Where it Started – Adirondack Chairs

When I first started learning about Carpentry from my Dad. the first thing I made was my sawhorses which I still have and constantly use. The second thing and first piece of furniture I designed and made, was my interpretation of a classic – the Adirondack chair.

The Adirondack chair originated in the Adirondack mountains in America. It became extremely popular in the States with carpenters using leftover timber from building houses to make their own versions. Now when you’re watching an American film or TV show you almost always see these chairs outside houses or in the background.

I remember spending a lot of time designing the chair to have the correct height and slant suitable for most people.

Once I had plans drawn up, I made my first chair out of pine. I then went on to design a side table and footstool. The second chair I made, I painted and then over time ended up painting them all cream to have a complete set. I made a third and fourth chair out of Meranti and Oak.

I still have all these chairs and have them in my garden. With only a small amount of maintenance they are still in good condition.

I refined a lot of skills in my early work making these chairs and would recommend making one to anyone who wants to do a carpentry project for fun.