Folding adult sized wood sling chair, also known as wood beach chairs or deck chairs. Folds flat for storage, opens up for easy relaxation! Adjusts to three positions for customized reclining. Features removable slings.

Preparation
1 - 6' 1/2" Diameter Wood Dowel
1 1/2 Yards Outdoor Fabric, 54" wide
Sewing Notions and Thread
1 - 1x3 @ 48" long
4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1/4" diameter bolts, 2" long with matching nuts
12 - washers to fit bolts
Backrest Frame
2 - 1x2 @ 48"
1 - 1x2 @ 24"
1 - 1x2 @ 25 1/2"
1 - 1x3 @ 24"
Seat Frame
2 - 1x2 @ 44"
4 - 1x2 @ 23 3/4"
1 - 1x2 @ 22 1/4"
1 - 1x3 @ 22 1/4"
Prop-Up Support
2 - 1x2 @ 15"
1 - 1/2" Diameter Wood Dowel @ 25 1/2"
Fabric Slings
2 - Outdoor Fabric Squares @ 54" x 22 3/4"
2 - 1/2" Diameter Wood Dowel @ 22"
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Build the back frame very carefully as shown above. The main weight bearing joints are going to be where the fabric slings pull on the headers - so take great care to use glue, carefully predrill holes, avoid splitting your wood, and attach in place. There is a 3/8" gap between the header boards. Drill the holes as shown above for the bolts.
Step 2
Step 3
Once both frames are complete, line the frames up as shown above, and insert bolts, with washers on both sides of bolt, and one washer between the two wood frames to protect the finish on your wood frames. The chair should now swing open, but there will be nothing to keep the chair from staying open. See next step . . .
Step 4
Step 6
Step 7
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
In reply to Question about how much fabric.... by deanna_g
Ana White
Fri, 06/03/2011 - 19:24
For 54" wide fabric, you
For 54" wide fabric, you would need 1 1/2" total yards. What I did was make two chairs, and then bought two different fabrics, each 1 1/2" yards for the contrasting slings. Hope that makes sense?
deanna_g
Sat, 06/04/2011 - 04:47
Yes! That makes complete
Yes! That makes complete sense. Thank you! I'm going to build a couple of these for my best friend's birthday. She's been wanting some chairs for her front porch and I think she'd love these!
angela r j (not verified)
Fri, 06/03/2011 - 19:35
Fabric Dimensions
The fabric dimensions are the same for this adult chair as they are in your plans for the child-sized chair. Shouldn't the fabric be longer and wider to accommodate for the larger chair?
In reply to Fabric Dimensions by angela r j (not verified)
Ana White
Fri, 06/03/2011 - 19:50
Fixed it!
Hi Angela, thanks for catching this. Yes, the dimensions for the adult sling differ and should be 54" x 22 3/4".
Ana White
Sat, 06/04/2011 - 13:58
One More Note
You may also consider using a 3/4" Dowel for the base dowel instead of 1/2" for a stronger chair. Mine's actually 5/8" diameter, and I have no issues, but 1/2" might be not enough for a heavier load. If you do go the larger dowel size, be sure to space stops 3/4" wide instead of 1/2".
momof8
Sat, 06/04/2011 - 17:01
Cheap Fabric
fabricguru.com has fabric for as low as $4.95 per yard, and shipping is 4.99 for your entire order!
Debbie Christianson (not verified)
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 04:59
Gifts
I have been thinking what to give my son's preschool team, as he's heading to kindergarten and has been with them for 3 years. I think I may make these as gifts for them. That would be 6 chairs -- oh gosh. Better get started!
deanna_g
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 04:25
Don't worry! You can get them
Don't worry! You can get them done quickly. Building the frame for this chair only took my about an hour, including cuts! They'll make great gifts!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 06/08/2011 - 06:44
This chair brings back childhood memories
We had a lot of fun with this chair when we were kids. We used to remove the dowel from the sling's base sleeve and watch someone sit and fall. Many times got into trouble when it was an adult that fell.
I remember our's had armrests too.
I'll make one and show that trick to my kids.
-V
Hawaiianatheart (not verified)
Wed, 06/08/2011 - 07:29
Sizing ?
Love this chair and would like to make them for an older couple but they'd need them to be a more standard chair height. Can this be done? What changes should be made? Thanks!!!