Countless Great Reasons to Build Your Own Outdoor Chairs
- Won't Blow Away in the Wind
- Can be used year round, even in the winter, especially chairs designed for comfort without cushions
- Biodegradeable - wood chairs are earth friendly and will return to nature!
- Repairable - you can fix it if needed!
- Reusable - the wood is easy to up-cyle and reuse if desired!
- Customizable -Choose the design, colors, and finishes that suit your taste perfectly
- Cheaper - Cut costs by building your own
- Durable -Build something that will last
- Build to Fit Cushions - Customize with cushions, pillows and throws
- Build the Entire Set - Build multiple or complete an outdoor furniture set
Not only do you save money by avoiding pricey, store-bought options, but you also get to use sturdy materials that can withstand the elements, ensuring your chairs last longer. It's also a fun and rewarding project that doesn’t require fancy or expensive tools—just some basic ones you probably already have.
And let’s not forget the bragging rights! When friends and family come over, you can proudly say, "I made that." So why not give it a try? It’s a great way to spend a weekend, learn new skills, and end up with something beautiful and practical for your home.
Recommendations for Building Your Own Outdoor Chairs
- Purchase cushions first and build to fit
- Pre-finish boards prior to assembly and then touch-up
- Use self tapping outdoor screws
- Finish with an outdoor appropriate finish that can be reapplied easily as project weathers
- Build one piece at a time and add to the set as time and budget allows
Finishing (And Maintaining) Your Wood Outdoor Chairs
One of the most crucial decision to the success of an outdoor project is choosing the right finish. I did a quick video with 5 Tips for Building Better Outdoor Furniture that is a must read and watch before you begin.
1. Modern Outdoor Chair with 2x4 and 2x6 Construction
Image Credit: Thrifty and Chic Decor
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws |
Sturdy and beautiful outdoor chair, won't blow away in the wind and super comfortable!
2. 2x4 Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Reader Build by JACKAHORNER via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws |
Using just 2x4's build an entire outdoor furniture set.
This plan is part of a collection that includes sofa, coffee table, loveseat and more!
3. Most Popular Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: Reader Build via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
The MOST POPULAR Adirondack Chairs plans! This is an easy build that shouldn't take too long, and the chair is super comfortable and sturdy!
4. Deep Seat Cushion Modern Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Simply Marmee
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
This is an easy, beginner woodworking project that makes a very comfortable and sturdy patio lounge chair. The design is suitable for deep seat cushions.
5. Essential Outdoor Chair with Standard Cushion
Image Credit: Reader Build by Dennis via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
This is a very comfortable, sturdy chair made of 2x4s. Can be stained or painted. It is a very beginner friendly plan and cushions are standard size!
6. Simple Modern Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Reader Build by Peter via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Stylish modern wood outdoor chairs in a compact footprint! Reclined seat and back for comfort, wide armrests. Fits a standard size chair pad. These chairs are smaller in size, more of the size of a dining chair, not oversized like a living room chair.
7. Bristol Chair
Image Credit: A Million Tiny Little Things
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Build an outdoor lounge chair inspired by Restoration Hardware Belvedere Chair.
8. Outdoor Modern Design Chair
Image Credit: Cherished Bliss
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Build a modern outdoor chair with just 2x4 lumber! Style it just the way you like with cushions and throws.
9. Outdoor Patio Chair
Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Build an outdoor chair with just 6 boards and just a few basic tools!
10. Modern Chair with Dowel Arms
Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, wood dowels, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Love the modern industrial look with the addition of the dowel detail on the arm rest! This plan is easy to modify for seat height.
11. Simple Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Not Just a Housewife
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Jig Saw,, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws |
Perfect chairs for sitting around outside around a firepit or outdoor table!
12. Low Profile Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Woodbrew
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: |
1x and 2x material, project panels or plywood, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
If you're looking for a super cool, low profile design lounge chair, this is it!
13. Chunky Club Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Bitterroot DIY
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x, 2x and 4x material, exterior star bit screws, lag screws |
If you're looking for a chair that won't blow away, look no further. Great design and free plans for this outdoor club style chair!
14. Modern Outdoor Chair with Angled Back
Image Credit: Houseful of Handmade
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws |
Here's a modern outdoor chair with angled back. Great for sitting around and enjoying being outside!
15. Super Simple Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material and cedar fence pickets, exterior star bit screws |
Here's a super simple plan that can built as a single chair or incorporated into a sectional, just uses 2x4's and cedar fence pickets!
16. Low Profile Modern Deck Chairs
Image Credit: The Awesome Orange
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
A great outdoor chair for lounging by the pool or fireside, check out the free plans!
17. Higher Seat Modern Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: House Becoming Home
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
A modern twist the the classic adirondack design with a higher seat and angled back. Perfect for outdoor sitting!
18. Outdoor Club Chair
Image Credit: Rogue Engineer
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
We love the look and design of this club style chair! Relax in style this summer.
19. One Board Outdoor Chair
Image Credit: Instructables
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Jig Saw, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Such a fun design, some call it the viking chair. With just one board build an outdoor minimalist chair or build many. They also store flat!
20. Wide Arm Outdoor Patio Chair
Image Credit: DIY Pete
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Jig Saw, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Build your own custom outdoor chair, we love this classic and sturdy design!
21. Wood Folding Sling Chair
Image Credit: She Builder
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, wood dowels, fabric, nuts, bolts and washers |
If you want to build the perfect beach or lawn chair, this is the one! We love that it folds up to store away. Have fun picking out the finish and fabric to customize the outcome.
22. Outdoor Dining Chair
Image Credit: Anika's DIY Life
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, exterior star bit screws |
Ditch the plastic outdoor dining chairs and build some solid wood chairs for your outdoor dining space!
23. DIY Stick Chair
Image Credit: Southern Revivals
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, nut's, washer's and threaded rod |
Make a statement with these outdoor folding chairs! This sleek design looks great and folds away when not in use.
24. Bar Height Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: Shanty 2 Chic
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Raise it up with the awesome bar height chair option for hanging outside!
25. Extra Strong Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: The Friendly Home
| Skill Level: | Beginner | |
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| Tools Needed: |
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| Materials: |
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Made extra sturdy with a back leg, this Adirondack chair plan starts with 2x4 frame and is topped with 1x4s on top and back to create a comfortable and extra sturdy outdoor chair.
The plans are free and easy to follow, include a video, step by step diagrams, shopping and cut list and lots of reader submitted photos and customizations.
26. Classic Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: Hamilton Park Home
| Skill Level: | Advanced | |
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| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses | |
| Materials: |
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Looking for a classic designed free Adirondack chair plan? This is a more formal version, with a straighter back and deeper stringers, with detailing of a classic Adirondack chair
27. Modern Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: HARLEYANDCHRISTINA via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner | |
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| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses | |
| Materials: |
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This modern style Adirondack chair plan features clean lines and simple materials. The base is sturdy and substantial 2x6s, so it will hold heavy weights and won't blow away in the wind. You'll love our step by step plans and diagrams.
28. Kids Adirondack Chair Plans
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner | |
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| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses | |
| Materials: |
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These adorable kids Adirondack chair plans are free! Step by step plans with detailed diagrams and lots of reader submitted photos.
29. Ultimate Adirondack Chair
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior self tapping star bit screws |
Easy to build, comfortable, strong, sturdy, inexpensive and durable, we call this Adirondack chair our "Ultimate" because it delivers on all the levels! Even a beginner woodworker can build these amazing outdoor chairs.
30. Outdoor Kids Patio Chair
Image Credit: Houseful of Handmade
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Nailer, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, exterior star bit screws and kreg screws |
Here's a sturdy and fun outdoor chair design for the kids! Love the bright finish on these.
