross bracing or, more preferably, a large board that is screwed down in several places to create a solid base).
Back bracing: The back should be very well braced, especially where the back meets the seat, as that is the weak spot on most Adirondack chairs. This is even more essential in Adirondack folding chairs. Three back braces are stronger than two and help eliminate movement of the flesh.
Those are just some of the things that add to the comfort; Of course, there will be aesthetic differences in the designs that one will prefer over another.
Wood:
Not all woods hold up well in all climates, but if you’re looking for something cheap that you’ll replace in a year or so, any material will do. However, if you are looking for a long-term investment in a better quality Adirondack chair, you should consider the following.
Pine: OK short-term, but not resistant to termites and prone to water damage, mold, and rot. To make your pine last longer, be sure to give it a good finish that includes a primer and a high UV rated top coat. Pine can last more than a few years, but it does require regular maintenance. This is a cheap wood available anywhere and is most often used in products made in the third world (Malaysia, China, etc.). Be careful with pressure treated pine as the chemicals used in pressure treating can be harmful to your health.
Cedar – This is the best softwood for longevity as it is naturally impervious to rot and the cedar oils deter insects. Cedar is the wood of choice for decks, walkways, and more due to its high durability and easy availability in North America, as it is native to our country. Marks and blemishes can be easily sanded away and cedar can last for many generations. If left unfinished, it will eventually turn a soft silver gray and within a decade small cracks will appear in the surface of the wood, but they will not compromise the strength or lifespan of the wood. There are many species of cedar, but the most durable is the western red cedar.
Teak – This is a very heavy hardwood that can last incredibly (for generations). Its density creates the great weight of this wood and, like cedar, it is naturally impervious to termites. Teak is imported and is not native to North America and, due to its heavy weight and high demand, is incredibly expensive (up to 3 times the price of products made from cedar, up to 6 times the price of products made from Cedar). Pine). Teak is difficult to care for as it does not stain well.
NOTE: Some manufacturers are now aware of global concerns around the destruction of rainforests and wildlife, so they only use certified, sustainably harvested wood. To do your part in saving our forests, be sure to ask where the manufacturer gets their wood from and if it comes from a certified supplier.
There are many good Adirondack chair companies that offer value to their customers. Finding the right one for you can take time and effort, but it can bring you years of endless enjoyment if you take the time to select wisely.
WARNING: Before you buy an Adirondack chair online, be sure to read the fine print: Returning Adirondack chairs can be very expensive if you don’t like what you receive (most don’t reimburse you for the original shipping costs and you have to pay the return). freight and often charge a restocking fee if there is nothing wrong with it). This can easily add up to $80 or more per chair. Can you imagine paying $80 or more to return something you don’t want? Don’t risk your money buying online – read the warranty and return policy FIRST and if they don’t have one posted you can assume you will be charged.
Be sure to read my next blog where I’ll tell you what the Adirondack chair companies don’t want you to know about…credit card protection when shopping online.
