You've probably seen an Adirondack chair before but never knew what it was called. For some, it's “just a chair”, but it's more than just a place to sit down.
A classic design piece of outdoor furniture that graces patios, decks and even storefronts, we'll explain what this outdoor seat is all about and what makes it so great.
A brief history is also included - hence why you’ve probably seen it everywhere. And scroll for a round-up of the best Adirondack outdoor chairs.
Brief History of Adirondack Chair
The year is 1903, and a man named Thomas Lee was on a mission to create comfortable seating with timeless design. It all began in Westport, New York, vacationing with his family.
The Lee family owned a home on Lake Champlain, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. After building countless prototypes for three years, he revealed his magnum opus.
Mr. Lee offered his design to a carpenter friend, Harry Bunnell. He continued to manufacture and refine the design for decades.
Business was booming, and competitors took notice. The demand for the slatted seat grew, and it's the Adirondack chair that we know of today.
By pure geography alone, it made more sense for the locals to call it the ‘Adirondack’ chair. A low chair design with wide armrests, a high back and a slanted seat.
What Are Adirondack Chairs?
The Adirondack chair is a seat designed for outdoor lounging. Even if you don't know it by name, you'd probably recognise it if you came across one.
This outdoor living piece is likely spotted in the backyard, on patio space, and even by poolsides. It's known for its wide slats of wood that form the backrest and slanted seat portions of a chair.
It also features wooden planks that serve as extra-wide armrests. ‘Adirondacks’ are sturdy chairs and outdoor furnishing staples. Today, they are often the symbols used for ‘vacation’ or to create a ‘summer outdoor experience’ at home.
Today's Adirondack Chair
The reclined seat design of the Adirondack chair offers good back (and bottom) support. Its stylish form and function make it perfect for napping and sunbathing. Including these special features:
- Many Adirondack chairs feature a contoured seat front. A contoured seat provides extra support for the back of your knees.
- You can pair an Adirondack chair with a retractable ottoman for extra leg and knee support. A built-in ottoman also works well for a customised chair plan.
- For added comfort, dress your chair with seat cushions. A headrest also adds up to the modern design.
The Adirondack chair simply delivered smarter comfort. Its built-in recliner was unlike anything anyone had seen before. (In the late 19th and early 20th centuries.)
Today, ‘practicality’ has been added to the qualities. The ergonomic design allows the arch of the backrest to be comfortable on its own.
Plus, the materials it's made of can be left outdoors for years in harsh weather with little or no upkeep. Weather resistance materials include high-density polyethylene.
Benches, solid wood chairs and loungers are the only common alternative chairs for patio and backyard spaces. It’s no wonder the Adirondack chair has seen so much success!
Equip Your Outdoor Living Space with Our Adirondack Chairs!
Traditionally made from solid wood, modern plastic designs have also been introduced. This means new colour and low-maintenance upkeep into the equation.
On the hunt for the best Adirondack chairs? Whether you're looking for a wood or plastic Adirondack chair, we've got you covered.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the options - a broad range of styles and designs!
Bjørn Polywood Adirondack Chair
£85.50
More about the Bjørn Polywood Adirondack Chair... Our Bjørn Polywood Adirondack Chair is the very definition of comfort, letting you sink into a relaxing seating position to forget about your worries. Position it on your patio, terrace, balcony or out on… read more
1. Bjørn Polywood Adirondack Chair
Trueshopping's Bjørn Polywood Adirondack Chair is the very definition of comfort. It’s made from Polywood, making it completely weatherproof.
Polywood is an eco-friendly and recyclable material. In the furniture form, it's easy to care for, low maintenance, and also fade and scratch-resistant.
Enjoy the feeling of leaning backwards and forgetting about any stresses for a while! Position it on your patio, terrace, balcony spaces or out on the garden lawn.
Another main benefit of Polywood is its ability to retain colour. Here, there are three colours available: dark blue, dark green and brown.
When you invest in this perfect chair, you'll benefit from it for years to come. Plus, you have the reassurance that harm to the environment is being reduced!
Size: 88cm (H) x 91cm (L) x 82cm (W)
Newby Adirondack Armchair Lounger
£76.92
£115.00
More about the Newby Adirondack Armchair Lounger... Take up outdoor living in style and comfort with this Wooden Adirondack garden lounger chair, perfect for lazy afternoons in the garden, or on the patio. Carefully constructed from highly durable Chinese Fir, the… read more
2. Newby Adirondack Armchair Lounger
Take up outdoor living in style and comfort with the Newby, perfect for lazy afternoons. Carefully constructed from highly durable Chinese Fir, it has an attractive slatted design.
The wood is extremely hard wearing and responds very well to paint and preservatives.
Robust and very practical, it features integral leg rest. This final touch glides out from under the seat to turn the armchair into a superb sun lounger.
To store, loosen the chair bolts slightly to fold the chair and put it away. The scalloped seat edges and a very comfortable curved back. While the wide, flat arms give lots of room for you to relax!
Size: 87cm (H) x 96cm (L) x 78cm (W)
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Bowland Adirondack Wooden Rocking Chair
£61.22
£109.00
More about the Bowland Adirondack Wooden Rocking Chair... Make the most of your outdoor space with the Bowland Adirondack Wooden Rocking Chair, perfect for lazy afternoons in the garden or on the patio. Carefully constructed from highly-durable Chinese Fir, the Bowland… read more
3. Bowland Adirondack Wooden Rocking Chair
Make the most of your outdoor space with the Bowland Adirondack rocking chair! Made from a Chinese Firm, it's also supplied with a coat of preservatives that gives it a natural finish.
If desired, the rocker may be painted to match your own colour schemes. The finish takes normal paint very well. Or simply add one of our garden cushions for a pop of colour.
The classic design is just one of many across our range of outdoor chairs. It provides comfortable seating with an ergonomic design.
We also have a model available for kids: Children's Adirondack Rocking Chair!
Note: We recommend treating the chair with preservative or Teak Oil in autumn and again in spring yearly. This is especially important if the wooden furniture is kept permanently outdoors.
Size: 92 cm (L) x 99 cm (H) x 79 cm (W)
Leven Adirondack Armchair (Adjustable Back Rest)
£70.80
£119.00
More about the Leven Adirondack Armchair (Adjustable Back Rest)... The Trueshopping Leven Adirondack Armchair features an adjustable back rest and is crafted from Chinese Fir - Cunningham Lanceolata, this is sourced from conservation-oriented sustainable plantations. The finish of this garden chair… read more
4. Leven Adirondack Armchair (Adjustable Back Rest)
The Leven is crafted from Chinese Fir, featuring a naturally beautiful finish. But the highlight of this Adirondack armchair is the adjustable backrest.
What's more, it comes with four convenient settings, ensuring maximum comfort. The curved back and wide armrests also allow plentiful room to relax on.
It makes the ideal piece of furniture for people who love to sit back and relax in their outdoor space!
Size: 91cm (L) x 85cm (H) x 79cm (W)
Topsham Adirondack Teak Chair & Foot Stool
£241.00
More about the Topsham Adirondack Teak Chair & Foot Stool... A stunning piece of garden furniture, this solid teak hardwood chair and stool are perfect for lazy afternoons in the garden. With solid construction and a beautiful appearance, this chair and… read more
5. Topsham Adirondack Teak Chair & Foot Stool
A stunning garden piece, this Adirondack chair and stool is your ultimate lounging companion! It exudes style with elegant lines and the natural aesthetic of the golden teak hardwood.
The combo can be easily adjusted to suit your mood. Set the stool to the bottom of the chair so you can lie back and relax in the sun. Or sit up and read your book in comfort as a standalone piece.
Note: The solid Teak hardwood is naturally waterproof. It's best suited to the British climate; it can be left outdoors year-round with less maintenance.
Size: 153cm x 63cm x 94cm
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Weather Resistant Adirondack Chair Cover
£19.99
More about the Weather Resistant Adirondack Chair Cover... Protect your Adirondack Chair with this strong, fully waterproof, heavy-duty cover. Your chair will be clean, dry and ready for immediate use, especially after that rain shower. Ensure your Garden Furniture remains dry,… read more
Weather Resistant Adirondack Chair Cover
Ensure your Adirondack chair remains protected and in pristine condition throughout the seasons. Protect it with this strong, fully waterproof, heavy-duty cover.
Your chair will be clean, dry and ready for immediate use, especially after that rain shower.
Size: 96cm (H) x 80cm (W) x 100cm (D)
Material: 300D Polyester with PVC backing
What Are You Waiting For?
Adirondack chairs tip you into a state of perfect relaxation. When paired with a footstool, you'll have the ideal lounger, as well as the best outdoor experience!
Once you sit in one of our Adirondack chairs, you'll see why this outdoor piece is a popular choice in the UK. Here at TrueShopping, we aim to cater for our customers’ relaxation needs.