This step by step diy woodworking project is about 2×4 adirondack chair plans. I continue the 2×4 series of projects, with this super straight-forward adirondack chair. This outdoor chair is sturdy, easy to build and it features a modern design. Make sure you take a look over the rest of plans to see alternatives and more projects for your garden. Premium Plans available for this project in the Shop.
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. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
2×4 Adirondack Chair Plans
Building-a-2×4-adirondack-chair
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×4 – 19 1/2″ long FRONT LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 32 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 22″ long FRAME
- C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long SEAT
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 29 1/16″ long, 2 pieces – 30 9/16″ long, 2 pieces – 32 1/16″ long, 2 pieces – 22″ long, 1 piece – 25″ long BACKREST
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 28 1/4″ long ARMRESTS
- 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- glue, filler
- stain
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
It’s that simple to build a 2×4 adirondack chair!
Building a 2×4 adirondack chair
Back-legs
The first step of the project is to build the back legs for the adirondack chair. Mark the cut lines on the 2×4 slats and get the job done with a saw. Smooth the edges with attention for a professional result.
Assembling the frame
Continue the outdoor project by attaching the 2×4 slat to the front of the back legs. Drill pocket holes through the front component and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the front slat. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges. Add glue to the joints for a durable bond.
attaching-the-front-legs—adirondack-chair
Build the front legs from 2×4 lumber. Clamp the front legs to the back legs and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes through the frame and inset 2 1/2″ screws into the front legs.
Fitting the seat slats
Use 2×4 slats to build the seat for the chair. Place the slats equally spaced, by placing 1/2″ plywood between them. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame.
Assembling the backrest
Build the backrest of the adirondack chair from 2×4 lumber. Use a jigsaw to round the top of the slats, as shown in the diagram. Place the slats on a level surface and make sure their bottom edge is perfectly flush one with another .
Use 2×4 lumber for the back supports. Drill pilot holes through the supports and then insert 2 1/2″ screws.
Fitting the backrest
Attach the backrest to the frame of the chair. Drill pilot holes through the bottom support of the backrest into the back legs. Make sure the backrest makes a 90 degree angle with the seat.
Armrest supports
Build the armrest supports from 2×4 lumber. Follow the pattern shown in the image to cut the armrests. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth. Attach the support to the front legs and to the backrest of the chair. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the support into place. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the edges are perfectly aligned.
Fitting the armrests
Use 2×4 lumber for the armrests, as well. Fit the armrests to the adirondack chair, as shown in the diagram. Align everything with attention, and use 2 1/2″ screws” screws to lock the components into place. Add glue to enhance the rigidity of the bond.
Adirondack chair made from 2x4s plans
Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-200 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth. Apply a few coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the chair.
2×4 adirondack chair plans
Top Tip: Check out the rest of my adirondack projects HERE. Thank you for taking a look over my designs. Premium Plans available for this project in the Shop. If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.
This woodworking project was about 2×4 adirondack chair plans. 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.
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12 comments
can you tell me the angle of the back legs for this chair. i can not seem to get them right. it’s a weird angle it seems.
Make a 21.5 degree cut.
How many 2×4 do u need in total.
7 pieces, you can see in the shopping list.
How do you attach the back rest to the bottom legs with only 2 1/2 inch screws?
Pocket holes, diagonal (like toenailing) insertion? You can use longer screws, if you want a straight forward solution.
Great Plan, I definitely try to make an chair. Thanks for the sharing.
I’m having problems with the back rest. I’m using 4 inch wide lumber and it has 6 pieces. 6 X 4 is 24 inch. So how do you fit that flush with the 22 inch top and bottom? Even with no spacing it doesn’t work.
All my plans require lumber with actual dimensions, not nominal: https://myoutdoorplans.com/imperial-to-metric-conversion/
I used 2×4 timber. What width are the back slats? 4 inches? If so, 4 (the width) multiplied by 6 (the amount of slats) is 24 inches. But the braces are 22 inches and 25 inches. So that just doesn’t fit. If the back slats are narrower than 4 inches wide, it doesn’t state that and then the plans are wrong. I’ve used your plans for lots of things successfully, it’s just this set did not work, and I can’t work out how it worked for others.
All my plans use actual size of lumber: https://myoutdoorplans.com/imperial-to-metric-conversion/ All lumber you find in stores uses actual size vs nominal size.
Thank you for these plans. I figured if I’m making them for a third time (my sister and brother-in-law wanted some as well) I should probably buy the PDF. It’s very nicely laid out and well worth the fiver. Thanks, and I’ll have to try some of your other builds soon. Everyone who has come to our fire pit has loved the chairs.