006 Made in New York: Adirondack Chairs

Few pieces of outdoor furniture are as instantly recognizable as the Adirondack chair. With its wide armrests, gently reclined back, and comfortable seat, the Adirondack chair has become a symbol of relaxation, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of New York State.

From lakeside camps to mountain cabins and backyard patios around the world, this iconic chair traces its roots to the Adirondack Mountains.

Simple, sturdy, and inviting, the Adirondack chair represents more than outdoor furniture—it reflects a way of life centered on nature, comfort, and thoughtful design.

A Chair Born in the Adirondacks

In 1903, Thomas Lee was spending time with family in the Adirondack Mountains near Westport, New York. Wanting a chair that would remain comfortable on uneven ground while providing a relaxing view of the surrounding landscape, he experimented with several wooden prototypes.

After testing the designs with family and friends, Lee settled on a chair featuring a sloped seat, wide armrests, and a high back. The result was both comfortable and remarkably stable, making it ideal for mountain camps and lakeside retreats.

Built for Comfort

The Adirondack chair's design has remained popular for more than a century because it simply works. The gently angled seat naturally encourages relaxation, while the wide armrests provide space for a drink, a book, or simply resting your hands while enjoying the scenery.

Its sturdy construction also makes it well suited for outdoor living, standing up to changing weather while requiring relatively simple construction techniques.

From Local Craft to Worldwide Favorite

Originally built from solid wooden boards, Adirondack chairs were handcrafted by local woodworkers throughout the Adirondack region. Over time, the design spread across North America and eventually around the world. Today they are built from cedar, pine, oak, teak, recycled plastics, composite materials, and many other durable products.

Despite countless variations, the original spirit of the design remains instantly recognizable.

A Symbol of the Outdoors

The Adirondack chair has become closely associated with campfires, lakes, mountain views, porches, gardens, and peaceful evenings outdoors. Whether overlooking Lake Placid, the Finger Lakes, or a backyard pond, the chair invites people to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Craftsmanship That Endures

For generations of woodworkers, the Adirondack chair has also served as a favorite project. While simple enough for beginners, it offers endless opportunities to refine joinery, shaping, finishing, and design details. Many craftsmen personalize their chairs with unique woods, decorative carvings, custom finishes, or family engravings.

Visiting the Adirondacks

Travelers exploring the Adirondack Park will often find Adirondack chairs welcoming visitors at lodges, museums, parks, scenic overlooks, waterfronts, and historic camps. Sitting in one while overlooking mountains or lakes has become part of the Adirondack experience itself.

Why It Matters

The Adirondack chair demonstrates how thoughtful design can stand the test of time. More than one hundred years after its creation, it remains one of the world's most recognizable examples of functional craftsmanship. It reminds us that some of the best designs are born from observing nature and solving a simple problem exceptionally well.

Made in New York celebrates the products, craftsmanship, and innovations that have shaped the Empire State. The Adirondack chair stands as a lasting symbol of New York's forests, mountains, and tradition of fine woodworking.