Adirondack chairs are a timeless outdoor staple, blending comfort with rustic charm since their creation in 1903 by Thomas Lee in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Known for their wide armrests, slanted backs, and sturdy frames, these chairs have evolved into a variety of styles to suit every taste and space. Whether you’re furnishing a patio, garden, or lakeside retreat, there’s an Adirondack chair type for you. In this article, we explore 10 types of Adirondack chairs to elevate your outdoor space, each with its own personality and purpose.
From classic wooden designs to modern foldable versions, these Adirondack chair types offer endless possibilities. We’ll dive into their materials, construction, and ideal settings, plus tips to maintain their beauty. You can even build your own with resources like Etsy’s Adirondack chair plans or Ted’s Woodworking. Ready to find your perfect chair? Let’s explore the diverse world of Adirondack chair designs.
1. Classic Wooden Adirondack Chair
The classic wooden Adirondack chair is the original design that started it all. Crafted from solid wood like cedar, pine, or teak, it features a gently sloping back, wide flat armrests, and a low seat that invites you to sink in. The wood is typically left natural or lightly stained to showcase its grain, giving it a rustic, timeless appeal.
This type is built for durability, with thick planks and sturdy joints—often screwed or bolted together. It’s heavy, weighing 30-40 pounds, making it a permanent fixture rather than a portable piece. Ideal for lakeside cabins or shaded porches, it pairs beautifully with neutral cushions or a simple throw. Seal it annually with a product like Thompson’s WaterSeal to protect against moisture and UV rays. Its charm lies in its simplicity, evoking a sense of nostalgia and nature.
2. Modern Adirondack Chair
Sleek and stylish, the modern Adirondack chair reimagines the classic with cleaner lines and bolder finishes. Made from wood or composite materials like poly lumber, it often sports a smooth, stained surface in shades like matte black, gray, or white. The backrest might be straighter or feature vertical slats instead of the traditional curved design, and the seat is slightly higher for easier access.
Weighing around 25-35 pounds, it’s still substantial but lighter than the classic. This Adirondack chair type shines on urban patios or minimalist decks, paired with a metal table or a single geometric cushion. Maintenance is minimal—wipe it down with a damp cloth and reseal every two years if wooden. It’s perfect for those who love contemporary vibes with a nod to tradition.
3. Folding Adirondack Chair
For versatility, the folding Adirondack chair is a game-changer. Typically made from wood (cedar or pine) or poly resin, it retains the iconic slanted back and wide arms but collapses via hinges at the seat and backrest. This allows you to store it flat in a garage or shed during off-seasons, saving space.
It’s lighter—around 20-30 pounds—making it easy to carry to the beach or a campsite. The wood versions need a UV-resistant sealant like Rust-Oleum Marine Spar Varnish, while poly models resist weathering naturally. Set it up on a lawn or balcony, fold it away when done. This Adirondack chair design is ideal for small spaces or spontaneous outdoor adventures.
4. Adirondack Rocking Chair
Add motion to relaxation with the Adirondack rocking chair. Built from wood like oak or cedar, it features curved rockers attached to the legs, blending the classic Adirondack silhouette with a gentle sway. The backrest and seat maintain their signature angles, but the rockers—often 2-3 inches wide—add a soothing twist.
Weighing 35-45 pounds, it’s a bit heavier due to the added base. It’s perfect for front porches or garden nooks, paired with a plush cushion for extra comfort. Apply a protective finish like Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane yearly to keep the wood vibrant. This Adirondack chair type is a cozy choice for rocking away stress.
5. Polywood Adirondack Chair
The Polywood Adirondack chair swaps wood for recycled plastic lumber, offering a sustainable, low-maintenance option. Available in colors like teal, navy, or sandstone, it mimics the classic design with a slanted back and wide arms but resists rot, fading, and insects without sealing. It’s made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often from recycled milk jugs.
At 30-40 pounds, it’s comparable to wooden models but requires no upkeep beyond soap-and-water cleaning. Place it poolside or in a rainy climate—it won’t crack or splinter. This eco-friendly Adirondack chair suits modern eco-conscious homeowners who want durability with zero fuss.
6. Adirondack Chair with Ottoman
Elevate comfort with the Adirondack chair with ottoman. This type pairs a standard wooden or poly chair with a matching footrest—either attached as a pull-out or separate piece. The chair keeps its low seat and angled back, while the ottoman extends the relaxation, often at the same slant for ergonomic support.
Made from cedar, teak, or poly lumber, it weighs 40-50 pounds total. It’s ideal for patios or decks where you can stretch out with a book or drink, resting the ottoman beside a small table. Seal wooden versions annually; poly ones need only a rinse. This Adirondack chair design is luxury meets leisure.
7. Double Adirondack Chair
For shared seating, the double Adirondack chair combines two seats into one wide frame, often with a center table connecting them. Crafted from wood (pine or cedar) or poly lumber, it features dual slanted backs and armrests on the outer sides, with the table in between for drinks or snacks.
Weighing 60-80 pounds, it’s a hefty piece best suited for spacious patios or gardens. Add cushions in contrasting colors for flair. Wooden models need sealing with a product like Behr Premium Wood Stain; poly versions are maintenance-free. This Adirondack chair type is perfect for couples or social lounging.
8. Painted Adirondack Chair
Make a statement with the painted Adirondack chair. Starting with a wooden base (cedar or pine), it’s coated in vibrant exterior paint—think cherry red, turquoise, or mustard yellow. The classic shape remains, but the bold color transforms it into a focal point.
At 30-40 pounds, it’s standard weight-wise. Use a durable paint like Behr Ultra Exterior Satin, sanding and priming first for adhesion. Touch up scratches yearly to maintain the hue. Place it on a deck or lawn against a neutral backdrop—this stylish Adirondack chair adds personality to any space.
9. Child-Sized Adirondack Chair
For little ones, the child-sized Adirondack chair scales down the classic design. Made from wood or poly lumber, it’s about half the size—18-24 inches tall—with a shallower seat and narrower armrests. It keeps the slanted back for comfort, often in fun colors like blue or pink.
Weighing 10-15 pounds, it’s easy to move around a yard or porch. Seal wooden versions with a non-toxic finish like AFM Safecoat; poly ones need no care. This Adirondack chair type is adorable and practical for kids’ outdoor play areas.
10. Reclining Adirondack Chair
The reclining Adirondack chair takes relaxation up a notch. Built from wood or poly with adjustable backrests—via hinges or sliding mechanisms—it lets you shift from upright to near-flat. The armrests stay wide, and the seat remains low, but the reclining feature adds versatility.
At 35-45 pounds, it’s manageable but solid. Ideal for sunbathing on a deck or stargazing in a backyard, it pairs with a cushion for lumbar support. Seal wooden models yearly; poly ones are carefree. This Adirondack chair design is the ultimate in customizable comfort.
Bonus: How to Build Your Own Adirondack Chair
Want a custom chair? Building your own Adirondack chair is a rewarding project. You’ll need a saw, drill, screws, sandpaper, and wood—cedar or pine are ideal for weather resistance. Here’s how:
- Gather Plans: Get detailed blueprints from Ted’s Woodworking or Etsy’s Adirondack chair plans.
- Cut Pieces: Slice wood into seat slats, back slats, legs, and arms per the plan.
- Assemble Base: Attach front legs to seat supports, then add back legs.
- Add Slats: Secure seat and back slats, angling the back for that classic lean.
- Finish: Sand smooth, then stain or seal with Minwax Polycrylic.
Check out this YouTube tutorial for a visual guide:
Expect a weekend’s work for your first chair. The result? A perfect fit for any of these Adirondack chair ideas.
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Conclusion
These 10 types of Adirondack chairs—from classic to reclining—offer something for every outdoor space. Whether you crave the rustic charm of wood, the ease of poly, or the fun of a painted pop, you can find or build the perfect fit. Pair them with your style and watch your patio or garden transform. Which type’s your favorite?
Affiliate Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, including to Etsy for Adirondack chair plans and Ted’s Woodworking for woodworking guides. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings support free content like this. I only recommend products I trust, and all opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!
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