Kid's Adirondack Chair

kids adirondack chair plans blue and white
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Build your own kids Adirondack chairs!  Builders spend about $15 a chair.  Step by step plans with diagrams, and dozens of reader submitted photos.

Also check out our adult sized Adirondack Chair plans too.

Reader submitted photo by TLCBBP

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Kid's Adirondack Chair

Dimensions
kids adirondack chair
For the Kid Sized Chair, overall dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×4, 8′ Length

2 – 1×2, 8′ Length

2 – 1×3, 8′ Length

Wood Glue

Wood Filler

1 1/4″ Screws

2″ Screws

Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

2 – 1×4 @ 25 1/2″ (Stringers)

1 – 1×4 @ 15″ (Front Apron)

5 – 1×2 @ 15″ (Seat Slat, Main)

1 – 1×3 @ 15″ (Seat Slat, Front)

2 – 1×3 @ 13″ (Front Legs)

2 – 1×2 @ 14 1/2″ (Arm Supports)

2 – 1×3 @ 14 1/2″ (Arm Rests)

5 – 1×3 @ 20 3/4″ (Back Slats)

1 – 1×2 @ 13 1/2″ (Back Trim)

1 – 1×4 @ 13 1/2″ (Back Apron)

1 – 1×2 @ 16 1/2″ (Back Support)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Level

Instructions

Step 1

BENCH MODIFICATIONS
By simply doubling the number of back slats and increasing the seat width, you can get a bench. On the adult version, you can also create a bench, but you should add a couple of supports that run parallel to the stringers. The kids version won’t need these supports.

Step 2

Mark the front of your stringers as shown in the diagram.

Step 3

Mark the back of your stringers as shown here. Cut the stringers. Once you get a stringer that you are happy with, use it as a pattern for the rest of your stringers.

Step 4

FRONT APRON
After you cut your stringers, attach the front apron as shown above with 2″ screws and glue. Keep the top edges flush

Step 5

Step 6

LEGS
Attach the front legs as shown above with 1 1/4″ screws and glue. The front seat board top will be at a height of 10″.

Step 7

ARMS
First attach your arm supports (the 1x2s in yellow above) to the leg tops using a level and 1 1/4″ screws. Then attach the arm rests as shown above.

Step 8

BACK
Build the back as shown above, using 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Leave a 1/4″ gap between the back slats. The middle support board (shown in blue above) will overhang the sides by 1 1/2″ on each side.

Step 9

ASSEMBLY
Position your back into the chair, as shown above. An extra hand would be super helpful at this point. When you are happy with the back’s position, screw with 2″ screws as shown above.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
You may wish to add wood filler to screw holes and apply a touch up coat of paint to you chair. Also, spraying with an exterior varnish or polyurethane will help protect the chair from the elements and would just cost a few dollars and take a few min

Comments

The {G} Family (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 14:06

How adorable! The chair on the patio of the playhouse was the killer for me. Looks amazing! Thank you so much!

Rachel@MyPinkF… (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 17:16

Oh gosh! I just LOVE seeing how you make mini versions of your other plans. It might be a while before I ever make something (I live in an apartment), but by golly I know that I CAN make something someday! Thanks for the inspiration! I love looking at your blog everyday!

marcie (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 21:52

I was just talking to my mom about wanting to make some off these. now I will since you made some easy to follow plans. Thank you love the kid size I will have to make 2 kid size and 2 Adult size. My list is getting way too long!

Greeneydmama (not verified)

Fri, 05/21/2010 - 08:08

I don't know when you changed the site look to these chairs, but I love love love it! The flowery one is gorgeous but a little busy for me to concentrate on your plans....this I LOVE! : )

michaelsuitt (not verified)

Tue, 08/24/2010 - 09:59

Ana-

Your website is fantastic!!! I was wondering if you have posted the plans for the adirondack coffee table yet. Please forgive me if I have overlooked it. Best of luck in your continued success!

Michael

Derek846

Thu, 07/02/2020 - 14:23

I built this today from some cedar I had laying around. Now my daughter can have her own outdoor chair! I used 15 gauge finish nails instead of screws and it is plenty sturdy. I'm deciding if I want to paint or stain now. Thank you so much for sharing these plans!

Art Lake

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 19:53

I built one of the kid's chairs yesterday in a few hours. The sharp edges make it appear a bit amateur is so I hit the exposed edges with a router and round over bit. Lacking a router one could do this with a simple wood rasp which would be about $5.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!