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March 20th, 2010 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Table Chair

The Reclining Adirondack Chair in its Many Forms

You’re familiar with the signature extra wide armrests and the long, angled backrest with slatted design. No one can say you don’t know your Adirondacks, a prime example of true-blue American innovation at work in the patio furniture sector. Even better, the reclining Adirondack chair adds an extra level of comfort and convenience to the already nearly flawless design. Made From materials like wood, resin and metal, these chairs run their various advantages and disadvantages according to personal preference.

The baby of the bunch of resin, a unique type of fortified plastic often made from recycled products that are sturdier than other, flimsier types of plastic outdoor furniture. Resin is meant specifically for outdoor use and will go the distance. A resin reclining Adirondack chair can be made to look very much like the wood ones in shape and color. The convenient thing about synthetic materials like resin is that they can be factory manufactured to be modeled after natural materials, such as wood, concrete and stone with a trompe l’oeil effect. They can also be carved or embossed with any number of patterns and painted with all of the colors in the rainbow. Resin is also much lighter to move around than wood, so it’s perfect poolside and by the beach, and it’s consequently cheaper to buy. Maintenance is also a breeze. The waterproof material can be wiped clean and hosed off with little more than soap and water. On the downside, resin should not be left out in the sun for long periods on especially hot days, as the plastic could begin to crack, warp, or in the worst case, actually start to melt, not to mention how hot it will be to the touch. As long as you pair these chairs with a standing umbrella or keep under a shaded space, resin is a keeper.

For the traditionalist, a wooden reclining Adirondack chair is the quintessential move. The very first Adirondack chairs were made from wood, hewn in the 1800s in the heart of the Adirondack mountains.. The iconic Appalachian “settin” chair is originally also wood. Of the general wood category, there’s certain species better adapted to furniture design, especially for outdoor use, than others. In general, wood requires yearly maintenance. If you choose to paint it, you may need to reapply every few years, as over time the paint will chip and blister in the sun. The process of stripping down the old paint, cleaning the wood and then reapplying, waiting for it to dry, and applying another coat, is, needless to say, somewhat tedious and time-consuming. Then again, some folks jump at just such an opportunity for a fun side project. Finished wood requires only the occasional application of oils and stains to keep it looking shiny, as well as waterproof and protected from weather conditions that will cause cracking, rotting, splitting, and warping of the wood, along with an increased chance of infestation and mildew.

Cedar and oak are fine choices for an Adirondack reclining chair, but teak is by far one of the best woods money can buy. It produces its own natural, resinous oils that do the exact same job of synthetic oil. Plus, it’s a class 1 hardwood, so teak is extremely durable.

Last but not least is metal, a material that’s common in outdoor furniture circles, but at the same time doesn’t translate well in certain styles. For example, the idea of a metal reclining Adirondack chair is hard to picture to begin with, so you simply don’t see as many on the market. Its form simply does not cater to it, especially having the long, slatted back. As another hindrance, metal tends to be much heavier, and so it would not be as easy to operate a manual reclining mechanism. Heavier metals like galvanized and wrought iron make for beautiful and old-world tables, chairs and more, but do not convey the same casual, outdoorsy feel of the Adirondack. Not to be discounted, though, is aluminum, a metal that’s both lighter in coloration and weight. Aluminum works better in the Adirondack and slightly more casual style. The only problem with metal is that it runs the risk of developing rust spots, especially when left out in the rain for prolonged periods. Also, saltwater increases the oxidation process, so a metal reclining Adirondack chair would not be advisable for the beach.

About the Author

Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and free lance writing professional. She writes actively about Reclining Adirondack Chair and Recliners.