Why Are Adirondack Chairs So Expensive?[7+ Reasons Explained]

Everybody loves Adirondack chairs. They’re a classic piece of outdoor furniture and make any backyard look like an oasis.

But boy, before you buy one, you’d better be prepared to pay a pretty penny! Adirondack chairs are not cheap.

So why are Adirondack chairs so expensive? Let’s examine that and find out whether they’re worth the price.

JUMP TO: About Adirondack Chair | Reasons Why it is Costly | Ways To Save Money On Adirondack Chair | Adirondack Chair Care | How Much it Costs |

What Are Adirondack Chairs?

Adirondack chairs are outdoor chairs with a slanted back and extra wide armrests. The iconic design was first created in 1903 by Thomas Lee and has been an ever-popular patio staple ever since.

The initial plan of Thomas Lee was to make a “perfect outdoor chair” that he’d use for his lake house located at Champlain lake, with the slanting design helping accommodate the terrain of the area.

Little did the enthusiastic designer know that he was designing a chair that would become so popular it would still be in production more than a century later. The Adirondack Mountains later embraced the design, with the piece of furniture getting its current name.

7+ Reasons Adirondack Chairs Are So Expensive

Now that you have some background let’s get to the nitty-gritty of why wooden Adirondack chairs are so expensive.

High-Quality Materials

We all know that outdoor elements aren’t always kind. As such, for something to be deemed a “perfect outdoor chair,” it must be made of materials that can withstand the test of time, harsh weather, and other external elements.

For Adirondack chairs, this means being constructed from high-quality materials. Teak wood is the most popular used for the project. Adirondack chair manufacturers opt for this type of wood due to its natural weather-resistant properties.

Plus, teak wood boasts a very high content level of oleoresin, an essential ingredient that prevents it from rotting and cracking. 

Other best woods like White oak, Mahogany, and Cedar are also often used. Each of these is a high-quality material. It has unique advantages that make it the perfect option for outdoor spaces.

Of course, all these materials come with a hefty price tag. And that’s why you usually have to part with more money to get your hands on an Adirondack chair.

Slow Production

Unlike other chairs, Adirondack chairs are not mass-produced goods. Their design requires a lot of specialized skills and craftsmanship. Which means they take longer to make compared to other pieces of furniture.

This means that they cost more due to the quality of materials used. And much more time and manual labor put into each chair.

For chairs coming from countries with high labor costs, like the United States, you can expect the price to be a bit steeper.

Low Supply

Even with the skyrocketing demand for these pieces of furniture, there is still a very limited number of Adirondack chair manufacturers compared to other pieces of furniture.

This means that the demand for Adirondack chairs often outstrips the supply, which results in a higher cost for the consumer.

After all, when there are fewer products in the market than the demand for them, the price has to go higher to try and balance the supply and demand equation.

Also Read: Why Are Peacock Chairs So Expensive?

Durability

Adirondack chairs are built to last long, even with regular outdoor use. Actually, when you get one, chances are that you’ll never have to buy another one.

The materials used for them are weather, water, and UV-resistant, meaning that they can withstand virtually any outdoor element. That’s why they are considered an excellent option for outdoor furniture.

Of course, the producers know that once you get one, you aren’t likely to buy a new one in its place anytime soon. So they have to reap the most benefit from each sale. Making them pricier than the average outdoor furniture.

Treated Wood

Thanks to its superb weather-resistant properties, teak wood was the originally preferred material for making Adirondack chairs.

Source: https://civilseek.com/ 

However, it’s become quite hard to find pure teak due to the high demand and overharvesting of the trees. Many Adirondack chair manufacturers have turned to other hardwoods with slightly less weather resistance to get around this.

These woods are treated for outdoor use and to help mimic teak’s natural weather resistance. Of course, these treatments come at a cost, making Adirondack chairs so expensive.

Customization

Sometimes, we need something that standouts from the rest. And fortunately, you can customize your Adirondack chairs to suit your style, color preference, or body shape.

Whether getting a chair with your favorite color, design, or special backrest curvature. You can get something that will make your outdoor area look truly unique.

And usually, customized Adirondack chairs, even with the slightest deviation from the standard design, require more time and money from the manufacturer, resulting in a higher price tag.

Lifetime Warranty

The best way that a manufacturer can stand behind the quality of their products is by offering a lifetime warranty.

A lifetime warranty means that should something go wrong with your chair due to craftsmanship or any other reason. As stated in the terms and conditions of the warranty, you can get a replacement. Or repair service at no extra cost.

But for certain manufacturers to cushion themselves from a future repair or replacement costs. They try to absorb some of that cost in the initial sale, resulting in higher prices.

Related Read: How to Clean Oxidized Plastic Patio Chairs?

Elegance

Let’s be honest – not many comfortable outdoor chairs can compare with the beauty and elegance of an Adirondack chair. The unique design, the attention to detail, and the superior craftsmanship all contribute to this timeless feeling.

And since we value beauty quite a lot and are willing to pay more for it, manufacturers have no choice but to price their products higher, as looking good doesn’t come cheap.

But, of course, that’s not to say that beauty is the only thing that makes an Adirondack chair expensive – it’s just one of the many factors.

5 Ways You Can Save Money On Adirondack Chairs

If you’re willing to spend a little bit of time and effort, you can save a lot of money on Adirondack chairs. 

Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

Go For Used Chairs

I know we all cherish the feeling of having something new. Even so, sometimes it pays to go for used items.

Second-hand Adirondack chairs might be a bit worn out, but if you look for those in good condition, you can get them at a fraction of the original price.

You can find them in Classifieds, garage sales, or even online stores like eBay, which specializes in used items. The Marketplace section on Facebook is yet another place to find quality used Adirondack chairs at an affordable price.

Consider Plastic

We’ve seen that material is one of the biggest factors affecting the price of Adirondack chairs.

So, if you’re willing to take a slightly less elegant approach and go for high-quality plastic Adirondack chairs, you can save some money.

They may not be as beautiful and durable as traditional wooden Adirondack chairs, but they’ll still look great and come at more reasonable prices.

Even more, for environmentally conscious people, plastic chairs are made from recycled plastic, so they use what’s already available, reducing the need for more resources.

Buy Locally

Buying your slanted seat from local builders is another great way to get your hands on an Adirondack chair without breaking the bank.

If you have a specific carpenter who makes furniture pieces for you, they might be willing to give you a discount if you buy from them directly.

Plus, it’s much easier dealing with someone in the same city or state as you rather than getting the chair delivered from a distant place.

Sometimes the upfront cost includes delivery, so buying locally can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Do The Timing Right

Sometimes it pays to wait for the right time when buying Adirondack chairs. Most of these chairs are in high demand during the summer months when people start getting ready for outdoor activities.

As a result, Adirondack chairs tend to come with a high price tag during the summer.

If you buy during winter or during the Holiday sales of the fall season. You can get a better deal on your Adirondack chairs.

Interesting Read: Papasan Chair vs. Mamasan Chair: Which is the Best?

Do It Yourself (DIY)

If you’re a bit handy and have some free time on your hands, you can make your own Adirondack chair.

You can buy a kit or use plans and instructions already available online. And if you have some basic woodworking skills, you can make your own unique chair design.

Doing it yourself will cost you a fraction of the price of buying one from the store, and you can customize it to your taste.

Buy Multiple Chairs

You can also buy multiple chairs at once if you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space. Often, stores will offer discounts for bulk orders, and you can get a deal if you buy more than one Adirondack chair.

Adirondack Chair Maintenance

Once you have your Adirondack chair, following proper maintenance protocols is important. And thankfully, high-quality Adirondack chairs require little maintenance.

If you have a power washer, use it to clean your comfortable chair every several months. The goal is to do the cleaning once or twice a year depending on the environment you live in – if it’s a dry area, less frequent cleaning should be enough.

If you don’t have a power washer, don’t worry! A stiff-bristled brush is still enough to keep your Adirondack chair clean.

Restaining or repainting after every few years is also recommended to maintain Adirondack chairs looking new.

And as usual, remember to pay attention to any screws and bolts, as they can get loose over time. Tightening them regularly can help maintain the slanted chair in good condition.

Finally, depending on the type of wood, you may need parasite-repellent and sometimes a water-repellent spray. These products can help protect your Adirondack chair from environmental damage.

How Much Do Adirondack Chairs Cost?

Adirondack chairs can cost anywhere from fifty dollars to a few hundred, depending on the quality and type of material used. 

A quality wooden Adirondack chair with a lifetime warranty can cost around $200, while plastic ones are much cheaper (around $50 to $100).

Therefore, depending on your budget and needs, you can find an Adirondack chair that fits both.

Plastic chairs are a great choice if you want a cheap option for the short term. But for a longer-lasting and more elegant option, investing in quality wooden Adirondack chairs with a lifetime warranty will be worth it in the long run.

How Long Do Adirondack Chairs Last?

Of course, before you fork out for these lawn chairs, it makes sense to want to know how long these seats can endure the harsh conditions of your outdoor space.

And generally, the durability of these chairs mostly depends on the materials used to make them and the level of maintenance you direct to them.

Chairs with the best materials, say Teak, should last for several decades if properly maintained.

Decades are a decent amount of time, especially for chairs intended for outdoor spaces. And actually, that means you may need only to buy one of these slanted seats your entire lifetime. 

Other common materials that also offer impressive durability are aluminum, cedar, and redwood, with the metallic material demanding the least maintenance in return.

Other materials like plastic will last only a few years, but that will majorly depend on weather conditions. 

But more importantly, once you pick the ideal material for your slanted chair, the maintenance level is the next thing that dictates the longevity of your Adirondack chairs.

As such, with proper care and regular maintenance, you can get several years out of these chairs. Before you start considering replacing them. 

And thankfully, as seen, maintaining your Adirondack chair in tip-top condition doesn’t require much.

Also Read: How To Identify A Morris Chair?

Bottomline

Adirondack chairs are stylish, comfortable, and durable pieces of furniture. They can also be quite expensive, but ultimately, the price of Adirondack chairs is well worth it because of their stylish look, comfort, and durability. 

If you can afford it, investing in one will provide you with many years of comfort and relaxation in your outdoor spaces.

And if you can’t, you can still get your hands on one of these chairs using the money-saving tips discussed above.