I’ve spent close to twenty years in my woodworking shop building all kinds of outdoor seating—everything from picnic benches to detailed porch swings. But there are two pieces I keep coming back to: the Adirondack and the Cape Cod chair. My first Adirondack build was back in 2004, and I’ll never forget it. Those huge arms, the low, tilted seat, and that laid-back angle—it felt like the perfect backyard throne. A few years later, a client from New England asked me to tweak the design to be a little more upright and polished. That became the Cape Cod. Since then, I’ve built hundreds of each, refinished even more, and tested them in all kinds of weather—from the dry dunes of Cape Cod to the humid pine woods in my own backyard.
A quick bit of history: The Adirondack chair first showed up around 1903 in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Thomas Lee came up with the wide arms and sloped seat to deal with the uneven terrain at his family’s camp. The Cape Cod version came later, around the mid-1900s, along the rocky coasts of New England. It kept that wide-arm comfort but added a more upright, streamlined design—better suited for breezy porches than rough campsites.
Design & Comfort
When you sit in either chair, you instantly feel the difference:
Adirondack Chair vs. Cape Cod Chair
- Backrest Angle: Adirondacks lean way back (around 100–110°) with long slats that really support your back. Cape Cods are a bit more upright (closer to 95°), with shorter slats that keep you sitting tall.
- Seat Depth & Slope: Adirondacks are deep—20 to 22 inches—and have a strong front-to-back tilt. Cape Cods are more moderate, around 18 to 20 inches, and easier to sit in and get out of.
- Armrests: Adirondack arms are wide and flat—great for setting down a plate or drink. Cape Cod arms are slimmer and usually have a slight curve, which is comfy but works better with a side table.
- Legs/Base: Adirondacks often use straight or slanted legs and stay put. Cape Cods might have straight legs or a gentle rocker base and usually have a slatted support underneath.
- Overall Look: Adirondacks have a bold, chunky, rustic feel. Cape Cods are more refined, with cleaner lines and a smaller footprint.
The Adirondack’s deep recline makes you feel like you’re sinking into a cushion—even if it’s just wood. It’s made for kicking back and staying there. The Cape Cod is more upright, which makes it better for chatting or reading.
People love those big Adirondack arms—they’re almost like mini tables. But Cape Cod arms are designed for looks and comfort, not so much for setting stuff down.
Tall folks (6 feet and up) usually prefer the Adirondack’s depth. On the other hand, people with knee or mobility issues tend to like the Cape Cod better—it’s easier to get in and out of.
Wood, Build & Longevity
I’ve used just about every wood you can think of for these chairs:
- Cedar: Lightweight, naturally resists rot, and fairly priced. Cedar Adirondacks in moderate weather last around 12–15 years. Cape Cods last 10–12 years—upright backs take a bit more wear.
- Teak: Heavy, dense, and pretty much waterproof. I’ve made teak Adirondacks that are still going strong after 20 years. Cape Cods in teak hold up well too, but the slimmer arms can crack if they dry out.
- Pressure-Treated Pine: Cheap and solid, but it warps easily. Expect about 5–7 years in humid areas before slats start needing replacement.
For hardware, I go with stainless steel to avoid rust. Cape Cods usually get mortise-and-tenon legs for extra strength, while Adirondacks stick with simpler joints and waterproof glue.
Weather & Upkeep
Different shapes, different reactions to the weather:
Adirondack vs. Cape Cod
- Sun Exposure: Both need a fresh coat of paint or stain every couple years. Adirondack backs take more sun; Cape Cods a little less.
- Salt Air: Always use rust-resistant hardware. Give them a rinse once a year.
- Rain: Both need sealing every 1–2 years. Adirondacks collect more water in the seat.
- Maintenance: Adirondacks need staining once a year and a good clean twice. Cape Cods can go a little longer—stain every 1.5 years, clean yearly.
- Repairs: Adirondacks usually need bottom slats or leg screws replaced. Cape Cods might need arm edges sanded or braces tightened.
- Ease of Cleaning: Cape Cods are a bit easier to clean—fewer slats, simpler design.
Tip: I’ve found that power-washing and re-oiling cedar Adirondacks every spring cuts down on repairs by about 30%.
Where Each Shines
Beach House:
- Adirondack: Perfect for the dunes, great for watching sunsets. Just be careful—sand shifts under the legs.
- Cape Cod: Sits firm on decks, looks sharp with white siding.
Backyard Firepit:
- Adirondack: Great for kicking back and holding a drink or s’mores stick.
- Cape Cod: More upright, so better for chatting. I usually add clip-on cup holders.
Mountain Cabin:
- Adirondack: Matches the rustic setting but keep it away from dripping pine sap.
- Cape Cod: Adds a bit of unexpected charm—coastal vibes in the mountains.
Quick Pros & Cons:
Adirondack:
- Pros: Super comfy, customizable.
- Cons: Heavy, bulky, collects rain if not angled right.
Cape Cod:
- Pros: Sleek, fits in small spaces, looks great on porches.
- Cons: Not as comfy for long lounging; arms aren’t great for resting stuff.
Cost vs. Value
| Chair Type | Upfront Cost | Yearly Upkeep | Lifespan | Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Adirondack | $180 | $35 | 12–15 yrs | 8 |
| Teak Adirondack | $650 | $20 | 20+ yrs | 9 |
| Pine Adirondack | $120 | $50 | 5–7 yrs | 6 |
| Cedar Cape Cod | $200 | $30 | 10–12 yrs | 7.5 |
| Teak Cape Cod | $700 | $20 | 20+ yrs | 8.5 |
| Pine Cape Cod | $130 | $45 | 5–7 yrs | 6.5 |
Last spring, I sold cedar Adirondack kits for $180, with teak versions running $600–750. Cedar Cape Cod kits were around $200.
Best Bang for Your Buck: Cedar Adirondacks are a great deal if you don’t mind keeping up with the stain. Teak costs more upfront but makes up for it in the long run with almost no maintenance.
Visual Breakdown
Picture a simple radar chart with six categories:
- Comfort
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Portability
- Cost
- Style
Adirondacks rank high on comfort and sturdiness, but need more upkeep and cost a bit more. Cape Cods score better on looks, ease of maintenance, and space-saving design.
A Few Personal Notes
- Side Tables: Cape Cods pair nicely with narrow teak side tables—the slim arms let them sit snug. Adirondacks need more space, so small tables can feel a bit crowded.
- Name Confusion: In Canada, people call these Muskoka chairs. They’re almost the same, but Muskokas usually have slightly wider slats and a rounder back.
- Weather Quirks: In damp coastal areas, Cedar Adirondacks turn gray faster because the deeper seats trap more water.
- DIY Hack: If you’re building a Cape Cod at home, try angling the armrests inward by about 3°. It makes sitting more natural and takes pressure off your shoulders.
Bottom Line
Go with an Adirondack if…
- You want to kick back and relax for hours.
- You’ve got the space—big yard, patio, or open beach spot.
- You’re okay with a little yearly upkeep in exchange for serious comfort.
Pick a Cape Cod if…
- You host often and want upright, stylish seating.
- You’ve got a smaller deck or porch to work with.
- You want a cleaner, more classic look that fits cottage or coastal vibes.
Final Tips:
- Climate: If you’re near the coast or in a humid spot, teak is your best bet.
- Use: For lounging or reading, Adirondacks are hard to beat. For socializing, Cape Cod wins.
- Body Type: Taller folks love Adirondacks. If mobility is a concern, Cape Cods are easier to get in and out of.
At the end of the day, both chairs have their strengths. Match them to your space and lifestyle, and you’ll be enjoying outdoor comfort for years to come.
