Adirondack Chairs

The history of the Adirondack chair

The Adirondack chair, also known as the Muskoka chair in Canada, is an iconic piece of outdoor furniture that originates from North America. The history of this chair begins in the early 20th century, specifically in the Adirondack Mountains region of New York State.

Origin and eureka!

The Adirondack chair was designed in 1903 by Thomas Lee, who was looking for comfortable outdoor furniture for his summer home in Westport, a small town in the Adirondack Mountains. Lee experimented with different designs and had his family and friends test the chairs to find the most comfortable model. Eventually, he came up with a simple design: a chair with wide armrests, a slanted backrest, and a seat that tilts backward. This design was specifically intended to be comfortable on uneven, mountainous terrain.

Thomas Lee shared his design with a local carpenter, Harry Bunnell, who saw the potential of the chair and decided to patent the design without Lee’s knowledge. In 1905, Bunnell obtained the patent for the chair and began manufacturing it, selling the chairs as "Westport Chairs." They quickly became popular in the region due to their sturdy construction and the comfort they offered.

The unique features of the chair

The classic Adirondack chair is characterized by:

✔ Wide armrests: Ideal for placing a drink or a book.

✔ Slanted backrest and seat: Designed for comfortable seating, even on uneven surfaces.

✔ Durability: The chairs were originally made from wood types that were resistant to the elements, such as pine or cedar.

The Muskoka chair

In Canada, this chair is known as the Muskoka chair, named after the Muskoka region in Ontario, a popular vacation destination with many lakes and cottages. The Muskoka chair is essentially the same as the Adirondack chair, but the name reflects its popularity and use in a different region.

What made the chair from the Adirondack Mountains so popular

The Adirondack chair was developed to provide a comfortable, practical seating option for outdoor spaces, especially in rugged and natural environments like the Adirondack Mountains. The wide armrests, slanted seat, and sturdy construction made it the ideal chair for relaxation after a day of hiking or fishing in the mountains. The design was loved for its simplicity and functionality, which made it a classic in both America and Canada.

Today, the Adirondack chair is still seen as a symbol of relaxation and outdoor living, often found on porches, in gardens, and around campfires.

The variation in quality and design

In Canada, there are now several manufacturers and artisans who make this classic outdoor chair, each with their own quality, material choice, and design. In Europe, we also know the Adirondack Chair or Muskoka Chair as the Bear Chair, Westport Chair, or Canadian Chair. We believe that the best quality ultimately also comes from great attention and endless passion. This is exactly what CanadianChair.com stands for.

What is Clear Western Red Cedar?

Clear Western Red Cedar is premium quality wood with no visible knots or other imperfections. It has a uniform, rich reddish-brown color and a smooth surface, making it ideal for luxury outdoor furniture. This type of Cedar offers excellent durability and weather resistance and maintains its beautiful appearance with proper maintenance.

What is the difference between Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar?

Western Red Cedar has a rich, reddish-brown color and offers excellent resistance to rot and insects. Eastern White Cedar has a lighter color and is slightly lighter in weight, but also offers excellent quality and moisture resistance. Both types of Cedar are suitable for outdoor use and can be treated with oil or stain to maintain color and extend longevity.

What is the difference between Pine and Cedar?

Pine has a natural light color with characteristic knots. While Pine is less naturally resistant to rot and insects compared to Cedar types, it is an excellent and economical choice for outdoor furniture. It remains in good condition if properly treated and periodically maintained.

What are knots in wood?

Knots are natural features in wood that arise from the presence of side branches in the tree. They appear as distinctive and decorative indentations in the wood, varying in size and shape, contributing to the unique appearance of each piece. Knots often add charm and natural beauty to furniture and highlight the robustness and durability of the wood.

Do the chairs need to be treated with oil or stain?

It is not necessary to treat wooden chairs or other outdoor furniture with oil or stain for their lifespan. However, untreated furniture may gray due to sun exposure. Some people find this graying attractive, others do not. If you want to prevent graying and provide extra protection, you can treat them with a suitable oil or stain. See the "Maintenance and Treatment" page for more details and advice.