Simple Modern Outdoor Double Lounger

Difficulty

Intermediate

This simple double lounger features a modern design twist. Easy to modify to a single width.

Collections

The Simple Modern Outdoor Collection is quickly becoming one of my favorite collections. Many readers have had success with the plans I have up already, and the simple clean lines contrast beautifully with the organic shapes of flowers and plants. I plan on adding quite a bit more to the collection, including an ottoman for the sectional, a bar height table and stools, a storage bench, a coffee and end table, and a lounger.

A DOUBLE LOUNGER

We already have plans for a single lounger here, and they have been officially hacked by a reader! But for the double lounger, I wanted to share a different style because it would be easy to modify either of these plans for different sizes. So you could easily make this one a single . . . or a triple . . .

We actually could use a triple lounger. Can you tell what we are thinking? The RAM: Colts, Colts Colts (he still hasn't recovered from the Superbowl), GRACE: Can we get back in the pool now? ME: They used 1x4s for the sides, 1x2s for the stringers, and the wheels are put on with metal dowels . . ."

I will admit, I've peeked under a few tables for some building ideas. But some weird looks from unknowing people is really your benefit - you don't have to do the peeking! (I'm sure many of you still take peeks, because, like me, you just gotta know!)

Here a peek at the back. You got this! Just pick up a few door hinges and you'll be in business.

Oh, and don't worry about the cushions. They are a standard 24" wide, so you can just buy standard 24" wide foam and sew three cushions as shown above. Or you can buy it here for $169 (White is on sale). And also, while we're talking cushions (if you are on Facebook with us, this is old news) Pottery Barn is selling their DOUBLE chaise cushions for $49 (+$50 for shipping). This is a steal, even on ebay these cushions go for over $200 without shipping. And the regular price is $289. I can't wait for someone to buy and give me the dimensions so I can modify this lounger plan to fit the cushions. I'm so sad they do not ship these to Alaska. Here's what one reader built (from self modified plans) with the Pottery Barn Cushions on top.

From Steven,

Ana, I don't know how many men use your plans but you motivated me to build my own Pottery Barn Chesapeake Double Chaise. I know there were a lot of people who wanted plans for it also. I don't know how to create plans, but anyone who likes this piece should know it's easy to build and it's sooooo comfortable. thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks so much Steven! I know we sometime exclude the guys, but it's not intentional. We are always delighted to see your amazing work, and of course, always happy to have help. And sometimes it's even nice to just have a cup of tea and watch the hubs build my furniture :) But that doesn't always turn out pleasant, I GUESS I'm a "Backseat Builder." hehe

And I also wanted to share this one from you, From Christi on our Flickr Brag Board. Christi used reclaimed wood to build these! And she modified the single plan.

Dimensions

48 1/2" wide x 76" long x 12" tall

Preparation

Shopping List

3 Door Hinges or other Simple Hinges
2 Simple Hinges less than 1 1/2″ wide
1 – 2×2, 8′ Long
2 – 1×2, 8′ Long
16 – 1×4 Boards, 8′ Long
1 1/4″ Screws
2″ Screws
(Note: For Paint Grade, you could substitute 1x3s for the deck boards instead of 1x4s. A 1×3 firring strip is about $1.50 and a 1×4 is about $4.00. Measurements will change and you will probably need more 1×3 boards than called for in the 1×4 list)

Common Materials

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

wood conditioner

paint

paint brush

Cut List

3 – 1×4 @ 41 1/2″ (Base Joists)
2 – 1×4 @ 43″ (End Aprons)
2 – 1×4 @ 73″ (Side Aprons)
11 – 1×4 @ 51″ (Deck)
2 – 1×4 @ 76″ (Deck Sides)
2 – 1×2 @ 23 1/2″ (Cleats)
4 – 1×4 @ 25″ (Back Deck)
1 – 2×2 @ 40″ (Back Middle Supports)
2 – 1×2 @ 40″ (Back Top and Bottom Support)
2 – 2×2 @ 9 1/4″ (Prop Up Legs)
1 – 1×2 @ 41″ (Prop Up Catch)

Tools

General Instructions

So by now, you know the drill. To get a straight square project, you need to work on a level surface that is clean. Be safe. And predrill and countersink screw holes and use glue. Take a square (very important on this project!) I also recommend finishing your boards first, unless of course, you own a sprayer. Painting those tiny gaps is going to be quite tedious otherwise.

Instructions

Step 1

BUILD THE FRAME
Use 2″ screws and glue to build the frame as shown above.

Step 2

DECK
Attach the deck boards to the joists using 2″ screws and glue. Keep the gaps at 1/4″, including a gap on the ends (from the aprons). The front overhangs 3/4″

Step 3

LEGS
Legs attach to the front, as shown above. Use 2″ screws and glue.

Step 4

DECK SIDES
Attach the deck sides as shown above, using 2″ screws and glue and fastening to both the legs and the side aprons

Step 5

Step 6

BACK
Build the back as shown above. The boards are all inset 3/4″ from wither side. Note that to save you lumber, I changed the bottom support, shown above as a 2×2, to a 1×2. Just make sure the middle support is a 2×2.

Step 7

PROP UP
Build the Prop up as shown above. Attach with hinges as shown above.

Step 8

PROP UP HINGES
The Prop-Up should hinge as shown above.

Step 9

BACK HINGES
Attach the back hinges as shown above. The pin should sit in between the main deck boards and the back deck boards.

Step 10

POSITIONS
Mark positions on the cleat as to where you would like to place catches for the propup. Then attach with 1 1/4″ screws scrap 1x2s as shown above to hold your propup in place. Make sure the catches are not in line with the back supports (just make sure the back will lay flat when closed before attaching the catches with glue).

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Hopefully, you’ve already finished your piece! You can make yours prettier by filling screw holes with wood filler and adding a touch up coat of paint.

Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type

Chairs

Beds and Bed Frames

Room

Outdoor

Style

Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Tina (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 02:56

Ana this looks like you can

Ana this looks like you can throw a towel on it and lay down that if you didn't have the cushion you could still use it, wonderful idea!!

Amanda (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 03:53

Thank you for this plan! I

Thank you for this plan! I cannot wait to make this! We've been wanting a piece of outdoor furniture like this! We couldn't justify the small fortune we would have to spend -- so this is perfect!!

Waner Family (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 04:33

I can't believe I'm about to

I can't believe I'm about to write this, but we are going to have too much furniture the way we are building! ...too much fun!! THANKYOU!

Emily (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 07:10

Hi ana!I don't know if this

Hi ana!

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but from the website, here are the dimensions of the double chaise cushions.

Double Chaise Cushion: 53" wide x 86" long x 2.5" high

I hope that helps.

Natalie (not verified)

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 14:51

I know that requests are

I know that requests are supposed to be done through Flicker, but I don't have a picture to go along with it. I would love to build a canopy daybed in the exact style of the Simple Modern Outdoor Collection!!

Marti (not verified)

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 16:50

I have been searching the net

I have been searching the net for lounge bench plans. I love the way you don't go all Norm Abram on us and take it down to basics. I think I can do this. Thanks! Love your blog.

Allison (not verified)

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 04:58

So this was a great project

So this was a great project for my first from your site. I took your advice on using the 1x3's rather then the 1X4's to cut cost and my entire bill at my local (Fairbanks) Blue was $63.00 for everything. I used a miter saw and it couldn't have been easier. I also noticed in the cut list it called for 4 1x4's for the back, it just needs to be equal to the deck. I ended up using 14 with the 1x3's. I also made my own cushions using a coupon downloaded from the craft store website for 60% off of one item and saved $21.00 on my fabric. Thank you Ana it was a great project and 3 of my 6 sisters have already purchased wood to build this for themselves.

mikecrystal (not verified)

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 10:54

I started to think about this

I started to think about this as a project for the weekend and was going to order up the Pottery Barn cushion for the double and then realized the dimensions wouldn't work. There was a reference to making adjustments to the plans. Has that been done yet?