Maintaining Your Adirondack Chairs

With an outdoorsy, all-American look inspired by the Adirondack Mountains of New York, adirondack chairs are a classic choice when it comes to outdoor seating. They are perfect for any backyard patio, cabin, lake house, beachfront, park, playground… You name it! Adirondack chairs are sturdy, comfortable, and timeless. They’ll never go out of style, which is why it is important to properly care for your adirondack chairs and keep them looking like-new for years to come.

Adirondack chairs are available in several different materials, namely recycled plastic and wood. The best material for your space will depend on a few different factors, including the climate in your area, your desired look, and how much maintenance you are able to do to keep your chairs looking their best. Recycled plastic is a more resilient material, while wood can be susceptible to rot and water damage if not properly cared for. In this guide we will go through the characteristics of both materials, and how to take care of each. Note: Always consult the manufacturer of your adirondack chair for proper care instructions.

Recycled Plastic

Recycled plastic adirondack chairs are made of plastic planks that look like real lumber, thus maintaining the classic look of the wood chair design. The chairs are made from recycled plastic, like water bottle caps, that is melted down and molded into pieces that look like real lumber. This synthetic lumber is extremely durable and comes in a wide variety of colors beyond your normal wood tones, like black, blue, green red, and all the colors of the rainbow! The classic adirondack chair is truly customizable and will blend seamlessly into your decor.

Taking care of recycled plastic adirondack chairs is simple. Many recycled plastic chairs are UV protected during manufacturing, so you don’t have to worry about color fading. Recycled plastic adirondack chairs can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. Just gently scrub the chair to get rid of any dirt or grime accumulated from being outside. You can wipe down the chair to dry, or let it air dry, because any lingering moisture will not damage the chair. You may even wash your recycled plastic adirondack chairs with a power washer, but be sure not to exceed 1,500 psi or you will risk damaging the structure.

As with all patio furniture, keeping recycled plastic adirondack chairs stored away or covered when not in use will ensure that your chair is protected from the elements. However, these chairs don’t need much protecting, and will likely just need an occasional surface cleaning. These chairs are perfect for a low-maintenance look that is beautiful and timeless.

Wood

For a more down-home, rustic look, you may consider wood adirondack chairs. While they have the same sturdy, classic design as recycled plastic adirondack chairs, wood adirondack chairs require more maintenance and upkeep to keep them looking their best. That’s not to say that wood is not a good choice for outdoor furniture; it is beautiful, sturdy, comfortable, and durable. But be prepared to put a little work into caring for your adirondack chairs.

Caring for wood adirondack chairs isn’t overly difficult, it just requires more upkeep than for recycled plastic adirondack chairs. Wood is susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to water and sunlight. The first step to protecting your wood adirondack chairs is a preventative step; always cover or store your chairs (in a dry place) when they are not in use. This will prevent any damage and cut down on your maintenance work.

Many wood adirondack chairs are painted or stained, and you will have to refinish them periodically. How often you refinish the chairs is up to you! It all depends on the weather in your area, and how the chair looks. If you don’t mind a bit of fading, you can hold off on refinishing until you see fit. However, frequent refinishing can help maintain the structural integrity of the chair as well. Weather finishes, such as finishes with mold inhibitors or UV protectants, will protect the chair from damage and keep it looking like-new.

Even if you don’t plan on frequently refinishing your wood adirondack chairs, it is important to clean them regularly. You can use a pressure washer on wood adirondack chairs for a simple and fast method to get them clean. Or you can also use a combination of mild soap and water and gently scrub the chair clean. Remember to let the chair air dry completely before use or storage to avoid mold and mildew build up. Also, be sure to use patio covers when the chairs are not in use to product from water or UV damage. And always store your chairs away in a dry place during the off season, like the winter months.

Adirondack chairs are an age-old staple to a backyard patio. They are comfortable, strong, and classic, the perfect addition to any space. Recycled plastic adirondack chairs come in many styles and colors, and are very easy to care for while still being durable and reliable. Wood adirondack chairs require a bit more maintenance, but in the end the rustic look and durability makes the extra effort worthwhile. Shop PatioLiving today to find your perfect adirondack chair!