If you’re looking for Adirondack chair plans either in magazines or, more probably online, you’ve got a lot from which to choose.  Whether your goal is to build a Folding Adirondack Chair, an Adirondack Rocking Chair or one in the original, traditional design, you can find the plans easily with a few keystrokes and mouse clicks. The Internet has made information gathering so simple, hasn’t it?

FREE PLANS:

Free plans to build Adidondack chairs abound.  In fact, more than 17,000 sites pop up when you do a simple online search for this topic.  For many, this sounds like a pretty good deal, since there is no better price than ‘free’.  The problem with most of these plans, though, is that they’re just about useless to a beginner or someone with little woodworking experience.  And, if you’re like me, you’re going to need more guidance than a few written lines of instruction and a blueprint filled with writing that might as well be hieroglyphics.  Most folks need a little more step-by-step, detailed and well-explained directions that show each and every step of the way towards their hoped-for woodworking success.  Fortunately, it exists.

QUALITY PLANS:

A good set of Adirondack chair plans can make all the difference in the world to your DIY efforts.  To make the job as effortless and professional as possible, the plans should include some essentials.  First, you want detailed step-by-step instructions all along the way.  Well-drawn and easily understood diagrams should show how each piece fits in the puzzle.  This will be a big help for those with experience, but is critical for beginning woodworkers.

All materials needed should be listed, piece-by-piece, including exact dimensions, and each should be labeled and easily referenced in the accompanying diagrams.  You should also be told what tools are needed to complete the job.  The best plans will include all these things.

WHY BUILD ADIRONDACK CHAIRS?

The Adirondack chair is an American tradition.  First found in the Adirondack Mountain region of Upstate New York at the beginning of the twentieth century, they were designed to be a stable place to sit on sloping, uneven terrain so common to the area.  That’s the reason for the slant of the back and the seat. They also typically sport extra wide armrests that can be used as you would use a tabletop.  In fact, many cafes in the area use these chairs to serve patrons, with the armrests alleviating the need for a normal dining table.

When it’s well made, a good Adirondack chair can be around for decades.  As most will spend their lives outdoors, hard weather-resistant wood such as cedar or redwood is the best choice of building material.  The original, patented, 1905 design was made from hemlock.

Regardless of your choice of materials, the determining factor on your project’s success will be the quality of your Adirondack chair plans. Whether you’re creating one of the traditional design, a folding Adirondack chair or an Adirondack rocking chair, you can do the job and do it well.  Give it a go!

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