Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

Ask Dear Ol’ Dad what he wants for Father’s Day, and he’ll probably say that he desires only to spend the afternoon in his favorite patio chair, reading the Sunday paper, and not worrying about doing any chores.  Then, maybe it’ll be a snooze in the hammock, before throwing some burgers on the grill, and eating at the picnic table.

Certainly he’s not asking for much; but you still wish to do something a lot more special for him.  After all, being a father is a job that’s always challenging and demanding, and alternately joyful, heart-rending, fun, difficult, rewarding, puzzling, uplifting, and thankless.

Raconteur, singer of songs, reader of poetry, teller of jokes, player of music, killer of spiders, puller of wagons, dryer of tears, remover of slivers, and so much more, Dad has taught you everything, from the simplest games, to life’s most profound lessons.

He has also, on many occasions, been the victim of cruel irony.  He bought you a scooter, you left it lying outside the door, and he tripped over it and tore his good suit.  (Yes, from here on out, I’m blaming “you,” even though, when something went wrong at our house, “nobody” did it!)  He got you a guinea pig, you let it loose, and it got into his dresser drawer and chewed up his underwear and socks.  He taught you to ride a bike, and you ran over the seedlings that he had just planted.

Still undaunted, he showed you how to fish, and caught a hook in the neck as you were casting your line.  He taught you how to hit a ball, and got whacked in the head – or someplace even more painful – by your bat.  Then, he came to all of your games and sat on those splintered old benches; and he stayed the whole time, even when you, too, were just sitting on the bench.  He wound up with ants in his pants – literally – after you broke the ant farm that you had begged for, and which he, to his everlasting regret, had finally given you.

Yes, Dad gave you his all – and you gave him gray hair.  The most amazing part of it all, however, is that, if you ask him, he’ll say that he’d do it all (or, most of it, anyway) over again (right, Dad?).

Nevertheless, you’re determined to give him something wonderful for Father’s Day.  So, if he truly wants to hang around the house, get him a nice porch swing, in return for the countless hours he spent pushing you on swings, only to have you spend years pushing him as far as you could.

An Adirondack Chair would be a good way to thank him for that vacation in the Adirondacks; and a new garden bench would compensate for the slivers that he got from those ballpark benches.  You could also get him an outdoor rocking chair, for all of the times that you drove him off his rocker.

Naturally, he would also enjoy it if you let him know that all of the advice that he gave you while you were growing up, which you so blithely dismissed, turned out to be spot-on.  If you now have kids of your own, it would further delight him to discover that his wish has come true, as you have, indeed, found out “what it’s like.” (Perhaps it’s no coincidence that diaper, spelled backward, is repaid!)

Actually, the best gift that you could give him would be to have a big family gathering.  I mean, he definitely wants to see those adorable grandchildren; and it would really make his day if he could just sit back, relax, and watch you get yours!

Happy Father’s Day!

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, father's day, garden bench, grill, hammock, outdoor rocking chair, patio chair, picnic table, porch swing

When repairing a scratch, burn, or other injury to your wood outdoor furniture, you’ll want to re-finish it with the same type of finish with which it was originally finished.  (And I’m just getting started with finishes!)  If you applied the finish in the first place (and who doesn’t want to finish in first place?), you’ll know what kind it is.  However, if you didn’t, and you don’t, you should find out, as each finish has different ingredients, and, therefore, different solvents.

While it can be difficult to distinguish one clear finish from another, you can usually recognize penetrating oil by its thinness and low luster.  To identify others, dampen a rag with alcohol, and rub it on an inconspicuous area.  If the finish softens, it’s probably shellac; if it doesn’t, try the same thing, using lacquer thinner, to determine if it’s lacquer-based.  If neither test affects the finish, it’s likely to be varnish.

Of course, if you’re not fixing any damage, and you’re simply looking for the right finish for your new wood picnic table, Adirondack chair, ottoman, or porch glider, some popular choices include lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, penetrating oil, and acrylic and alkyd varnishes.

Lacquer, which is frequently used on commercial furniture, produces a thin, hard film, and is extremely resistant to wear and spills.  You can spray it on, using professional equipment, or brush it on, as long as it’s the slow-drying kind; but don’t use it over other finishes.  To remove it, use lacquer thinner.

Shellac creates a thin, radiant surface film, which will be clear or amber, depending upon whether you use the white, or the orange, type.  You can brush it on in two or three thin coats, and take it off with denatured alcohol.  Although shellac wears well, it can be ruined by certain spills; but, luckily, it’s easy to spot-repair.

On the other hand, polyurethane has superior resistance to spills and wear, but is hard to spot-repair.  Apply two coats with a brush, but don’t use it over shellac.  Polyurethane leaves a very hard, warm-toned film, which can be dissolved by turpentine or mineral spirits.

Penetrating oil will soak into the wood fibers, leaving a natural-looking finish; and tung oil is the most durable type.  Apply at least two coats with a brush, let it stand for about half an hour, and then rub it vigorously.  To remove it, use mineral oil.

Acrylic varnish, which is moderately resistant to wear and spills, can be dissolved by water, if it has not dried completely.  Brush or spray on two or three coats (although it usually comes in spray cans), and it will produce a thin, hard film, with no amber tones.

If you’re using alkyd varnish, brush on two or three coats, sanding between each application.  This will create a hard, warm-toned film, with moderate to good resistance to wear and spills.  Also difficult to spot-repair, alkyd varnish will come off with mineral spirits.

One important thing to remember, no matter which type you choose, is that using too much finish can have disastrous results.  If you want proof, just look at my opening paragraph!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, ottoman, picnic table, porch glider, wood outdoor furniture

While you’re getting your patio furniture, picnic tables, and grills ready for all of the cookouts that are in store this summer, remember that you’ll also have to be prepared for the arguments that will inevitably take place at many of these gatherings.

Now, I’m not talking about nasty squabbles, or drunken brawls.  No-o!  I’m referring to the disagreements over the cooking of the food, which always seem to arise, especially when there are a lot of “armchair quarterbacks” (or, in these cases, “Adirondack chair chefs”) present.  These are normally friendly debates, which can be about anything, from the best cooking techniques, to whether gas grills or charcoal grills are better, to whose barbecue apron has the funniest saying.

Among the most common disputes, however, is the difference between barbecuing and grilling.  While many people use these words interchangeably, they really do have separate meanings.  One of the best ways to describe the two methods is to say that grilling is high and fast, while barbecuing is low and slow.  Naturally, to some, these distinctions are unimportant; but, to those who consider themselves barbecue aficionados, they are crucial.

With all of the varying opinions about the real meaning of the word, barbecue, it seems only appropriate that its etymology is also a source of heated discussion.  Of course, it’s no surprise, as this is the case with countless other words in this language.

Although several theories have been offered, most authorities agree that the word, barbecue, is derived from the West Indian word, barbacoa, which is a raised platform or framework for supporting meat that is being slow-cooked over hot coals that have been placed beneath it.  It is believed that the colonists adopted this way of slow-roasting meat, and that barbacoa became barbecue in the vernacular of the early settlers.

While the natives, who were first observed using the barbacoa, often cooked venison and whole turkeys, in the South, where many claim that the barbecue, as we know it, originated, pork became the staple of the spit.  This is understandable, because, in the “barbecue belt” states, which include Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, pigs were an omnipresent source of food.

They were also low-maintenance, as there was little or no cost involved in feeding them.  They carelessly roamed free, uh, pigging out, on whatever they found on their own.  Oh, yeah, that was the life!  Unfortunately, they didn’t realize that they were effectively fattening themselves up for their own slaughters, which were festive occasions, wherein entire communities were invited to share in the food and celebrations.  This is thought to be the way that the traditional Southern barbecue originated.

In the ensuing years, all of the ingredients of the barbecue, including rubs, sauces, woods used for smoking the meat, the types of meat, and everything else involved in its preparation, have varied, not only from state to state, but from region to region.

So, it’s no wonder that the definition of a true barbecue is such a bone of contention!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, charcoal grills, gas grills, grills, patio furniture, picnic tables

If you think there’s no better gift than giving your mom a day at the ritziest spa in town, think again!  You can recreate the day spa treatment for your mother, and she’ll probably enjoy it even more.  Why? Because her family put the whole thing together!

If you have a gazebo with a hot tub in it, or even a sauna, you’re set.  Let your mom relax in the hot tub for a few hours—try setting up a cd player with some of her favorite music or buying her a book by one of her favorite authors.

But, if you’re not so lucky to have a hot tub gazebo, it’s no problem.  There are plenty of day spa treatments you can try.  Remember to start small; trying to plan way too much may be overwhelming and require so much planning that no one has fun.

First, create the spa space.  If you have a gazebo, pergola, or other backyard structure, decorate it with flowers, streamers, and maybe even balloons.  That way, when you pull her outside, she’ll be wowed by all the decorations!  And, to make sure she knows it’s a trip to the day spa, set out candles, bowls of potpourri, and even hot tea out on your picnic table.  Also set out some of her favorite fresh fruits and juices, or even little breakfast pastries or scones with jam.

A great home spa project can be a pedicure or manicure.  Fill a large bucket with warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of bath oil.  Put your mom in the most comfortable patio chair you have; whether that be a chaise lounge or an Adirondack chair, just make sure it’s one of her favorites.  Have her sit with her hands or feet (whichever she prefers, many hardworking moms might not be too keen on everyone touching her feet!) in the warm water for at least 20 minutes.

After that, dry her feet or hands with a nice soft towel and apply a sweet smelling cream based moisturizer or lotion.  This is the tricky part: a lot of salons will clean, clip, and do general nail care.  But, again, some moms won’t exactly be eager to have her family chipping away at the dirt under her nails.  And, after all, this is a day for mom!  So, you might want to scale back a bit and skip right to the polish.

If you know her favorite color (and you should!!), make sure you have a nail polish in that hue!  Do two or three thin coats, allowing the polish to dry between applications.  Try your best to not to get any on the skin around the nails, but keep a damp tissue near by just in case.

Having you spa outside will make splashing water or spilling nail polish a non-issue.  It will also allow the polish to dry faster in the open air!  Remember, don’t concentrate too hard or try to make it perfect.  You’re pampering your mother to say thanks, and part of that is just spending time with her! So, if an 8 year old daughter doesn’t have the perfect polishing techniques yet… it doesn’t matter.  It’s all about getting together and having fun.

So, though your outdoor day spa for mom might not be as refined as the swanky places, she’ll know all the thought and hard work you put into it.  Plus, spending time with her family is always the perfect gift.

Tags: adirondack chair, backyard structure, chaise lounge, gazebo, Mother's Day, pergola, picnic table

While many people use electric and gas grills, there’s no question that charcoal grills are the most traditional.  Undoubtedly, it would be difficult to find anyone who doesn’t have childhood reminiscences of family gatherings, where the smell of charcoal-grilled burgers – and lighter fluid – hung heavily in the air.

Of course, memories continue to pile up as the years go by; and charcoal, which is much easier to light these days, is still the favorite of purists, who savor the flavor that it adds to all types of meat and fish, and even fruit and vegetables.  Furthermore, the mouth-watering aroma of succulent burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or steaks, sizzling on a charcoal grill, makes the anticipation almost as delicious as the food itself.

Another significant aspect of the cookout experience is sitting around the picnic table, on the porch swing or glider, or in an Adirondack chair, chatting pleasantly with your family and friends.  Besides being a big part of the memories-in-the-making, this also helps to take everybody’s minds off their hunger pangs; and the more stimulating the subject, the more effectively it distracts from growling stomachs, as it gives everyone something to, uh, chew on.

So, the next time you’re gathered around an outdoor dining table with other ravenous revelers, you can give them a morsel that’s more than a mouthful, by telling them that the father of the automobile, Henry Ford, is also the founder of their feast – in a way.  Indeed, the grills on his cars were not the only ones that concerned him.

In the early 1920’s, as scrap wood from components of his Model T was piling up, then being discarded, Ford set out to find an efficient use for it.  Consequently, he and E.G. Kingsford, who was a relative, a lumberman, and an owner of one of his first dealerships, set up a charcoal manufacturing plant next to the assembly line.  There, the charcoal was ground, combined with starch, formed into briquettes, and sold, under Ford’s name, in his dealerships, where it was touted as “the perfected fuel with a hundred uses.”  In 1950, the charcoal was renamed for Kingsford; and you may even be able to turn around and point to a bag of it as the perfect wrap-up to your tale.

However, if, after you bring this juicy tidbit to the table, your fellow picnickers are still starving for stories, you can give them a bonus bite, by telling them that Ford’s charcoal assembly plant was designed by his good buddy, Thomas Alva Edison.  You know, it actually seems quite appropriate that Ford would become friends with Edison, because, with all of his great ideas, he must have had light bulbs going on over his head all the time.

But that only leads me to wonder what went on over people’s heads before the light bulb was invented.  A candle?  I don’t know; somehow, that just wouldn’t have the same effect – unless, of course, the idea isn’t particularly bright.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, glider, grills, outdoor dining table, picnic table, porch swing

Birds give us much more than beauty, song, and constant entertainment (and that’s a heck of a lot).  Even those that are often considered nuisances help to get rid of pests in the garden.  Starlings, for example, gobble up the larvae of Japanese beetles and gypsy moths.  So, when you see them canvassing your lawn, just sit back in your Adirondack chair, or relax on your porch swing or glider, and enjoy the rainbow of colors reflecting off their iridescent feathers.

Certainly, birds deserve to be rewarded with a reliable source of their favorite foods; and, no, putting up birdfeeders and birdhouses won’t make them dependent, and cause them to lose their natural instincts and abilities to survive in the wild.

Now, the number of birds that will come to your newly-installed birdfeeders will vary, depending upon what time of the year it is.  If the weather is warm, and natural sources of food are abundant, there may not be as many, especially at first.  No matter when you begin, your birdfeeders may stand neglected for a few days; but, once word gets around, which it will, quickly (after all, birds mastered the art of twittering millions of years ago!), you’ll be in business.

There are several types of birdfeeders, including hopper, platform, tube, hanging, and post-mounted, some of which are available in octagon, pagoda, gazebo, and log cabin styles.  Different birds like various foods; so, to attract the widest variety, offer an assortment of black oil and striped sunflower seeds, hulled peanuts, thistle seeds, suet mixed with seeds or fruit, peanut butter, and white millet seed.

It’s best to have multiple feeding stations, and to put thistle (or nyjer) seed in a separate, hanging birdfeeder, with smaller ports, specifically for finches.  This is their favorite food, and it’s difficult for them, with their tiny bills, to feed with the other birds.  In fact, you may not see a goldfinch unless you do this; but you’ll be elated when dozens of them start descending on their special birdfeeder!

Birdfeeders should be placed between five and twelve feet from shrubs, or other sources of refuge from the elements and predators.  Vines provide great shelter as well, so you can also put birdfeeders near arbors, trellises, and pergolas.

Soon, you’ll build up a regular clientele of cardinals, sparrows, tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, wrens, slate-colored juncos, mourning doves, nuthatches, and whatever else is native to your area.

Although these characters will keep you thoroughly entertained, every once in awhile, a rarely-seen bird will suddenly emerge from the woods to partake of your largesse.  While such surprise guests will surely give you a thrill, unfortunately, they often fly in for just one show, sing for their supper, then take off again.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Arbors, birdfeeders, birdhouses, Pergolas, porch glider, porch swing, trellises

Okay, so now you know how easy it can be to fix a loose rung on a patio chair, garden bench, or picnic table.  It’s always a good feeling to be able to restore a favorite piece of outdoor furniture to its former glory – or, at least, a semblance thereof – without the help of a professional.  Of course, there are times when a beloved old porch swing, Adirondack chair, glider, or outdoor dining table is in need of repair, but only because of a few scratches.

In many instances, you can hide these flaws, using items that you may already have on hand.  If, for example, there’s a scratch in your wood porch chair, a nut may come to the rescue (as is the case so many times in life).  Rub a pecan, or any nut that has a high oil content, over the scratch, and watch it disappear.  Even a bit of peanut butter may do the trick.  The only trouble there is that the aroma may be so strong that you’ll find yourself craving a peanut butter sandwich every time you sit down.  To avoid this temptation, use olive or vegetable oil instead; simply rub it in with your finger, and polish it with a soft rag.

Another solution, which many people find to be a real eye-opener, is coffee.  Just mix one teaspoon of the instant variety with one tablespoon of vegetable oil or water, and work it in gently with a soft rag.  Although this is great for covering scratches on dark wood patio furniture, it is not recommended for use on shellac, or antiques.

Fortunately, there are many other household items that are not nearly as appetizing, which can diminish the appearance of scratches on wood porch furniture; but these should be tested on inconspicuous areas first.  Iodine, for instance, works well on reddish finishes, such as mahogany; and liquid and paste shoe polishes, available in a wide range of shades, can easily be matched to most wood tones.  Felt-tipped markers and softened crayons can be used, too, and you can mix their colors to get the perfect match for the wood.

So, there you have several easy fixes for scratches in your wood outdoor furniture; but, as I said, your options may be limited if the smell of peanut butter is going to drive you nuts. Furthermore, if you’re trying to cut down on caffeine, the coffee suggestion may be out as well.  However, if you can resist the urge to have a cup every time you get a whiff of it, you can have your “coffee fix” and still get to sleep at night!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, garden bench, glider, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, patio chair, patio furniture, picnic table, porch chair, porch furniture, porch swing

If you thought you were shopping around for outdoor furniture, patio dining sets, or even a gazebo for yourself… you might be missing an important factor.  Studies show that your children need more time outside than the majority of them are getting.  If you’re saying, “I know that… but they have this X-box 360 I can’t seem to conquer!” perhaps you should consider this:  give your children a place to play outside and they probably will!

1. Nature Deficit Disorder:  Recent studies have shown that children not exposed to the outdoors enough are suffering from a specific series of concerns.  Most likely fueled by a more media-centered society and parents fearing that their children will be less safe outside… many effected children are suffering from a marked lack in creativity, anxiety and depression, attention deficit problems, and long-term inabilities to cope with stress.  And, of course, it goes without saying that these children are also much more likely to suffer from childhood obesity; a condition that will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.  Luckily, this is a problem that can be easily fixed.  If you have a mandatory amount of time your child is required to spend reading, doing homework, or even working on chores… consider extending this to spending time outdoors.  Even if it’s not playing, doing homework on a porch swing or at a picnic table instead of at their desk will do wonders.  They will be more aware of what is going on around them and better able to evaluate a variety of senses at one time.  Being outside offers changing stimuli, unlike the constant décor of their bedroom, and the more time children spend outdoors, the more time they will yearn for the fresh smell of the open air. And remember, children build their immune systems as they’re developing.  Kids that are kept away from any sort of dirt and germs will be unable to cope with them as they grow older.  Studies show that adults that spent more time outside as children were less likely to suffer from allergies.
2. Exercise… both mentally and physically:  It’s clear that children are getting less exercise with every generation.  Not only does this lead to a lot of pent-up energy, it leads to a long list of health concerns.  But, children are little balls of activity, and giving them a place outside to expend that is good for them.  Climbing trees, swinging on monkey bars, running, and jumping are all great for their health.  A few minor bumps and bruises may occur, but this is a natural part of being a kid!  Youngsters have an innate need to be active, it’s the constant push from the media encouraging docile sit-in-front-of-the-screen behavior that turns them off of it.  The earlier you foster their love for wind blowing in their face as they sprint after a little brother, the more they will love it as they grow older. But, the physical exercise is not where the importance stops.  Playtime outside will cause your children to develop their own story lines, create their own games, and pretend an old, scary witch is plotting great destruction from that rocking chair, or a far-away princess is sleeping on the chaise lounge.  Let your child’s mind deviate from the plot lines of their video games, the characters on their cartoons, and even the lessons in their schools—let their brains develop correctly by entertaining their active imaginations!
3. Foster team work:  Children who play together, learn together, and teach each other how to develop successful interpersonal skills will be much better off later in life.  If children are constantly left to their own devices to make afternoons fun and full of laughter… they’ll find a way to make sure everyone is involved because, it’s true, “the more the merrier.”  Say goodbye to phrases like, “does not play well with others.”  Through pre-determined team sports like soccer, quoits, kick ball, croquet, bocce ball, and football… your children will learn the value of team work, as well as gracious winning and losing.  Youngsters who learn how to deal and play with a variety of personality types will be less likely to get in fights in high school and more willing to explore new places and ideas. And if you don’t have a horse shoe set, don’t fret.  Many outdoor games are incredibly inexpensive, and even if that’s not in your budget this year… kids can make a game out of almost anything.
4. Learn responsibility:  Giving your children their own space to take care of will give them a sense of ownership that fosters responsibility.  Whether this is their own playhouse or simply a section of the garden with a garden bench, explain that they are responsible for taking care of their little bit of earth.  Teach them to weed and take care of their section of garden or plant flowers in the playhouse’s flower boxes.  Learning to cultivate nature will teach them that they are responsible for taking care of the environment and that their hard work produces beautiful things.  Learning this kind of responsibility will not only be good for their work ethic and behavior, it will also instill a love and accountability for the environment.  Just think, if coming generations know that taking care of the earth is an important responsibility… maybe our fragile planet isn’t doomed.
5. Get selfish; make time for yourself:  Do you often feel like you can’t think over the blaring television?  Do you wish you could get on the family computer to read this blog, but your daughter is too busy playing an online video game? Are you constantly trying to find some way to have a few moments to yourself?  Fostering a love of the outdoors in your children will do just that.  Imagine your kids walking home from school, dropping their book bags at the door, and racing outside to their playhouse, or even just to their section of the yard or garden.  Picking up a soccer ball on their way, you’ll be free to do the things you need to do.  Or, of course, to sit back in your Adirondack chair or porch glider and watch your children run, jump, play, and laugh their way to better holistic health!

See you (and your kids!) outside!

Hazel

Exhausted after a long day of playing!

Tags: adirondack chair, chaise lounge, Croquet, garden bench, gazebo, Outdoor Furniture, patio dining sets, picnic table, play houses, playhouses, porch glider, porch swing, quoites, rocking chair

If you’ve taken any time to look through Cedarstore.com, you know that it makes you feel like the proverbial kid in a toy store. Porch Swings, Garden Benches, Adirondack Chairs, Accent Tables, and Hammocks all set up and waiting for you to give them a home.  But, then you start to think, a doll without a dollhouse? How would she live?  Worry not, we have all your perfect Gazebos, Cabanas, Sunrooms, Pergolas, and Pool Houses too.

Well, now that we’ve gone down a fine stroll down memory lane… you have to remember the little ones in your life!  Sons, Daughters, Nephews, Nieces, and Grandkids are all looking for their own slice of perfection.  While you may have thought that Cedarstore.com was only filled with “toys” for adults… we have plenty for kids too!    

Cedarstore.com is running a ton of holiday specials—many of them on kids’ furniture.  Our Treated Pine Kid’s Picnic Table is the perfect size for the youngsters to pile into for crafts, meals, and fun.  And at the end of the day, our Ash Kid’s Rocking Chair is a great place to page through a picture book with a favorite teddy bear or doll.  Need a place for storing all those toys? Our Stained White Pine Toy Chest with a Hand Painted Eagle Design is also on sale.  And though… we can’t guarantee that it will keep all the toys and games off the floor, it will absolutely be a step in the right direction! Don’t forget the really little ones!  We also have a Select Pine Kid’s Swing great for letting your child fly high, while staying safe!

Now, before you start to lose your child-like wonder by imagining the disaster of trying to fit all of these great pieces into your child’s bedroom… don’t forget the doll house part of the equation!  We also offer custom playhouses.  With a porch, railings, windows, door and big enough for your kid AND her toys… the Barbie Dream House has nothing on it! A playhouse is a perfect place for children to engage their imagination and create their own world where everything is just their size. Don’t forget, a kid in his playhouse is a kid not underfoot while you’re trying to get dinner together! And, available in three different styles, over thirty sizes, and countless customizations—it’s a one-of-kind, not-available-on-the-shelf, absolutely fantastic gift.

The best thing about Cedarstore.com is that after you’re finished getting all the great toys for your kids… there’s plenty of great toys for you too!

Now hurry up and order; make time for shipping!

 See you Outside (in the playhouse!)

Hazel.

Tags: adirondack chair, gazebo, Holiday Specials, kids' furniture, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, pergola, Pergolas, picnic table, Pool house, porch furniture, porch swing, sunroom

Because we are dedicated to the pursuit of outdoor living happiness, we take our outdoor furniture quite seriously.  We also look with admiration and gratitude upon our predecessors who devoted themselves to this cause and inspired us to continue this important work.

One such pioneer was Thomas Lee, who, with his wife, owned a vacation home in the Adirondack Mountains of Westport, New York, on Lake Champlain, in the early 1900’s.  That was right at the dawn of the Craftsman Period, which reflected a drastic change in the furniture styles that had been prevalent during the Victorian Era.  Instead of building ornate furniture that was often more decorative than functional, the new thinking was that it should be as utilitarian as it was attractive. 

Lee took that principle to heart; and, in 1903, when he and his wife wanted new furniture for the garden, he decided to build it himself.  After experimenting with many designs, and having his family test each one, the winner was a chair constructed from eleven boards that he had cut from a single piece of wood.  Crafting it specifically for maximum comfort on the terrain of the Adirondack Mountains, Lee gave it wide armrests, upon which drinks or snacks could be set, a deep, angled seat that would keep one’s knees slightly raised, and a back that was inclined 30 degrees, which he considered to be the perfect position for napping.          

The chair was a smash hit with family and friends, and Lee went on to make quite a few more, mostly from hemlock and basswood.  One man who took a particular interest in it was Harry Bunnell, a hunting buddy.  Bunnell, who also ran a small carpentry shop, told Lee that he had a hard time making money off-season, and offered to build the chairs during the winter, and split the money from the sales.  The all-too-trusting Lee agreed, and lent the plans to Bunnell, who – yep, you guessed it – patented the design as his own, in 1905, calling it the Westport chair. 

Known today as the Adirondack chair, its popularity has spread from the mountains of New York State, to the rest of the country, and beyond.  In fact, with the combination of Lee’s ultra-comfortable design, and the number of different materials and colors in which it is offered, this chair is now in more demand than ever. 

As we carry on the tradition of making fine outdoor furniture, we feature this favorite in many variations, including thin-slat, thin-arm, folding, and rocking Adirondack chairs and settees.  We also customize, so call 888-293-2339 and ask one of our design consultants about it, if you have another angle on the chair.  Otherwise, just lean back 30 degrees and relax.     

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, adirondack chairs