If you are shopping for an Adirondack chair, the following comparison of common chair materials will be helpful. Read on for the advantages, disadvantages, and prices of common chair woods.
Chair material n. 1: cedar
Cedar is popular for its durability, even in rainy locations. It produces a special oil called cypress that protects against rot and insect infestation. The original red hue of Cedar Adirondack chairs can be preserved or modified with a wood stain; otherwise that reddish hue will fade to a coastal gray. Cedar chairs will be overhauled and chipped over time unless you perform the necessary annual repaint and reseal maintenance.
Cedar chairs are ideal for people who:
-They are willing to do a little maintenance, say, on a Saturday morning every year.
-Lives in rainy places, like the Pacific Northwest.
-Prefer your Adirondack chairs to be a subdued shade of red.
Expect to pay: $ 150 for a basic Adirondack chair; prices go up from here.
Chair material n. 2: pine
Pine is affordable and cheerful. As with cedar, pine’s bright yellowish hue can be changed with stain. The pine also fades to a coastal gray over time.
Pine has a couple of downsides. First, it is known to suffer from insect infestation and rot, and at faster rates than moisture resistant woods such as cedar. Therefore, pine chair owners should carefully renew and seal their chairs every year or two. Second, pine is a soft wood, so it can be scratched and damaged quite easily.
Pine chairs are ideal for people who:
-Don’t worry about maintenance tasks.
-They are looking for a low price.
-Like the bright color of pine.
-Don’t be too hard on your possessions.
Expect to pay: around $ 150 to get started.
Chair material n. 3: oak
Oak is a heavy, durable wood that is less resistant to rain than cedar, but still requires regular seal maintenance. Additionally, stains absorb oak, so Adirondack oak chair owners should quickly absorb any spills that do occur. Sunlight darkens oak so it works best in shady areas. Sun resistant dyes are also available. Direct sun can cause streaking or darkening of oak wood, so if you buy an oak chair, be sure to place it in a shady spot or apply a sun-resistant stain.
Oak chairs are ideal for people who:
-Like an Adirondack chair with a solid, heavy feel
-They are happy to work in maintenance in exchange for beauty.
-Has shady patios
-You do not have children
Expect to pay: $ 150 +
Chair material n. 4: teak
Teak is a tropical wood that retains its appearance and extreme hardness for decades, without maintenance. A special oil in teak prevents rot, cracking, and insect infestations. Teak does not need as much sealant as the other types of wood described above, but it does look better with a regular seal.
Teak chairs are ideal for people who:
-I love the look of wood but abhor maintenance
-They are planning to leave their Adirondack chair out in the open
-You want to place your Adirondack chairs directly on the ground (even when it is in direct contact with the ground, the teak will not rot, assuming you seal it from time to time).
Expect to pay: $ 700 or more. (Teak fetches higher prices because it only grows in limited parts of the world.)