
Specifically created for long hours of lounging, the iconic Adirondack chair makes it nearly impossible not to unwind or even drift off to sleep once you're settled into its high backrest and gently sloping, reclining seat that rests low to the ground. Plus, its wide armrests are perfect for balancing drinks and snacks, while also providing excellent support for your back and bottom. But how did this chair originate and why has it become so beloved?
The History Behind the Adirondack Chair
An iconic outdoor piece today, these beloved chairs were first created by Massachusetts designer Thomas Lee in the early 1900s in the quaint Adirondack town of Westport, New York, nestled by the shores of Lake Champlain. Lee, who spent his summers in Westport, set out to design a chair that could withstand the rugged terrain of the Adirondacks. The criteria: It had to be durable, stable, and comfortable on surfaces ranging from sandy soil to steep hillsides.
Lee eventually crafted what he believed to be the ideal chair — featuring wide armrests, a tall backrest, and a sloped seat and back made from solid wooden pieces — before bringing the design to his friend, Harry Bunnell, to construct in his local woodworking shop. Bunnell began making and selling the chairs to the surrounding community, and soon realized their growing popularity. After tweaking the design to make the chair slightly narrower, Bunnell patented his version of the Westport chair in April 1904.
Over the next two decades, Bunnell built a prosperous Westport chair-making business, adding his unique signature to every chair he crafted. The Westport chair became widely admired for its durability and comfort, but as time passed, its design evolved into what we now recognize as the modern Adirondack chair.
Both the Westport chair and the modern Adirondack chair share wide armrests, a tall back, and a sloped seat. However, the Adirondack chair features seats and backs made from multiple slats of wood, whereas the Westport chair was constructed from single, knot-free planks (which made it more difficult to produce). Thanks to the chair's growing popularity and its origins in the Adirondacks, the updated design became known as the Adirondack chair.
In 1938, Irving Wolpin from New Jersey obtained a patent for a new design modification. Known as a "lawn chair," Wolpin's version retained the slanted seat and wide armrests of the Westport chair but featured smaller slats and added a rounded backrest and contoured seat. Today, Wolpin's design is the most commonly replicated version of the Adirondack chair.
Today, the Adirondack chair is one of the most beloved and iconic outdoor seats, whether on lawns or beaches, and is available in various designs, yet each one still draws inspiration from the original Westport chair.
What Makes the Adirondack Chair So Special?
"Adirondack chairs combine artistry and functionality in a unique way," says Brady Maller, executive vice president of strategy and sales at POLYWOOD Furniture, via email. POLYWOOD, an Indiana-based company, was the first to create outdoor furniture using recycled plastic materials in 1990, and today, they recycle over 400,000 milk jugs daily to make products like their Adirondack chairs.
"Visually, they serve as stylish accents in a variety of outdoor settings, from beneath oak trees to front porches or beside the water at a vacation home," he adds. "In terms of function, they are a comfortable leisure chair that captures a sense of peace and relaxation. Everyone seeks moments of rest and tranquility, and the Adirondack chair symbolizes just that, even in your own backyard."
Los Angeles-based interior designer John Linden notes that Adirondack chairs are often more comfortable than many other types of outdoor seating due to their ergonomic design, which makes reclining easier, and allows for the addition of extra cushions and pillows for even more comfort.

What Is the Best Material for Adirondack Chairs?
When selecting the ideal Adirondack chair, there are several factors to take into account. The material is the most important consideration, with options like teak, aluminum, HDPE lumber, or injection-molded plastic. POLYWOOD breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of each material:
- Teak: One of the finest woods for outdoor furniture due to its ability to withstand the elements better than pine, oak, bamboo, and wicker. Teak is impervious to wind, water, and rust, and can remain outside throughout the year. However, it only comes in its natural teak color, and requires regular maintenance to prevent a silver patina from forming.
- Aluminum: This lightweight and durable metal may not offer the comfort or appearance you're after, but it is tough, resilient, and easy to maintain. It’s perfect for year-round use due to its resistance to water and rust, though its light weight can make it prone to being moved by strong winds. Aluminum also only comes in one color and, while affordable, may not be as visually appealing as other materials.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) lumber: A synthetic resin used to produce solid, high-quality, durable outdoor furniture. The luxury, comfort, and durability make the higher cost worthwhile. HDPE lasts a lifetime, is completely weatherproof, requires minimal maintenance (just a damp cloth and dish soap), and is available in many colors. Its medium weight makes it sturdy and wind-resistant. HDPE is also infinitely recyclable and often made from recycled milk jugs.
- Injection molded plastic: This is a budget-friendly outdoor furniture material, but it lacks the comfort and luxury of other options. It’s a good choice for temporary outdoor seating or extra chairs for guests. It’s easy to care for, only needing a damp cloth and dish soap, and can stay outside year-round as it’s resistant to water and rust. However, it’s very lightweight and vulnerable to wind, and it fades and stains easily, quickly losing its appearance over time. Available in a wide range of colors, it’s not the most durable option for long-term use.
The two most popular materials for Adirondack chairs, based on personal style and maintenance preferences, are wood and plastic lumber, according to Maller. "Although the original Adirondack chair was designed with cedar wood planks, the 1980s recycling movement and the introduction of recycled plastic lumber have provided consumers with an alternative material that offers long-lasting durability and a variety of low-maintenance color options," he explains. "For eco-conscious buyers, recycled plastic lumber is an excellent choice."
What Is the Most Comfortable Material for an Adirondack Chair?
Linden favors teak wood for its comfort, which compensates for some of the material's limitations. Maller, on the other hand, believes that recycled plastic lumber provides superior comfort, offering the durability and strength of wood while being softer with built-in flexibility features.
"Enhancing your Adirondack chair with accessories can significantly boost its comfort," Maller adds. "We suggest adding an ottoman or footstool for extra leg support, so you can fully relax. Cushions and headrest pillows are also a great addition, providing extra padding to an already cozy chair. You can even complement it with side tables and other furniture pieces to create a complete, stylish outdoor set."

What about the color options? As mentioned earlier, your color choices and finishes will be limited if you opt for a teak or aluminum Adirondack chair. However, with injection-molded plastic or HDPE lumber, you'll have a vast range of colors to pick from. These materials come in numerous shades, including earthy tones like grays, browns, and greens, as well as bright and bold colors like red, yellow, and blue.
To achieve a contemporary style, you might choose black or white, while earthy shades like brown or green can evoke a more natural, rustic look.
How Much Do Adirondack Chairs Cost?
"The cost of Adirondack chairs can vary widely, ranging from $20 to $200," says Linden. "This price difference is typically linked to the material you select; higher-quality materials tend to result in a longer-lasting and more comfortable chair."
Why do Adirondack chairs come with such a high price tag? According to Maller, it's because not all Adirondack chairs are created equal. "What may seem like a pricier option often includes long-term warranties, minimal maintenance, and the ability to withstand all types of weather," he explains. "These perks, when considered over a lifetime, make the higher-priced chairs a better investment since maintenance and replacement costs can accumulate quickly with cheaper alternatives."
How Long Do They Typically Last?
The lifespan of an Adirondack chair depends on various factors, including its material, the level of care it receives, and the conditions where it's placed. Maller notes, "In milder outdoor environments, most materials can last with regular upkeep." He points out that recycled plastic lumber is a durable, low-maintenance choice that can last for generations, even in challenging environments like coastal areas with corrosive salt air or sun-drenched climates with intense heat.
"Both the quality and the type of material are crucial in determining the care and maintenance needs," Maller continues. "Wooden chairs often need time-consuming refinishing each year, while plastic lumber is virtually maintenance-free, requiring only an occasional cleaning with soap and water, yet it remains a long-lasting product that can be passed down through generations."
Linden adds, "Adirondack chairs, particularly those made from teak or aluminum, can last a lifetime with proper care. Aluminum is low-maintenance, being resistant to water and rust, while teak furniture needs periodic treatment to prevent wear and fading."
A key feature of an authentic Westport chair is the stamp on the back, showcasing the U.S. patent number (794,777) that Harry Bunnell was granted in 1905. Antique enthusiasts should be on the lookout for a genuine Westport chair, as one in good condition could be worth around a thousand dollars!