If you are wondering the best way to take care of your Adirondack chairs this Winter, we have some advice.
1. KEEP IT CLEAN
It is best to clean your chairs before the harsh weather sets in, especially if the chairs are due to be taken indoors. Using mild soap and a sponge, ensure that dirt and mould are removed. If the chair is exceptionally dirty or has had mould growing on it for some time, then slightly more "aggressive" treatment may be needed. However, be warned, using bleach-based treatment for mould & mildew could permanently discolour the wood and over time destroy the surface layer and damaging the chair. Sometimes it make only take a gentle scrubbing brush or a little sanding using 120 grit sandpaper. We do not recommend using a pressure washer.
2. KEEP IT DRY
To improve the longevity of the chairs, keeping them indoors, sheltered away from the weather during Winter is best. Make sure they are dry before bringing them indoors and that the storage area has good air circulation. If storage space is unavailable then finding overhanging shelter, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight, and keeping the feet out of standing water will help.
Our larch chairs have a high resin content, which provides a degree of protection against the elements, even if untreated. And let's face it, upgrading the garden with a patio heater or a fire pit will allow you to continue enjoying your Adirondack chairs on those less damp wintry days.
We do not recommend covering Adirondack chairs as moisture may get trapped beneath the covers and can lead to staining and rot.
3. KEEP IT TREATED
Whilst certain types of wood are suitable for outdoors and can be left untreated for a few years, we do recommend treating wooden outdoor furniture on a regular basis. It will keep your Adirondack chairs looking beautiful, can help prevent the wood from splitting and also retard the growth of mould and mildew during those warmer, damp months.
Oil-based varnishes can be applied and provide a good level of protection, but reapplying varnish to the chair requires removal of the old varnish, which is time consuming. Oils come highly recommended, however, they can promote the grow of mould and mildew!
We recommend treating your Adirondack chair with a weatherproofing liquid that will seal it against water and contains an anti-mould and anti-mildew agent. It will also help retard warping and splitting of the wood. These products are best to go onto bare wood, are easily applied and quick to dry. We are currently conducting trials with Roxil Wood Protection Liquid and Textrol Penetrating Oil Finish. Currently, there is very little to separate these products, though the liquid can be sprayed and the cream can only be brushed on.
4. NEXT TIME BUY A LORDSHIP CHAIR
There is a variety of retailers for Adirondack chairs and whilst all share a common ancestry of aesthetics, not all Adirondack chairs are designed and built equally. We do not recommend you settling for cheaper versions, as you will end up paying more in the long run. You can save money by buying Adirondack chairs constructed from flimsy wood and it might last a season in the sun. If you are very lucky it might not creak and shift as you sit in it either. So rather than praying it will stay upright, consider Adirondack chairs from Lordship Chairs. We build our chairs from the best larch wood, with a thickness that looks and feels solid whilst maintaining its comfort. Their production and construction is all done by hand in the UK.