The Adirondack chair, with its wide armrests, slanted seat, and comfortable design, is a staple of outdoor furniture. Originally designed over a century ago, this chair has become synonymous with leisure and relaxation, often found on porches, in gardens, and by lakesides. On this website, we'll explore the history of the Adirondack chair and provide a basic guide on how to build your own tall pair version.
The History of the Adirondack Chair: The Adirondack chair was first conceived in 1903 by Thomas Lee while vacationing in Westport, New York, in the Adirondack Mountains. Lee wanted to create a chair that could be used outdoors on the uneven ground of the family's summer home. He experimented with various designs, ultimately crafting a chair with wide armrests and a slanted back, made from 11 flat wooden boards.
The original design, known as the "Westport plank chair," was a simple and sturdy piece of furniture that could be easily constructed from a single plank of wood. Lee shared his design with a local carpenter, Harry Bunnell, who recognized the chair's potential. In 1905, Bunnell patented the chair design without Lee's knowledge and began selling the chairs, which became incredibly popular.
The Adirondack chair is more than just a piece of outdoor furniture; it's a symbol of relaxation and leisure that has stood the test of time. Whether you choose to purchase a pre-made chair or build your own, the Adirondack chair will undoubtedly add charm and comfort to your outdoor space. With a little woodworking knowledge and some basic tools, you can create a chair that not only looks great but also provides a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
We offer an easy to build, 14 page set of plans for the Tall Adirondack Chair and Table Set. Our detailed plans contain drawings and measurements, material lists, step-by-step building directions - in short, everyting you need to successfully finish any of our projects.
