Pricewise: Adirondack Chairs

Lawn Loungers

A similar patio chair, knocked together with solid planks on a lake east of the Adirondack Mountains, was patented in 1905. Within decades, lumberyards were using scraps to make slatted versions, and in no time the economical chair with the deep, raked seat and accommodating armrests became a classic. Though the two shown here share high fan backs and comfy rounded seat fronts, the budget version is painted wood, while the high-end one is durable recycled plastic and folds for winter storage. Here are a few other ways to size up their differences, from fit to price.