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.
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Preparation
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
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)
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.
Comments
Jen (not verified)
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 17:51
Just a suggestion, but I love
Just a suggestion, but I love polls. How about a poll with, say, 20 plans you're considering doing (then you can keep a few juicy ones to yourself) and which ones we want the most? Then you'd have a little guidance as to what to do first. Because maybe we're all just absolutely dying for five of those plans for next week, and then you could take a vacation or a staycation at least :) I'd also love a poll on people's favorite ways to finish different kinds of wood. Polls are fun for us and less work for you. :)
Jen (not verified)
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 18:14
Was reading the "details" on
Was reading the "details" on that other place that makes chairs like these (can't remember name-Poverty Shack?). Care instructions are:
* Dust often using a soft, dry cloth.
* Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
* Blot spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth.
I'm sure glad I'm building and finishing my own Ana White chair instead. Dust! Did they say to dust it? My children will be dripping smores on these babies! And protect from direct sunlight? I will be placing mine in direct sunlight to enjoy. I'll enjoy it even more knowing I can build four for the price of their one. Thanks Ana!!!
Melissa (not verified)
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 18:21
I love all of your plans. We
I love all of your plans. We are getting a new house soon and I can't wait to begin on some great projects using your ideas. Can you do a corner hutch design? I love these and really want one in our new home.
pogonip (not verified)
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 19:50
Making the Ana Adirondack
Making the Ana Adirondack chair just moved to the top of my summer to-do list! Now my only problem is what color to paint it--so guess I'll have to make one is each color :) Thanks a gazillion for this one, Ana!
Urban Dragon (not verified)
Wed, 05/19/2010 - 06:01
Thanks Ana!! Don't stress
Thanks Ana!! Don't stress yourself out though. I have been down that road myself. I used to offer a freebie a day on my blog (Digital Scrapbooking Kits is what I offered). I ended up stopping because it was too much for my family. That won't happen to you I am sure because you are much more energetic than I am but just be careful. I for one would rather have some plans from you than no plans from you. Thanks again :)
Ahren (not verified)
Wed, 05/19/2010 - 06:49
Ana, I totally love the
Ana, I totally love the Adirondack chair plan, it's on my list to build!! Thanks, Big Z
http://bigzcreations.blogspot.com
Allison @ Hous… (not verified)
Wed, 05/19/2010 - 16:54
I can't wait to make these
I can't wait to make these after I move this summer! Are you going to post plans for a matching side table (like in the Pottery Barn Kids link - http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/adirondack-chairs-1/popup/more-…)?
Kristi (not verified)
Thu, 05/20/2010 - 02:01
In the nicest possible
In the nicest possible non-weird way, I love you. And your site. Five picnic tables later (the MOST appreciated birthday gift I have ever given) I'm ready to make something for us. Thank you!
And you take your time- Mom first, then all the other stuff. We'll be here waiting patiently. Okay, not so patiently because we adore what you do, but we'll be here waiting.
Jaime (not verified)
Thu, 05/20/2010 - 12:54
Thanks for the plans! I now
Thanks for the plans! I now have 2 adult sized chairs and 2 kiddo sized chairs to build. Hubby keeps telling me we don't have the tools, and while he may be right, I WILL build me a chair just me and my hand saw! I CAN do it! (it just might not look quite as pretty!
Loni (not verified)
Thu, 05/20/2010 - 15:57
Thank you thank you thank
Thank you thank you thank you! Ana, You are so freaking awesome. What you do for us is not only showing us a method for building our own furniture. You are also inspiring us, motivating us, making dreams come true, and most importantly (to me anyways) you're boosting our self esteems. Thank you a hundred times.