When it comes to the Adirondack chair and the Muskoka chair, many people think they are the same chair, just with different names in different regions. Actually, although these two classic adirondack chairs look similar, they have slight differences in some design details.
The Origins of Adirondack Chairs and Muskoka Chairs
What are Adirondack chairs? The Adirondack Chair was invented by Thomas Lee in 1903 and named after the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. Thomas Lee, who was vacationing at Lake Champlain in Westport, New York, wanted to create a comfortable outdoor chair for his family. He designed and tested several prototypes and eventually created the Adirondack chair. Later, Lee showed his design to his friend Harry Bunnell, who patented it in 1905 without Lee’s permission and sold it under the name “Westport Chair.”
What are Muskoka chairs? The Muskoka chair is, in fact, a Canadian variation of the Adirondack chair. As the Adirondack chair gained popularity in Canada, particularly in the Muskoka region of Ontario, people began referring to it as the “Muskoka chair.”
Difference Between Muskoka and Adirondack Chairs
2-Inch Difference in Seat Height
The Adirondack chair is about 2 inches higher than the Muskoka chair, making it better suited for taller people, people with weak knees, or the elderly. Its higher seat design makes it easier for them to get up from the chair. Conversely, the Muskoka chair is lower, with the seat closer to the ground, making it ideal for people with low sitting postures or children.
2-Inch Difference in Armrest Width
The armrests of the Adirondack chair are 2 inches wider than those of the Muskoka chair. The design makes it more suitable for larger people. The wider armrests provide more supportive space to help users adjust their sitting position or get up more easily, and they also provide extra room for small items such as cell phones and books, making the chair more comfortable.
Curvature and Recline Angle of the Backrest
The backrest of the Muskoka chair has a more rounded curvature that fits the natural curve of the spine, providing great support, and reduce fatigue from long periods of sitting. While the Adirondack chair’s backrest is more straight, which expands the contact area of the back and distributes the pressure more evenly, which is suitable for those who prefer a straight-backed sitting posture.
At the same time, the Adirondack chair’s backrest has a steeper recline angle, which shifts the body’s center of gravity backward, making it more suitable for prolonged static rest.
Waterfall Front Design
Most Muskoka chairs and Adirondack chairs have a waterfall front design. In contrast, the waterfall front of the Muskoka chair is usually wider, more curved, and extends downward more significantly. This better reduces pressure on the back of the thighs and improves comfort when sitting for long periods of time.
Various Styles of Adirondack Chairs and Muskoka Chairs
The original Adirondack and Muskoka chairs were mainly made of wood, such as cedar, teak and other natural woods, giving the chairs a classic look and natural texture. As technology evolved, composite materials such as HDPE and HIPS were gradually introduced. These new materials are not only more weather-resistant, they are also easier to clean and maintain.
The variations of Adirondack and Muskoka chairs have also gradually diversified. In addition to the classic design, there are also rocking chairs with a curved base for smooth rocking, glider chairs with a unique motion design that allows the chair to glide smoothly back and forth, and dining chairs with a higher seat height for use with outdoor dining tables, providing users with more comfortable choices.
Muskoka Gliders
These Adirondack chairs are more versatile, with many featuring practical designs such as foldable, adjustable backrests or built-in cup holders, and some sets also include accessories such as side tables and footstools. Whether you’re relaxing on the patio or vacationing at the beach, these chairs have you covered.
