Are you looking for beautiful and sturdy seating for your outdoor space? Have you considered building your own? You can save a ton of money and get exactly what you want!
For about $20 a piece, I built these outdoor chairs!
We love they way they look. We love the sturdiness. We love how heavy they are - no one likes to chase outdoor furniture down in the wind. And we love how easy they are to build!
Building the Modern Outdoor Chairs
These chairs were so simple and easy to build!!! All just 2x4 and 2x6 lumber, right off the shelf!
Here's how I built it -
I cut all my boards according to the cut list below using a compound miter saw. You could also use a circular saw and a square, or even have your local home improvement store cut your boards for you. Good straight end cuts are very important.

Then I attached the legs to the longer 2x6 boards, using 2-3/4” long deck screws. Notice the spacer in between the slats – it’s a scrap 1x that measures ¾” thick.
Here’s how it will look with both legs.

Then add the top armrest piece, and repeat for two arms (for one chair).

It’s ideal to have two people to assemble, but if you don’t, I used a board threaded between the slats to support my back boards while I attached. This is the most challenging step of the entire build.

Once the arms are attached to the back and front pieces, two cleats are screwed to the insides of the arms, and seat slats rest on top. TIP: For added comfort, consider installing the seat at a slight downward angle.
Turned out really well!

Good luck, and if you build, do share pics (you can add a brag post or tag me on instagram @anawhitediy or #anawhite) – can’t wait to see how your outdoor chairs turn out!
Plans follow, enjoy and share!

Loveseat Version
After many requests, we have created a loveseat plan version for your convenience.

Reader submitted photo by Joshh81
Thank you for submitting brag posts, it is helpful and encouraging!
Comments
In reply to High back by feldkatc
jill giese
Sun, 08/25/2019 - 09:09
<p>I'm in the process of…
<p>I'm in the process of making it now, but can't find the information for the angle of cut or how long to cut the 2x4s for side support.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
elainebiss
Sat, 08/31/2019 - 12:32
Hello Ana, the chair list…
Hello Ana, the chair list for wood does not mention buying 2x2 but your cut list does. Can I use left over 2x4 instead?
bnakka
Mon, 09/23/2019 - 09:33
I finally finished these… I…
I finally finished these…
I finally finished these chairs as is. However, I have to admit the chairs are super sturdy but extremely heavy. I still love them. I have yet to finish staining them. Will they get light over time :)?
Bryan G Price
Tue, 02/25/2020 - 05:33
Wonderful Site and Great Plan!
Hello Ana,
First I want to say that I am so glad to have stumbled onto your site. You've done an amazing job.
Also, I really like the detail of your plans. This project in particular is amazing. I think I'll be building a number of these for the backyard firepit this summer.
Just lovely!
Sincerely,
Bryan
mukeshcreatisoul
Thu, 03/19/2020 - 22:45
Great designs. Really…
Great designs. Really helpful DIY tips for outdoor chairs. I will definitely share those techniques with my clients those who have shited their home recently. These techniques may be helpful to them. We are from AssureShift, a verified moving company. We provide moving services from reliable companies. Recently we have started our services in Thane India. Now our clients can hire professional packers and movers Thane for their entire house shifting.
amayer15
Sun, 03/29/2020 - 08:00
Best wood to use?
I made a couple of these chairs, but think I may have made a mistake of using pressure treated lumber (I bought PT bc of someone's suggestion since these will be outdoors) based on some reading I did after the fact. For future outdoor furniture projects, what's the best type of wood to buy? Thanks!
P.S. The chairs did turn out great and we love them! Very sturdy and comfortable.
Ruthiep
Thu, 04/02/2020 - 12:03
kreg hole plan
Hi Ana,
Is there a way or a plan to use Kreg pocket holes so the exterior screws don't show?
Ruthie
In reply to kreg hole plan by Ruthiep
mvgreen3
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 19:50
I used pocket holes for the…
I used pocket holes for the all the boards except the top side boards. Those I just used a counter-bore setup and a dowel to fill the holes.
mj.marrinan
Thu, 04/23/2020 - 16:28
Structural Timber?
Hi! Is the timber structural timber?
ckfranz84
Thu, 04/30/2020 - 13:49
Can you use pocket holes for…
Can you use pocket holes for this?