How to Build a Garden Chair

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a garden chair plans. This article features detailed instructions for building a beautiful garden chair. The best part of this project is that you can build the outdoor chair in just a weekend. I have designed the plans to keep the expenditures under control and to involve the least amount of work possible. This is the matching chair that should fit perfectly the double chair bench project.  If you want to build a project for your front porch this is the one that should be on top of your list.

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 garden chair 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. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Building a garden chair

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It’s that simple to build your DIY outdoor chair!

How to Build a Garden Chair

Building-a-garden-chair

Cut  & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 23″ long, 2 pieces – 24 3/4″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21 3/4″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 22 1/4″ long ARMRESTS
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long, 2 pieces – 18″ long FRAME
• E – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 22″ long SEAT
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
• G – 5 pieces of 1×4 lumber  – 19″ long BACKREST

• 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• filler, stain
• protective finish
• paint brushes

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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How to build a garden chair

Building-the-chair-legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the garden chair out of 2×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the back legs at 75 degrees by using a miter saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper, to get a professional result.

Back-legs-plans

Cut the back legs using the information from the diagram. Take accurate measurements for a professional result. The easiest way to get accurate angle cuts is by using a miter saw.

Fitting the armrests supports

Next, attach the top support to the legs, as described in the diagram. Cut one end of the supports at 75 degrees and lock them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure there are no gaps between the components. Make sure the corners are square when attaching the supports.

Building the seat frame

Build the seat frame out of 2×4 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions, using the information described in the diagram. Cut one end of the supports at 75 degrees. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Fitting the seat frame

Fit the seat frame to the sides of the garden chair. Drill pilot holes through the frame and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. Use a square to make sure the corners are right-angled. Use a spirit level to make sure the legs are plumb and to check if the seat frame is horizontal.

Building the backrest supports

Build the backrest supports out of 2×4 lumber. Round one corner and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Use any curved shape you find in your shop to draw the line. Anything starting with a can up to a paper tape roll should work perfectly.

Attaching the backrest supports

Fit the supports to the back of the chair, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and secure the supports to the frame using 2 1/2″ screws. Use galvanized screws, as the chair will most likely be exposed to the elements.

Fitting-the-seat-slats

Fit 1×4 or 2×4 slats to the seat frame. Place a 1/2″ wood block between the slats to create consistent gaps. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws for the 1×4 slats and 2 1/2″ screws for the 2×4 slats.

Fitting the backrest slats

Continue the project by fitting 1×4 or 2×4 slats to the backrest supports. Place a 1/2″ spacer between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes before inserting the galvanized screws to prevent the wood from splitting.

Attaching the armrests

One of the last steps of the project is to build the armrests and to attach them into place. Round one end of the armrests using a jigsaw and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Use glue and 2″ brad nails to secure the armrests to the outdoor chair.

Outdoor chair plans

This is a sturdy chair, so you don’t have to worry about that when choosing the right design for you. In addition, the square lines and the minimalist look will make it an elegant addition to any patio or deck. If you liked this project, don’t forget to take a look over the double chair with table project.

Garden-chair-plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. In addition, you can use a router to round some of the exposed edges for some extra appeal.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden garden chair from decay, I recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.

This woodworking project was about how to build a garden chair plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.

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