Lifeguard Chair Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about lifeguard chair plans. This article features detailed instructions for building a lifeguard chair using just 2x4s. This is the ideal project for a beginner, as it requires common tools and basic carpentry skills. If you want to build an unique piece of outdoor furniture, this is a great project for summer.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Lifeguard Chair

How to build a high chair

How to build a lifeguard chair

How to build a lifeguard chair

DIY Lifeguard Chair Plans

  

Lifeguard Chair Plans

Building a lifeguard chair

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 49″ long, 2 pieces – 46 1/2″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 31 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 36 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 36 1/2″ long BOTTOM FRAME
• C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 28 1/2″ long SLATS
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 31 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 21″ long, 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 21″ long TOP FRAME
• D – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 28 1/2″ long long SLATS
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 35 1/2″ long BRACES
• F – 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 31 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 38 1/2″ long CLEATS
• G – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 26″ long ARMRESTS
• H – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long  BACKREST

• 12 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood putty, wood stain

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Adirondack chair plans
• Modern adirondack chair plans

Make sure you follow us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest plans and for some other exclusive content. Also, follow us on Pinterest to get many ideas for your backyard from all the internet! Check out our YouTube channel! See how you can Support Us with no extra costs to you. 

Wood Chair Plans

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the lifeguard chair. Cut both ends of the front legs at 75 degrees, as shown in the diagram. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Building the lower frame

Next, you need to build the lower frame for the chair. Use 2×4 lumber for the frame and 2×2 lumber for the middle support. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the components together tightly. Add glue to the joints for a professional result.

Make sure the middle support is fitted 1 1/2″ under the top of the frame.

Building the steps

Next, fit the 2×4 slats to the frame, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes through the side components for the frame and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the slats. Leave no gaps between the slats.

Seat frame

Next, you need to build the seat frame, in the same manner described above. Make sure the 2×2 middle support is placed 1 1/2″ under the top surface.

Fitting the seat slats

Attach the 2×4 slats to the frame, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the sides and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the slats. In addition, you can also insert a few screws into the middle support, if you want to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Assembling the chair

The next step of the project is to attach the legs to the frames. As you can easily notice, the back legs should be aligned with the back of the frames. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frames. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the armrests

Attach the armrests to the top of the legs. Use 2×4 lumber for the armrests. Drill pilot holes and lock the components to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws.

Building the backrest supports

Build the supports for the backrest. Make sure you make the 15 degree bevel cuts to the supports.

Bottom backrest support

Fit the lower support to the back of the seat using 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes.

Backrest supports

Next, attach the top support for the backrest, Drill pilot holes through the support and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the back legs. In addition, drill pilot holes through the armrests and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the backrest.

Backrest slats

Build the backrest from 2×4 lumber. Cut the bottom of the slats at 75 degrees.

Fitting the backrest slats

Fit the slats to the back of the chair, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the bottom and top cleats. Leave no gaps between the slats for a professional result.

Building the braces

In order to enhance the rigidity of the lifeguard chair, you need to attach two braces to the frame. Mark the cut lines on the 2x4s and get the job done with a saw.

Fitting the braces

Fit the braces to the chair, after making sure the legs are plumb. Drill pilot holes at both ends and secure the braces to the frame using 2 1/2″ screws.

DIY Lifeguard Chair

The lifeguard chair seen from another angle.

Lifeguard Chair Plans Free

I personally like the unique look of the chair and I think it would look great next to a pool or on a beach.

Lifeguard Chair Plans

Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-220 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project.

This woodworking project was about lifeguard chair plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

- EXPLORE MORE IDEAS FOR -