Recognising an original Bear Chair

Adirondack chairs are copied worldwide. The chair shape itself, designed in 1903 by Thomas Lee in the USA, is not trademark-protected. Nevertheless, the chairs on the market vary widely in wood type, workmanship, lifespan and service. An original Bear Chair from Canada (manufacturer since 1987) is only one of many variants.

What makes a Bear Chair a Bear Chair?

The Bear Chair Company is a Canadian furniture maker, founded in 1987 in Muskoka, Ontario. Today based in South River, Ontario. Bear Chair products stand for the following:

• Wood type: Western Red Cedar from Ontario or Northern White Pine. Solid wood, no veneer, no plywood.
• Kit: delivered as a kit, largely pre-drilled, with instructions in the box.
• Made in Canada: made in Ontario, brought to Switzerland via the official European distribution structure and distributed by Bears & Dogs GmbH.
• Shape & proportions: wide armrests, angled seat, tall backrest, a soft seating feel.
• Made-in-Canada logo and Ontario Wood logo: original products carry certification marks.

How to recognise a Bear Chair when buying

1. Check the wood

You recognise Western Red Cedar by its warm reddish-brown colour, its even grain and a faint resinous scent. A solid cedar chair weighs 12-18 kg. If a supposed cedar Adirondack weighs 25 kg or more, a different wood has usually been used.

2. Origin marking

Original products carry markings such as «Made in Canada» or the Ontario Wood logo. Both logos are official trademarks. Imitations are not allowed to use them.

3. Workmanship

Bear Chairs have largely pre-drilled holes, even slat spacing and rounded edges. If an assembly «somehow does not fit», with wrong screws or asymmetrical holes, it is not an original.

4. Distribution partner check

In Switzerland, Bears & Dogs GmbH is the official distribution partner. Bear Chair products with Swiss delivery come via Bears & Dogs and the official European distribution structure. If you see «Bear Chair» on a third-party marketplace without a service address, be careful.

5. Service and warranty

Original purchases give you access to direct Swiss service: personal advice with assembly, showroom appointments in Frauenfeld, a clear contact for care or component questions. With no-name Adirondacks there is usually no one to support you after the purchase.

For Bear Chairs that we fully assemble for you, we grant a 10-year warranty on wood and workmanship. If you assemble the kit yourself and a complaint arises, get in touch via our contact page, we will discuss the options with you individually.

Common signs of no-name imitations

• A very low price (a solid cedar Adirondack in Bear Chair quality is typically not available new for under around CHF 400)
• No clear wood type stated, or vague terms such as «hardwood» without specification
• Marketing images show a different chair from the one delivered
• Poorly translated or faulty instructions
• No contact option after purchase, no Swiss point of contact

Why buy the original?

The price difference from no-name imitations is real. What you get for it:

• Real wood with documented origin (Made in Canada, Ontario Wood)
• A long lifespan with correct storage, plus repair support
• A direct Swiss contact for advice and components
• A showroom appointment in Frauenfeld to view before you buy
• Brand heritage since 1987

Frequently asked questions about authenticity

How do I recognise an original Bear Chair?

By the wood type (Western Red Cedar from Ontario), the Made-in-Canada marking, kit delivery with instructions and the official distribution partner. In Switzerland that is Bears & Dogs GmbH.

Are there Bear Chair counterfeits?

Rarely direct counterfeits, but many Adirondack chairs from other manufacturers that look similar. The «Bear Chair» brand itself is protected.

What distinguishes Bear Chair from other Adirondacks?

Wood origin (Ontario), the kit concept, over 38 years of brand experience, dedicated service in Switzerland and the showroom option.

Do you also deliver Bear Chair products to the EU?

We currently deliver primarily within Switzerland. Deliveries to the DACH region, France, Italy or other EU countries are possible on individual request. Write to us. contact page.

Why are original Bear Chairs more expensive than no-name Adirondacks?

Real wood from Canada, import logistics, direct service, a showroom and a warranty are included in the price. The chair lasts for many years and is repairable throughout its lifetime.

Are Bear Chair products FSC-certified?

The manufacturer, The Bear Chair Company, currently no longer holds FSC certification (as of 2025). The wood remains Western Red Cedar and Northern White Pine from Ontario forestry. For sustainability questions, feel free to reach us via our contact page.

What do I do if I am unsure whether I am getting an original?

Ask the seller for proof of origin and a service address in your country. With Bears & Dogs there is a showroom address in Frauenfeld TG and a direct contact. contact page.

Order the original

In the official Bear Chair shop: chairs from Canada, brought to Switzerland via the official European distribution structure, stored in Frauenfeld, with an on-site showroom option. History.