Overwintering your Adirondack chair

Western Red Cedar copes with frost, snow and wet winters. You do not have to bring your Bear Chair indoors. But if you want to keep the wood in good condition for as long as possible, a few simple winter routines that take only 15 minutes will pay off.

Do cedar furniture pieces need overwintering at all?

Short answer: no. Western Red Cedar is naturally weatherproof, resinous and frost-resistant. A Bear Chair that has been through ten Swiss winters outdoors is still fully sound; it has simply developed a silver-grey patina.

Long answer: if you want to preserve the reddish-brown colour or maximise the lifespan, a little winter effort is worthwhile.

The 5 steps for the winter break

Step 1: Clean before storage

Brush off coarse dirt with a soft brush. For algae, use the Bear Chair Cleaner , rinse with clear water and let it dry completely. Important: never cover it while wet; damp air under the cover encourages mould.

Step 2: Check the screws

Wood works in winter. Retighten all screws once; loose joints can encourage cracks during freeze-thaw cycles.

Step 3: Optional oiling

If you want to preserve the warm colour: oil once before the winter break. We are happy to advise which product suits best via our contact page. After application, let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 4: Choose the storage option

• A: Dry indoor space (garage, cellar, garden shed), the best option, no cover needed.
• B: Covered outdoor area (roofed terrace, carport), very good, protected from direct precipitation.
• C: Free-standing with a protective cover, pragmatic. Use our protective cover, do not seal it airtight.

Step 5: Store seat cushions separately

Cushions and Seat cushions do not belong under the protective cover; they absorb moisture. Store them dry indoors.

What should not happen in winter

• Do not leave the chair standing permanently on wet, frozen grass; water wicks up through the legs
• Do not stretch a plastic tarpaulin airtight over it, a condensation trap
• No road salt next to the chair; salt attacks wood
• Indoors, not directly next to an active radiator

A hard winter behind you?

If your Bear Chair looks grey in spring or shows algae marks or fine cracks: no need to worry. Follow our care guide.

Frequently asked questions about winter storage

Can an Adirondack chair overwinter outdoors?

Yes. Western Red Cedar is frost-resistant. A protective cover or roof extends the life of its looks but is not a must.

Does the wood get damaged in winter?

The cedar wood itself does not. Damage usually comes from incorrect storage: an airtight tarpaulin, permanent moisture from below or trapped seat cushions.

Do I have to oil before winter?

Not necessarily. If you want to keep the reddish-brown colour: yes. If you like the natural grey patina: no.

How do I protect the chair if I have no indoor space?

With the Bear Chair protective cover. Make sure it is ventilated; the cover should not seal airtight at the ground.

What about the seat cushions?

Never leave seat cushions outdoors over winter; always store them dry indoors.

Accessories for the winter break

You will find protective covers and care products in the Shop. For storage questions, reach us via our contact page.