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This step by step woodworking project is about modern garden chair plans. I have designed this modern chair so you can use it in your garden. If you want to create a cozy relaxation place, where you can read a book or drink a lemonade, you should build this chair. Check out the corresponding projects with a similar modern design: double chair bench with table, footrest and outdoor side table. This chair can be built in one day, if you have basic woodworking tools and skills. See all my woodworking plans HERE.
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 bench 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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Projects made from these plans
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Modern Garden Chair – Free DIY Plans
![Building-a-modern-chair](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Building-a-modern-chair.png)
Building-a-modern-chair
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Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 24 1/2″ long LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 22″ long, 3 pieces – 17 3/4″ long FRAME
- C – 6 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 22″ long SEAT
- D – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 24 1/2″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
- E – 7 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 19″ long BACKREST SLATS
- F – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 18″ long, 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 18 1/4″ long ARMRESTS
- 4 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 8′
- 3 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8′
- 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 4′
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 2″ nails
- filler, glue, stain
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 modern garden chair
![Building the seat frame components](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Building-the-seat-frame-components.jpg)
Building the seat frame components
The first step of the project is to build the supports for the seat frame. Use 2×3 lumber and make the angle cut with a miter saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper for a professional result.
![Seat-frame](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Seat-frame.png)
Seat-frame
Lay the 2×3 components on a level surface. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.
![building-the-legs](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/building-the-legs.png)
building-the-legs
Build the legs for the double chair bench from 2×3 lumber. Use a saw to make angle cuts to both ends of the legs. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
![Assembling the sides](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Assembling-the-sides.jpg)
Assembling the sides
Lay two legs on a level surface and then attach the 2×3 support. Use a saw to make angle cuts to both ends of the legs. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly. Add glue to the joints for a professional result.
![Assembling the chair frame](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Assembling-the-chair-frame.jpg)
Assembling the chair frame
Continue the project by assembling the frame of the chair. Align the edges with attention and clamp the legs to the seat frame. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.
![backrest-supports](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/backrest-supports.png)
backrest-supports
Use 2×3 lumber for the backrest supports. Use a jigsaw to round the exposed corner and smooth the surface with sandpaper.
![Fitting the backrest supports](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Fitting-the-backrest-supports-1.jpg)
Fitting the backrest supports
Fit the backrest supports to the seat frame of the chair and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Make sure you align the backrest with the armrest supports, as well.
![Fitting the seat slats](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Fitting-the-seat-slats.jpg)
Fitting the seat slats
Fit 1×3 slats to the seat of the bench. Cut the slats at the right dimensions and then attach them to the seat. Fit a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the slats and align them at both ends. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
![Backrest slats](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Backrest-slats-1.jpg)
Backrest slats
Continue the project by attaching the 1×3 slats to the backrests. Fit a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats, so you create even gaps.
![Fitting the armrests](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Fitting-the-armrests.jpg)
Fitting the armrests
Fit the 1×4 armrests to the sides of the bench. Use a jigsaw to round the exposed end of the pieces. Use 2″ nails and glue to secure the armrests into place tightly.
![How to build a modern outdoor chair](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/How-to-build-a-modern-outdoor-chair.jpg)
How to build a modern outdoor chair
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.
![Modern garden chair plans](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Modern-garden-chair-plans.jpg)
Modern garden chair plans
This garden chair is ideal for a backyard patio or for an outdoor deck. You should also take a look over the matching double chair bench with table, the footrest and the side table.
Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden bench from decay, I recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. See my other bench designs HERE.
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This woodworking project was about modern 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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7 comments
Just curious why the instructions call for 1/2 inch space between slats for the back of the chair and only a quarter inch between slats for the seating area. Would it not look more uniform if the spacing was the same for both the seating and the seat back area?
It would probably look, you can start installing the slats for the backrest from the top and space them at 1/4″.
I can’t find 2/4 rocking chair plans.
What do you mean by 2/4?
You mean 2×4?
when you say 2×3 lumber is that 2″ x 3″ or 1.5 x 2.5?
All lumber I use, for all plans, refers to actual sizes. Therefore, a 2×3 is 1 1/2″x2 1/2″