How can you tell if you are getting value for your money?

Not all Adirondack chairs are created equal, but it is very difficult to distinguish quality when all you have to base your opinion on is a photo. These are some of the things to consider when buying an Adirondack chair.

Comfort:

When comparing Adirondack chairs, here are some things to look for:

Lean Back – Adirondack chairs were originally designed to sit on a hill (or mountain) when placed on this sloped surface the chair really sits level … most took this chair and placed it on flat surfaces without adjusting the chair recline, therefore the standard chair leans too far back and makes it difficult to get in and out of it. Make sure your back has a gentle incline, not a chair incline.

Flat backs vs. curved backs: Flat backs are hard on the spine when sitting, but curved (fan-style) backs that are too curved cause you to hunch your shoulders forward to lean back in the chair, causing tension between 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 is most likely not as comfortable as a smooth curve. A dramatic curve creates steep angles of the bolt-on slats on top that nail in when seated. A flat seat is better than one that is too curved, but the slightly soft curve is the most comfortable as long as the seat does not bend too much. Too much curve can also cause pressure points behind the knees.

Bottom of the seat: some chairs have a wide slat for the last custom shaped seat to fill the space where the backrest curves around the seat … that space is actually more comfortable if not filled than having a flat piece of wood that often digs into the tail bone because it angles upward following the curve of the chair seat. It may look prettier, but it’s less comfortable and can potentially cause lower spine problems.

Front of Seat: The front of the Adirondack chair seat can be cut flat (behind the knees) … if so, be aware that this edge can sink below the knees creating pressure points that will make your feet buckle. sleep.

Legs under the seat: The legs under the seat should have a solid brace system (either cross braces or more preferably a large board that is bolted in several places to create a solid base.

Backrest reinforcement: The backrest needs to be very well supported, especially where the backrest meets the seat, as that is the weak point in most Adirondack chairs. This is even more essential on Adirondack chairs that fold out. Three back straps are stronger than two and help eliminate chair movement.

Those are just a few of the things that increase 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 inexpensive that will replace in a year or so, almost any material will suffice. However, if you are looking for a long-term investment in a better quality Adirondack chair, you should consider the following.

Pine – is fine in the short term, but it is not resistant to termites and is prone to water damage, mold and rot. To make the pine last longer, be sure to give it a good finish, including a highly UV rated primer and top coat. Pine can last more than a few years, but it requires regular maintenance. It 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 treatment can be harmful to your health.

Cedar – This is the best softwood for longevity as it is naturally impervious to rot and cedar oils deter insects. Cedar is the wood of choice for terraces, walkways and the like due to its high durability and easy availability in North America, as it is a native wood of our country. Marks and blemishes can be easily sanded and cedar can last for many generations. If left unfinished it will eventually turn a smooth silver gray and within a decade small cracks will appear in the wood surface, but they do not compromise the strength or life 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 long (generations). Its density creates the great weight of this wood and, like cedar, it is naturally impervious to termites. Teak is imported and not a native North American wood and with its heavy weight and high demand it is incredibly expensive (up to 3 times the price of products made from cedar, up to 6 times the price of products made from pine). Teak is difficult to care for as it does not stain well.

NOTE: Some manufacturers are now aware of the global concerns surrounding the destruction of rainforests and wildlife, therefore they use only sustainably certified wood. To do your part to save our forests, be sure to ask where the manufacturer gets its wood from and whether 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 provide you with endless years of enjoyment if you take the time to select it 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 get (most do not reimburse you for the original shipping costs and you must pay the return ). freight and they 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 when shopping online – read the warranty and return policy FIRST and if they don’t have one posted you can assume they will charge you.

Be sure to read my next blog where I’ll tell you what Adirondack chair companies don’t want you to know about … credit card protection when shopping online.