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Folding Deck, Beach or Sling Chairs, Child Size

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kids beach chair
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Beginner Projects
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Build your own wood sling chairs, also known as deck chairs or wood beach chairs, in a child size. Featuring removable slings for easy washing, simple styling, and easy instructions, this foldable wood beach chair is affordable and cute, perfect for a perfect day at the beach.

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Ana's Adirondack Collection
kids beach chair
kids beach chair
kids beach chair
kids beach chair

We've been on the beach this week, and my daughter has been enjoying her very own beach chair, also called a deck chair, sling chair, and if you were to ask me, the most simple chair ever. I started working on this chair a few weeks ago. For a child's chair, I wanted to build something as simple and easy to use as possible, but sturdy and cute at the same time. As it turns out, it takes a lot of time to make something this simple. In fact, I spent three days thinking about this chair, building prototype after prototype, sitting in it, having Grandma sew sling after sling . . . and finally, I believe that we have created the best child's sling chair or deck chair possible. And this is why: Cheap to build. A couple dollars in lumber, a yard of fabric, two bolts, six washers. A three foot long dowel. Each chair in totally should run you under $10. Build four, and you've saved $200 from Pottery Barn Kid's Sling chairs.. 

 
 
 
Fast. You won't believe how easy to build these chairs are! We built all four in about an hour. Grace's Grandma sewed the slings, and she estimates each sling to take about twenty minutes to sew.

   

 Simple. I spent hours and hours trying to create a means for these chairs to open simply, without latches or catches or other things that might discourage a toddler from using the chair. This chair simply folds open, and that's it. When your done, it folds flat.
Removable slings. Beach chair + Kids = must have easy to remove slings. With this chair, we used dowels so that keeping the fabric fresh and clean is fun and easy to do. Just remove the dowels, and the slings are free to wash or change! The Ram sat in it. And Grace climbed on top. I'm not putting the weight limit at 250 pounds, but the little chair did hold up to it!
Dimensions
diy folding beach chair
kid sized beach chair

Preparation

Shopping List

2 - 1/4" bolts, 2" long

2 - 1/4" nuts

6 - washers for bolts

1 - 36" long 1/2" dowel

2 - 1x2s, 8 feet long

1 yard outdoor fabric thread and sewing notions

Common Materials
2 inch screws
2 inch finish nails
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Back Frame

  • 2 - 1x2 @ 32"
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 19"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 17 1/2"

Seat Frame

  • 3 - 1x2 @ 15 3/4"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 22 1/2"

Sling

  • 1 - 1/2" Dowel @ 15 3/4"
  • 1 - 1/2" Dowel @ 17 1/2"
  • 2 - Outdoor Fabric @ 17" x 34" - For light colored fabrics, consider lining the sling with Muslim cut to the same size.
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

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

Backrest Frame. Build the backrest frame as shown above. We used glue and 2" finish nails to assemble, but you can also use the Kreg Jig, or countersunk screws. I found pocket hole screws on the tops slats was a little much for the wood and caused the wood to split, so we went the nails route. Just don't forget the glue.

Use a 1/4" drill bit to drill holes.

Step 2

Now build the second frame as shown above. Drill holes as shown with a 1/4" drill bit.

Step 3

Line the smaller sling up with the larger, as shown above, so holes are aligned. Slide bolt through, with a washer on each end of the bolt, and one in between the two wood frames (to protect your paint job). Tighten washers.

Step 4

And let'er fold open!

Now it's time to do a little bit of sewing.

Step 5

Step 6

Using a larger stitch length, topstitch edges along both (long) sides only. A decorative stitch is optional. Finish edges by tucking thread into project.

Step 7

Fold bottom and top over 1 1/2” to create “sleeves.”

Topstitch using same seam allowance as on the sides.

Finish edges by tucking thread into project.

Step 8

Weave sling into chair and insert dowels into sleeves.

Step 9

One more photo so you can see how the sling attaches.

Step 10

Enjoy your day at the beach.

Step 11

And for those of you with a Kreg Jig :)

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

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.
Project Type
Chairs
Toys
Outdoor Projects
Room
Kids and Toys
Outdoor
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 05/20/2011 - 14:21

This is great. I'd like to build an adult sized one. Any chance you have an update to this? I'd assume a couple more inches to each board and equal amounts to the fabric (although fabric strength might be more of an issue based on weight).

jojabis

Fri, 05/20/2011 - 14:29

glad to see your getting some beach time in. if you need anything email me:)

Katie Brownlee (not verified)

Sat, 05/21/2011 - 07:47

LOVE THESE! We live in FL and are by the water often. I so want to make this for my 2 year old! Are you doing plans for an adult one?? I love that they close up flat too! Perfect to pack on our boat! Thanks!

momof8

Sat, 05/21/2011 - 08:30

Does anyone know where you can find inexpensive outdoor fabric. Outdoor fabric can run upwards of $15.00 or more and if you want to do 2 different patterns on either side were talking $30 or more on 1 chair.

Andrea Cash (not verified)

Sat, 05/21/2011 - 10:17

Fabric.com and there is always a coupon online somewhere for at least 10% off. The other option if you are only doing one chair, find an awning shop that would let you piece of their excess.

Hope that helps!

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 05/21/2011 - 11:45

Have you tried Tonic Living? They have some lovely ones for about $11 - not a huge savings, I know, but it does add up...

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 05/28/2011 - 18:28

Joann's is having a 50% off sale of their fabric right now. I was able to find some great outdoor fabric on clearance for $6/yard... plus 50% off, so only $3/yard! I felt like I won the lottery. I bought extra thinking they would make nice outdoor pillows.

LisaT (not verified)

Thu, 05/26/2011 - 16:47

These are fantastic! Has anyone tried using terrycloth towels for the fabric? I'd imagine it would be good for the beach and washable.

Michelle Minor (not verified)

Thu, 05/26/2011 - 17:03

I think i may make some for the 4th of July when we go watch fireworks...

This would also be a great way to make a hamper that folds up that you could change the bags OUTPATIENT with your bedroom decor.. I think we need some plans for this too.. :P

Dolores (not verified)

Fri, 05/27/2011 - 17:57

Thank you, Ana! Love this and plan on making about half a dozen in the next few days! My sister and I love to make things together so she will do the sewing and I will do the frames.
I made one of these today - I bought two 1x2x8's but it was not quite enough. I came up about a foot short. I had some scrap to finish it out, but if you are shopping specifically for this, it will take slightly more than two 8' boards. Or three 1x2x6 would work out just about right.

kdgal

Fri, 05/27/2011 - 21:16

I just bought all the supplies tonight to build them! JoAnn's Fabric had 3 different patterns of 54 inch outdoor fabric on clearance for $6 a yard, then it was an additional 50% off and I had a 10% off coupon! Ended up being $2.70 a yard. Gotta love that! I'm making 3 and I've spent just under $20! Plus, I will have fabric left over. Thanks Ana for another great plan!

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 05/28/2011 - 16:33

Me too! I'm ready to go to home depot to get supplies as soon as an adult version is created!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 05/29/2011 - 07:47

I don't know if I am missing something, but I built the chair and have the fabric on with the doll rods and the chair will not stay up. When I open it up it just falls all the way back laying flat. Any help would be great!!

Dolores (not verified)

Sun, 05/29/2011 - 14:19

Guest - Just go over the plans step by step and make sure everything is measured and positioned right. I had a similar problem - when I opened my chair up it went almost flat. After checking step by step I found that I had positioned the bottom piece on the first frame 1.5" too low. After moving it all worked perfectly.

lgertler

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 00:48

Here's something I'm finding helpful... Before you start assembling things, cut a bunch of spacers - 3/8" thick slices of any size scrap board. Then put spacers under the cross-pieces when you're assembling, to raise them up just enough so that they're centered against the side pieces. It also makes it quick & easy to keep the top parallel pieces straight and evenly spaced.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 15:40

Just a note- It's muslin fabric, not Muslim fabric if you want an extra lining. This is an awesome plan! Thanks!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 05/30/2011 - 17:08

Could money be saved by not making the fabric reversible, or is a double layer of fabric needed for the strength of the seat portion?

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 20:01

Love this - my husband is out making mine now. He'll do the woodwork, I'll do the sewing. I will say that the measurements are off for the amount of wood we needed -- if you add up all the cuts you get 118 inches for the back and 92 1/4 for the seat (total of 210 1/4 inches and 2 8 foot long pieces is only 192 inches total.) So unless we are reading this wrong, it would be better to get the 3 1x2x6 pieces (like another commenter said.) Nonetheless, I am excited about getting these made. Don't know where everyone else is getting their wood or if its because my husband wanted to buy better wood pieces, but it will cost us more than $10, but still much less than PB. :) Plus I think they'll be cuter, my girls can pick their own fabric and I can embroider their names -- they'll have the cutest chairs on the beach. Thanks!!

RyansMama (not verified)

Wed, 07/13/2011 - 18:13

I was thinking about making it slightly larger for my daughter too. Would I need to get more fabric then too? For example, if I made it two inches longer would I need 2 more inches of fabric?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 06/14/2011 - 08:10

It would be nice if you could add a little canopy over this chair to provide some shade for the napping little toddlers. I don't even know if this is possible, but just an idea.

ECsoccer20 (not verified)

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 15:29

Hi I am in college and I created an adult version that leans back a little further if anyone is interested! I customized it by sealing in sharks teeth with silicon on the outside and pine stained the wood. I also hand stitched the fabric all as a gift for someone.

Ill post a photo if anyone is interested

Alan Vincent (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 05:13

Hi,

I would appreciate a copy of your adult chair as well as any other details like a cutting list.

Thanks,

Alan Vincent
Pretoria South Africa

mcenerny

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 05:38

I would be very interested in seeing a picture of your chair as well as the piece dimensions - I would love to have a couple adult size versions!

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 15:52

You could probably sew a little flip pillow onto the top bar, if the child's head was landing there. I've seen commercially made chairs with them.

SornStoopay (not verified)

Sun, 02/26/2012 - 08:20

Hi nto All
Please, give me some links on the good dating sites.
I need links on dating catalog.
Thx.
SornStoopay

SornStoopay (not verified)

Sun, 02/26/2012 - 08:21

Hi nto All
Please, give me some links on the good dating sites.
I need links on dating catalog.
Thx.
SornStoopay

jb petrov

Thu, 06/27/2013 - 10:46

I like to suggest putting a dowel approx 2" from the bottom and accross the front legs, 2-1/2" long screws from outside of each leg into center of dowel.

Will prevent front legs from sinking instantly into soft sand at the beach.

jjklocke

Thu, 06/18/2015 - 15:11

First of all, this is an amazing project. I have everything to make it, and am ready to go. One comment though. Unless my math is completely wrong, two lengths of 1 x 2 is not enough to make the measurements in your instructions. The total needed is over 210" but 2 8 ft lengths only provides 192 inches. Am I wrong? Obviously I just need to buy more, I just thought I would let you know if you wanted to update this awesome project.

jjklocke

Thu, 06/18/2015 - 15:33

I did not read all of the comments and it seems someone already brought this up a long time ago. Sorry.

jjklocke

Thu, 06/18/2015 - 15:33

I did not read all of the comments and it seems someone already brought this up a long time ago. Sorry.