Making your own folding Adirondack chairs is a fun and rewarding project. Adirondack chairs are classic outdoor chairs with a slanted seat and wide armrests. They are perfect for relaxing and soaking up some sun in your backyard, deck, or patio. The characteristic slant of the seat and back help you relax into a reclined position that is ergonomically comfortable.
Folding Adirondack chairs are a great space-saving option. When not in use, they can be folded up and stored neatly against a wall or in a shed or garage. This makes them ideal if you have limited space outdoors. They also allow for easy transportation and storage during the off-season when not in regular use.
Crafting DIY folding Adirondack chairs is an inexpensive way to furnish your outdoor living area compared to buying pre-made chairs. With some basic carpentry skills and quality lumber, you can create customized chairs just the way you like. This project guide will walk you through the complete process of building your own folding Adirondack chairs from start to finish.
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Materials and Tools Needed
Building a set of folding Adirondack chairs requires basic woodworking materials and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lumber:
– 2x4s for the chair legs and frame
– 1x4s for the chair slats
– 5/4 decking boards for the wide armrests
– Thicker boards for the contoured seat and back
The amount needed will depend on how many chairs you are making. Plan to get boards in 6-8 foot lengths so you can cut pieces to size. Cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine are good outdoor wood options.
Hardware:
– Galvanized screws and exterior wood screws
– Bolts, washers, and nuts for pivot points
– Wood glue
Tools:
– Circular saw or miter saw
– Drill and drill bits
– Countersink bit
– Pocket hole jig
– Sander
– Tape measure and pencil
– Safety gear like glasses and gloves
You may also need clamps, a jigsaw, chisel, and sandpaper. Make sure to use the proper safety gear like eye and ear protection when operating power tools.
Cutting the Chair Pieces to Size
The first step is using the lumber to cut out all the individual chair pieces according to your plans. Here are the main pieces you’ll need:
– 4 legs
– Front and rear leg braces
– Side leg braces
– Armrests
– Seat
– Backrest
– Slats for the seat and back
Refer to your plans for the dimensions of each part. Cut the pieces to length with your miter or circular saw. The most efficient way is to mass cut the repeats, like the slats, all at once.
Remember to account for the thickness of the blade when measuring, and always cut with the good face up to reduce tear-out. Take your time and double check measurements; accuracy is important in this project.
Also drill pocket holes in the leg braces and cut angles on connecting joints like the armrests where needed. Sand the pieces smooth as you go before assembly.
Assembling the Chair Frame
With all the individual pieces cut, you can start assembling the chair frame. Work on a flat, level surface and use clamps to hold pieces in position when needed.
First, construct the front and rear leg sections:
– Attach the front leg brace between the two front legs using galvanized screws. Do the same for the rear brace and legs.
– Add the side braces in between the front and rear legs on both sides.
– Check that the leg sections are square.
Next, attach the armrests:
– Position the front ends of the armrests between the front legs and attach using screws into the leg brace.
– Attach the back ends of the armrests to the rear legs the same way.
Attach any cross supports or stretchers across the bottom of the frame.
Finally, bolt on the pivot hardware so the chair can fold. Insert bolts through pre-drilled holes the armrests, rear legs, and rear brace to form the pivots. Use washers and tighten nuts securely.
Adding the Seat and Back
With the frame assembled, you can add on the seat and backrest pieces.
For the seat:
– Place the seat board centered across the frame.
– Drill pilot holes up through the seat into the leg braces.
– Attach the seat with exterior wood screws.
For the back:
– Set the backrest board against the rear legs and armrests.
– Screw it into place by drilling pilot holes and using exterior screws.
Make sure there are no gaps between the boards using scrap pieces or wood putty if needed.
Attaching the Slats
Cut slats help give an Adirondack chair its iconic look. They also provide support and comfort.
For the seat slats:
– Position the seat slats evenly spaced across the seat board.
– Attaching them with exterior screws driven into the seat from below.
For the back slats:
– Arrange the back slats up against the backrest.
– Drill pilot holes and screw them into the backrest to hold them in place.
Use scrap boards as spacers to get even spacing between the slats as you attach them.
Applying Protective Finish
The final step is to apply a protective finish to the wood. This helps protect against weather damage and prevents rotting. Some options are:
– Exterior wood stain and sealer
– Paint or colored stain
– Clear coat like polyurethane
Prep the wood by sanding lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Then apply 2-3 coats of your chosen finish, allowing it to dry between coats. Follow the product instructions for application and dry time.
Add cushions or pillows to the seat and back for extra comfort if desired.
Conclusion
Building folding Adirondack chairs for your patio or deck is a satisfying DIY project. Follow the construction steps to cut and assemble all the pieces into a sturdy chair frame. Add the iconic slatted details to the seat, back, and arms. Apply a protective finish to protect the wood from outdoor elements.
The end result will be gorgeous, customized chairs to enjoy relaxing in outdoors for years to come. Folding Adirondack chairs are also convenient since they store easily when not in use. Get creative with paint or stain colors to match your style. Building it yourself saves money compared to store-bought options.
So don’t be intimidated by the unique shape and angles of an Adirondack chair. With some carpentry skills and the right plans, you can create this classic furniture piece to enhance your outdoor living space.
| Steps | Tools Needed | Materials Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting the Chair Pieces to Size | Circular saw or miter saw, measuring tape, pencil | 2x4s, 1x4s, 5/4 deck boards, thicker boards for seat and back |
| Assembling the Chair Frame | Drill, pocket hole jig, clamps, screws, hardware | Pre-cut chair pieces, galvanized screws, bolts, washers, nuts |
| Adding the Seat and Back | Drill, exterior wood screws | Pre-cut seat and backrest boards |
| Attaching the Slats | Drill, exterior wood screws | Pre-cut seat and back slats |
| Applying Protective Finish | Sandpaper, brush or rag | Exterior stain, paint, polyurethane |
Tips for Success
– Use quality outdoor lumber for maximum weather resistance
– Check measurements twice before cutting
– Assemble on a flat surface and check for square
– Space slats evenly for comfort and support
– Apply 2-3 coats of protective finish
– Add cushions for extra comfort
Customization Options
– Fun paint or stain colors
– Contrasting slat colors
– AddLogos or monograms
– Cup holders
– Attach side table
– Wheels for mobility
– Extra cushions for comfort
So grab your tools and lumber to start this satisfying DIY project! With some diligent work, soon you’ll be relaxing in hand-crafted folding Adirondack chairs you built yourself. Don’t forget to customize them with fun colors or add-ons to match your style. Have fun coming up with creative variations to make these iconic chairs your own. Your new furniture will quickly become a favorite way to lounge outdoors with family and friends for years to come.