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Ana's Adirondack Chair

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Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 05/18/2010 - 12:27
Difficulty
Beginner
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Finally, an Adirondack Chair that is easy to build and stylish and comfortable! This do it yourself project plan to build a DIY adirondack chair is simple, and easy. Inspired by polywood furniture, build your own affordable adirondack chair. Special thanks to Amy for sharing her photos.

Collections
Ana's Adirondack Collection
Dimensions
37 1/2" x 30 5/8" x 19 1/2"

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×8, 8′ Long
4 – 1×4, 8′ Long
1 – 2×2, 8′ Long
1 – 1×3 8′ Long
1 1/4″ Screws (I would get pretty self tapping outdoor deck screws so that you don’t have to refinish your chair after you put it together)
2″ Screws
Wood Glue

Common Materials
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

2 – 1×8 @ 32 3/4″ (Stringers)
1 – 1×8 @ 21″ (Front)
5 – 1×4 @ 21″ (Seat Slats)
2 – 1×4 @ 20 3/4″ (Front Legs)
2 – 1×3 @ 24″ (Arm Supports)
5 – 1×4 @ 30 1/2″ (Back Slats)
1 – 1×3 @ 19 1/2″ (Top Back Trim)
1 – 1×4 @ 19 1/2″ (Bottom Apron Back)
1 – 2×2 @ 22 1/2” (Center Back Support)
2 – 1×4 @ 25 1/2″ (Arm Rests)
2 – 1×3 @ 6″ (Decorative Front Arm Supports)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Level
General Instructions

Work on a clean, level surface. Use good, straight boards. On outdoor projects such as this one, it’s a good idea to paint your boards first (or invest in a tiny paint brush to get in between the cracks) so, sand and give your boards a nice paint job first. Remember, you can click diagrams for larger views. Pre-drill and countersink all of your screws. I would use a screw pattern so that your screws look nice and even (and you don’t have to finish the chair again after it’s assembled) Be safe and have fun!

Instructions

Step 1

CUT YOUR STRINGERS
From the 1×8 stringers listed in the cut list, cut your stringers as shown above. You may wish to create a pattern and then copy the pattern for both sides. This is the trickiest step. If you can do this, you’ve got it made!

Step 2

FRONT APRON
Attach your front apron with 2″ screws and glue as shown above.

Step 3

SEAT SLATS
Lay your seat slats as shown above, starting with the first flat seat slat. Leave a 1/2″ gap between the slats. Screw down with 2″ screws and glue.

Step 4

FRONT LEGS
Use 1 1/4″ screws and glue to attach the front legs as shown above.

Step 5

Step 6

BACK
Build the back as shown above.

Step 7

ATTACHING THE BACK
Attach the back as shown above. This isn’t an exact science, I purposely choose to use a 1×3 for the arm supports and a 2×2 for the back support so that it would be super easy for
you to get the back to line up just right with the seat and arm supports. You may want to enlist your neighbors assistance.

Step 8

ARMS & SUPPORTS
Attach your arms with 2″ screws and glue. Then attach the arm supports.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
You should be done! This chair will fit a standard cushion, sized anywhere from 18×18 to 20×20. Can’t wait to see your photos!
Project Type
Chairs
Room
Outdoor
Style
Farmhouse Furniture
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Katrinaelizabth (not verified)

Mon, 04/16/2012 - 19:30

I was looking through your page and noticed the Little And chairs... for some reason I can not post under their pictures. Do you by any chance have th plans for building them?

jimmyp (not verified)

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 11:39

question . how much of a angle is the seat part ... the reason I ask with a BAD back , its very hard to get outta some of these , an they are very uncomfortable as well... Also wish to tll you what a great site , an great job your doing !!!!!! thank you jimmyp

msk171 (not verified)

Sat, 06/02/2012 - 19:08

To save some headaches, here are the cuts as they'll need to be done on the 1x4's so they fit on 4 boards:
Board 1: 21", 21", 30 1/2", 19 1/2"
Board 2: 21", 21", 25 1/2", 25 1/2"
Board 3: 21", 20 3/4", 20 3/4", 30 1/2"
Board 4: 30 1/2", 30 1/2", 30 1/2"

markdude

Wed, 07/18/2012 - 13:58

I love your plans, I made the Chaise Lounge first then I saw this and had to have one! Great plan, easy to build and very comfortable! Thanks!!!!!!!

Kevin Chapman (not verified)

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 15:18

I'm currently in the process of building these, just as described in the above article. How has everyone else's seats fared over time? I'm just a little skeptical on the primary use of screws. So, does it hold up well? Thanks for any responses, and I must say, with the local agway selling Adirondack chairs at a price tag og roughly $200,to be able to make one of these chairs at $70 roughly, kudos on that

jimmyp (not verified)

Tue, 10/02/2012 - 11:30

Hello , Could anyone plz help me on a question on the chair ??? ,, does anyone have any idea what angle the seat is ??? Are they hard to get down or up from the sitting position ??? thank you ... GREAT SITE

blessedmess (not verified)

Sun, 11/18/2012 - 05:41

Just have to say that I LOVE your site, Ana!! Thank you so much for all your hard work and most of all for sharing it with all of us! You and all your followers have given me such inspiration to build things that I never knew I could!! Have made a couple pieces and I am super excited about these chairs! :)