Assembling your Adirondack chair

A Bear Chair arrives at your home as a kit. That is part of the original DNA: since 1987, The Bear Chair Company has built its chairs to arrive compactly and to be assembled in around 60 to 90 minutes. All you need is enough time and a fresh mind.

What you need for assembly

• Cordless screwdriver with Phillips bit (PH2)
• Robertson bit (square), usually size 2 (red, approx. 3 mm), please check before assembly. We are happy to provide the right bit on request.
• Optional: a second battery or an extension lead
• A flat, clean work surface, ideally a sturdy table
• Enough time and a fresh mind, no time pressure
• The instructions provided and the bags of screws

On most chairs, the screws are not pre-sorted, but the instructions state exactly which screw is intended for which step. It is worth sorting all the screws by step in advance. The wood is mostly pre-drilled; in a few places you will need to drill through yourself.

Assembling your Adirondack chair in 6 steps

The following steps are a brief overview. The manufacturer's instructions provided are authoritative in every case.

Step 1: Sort the parts

Unpack the box and lay out the parts sorted by size.

Step 2: Prepare the side sections

Place the two side sections opposite each other on the floor. The curved shape faces outwards, the straight drill holes face inwards.

Step 3: Attach the seat slats

Start with the frontmost seat slat. Screw it loosely between the side sections; do not tighten yet.

Step 4: Fit the back supports

The curved back supports are screwed to the rear of the side sections.

Step 5: Position the back slats

The back slats are screwed individually onto the back supports, from bottom to top.

Step 6: Tighten all screws

Finally, tighten all the screws, but not too firmly. Cedar wood is soft.

Frequently asked questions about assembly

How long does assembly take?

Around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the model, your experience and how relaxed you are.

Do I need tools that are not included in the kit?

Yes: a cordless screwdriver with a Phillips bit (PH2) and a Robertson bit (square), usually size 2 (red, approx. 3 mm). We are happy to provide the right bit on request.

What should I do if a part arrives damaged?

Contact us directly via our contact page.

Do I need to oil the wood before assembly?

No. Western Red Cedar is naturally weatherproof. If you would like to oil it after assembly, get in touch and we will recommend the right product.

Stuck at some point?

Before you assemble something incorrectly, do get in touch with us. If you prefer, we can also take over the complete assembly on request. contact page.