Adirondack Chairs

We just finished a terrific class on building Adirondack chairs - and I couldn't be more proud of the chairs that everyone built. I used to offer this class every summer in Ohio, and it was quite popular. But - here in the desert? Most locals don't know what an Adirondack chair is, let alone how to pronounce it!

The plans are based on this book, which I think is one of the best on the subject.

Most of the people in this class had a few classes under their belt, so they felt pretty comfortable with the building process. Still, there were a few new techniques that challenged them.

We started with the chair base; here they are, lined up after class.

Next came the backs; everyone had an opportunity to put their own spin on their chairs.

Once the back and base were finished, things started progressing pretty quickly.

One of the bigger challenges in this class was plugging all the screw holes. Everyone in the class became quite skilled with a mallet and chisel. Or not.

I built my chair out of lyptus - remind me to think twice about it, if I decide to use lyptus again! It's heavy and I'm allergic to it. A nasty splinter I got on the first day of class still hasn't healed.

But it sure is pretty!

Stella and I had to try it out, even though I hadn't attached the arms yet.

It was a joy to watch everyone's chair parts turn into a complete chair. This chair was modeled on a photo that one student brought in. Her back was dramatic and - simply gorgeous!

Smiling while plugging holes is a good sign!

The most rewarding thing is to see the look of accomplishment on everyone's face.

Last minute plugging before the class presented their chairs at the monthly Sin City Woodworkers meeting.

Having this much fun in a class ought to be illegal! This group effort was an amazing thing to experience. Not only did they go home with some gorgeous chairs, but they really proved something to themselves about their woodworking skills.

Congrats to everyone on their amazing accomplishment! You should all be quite proud. I know I am!

An Adirondack chair like you've never seen before

This chair cracks me up every time I look at it. I'm just guestimating, but the height of that seat looks like it's about five feet off the ground.


If the average height of a chair seat is around 18", look at the front stretcher, behind her legs. If that dimension is 18", then the space underneath it looks twice that size.... hence, about 54". It looks taller than that to me, so I'm guessing 60".

The biggest question I have - how the hell did she climb there? There must be a ladder somewhere, possibly built into the side?

WAY cool. Wouldn't you love one of those in your yard?