Handcrafted vs. Plastic Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack chairs give you every reason to relax and indulge in some downtime. From the broad armrests to the comfy curves to the high back support – what’s not to love? If you’re in the process of planning out your patio set up for the summer, you can’t go wrong with these classic chairs. To help you decide which is the right material for you, follow this brief guide on handcrafted versus plastic Adirondack chairs.   

Key Features of Plastic Adirondack Chairs

Durability

The types of plastic typically used to manufacture Adirondack chairs are quite durable. And since plastic is very weather-resistant, it can hold up well against the constant moisture and intense UV rays. Even when it’s left outside, the impervious surface can resist rot, insect, mildew and mould, cracks, splintering, and fading.

Virtually no Maintenance Required

With durable plastic-like recycled Poly-Luxe lumber, you won’t have to worry about maintaining your chairs. Without the risk of damage occurring from outdoor exposure, it won’t require any sanding, repainting, or staining. This makes plastic an ideal option for those who want the most convenient material that is virtually maintenance-free.

Easy to Move and Store

Since plastic is lighter than authentic hardwood, it’s easier to move the chairs around when you want to place them in different locations on the patio or throughout your yard. And once the warmer months wrap up, you can store them away with ease.

Long Term Savings

Poly Luxe plastic chairs will cost a bit more upfront compared to wooden chairs. But when you take into account the durability and lack of maintenance required, you end up saving more in the long run. 

Key Features of Handcrafted Adirondack Chairs

Visually Appealing

Simply put, handcrafted chairs made from hardwood are beautiful. Many feature the classic wood grain, and those warm, rich colours that innate with wood can spruce up any patio. This delivers that rustic yet refined look that’s perfect for the cottage or home. 

Tough and Resilient

The types of wood that are commonly used to craft Adirondack chairs range from cedar, pine or Brazilian Walnut, all of which are naturally tough and can hold up well. And when a stain is added to the wood, it becomes almost as durable as plastic, with high resistance to mildew, rot and bugs.

Long-Lasting

These chairs can stand the test of time. However, a bit of annual care and maintenance is recommended to preserve the condition of the wood. But considering how much year-round comfort they provide, performing a bit of upkeep once each year is well worth it.  

Lower Price Tag

You may not expect it, but handcrafted Adirondack chairs are usually priced lower than their plastic counterparts, making them ideal for those on a tighter budget.

Which Should I Choose?

As you can see, each type comes with benefits. Handcrafted wooden chairs will add an eye-catching feature to any outdoor setting and hold up quite well against wear and tear. However, it’s still a natural material that can be susceptible to damage and degradation over time, especially for those who are not interested in performing annual maintenance. Plastic chairs are versatile and easy to keep, without the work involved. So it really all comes down to personal preference based on aesthetics, maintenance, and cost.