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Simple Modern Outdoor Chair

modern wood outdoor chair
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Difficulty
Intermediate
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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.

Collections
Simple Modern Outdoor Collection

Photo by ACERANIC

This plan has been updated, the original plans are still available here.

diy wood slat chair plans

 

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modern outdoor chair

Dimensions
Wood chair outdoor dimensions
Lounge chair size, seat height is 13" when finished (good for a cushion on top). NOT suitable as shown for a dining room chair, seat height needs to be increased by increasing leg length by 2" and moving seat supports upward by 2".

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 10 feet long
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long
  • 36 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws for exterior use (can be used as the "longer screws" in this plan)
  • 40 - self tapping (star bit) exterior screws, length at least 1-1/2" long (used for attaching the back and seat slats to the frame, referred to as shorter screws in plans)
Cut List
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 20-1/2" (for use with a dining table, cut at 24") - legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 27-3/4" - arm rests
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 24-3/4" - side supports
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 20-1/2" - front/back aprons
  • 3 - 2x2 @ 20-1/2" - seat supports
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 25-1/2" - back slats
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 20" - seat slats

Cut the longest boards first to make sure you get all your cuts out of the boards called for in the shopping list

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Build the arms using the longer screws (or Kreg Jig on the 1-1/2" setting with 2-1/2" exterior pocket hole screws).  The two legs are built identical.

Step 2

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of all the boards in this step, and attach with 2-1/2" exterior pocket hole screws.

Step 3

Attach the 2x2 seat cleat with pocket hole screws inside the chair frame, place screws on bottom or sides (NOT top to prevent water pooling inside the pocket hole)

Step 4

Lay out the chair back and attach to the chair back base with the shorter screws.

Step 5

Set the chair back inside the chair, leaving a small gap for water drainage from the seat base 2x2.  Attach with the longer screws to the arms.

Step 6

Lay the seat slats inside the chair and attach with the shorter screws, two screws per joint, with 1/2" spacing in between.

Project Type
Chairs
Room
Outdoor
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

senovia (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 20:56

This is a fabulous chair! I just recently found your site and can't wait to make so many things! I would love to see it in a loveseat size!

jdeuce

Tue, 01/06/2015 - 09:10

does anybody know what the "1 1" is on the line after 1 – 2×2, 8′ Length or scrap 24″ long on the material list?

Betsy (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 21:01

This is so perfect! The style, the size (love that it uses standard cushions)... Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Looking forward to the couch and loveseat sizes, as well.

Erin (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 21:36

One loveseat and two chairs...yes please!! I told myself I was going to build things in the order that I find them and I am on item #1 of a 10 item list, but these just may have to cut in line :-)

James (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 00:57

What fantastic chairs! I had been planning to modify the Simple Stackable Chair into a bench, but this will be a lot easier. It will also fit beautifully with the Hamptons Outdoor Coffee Table I'm planning to build. Can't wait to see the loveseat and bench plans.

Leslie (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 02:39

You know what, Ana? The best part of this whole plan is the fact that you really, REALLY consider US when you create. I mean, we can all actually go to Target and buy a cushion that FITS! Holy crap! That is HUGE, and you know that!

I'm just about packed up and will be heading up to RI for the big move tomorrow. My sister and I have great plans for your plans and we can't wait to get started.

Many thanks!

Tracy (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 02:39

You are a mind reader Ana! I was looking at the Sunday ads yesterday and I saw some outdoor furniture, and I seriously thought to myself... I wonder if the outdoor furniture on knock-off wood is sized right for cushions? Thanks for everything you do. I have not started a project yet, but hope to soon. Love your site!

Hannajoy (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:03

I LOVE this chair! I'm so excited about the loveseat size... my patio is going to look JAZZED thanks to you!!

Shanna (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:21

I love this chair and can't wait for the loveseat plans too!! I have been wanting new patio furniture, but they are so expensive, especially those made of wood. I was introduced to your site by my husband because I've always wanted to make my own furniture and now have a list started of all the pieces I want to make. Thank you!!!

3Janes (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:26

Looks Great!! Can't wait to see the loveseat plans! Hope you do those next! And THANK YOU for thinking about the cushions!! That will make life MUCH easier. I would hate to make the chair to save $ only to find out later that you woud have to spend more $$ to buy cushions. What were those designers thinking?? Ana, you ROCK!!

Mary (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:29

love the chair! Can't wait to see the loveseat- would LOVE to see an ottoman to go with the set as well!

Chantelle - Th… (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:40

Absolutely would love the couch and loveseat!! And an ottoman, as stated earlier! Simply fantastic!!

Beth (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:52

The first things I thought when I saw this was: "I wonder if I can hack this to loveseat size?" I've wanted an outdoor loveseat for a while now, but it's never made it into the budget...

Laura Fox (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 03:56

I love your site. We move into our new home in about a month and I am SO excited to start building things. This will more than likely be my first project as well as some beds for my girls. Can't wait.

Thank you for all the hard work you put into this and for giving them away free!! LOVE IT - I check your site at least 3x a day.

Patricia (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 04:07

Yes! Please do a loveseat! I have been eying patio furniture for my new covered patio, but haven't found anything as lovely as this. Maybe I should get out my saw and hammer!

Tara M (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 04:09

I love that you know your readers so well to realize that we would want to buy a standard size cushion. Can't wait to see the complete plans for all the outdoor things so I can plan my 'room.' We also need Rayan to do a guest post on finishing our outdoor items. Thanks so much.

Angelfacebaby (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 04:25

Perfect! I'm gonna get right to work on two of these! I would LOVE a loveseat to match. Thanks so much for thinking about cushions! Any plans for a coffee table? I might give it a shot! You are AWESOME!

Amber (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 04:37

I'm hoping for the couch and loveseat plans too. When you posed the stack-able chairs, table and benches I was hoping for these chairs too. My husband didn't like the stack-able chairs. So I thought we could get these and 2 benches it would make for a multi-use seating. I love the coordinating pieces, it makes it more easy to create an outdoor living area that is broken up into dinning and lounging. We built a huge deck last fall and I've been waiting all winter to be able to outfit

me35 (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 04:47

I WANT THE LOVESEAT ! I WANT THE LOVESEAT !!! Okay, I realise that I'm shouting this and not only that, but I'm not clear what a loveseat is... Is that the kind where you have 2 seats joined with a table between them ?? I have been loving for that without a silly pricetag for a couple of years now (even better if they are angled towards each other...)
I am going to end this post with what I should have started with (eh??) Ana, you are a GENIUS. The plans and the work you put into this site are AMAZING. I wish I had a big enough house to fit all of the designs that I like into (and that I'd found you before the last ikea trip...!) Thank you !!

Susie (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 05:37

Thank you Ana! What a beautiful chair! I can't wait to get started! I would definitely be interested in a loveseat plan as well. This lounge set would go so well with the outdoor table and stackable chairs that are at the top of my build list!
Thanks so much for being the inspiration behind my desire to build my own furniture! You truly are amazing!

Cristy (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 05:47

This is exactly what I have been waiting for! Would love plans for a loveseat! You are the best, I love your site. I am so glad it uses standard cushions. Thank you!

Heather (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 05:58

This is darling. I love it. Would love the loveseat size. Would love to omit the legs and use it as a porch swing. Wonder if this could be done?

Jessica (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 06:45

Ana, you are amazing! You are so inspiring. These chairs are perfect, can't wait to build! I'm also looking forward to the love seat & couch versions, what an awesome set it would be!

sharon (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 07:07

Love it! I have been looking for a simple chair plan. Would love the couch and loveseat too. Thank you!

*MICHELLE CAUDLE* (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 09:12

Thanks for continuing to hack more outdoor furtniture...I look forward to seeing the larger couch-sizes, too! On Saturday my hubby and I built the Modern Bookcase...I will make sure to post a pic in the Flickr group when I get it all painted!

Yolanda (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 09:42

We live in a condo and only have a patio as our outdoor space. For the 8 years I have lived here I have wanted to have furniture outside that we could use to expand our living space. But it’s always been way out of my budget. These plans show the possibility that exists in just a little time and energy. I hope to be sitting in this chair (and snuggling on an outdoor love seat!) real soon.

Deb (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 10:59

I love this chair! and the idea to tile the top of a table, SO EXCITED. I can't wait to start these projects to finish making our new back porch beautiful!

Thank you SOO incredibly much!

Rachel (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 15:20

I'm trying to open the plans as a .pdf file (through the PRINT/PDF link at very end of the post), but none of the diagrams show up when I do that. The text comes through fine, but I don't think I can use the plans without the diagrams as I am far from a professional and I need the visual aids. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you fix it? Thanks! :)

MaryJanes and … (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 16:34

This one's going in my to do. Question for you, I love that you put everything in price categories, but when it's new like this I don't see the price or what category it belongs to. Is it possible to list the aprox. price with the materials list like you do with the kid's picnic table (even if you don't break it down by board like you did there). I saw the table and built it that weekend because it specifically said $15 and I said I can do $15! If I know something is affordable I make it a lot faster. I have no clue what these chairs would cost to build.

BTW- built your pallet shelves today! They are hung and awaiting a photo shoot. Will send pics.

The Trees (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 17:18

I love this chair and would love to build it in a loveseat and couch size also. And thanks for taking the time to fit the standard cushion.
It's beautiful!

Heather - Hope… (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 21:18

MaryJanes - For an estimate, the lumber for this project is $24 in Kentucky. (Not sure how much prices vary by location)

I've been wanting 2 chairs to go by my grape arbor, and I think these may be the ones! Now I just need a little table to hold the wine glasses...

Kariner (not verified)

Tue, 05/04/2010 - 02:47

I can't WAIT for the loveseat version! I've been scouring the web for a suitable outdoor bench to put under the pergola I made, and the pickings are slim. Pretty please? :)

nillabeans6 (not verified)

Tue, 05/04/2010 - 12:23

Yeah!!! I won't have a naked country porch anymore, especially when the loveseat/ couch goes up!!!! Thank you a million times, Ana :O)

Kate (not verified)

Tue, 05/04/2010 - 13:25

I cannot wait to make this. I'm currently away from home finishing a fellowship. When I get back in a few more weeks I'll have such a backlog of things to try!

danahollis (not verified)

Wed, 05/05/2010 - 03:19

I love this chair. I told my husband I wanted to build some Adirondack chairs and he grimaced & grumbled - guess he's not a fan of that style. LOL. But this one I know he'll like.

I think they'll be great to have around our fire pit.

Can't wait for the sofa and loveseat plans! :)

Thanks for all the sharing you do. I still think you need your own HGTV show. THAT would be AWESOME! :)

Jill (not verified)

Wed, 05/05/2010 - 04:25

I've found a usable Adirondack chair plan - love that style - but I've put off using it for two years as it's not an easy project. Guess what? I'm scrapping that idea and am going to build your chair instead! Read through the plans and can tell it's going to be simple! Thank Ana. Know what would look good with two chairs on my deck? A love seat! Thanks for all you do for us readers!

Heather - Hope… (not verified)

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 16:57

Tackling this one tomorrow, and I'm already thinking I need a small table to go with. I'd like to build 2 chairs and have a place to set the wine glasses between us. :)

Cristy (not verified)

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 19:08

I just saw a similar chair on ikea.com and the chairs were $69 each! Thanks for helping me get the chairs I want, for a price I can afford.

Sweet Peaches (not verified)

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 03:30

I want to make this collection as my first projects, but have no idea where to start on picking my wood? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Alana (not verified)

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 06:59

I love this chair! I want to build it this weekend, but in looking at the supplies, I want to make sure to get everything i need... what is the 4th item supposed to be?

6- 1x4 8' Length
2- 1x2, 8' Length
1 - 2x2, 8' Length or scrap 24" long
1 1
2" Screws

thanks!

Ana White (not verified)

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 08:12

looks like the cut list is covered and there is no fourth item, just a typo. I will update.

Another note, one reader built this chair and thought that the chair back recline was too steep. I followed the dimensions for the West Elm Chair, and I think the idea is to have a loungy chair, but if you find your chair back is reclined more than you would like, simply place your 1x2 back suppport to the insides of the chair back legs instead on the back side.

Rachel (not verified)

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 14:16

i think the "typo" was you started to write out 1 1/4'' screws... because those are needed :)

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!