Caring and Cleaning Your Adirondack Chairs

What is a good wood for outdoor Adirondack chairs?
All of our Adirondack chairs are suitable for outdoor use. Western Red Cedar Adirondack chairs are a fine-grain, dimensionally stable wood that is naturally weather resistant. It will last a lifetime. Our Alder Adirondack chairs are painted with a high-gloss, two-coat, water-based enamel and is relatively stable. Cypress is a beautiful, distinctive and durable wood that assures years of trouble-free satisfaction. Mahogany furniture including Adirondack chairs season/weather well with minimal shrinkage and checking. It should be pointed out that our EnviroWood line of Adirondack chairs is a bit different than standard woods because it requires no waterproofing, staining or similar maintenance when used in exterior applications.

How often should I refinish my wood Adirondack chair?
The answer to this question is not as simple as you may think. Many factors are to be considered when caring for your Adirondack chair. Consider the weather where you live. Is it sunny and hot, cool and wet? Do you store the Adirondack chairs in the winter? Do you keep your Adirondack chair(s) covered in the winter?

Consider the look you like. If you decide not to refinish your Adirondack chair, you may let it slowly weather to a silver/gray. Many of our customers love this look while others prefer to keep the 'like-new' look. The sun and exposure to the elements change the surface color of unprotected woods in Adirondack chairs but does not affect the structural integrity of the wood. It really is a matter of personal preference. Whether or not you decide to keep the 'like-new' color or let it gray, it is important to clean the Adirondack chairs at least once a year.

It should be pointed out that our EnviroWood line is a bit different than standard woods because these Adirondack chairs requires no waterproofing, staining or similar maintenance when used in exterior applications.

What kind of weather finish should I use on my Adirondack chairs?
While there are many good products available, there are some features that you may want in a good weather finish.

Paint?
You can certainly paint your Adirondack chair(s) if you so desire. Be sure to use a good primer on the clean, bare wood before applying the finish coat to your painted Adirondack chairs. Of any exterior finish, paint offers the best form of protection. However, paint will eventually peel and will be more unsightly over time than a wipe on finish if it's not attended to. In fact, most outdoor finishes on Adirondack chairs will only last 1-3 years before they need to be renewed. That takes a commitment on your part to periodically protect your Adirondack chair(s).

Oil or water based for your Adirondack chair?
Typically the oil based products last longer on Adirondack chairs, but they are usually harder to clean up and more toxic to you and the environment. Water based products are generally easier to use and clean up.

Do you live in a wet climate?
Look for a product with a mold inhibitor.

Do you live in a hot climate?
Most good finishes for your Adirondack chair(s) will have UV protection in them and a yearly application is recommended. Whatever finish you decide to use always consider your health and safety and follow all manufacturers' directions If you don't intend to renew the finish on your Adirondack chair(s), the wood will turn a silvery grey color. Once the exterior of the wood is gray, the rate of wood deterioration to the Adirondack chairs slows tremendously. (The damage to the surface actually prevents UV light from penetrating to the interior of the wood.) So it's fine to let the wood's natural properties protect against decay, rot and insect infestation.

How do I clean my Adirondack chair?
A pressure washer makes cleaning super easy. Otherwise you can clean your Adirondack chair(s) with a soft brush and a good wood cleaner available at most hardware stores. Be sure to rinse well and allow the Adirondack chairs to dry thoroughly before applying any finish.
A mild soap and water bath once a week is a good inexpensive way to start your Adirondack chair(s) care program. Just use a pan of warm sudsy water and a cloth or paper towels. Follow up with a pan of clear water and rinse the soap off so that you don't end up with a soapy film on your Adirondack chair(s). Be sure that the surface is dry after washing.

Spills should be wiped up as soon as they happen on your Adirondack chair(s), especially carbonated beverage spills, they can be very hard on clear finishes and paint if left sitting.

Do I need to store my Adirondack chairs in the winter?
It is always best if you can put the Adirondack chairs away in the garage or shed for the winter. If you do not have a place to store the Adirondack chairs and you would like to cover it, just remember to make sure the furniture is dry before you cover it. Plastic tarps often can promote mold growth or will leak, so be careful.