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What are Adirondack Chair Kits?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Adirondack chair kits contain all the necessary parts for construction of an Adirondack chair, which is a type of yard chair with a specific design. Most Adirondack chair kits will include all the components necessary to assemble the chair, though the tools necessary to complete the job will not be included. The wood or materials used to construct the seat, seat back, base, and armrests will all be precut or molded into the proper shapes, so the person assembling the chair will not have to do any woodworking or advanced carpentry. If the Adirondack chair kits are wooden, the wood is often already painted or finished.

Traditional Adirondack chairs were made from one long plank of wood cut into eleven pieces and assembled in a certain way to create a comfortable chair for an outdoor space. The chair back was tilted backward for comfort, and the armrests were quite wide. The early models were very simple structures without a lot of aesthetic flare, though more modern designs feature more elaborate cuts to create a look that is more visually appealing. Modern chairs are also larger than the original models for comfort. Adirondack chair kits mostly feature the more modern styles, though some traditional kits may be available.

A hammer is usually needed to build an adirondack chair from a kit.
A hammer is usually needed to build an adirondack chair from a kit.

The hardware necessary to assemble the Adirondack chair is usually fairly minimal, and is often included in Adirondack chair kits. The purchaser of the kit will need to invest in some tools if he or she does not already have the necessary equipment; a screwdriver or drill will most certainly be necessary to drive in screws, while other tools such as a hammer, saw, file, Allen wrench, and wood glue may or may not be necessary to complete construction of Adirondack chair kits. Some kits may require the purchaser to paint the finished product, or stain it, to protect it from moisture from rain or other weather.

Wood is the most common material used for Adirondack chair construction.
Wood is the most common material used for Adirondack chair construction.

The cost of Adirondack chair kits will vary according to the type of kit, the size of the chair, and the materials used to construct the chair. Wood is the most common material used for chair construction, though composite materials are available as well to make the chair lower maintenance. Plastic chairs are also available, and these are usually lightweight and more resistant to weather damage. Higher-end wood can be used for chair construction; and these chairs will be visually appealing but much more expensive.

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    • A hammer is usually needed to build an adirondack chair from a kit.
      By: donatas1205
      A hammer is usually needed to build an adirondack chair from a kit.
    • Wood is the most common material used for Adirondack chair construction.
      By: anyaberkut
      Wood is the most common material used for Adirondack chair construction.