Outdoor Furniture Plus' Blog

An Adirondack chair often provides a rustic feel to an outdoor area. After all, these chairs were originally designed for outdoor use. Take the rustic design even further with the distressed look.

Lightly sand your Adirondack chair and wipe it with a clean cloth to remove dust. Prime, if you wish. Paint the entire chair with a dark shade of flat paint. After allowing the final coat to dry completely, sand again. This time, you will sand only selected areas—the ones that normally show wear first. Focus on the armrests, edges, and feet. Sand lightly, and always stroke in the direction of the wood’s grain. Remove only a little paint as you sand.

To finish, wipe the chair down again with a clean cloth. Apply a clear sealant suitable for outdoor furniture. This top coat should preserve your work and maintain the distressed look you have achieved with your Adirondack chair. Avoid glossy sealants because these will look too new for a more rustic garden design.

Allow the sealant to dry fully before you expose the Adirondack chair to the elements or attempt to use it. You can use the same distressed-look technique to coordinate other pieces of outdoor furniture, including tables, ottomans, and benches.