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Sep.21,2010
During the spring and summer months when people sit outside, talk, nap, or simply watch the sky, a popular choice of seating is the Adirondack Chairs. So, just what is the Adirondack Chair and why is it so popular?
Adirondack Chairs are usually found in outdoor settings. In Canada, they tend to be known as Muskoka Chairs (the name coming from the Muskoka District Municipality where it is common to see many cabins and outdoor seating areas).
It is said that Adirondack chairs were created by Thomas Lee in 1903 when he needed some outdoor chairs while his family was on vacation in Westport, New York. The legend says that he cut eleven slats of wood from one piece of wood and put them together to make the chair.
Lee knew Harry Burnell and he knew that Burnell needed some income and gave him the pattern for the chair. The chair was first known as a Westport chair. Burnell filed a patent for the design and did not include Lee in the patent.
Not all Adirondack chairs are made from eleven slats of wood. However, they all have the same typical design. The back is made from a number of slats of wood creating a spaced or fanned feeling. Then the seat is set low and at an angle from the back that makes it a comfortable place for a person to sit. The arms are wide allowing things to be set on them rather than using a table.
The chairs are still popular today because the angle of the seat allows for a very comfortable sitting position. Some people are so comfortable in Adirondack chairs that they easily fall asleep in them.
Adirondack chairs are also a very popular choice for outdoor seating at restaurants. This is because the wide arms allow people to set food and drinks on the arms and tables are not needed.
Traditionally Adirondack chairs are made from wood. These chairs require a bit of maintenance every twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months. If used an a humid or wet climate, the wood will easily absorb water and require more maintenance. Another choice of material for Adirondack chairs is “engineered wood.” This is also known as “man made wood,” or “manufactured wood.” Another interesting change in design is the “waterfall edge,” so that the edge of the chair is not as sharp as the original giving more comfort.
Many companies now make Adirondack chairs in plastic as well so the only maintenance required is cleaning the chairs when they get dirty.
The classic colors of Adirondack chairs are either the plain wood or stained wood, white, yellow, or barn red. However, many companies and manufactures now offer more colors. Some are simple and some are even as elaborate and showy as a bright flamingo pink.
Then there are the Adirondack chairs with painted designs. These are quite popular at art shows. Of course, a plain Adirondack chair can be bought and painted to match the décor of the house, cabin, or campsite as well.
The Adirondack design has even been incorporated into other furniture. Of course, there are Adirondack chairs that have been turned into rocking chairs. Both these and traditional Adirondack chairs can easily have a wood ottoman that allow a person to easily stretch out by placing feet on the ottoman creating a comfortable sleeping position.
There are also inside chairs, love seats, and gliders. Because these chairs and this design are so popular, there are many do-it-yourself sites on the Internet for building Adirondack chairs – from the traditional, to children’s Adirondack chairs, to many different adaptations.
If you would like to see different adirondack chairs from all eras and in many colors just click this link: adirondack chairs
Mike writes about household subjects and solutions to everyday problems.
Tags : Adirondack, chairs, People
