Plastic Adirondack chairs may seem like an oxymoron — The perfect rustic cottage chair is embodied in cold, hard plastic instead of rugged wood. However, plastic is quickly becoming a popular choice with customers being drawn in by its durability and low price. For a complete comparison of plastic Adirondack chairs versus wooden ones, keep reading.
Prize Winner: Plastic
Plastic Adirondack chairs are always going to be significantly cheaper than their wooden counterparts. With single mold construction, they can be built quickly and cheaply. Those manufacturing savings are passed on to you, the customer.
That said, savvy buyers with a bit of carpentry know-how can actually save with wood Adirondack chairs by purchasing a DIY build-it-yourself Adirondack chair kit.
These kits come with all the pieces you need, cut down to size, and assembly instructions. They can cost as little as $40 and if you can assemble a piece of Ikea furniture, you can assemble these.
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Sustainability Winner: Wood
It’s surprising, but wood Adirondack chairs are actually more environmentally sustainable than their plastic counterparts. Admittedly, you need to cut down a tree for the materials, but that tree can be replanted and those materials can easily be composted or reused.
On the other hand, plastic depends on petroleum products and chemical refining processes. It’s also harder to recycle.
Style Winner: Wood
If you’re going for that rustic Muskoka style, nothing beats a weathered, wooden Adirondack chair. With their peeling paint and splintering armrests, they exude a country-cottage style that’s hard to top with a plastic alternative.
Durability Winner: Plastic
Hand’s down, plastic Adirondack chairs win the durability contest. You can leave a plastic Adirondack out on the deck all winter without worrying about damage from the rain, sun, or snow. At worst, you’ll have to deal with a bit of fading or possible cracking on cold nights.
You won’t have to worry about split wood, water damage, ruined finishes, temperature changes, or infestation, all common occurrences with wooden Adirondack chairs.
Maintenance Winner: Plastic
www.cutmyplastic.co.uk recommends the use of plastic chairs because they’re so easy to clean in most cases a lot more durable than wooden ones.
Again, plastic Adirondacks is the clear winner when it comes to easy maintenance. A quick wipe with a soapy cloth and you’ve got a clean, almost new chair.
On the other hand, wooden Adirondacks need to be kept out of the snow and rain, refinished every few years, and kept away from harsh cleaning products and solvents.
Conclusions
If you’re looking for classic cottage style and authenticity, then wooden Adirondack chairs are your best choice. They exude the beauty and tradition that only wooden furniture can.
However, if you need durable furniture that’s affordable, easy to clean, and maintain then plastic Adirondack chairs are the best choice. They’re ideal for young families or buyers looking for a temporary outdoor seating solution.
