If you are shopping for an Adirondack chair, the following comparison of common chair materials will be helpful. Read on to learn about the pros, cons, and prices of common wooden chairs.
Chair Material #1: Cedar
Cedar is popular for its durability, even in rainy places. It produces a special oil called cypressene that protects against rot and insect infestation. The original red hue of Cedar Adirondack chairs can be preserved or modified with wood stain; otherwise, that reddish hue will fade to a coastal gray. Cedar chairs will crack and splinter over time unless you perform the required annual refinishing and sealing maintenance.
Cedar chairs are ideal for people who:
-They are willing to do a little maintenance – say, on a Saturday morning every year.
-Resides in rainy places, such as the Pacific Northwest.
-He prefers his Adirondack chairs to have a subdued shade of red.
Expect to pay: $150 for a basic Adirondack chair; prices go up from here.
Chair Material #2: Pine
Pine is affordable and cheerful. As with cedar, pine’s bright yellowish hue can be changed with stain. 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 a faster rate than moisture-resistant woods like cedar. Therefore, owners of pine chairs should carefully restore and reseal their chairs every one to two years. Second, pine is a softwood, so it can get scratched and dented quite easily.
Pine chairs are ideal for people who:
-Don’t worry about maintenance.
-They are looking for a low price.
-Like the bright color of pine.
-They are not too hard with their possessions.
Expect to pay: About $150 to start.
Chair Material #3: Oak
Oak is a heavy, durable wood that is less resistant to rain than cedar, but still requires regular sealing maintenance. Also, stains soak into the oak, so owners of oak Adirondack chairs should quickly absorb any spills that occur. Sunlight darkens the oak, so it does best in shaded areas. Sun resistant stains are also available. Direct sun can cause oak wood to streak or darken, 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.
-Have shady gardens
-Not having children
Expect to Pay: $150+
Chair Material #4: Teak
Teak is a tropical wood that retains its appearance and extreme hardness for decades, without the need for maintenance. A special oil in teak prevents rot, cracking, and insect infestations. Teak doesn’t need as much sealer as the other types of wood described above, but it does look better with regular sealing.
Teak chairs are ideal for people who:
-I love the look of wood but I hate maintenance.
-You are planning to leave your Adirondack chair outside
-You want to place your Adirondack chairs directly on the ground (even when in direct contact with the ground, teak won’t 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.)