Caring for your Adirondack chair

Western Red Cedar is naturally weatherproof, resinous and resistant to fungi and insects. You do not necessarily have to oil or cover your Bear Chair; stored correctly, it lasts many years. If you want to preserve the warm reddish-brown colour or maximise its lifespan, a few simple routines will help.

The three most common care topics

Greying: intended or unintended?

Untreated cedar develops a silver-grey patina over time, a natural reaction to UV light, not damage. Many Bear Chair owners deliberately like this look.

If you want to keep the original reddish-brown colour, oil the chair once a year. Which product suits depends on location and desired look; get in touch contact page, we will recommend the right one from our Cleaning & Care range.

Green film and algae

If the chair stands in heavy shade or damp conditions, a light green film can form after months; that is not fungus in the wood but algae on the surface. Here is how to remove it:

• Brush off with a soft brush and lukewarm water
• Bear Chair Cleaner or Bear Chair Soap apply
• Rinse with clear water and let it dry
• Re-oil if desired

Avoid pressure washers; they can roughen the soft cedar surface.

Small cracks: normal or a problem?

Solid wood works. Temperature and humidity changes create fine longitudinal cracks, especially at the ends of the slats. This does not affect stability; it is a characteristic of real wood.

Important: if water gets into a larger crack and freezes in winter, it can enlarge the cracks. In that case, contact us early via our contact page, we will help with repair recommendations.

The annual routine in 4 steps

• Spring: clean with a brush, Cleaner if needed, oil optionally
• Summer: retighten the screws once, secure any loose slats
• Autumn: let it dry, cover with the protective cover or move it under a roof
• Winter: store dry, or outdoors with a protective cover (see the winter storage guide)

What not to do

• No sealing varnishes/stains; the cedar must breathe
• No pressure washers
• No aggressive chemical cleaners (chlorine, acid)
• Do not leave the chair standing permanently on wet grass without airing it

Frequently asked questions about care

Do I have to oil my Adirondack chair?

No, not necessarily. Western Red Cedar is naturally weatherproof. Oiling preserves the reddish-brown colour; if you like the silver-grey patina look, you can skip it.

How often should I oil the Bear Chair?

If you want to keep the original colour: once a year, in spring. For chairs heavily exposed to the sun, possibly twice.

My Bear Chair has turned grey, is it broken?

No. The grey patina is a UV reaction, not damage. To get back to the reddish-brown colour: brush lightly, clean with Bear Chair Cleaner and re-oil.

What about algae or green film?

Clean with a soft brush and Bear Chair Cleaner, rinse with clear water. Black mould spots can be removed the same way.

Are small cracks in the wood grounds for complaint?

No. Solid wood works and develops longitudinal cracks. This is a characteristic of real wood and affects neither stability nor lifespan.

How long does a well-cared-for Bear Chair last?

With correct storage, many years, even after several Swiss winters. If water penetrates the wood and freezes, contact us early via our contact page.

Care products and advice

You will find cleaning and care products in our cleaning range. For questions about the right oil, reach us via our contact page.