Ultimate DIY Adirondack Chair Plans

ultimate Adirondack chair plans
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
| Print this plan

Easy to build, comfortable, strong, sturdy, inexpensive and durable, we call this Adirondack chair our "Ultimate" because it delivers on all the levels!  Even a beginner woodworker can build these amazing outdoor chairs.

This plan is easy to customize, to suit different sized cushions, or for size preferences.  

Build today with our free, step by step project plans with free PDF (click here to start download of one page PDF Plan), video tutorial and shopping and cut lists from Ana-White.com

 

free pdf download Adirondack outdoor chair plans

super easy to build Adirondack chair plans
diy Adirondack chair plans

Why Build this Adirondack Chair?

This chair is a combination of my original modern Adirondack chair circa 2010 and our current favorite Adirondack Chair where we went to a 2x4 frame and 1x6 design for durability and building ease back in 2019.  These updates create a new chair that has the best of all designs:

  • Simpler to build, no pocket holes and beginner friendly methods
  • Minimal angle cuts
  • Durable design, similar to how a picnic table is built
  • Very comfortable, even without a cushion
  • Compact footprint 
  • Easy to move around
  • But still heavy enough to not blow away in the wind

Build Video - Watch Me Build this Chair

 More Free Adirondack Chair Plans from Ana White

adirondack chair plansadirondack chair plansmodern adirondack chair plansadirondack chair plans

Pin For Later! 

Ultimate DIY Adirondack Chair Plans

Dimensions
dimensions for Adirondack chair
Dimensions for Adirondack Chair in diagram, as shown seat is 22" wide x 20" deep

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 3 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 12 feet long *
  • 1-3/4" and 2-1/2" self tapping exterior wood screws
Cut List
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 33-3/4" - seat stringers
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 22" - front seat apron
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 19" - seat back support
  • 3 - 1x6 @ 22" - seat boards
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 32" - back supports
  • 4 - 1x6 @ 19" - back boards
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 18-1/2" - long point to short point measurement, both ends cut at 15 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 26-1/4" - arm rests

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander
Level

Instructions

Step 1

Build the seat frame with 2x4s and 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws.

Use exterior wood glue for added durability.

Step 2

Attach the seat support boards to the frame with 1-3/4" self tapping wood screws. Use exterior wood glue for added durability.

Step 3

Attach the back 1x6 boards to the seat back framing 2x4s with 1-3/4" self tapping wood screws.  Use exterior wood glue for added durability.

Step 4

Insert the seat back into the seat frame, attach from the back seat framing board as shown in the diagram with 2-1/2" screws.

Position the angle of the seat at 90 degrees and attach from the sides with multiple 2-1/2" screws.

Step 5

Mark the legs as shown, the marking will be perpendicular to the the edge of the 2x4 leg (not parallel to the 15 degree angle cut)

Attach to the seat stringer from the inside with multiple 2-1/2" screws at different angles for added durability.

Step 6

Place the chair on a level surface.

Set the arm rest on the leg and place a level on top of the arm rest.

Mark level on the 2x4 seat back and then attach the arms to the seat back.

Then attach the arms to the tops of the legs.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
For the finish, I recommend filling all screw holes with an exterior wood filler. Overfill the holes and let dry.
Sand off excess until smooth.
Remove all sanding residue.
Finish Used
I recommend an exterior penetrating stain, similar to a stain you could use on a fence.
Make sure you stain the bottoms of the legs to prevent moisture damage at the feet.

Maintenance - Every spring, clean and tighten any screws. Add a coat of exterior penetrating stain if needed (about every 5 years).