Home Chair Lifeguard Chair Plans

Lifeguard Chair Plans

by Ovidiu

 

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

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Lifeguard Chair Plans

Building a lifeguard chair

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

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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Wood Chair Plans

Building the legs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom backrest support

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

Backrest supports

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

Backrest slats

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

Fitting the backrest slats

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

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

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

DIY Lifeguard Chair

The lifeguard chair seen from another angle.

Lifeguard Chair Plans Free

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

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.

 

 

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28 comments

John -

How do I cut the 15 degree bevel cuts for the back without a table saw ?

Thank you

Reply
Julian -

That is hard without a table saw. You could try with a circular saw.

Reply
Brandon Elkins -

you could also use a compound miter saw

Reply
Taylor -

No you can’t. You cannot rip with a miter saw.

Reply
DanCee -

Can I make the legs longer for official lifeguard use without compromising the balance, strength and safety of the chair?

Reply
Jack -

I cannot guarantee that. But you could make them longer and add more stability by fitting some horizontal 2x4s to the sides of the legs (longer than the base).

Reply
David Smith -

Thank You very much, Just what I needed.

Reply
Jack -

You’re very welcome. Let me know how it comes out!

Reply
Walt Roecker -

One of our Boy Scouts is building four stands for our local Medford Lakes Colony for his Eagle award. I showed him these plans & he thought they would work for his project.

Reply
Ovidiu -

Awesome! Thank you for sharing my plans. Looking forward to seeing your projects!

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Jim S. -

Just built this project for our 22′ above ground pool. I added 6″ to the legs to make it sit higher and there were no problems other than it made the lower platform more difficult to step up to. Solved that by purchasing a couple two step stringers and lumber to build small steps that sit adjacent to the chair. Worked out well. It looks great and got official approval from my daughter this morning. Nice plans.

Reply
Ovidiu -

Thank you for the nice words and congrats for the project. I would love to see your chair. You can send a few pics here: http://myoutdoorplans.com/contact/

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Bill -

These look great! I want to build 4 of these for my deck. Would the balance and/ or integrity be compromised if I made them a little narrower?

Reply
Ovidiu -

I think it should work. In worst case scenario, you can make a base for the chairs.

Reply
WILLIAM -

If I wanted to double the height of the seat, ~70-80 inches. And also make the seat wide enough for 3+ ppl. How would you go about doing so? Think the design looks great and would love your opinion. thanks!

Reply
Ovidiu -

I would build the legs A shaped for better support. Other than this just scale it up and add supports to the seat frame.

Reply
WILLIAM -

Thanks! about how much does it weigh? following the plan you provided

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Piotr -

Congratulations! A great design. Can I use your pictures and use them on my blog so that rescuers in Poland can make such chairs for themselves?

Reply
Ovidiu -

No, all my designs are copyrighted. You can refer them to my site.

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Eric Conrad -

Built two chairs. One to spec and then one by adding 12 inches all around to make it higher. Need to modify the leg spread for more stability but you need to play with it. So fun to build. I wanted a life guard chair but at up to $800, I like my $50 chair very much.

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Eric Conrad -

I wanted build and sell to friends. Is that cool given plans are copywriter?

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Ovidiu -

Yes, you can build projects using my plans and sell them. However, I would appreciate if you send a few pics to feature them on the blog: http://myoutdoorplans.com/contact/

Reply
Gina Smith -

Going to try this project this week. What are the 1 1/4″ screws used for? Thanks

Reply
James Decker -

I’m doing this this weekend with my 9 year old, super excited!

I do have to ask what the 1 1/4″ screws are for? Not seeing them mentioned in the actual plans anywhere, just 2 1/2″ screws.

Reply
John -

Awesome plans. Finishing up. Only thing is I should have used pocket holes for a cleaner look. If you have the equipment I would give it a shot.

Thanks again. Can’t wait to open the pool and use it.

Reply
Lou -

I just completed this project! Thank you so much for the plans. This was a fun build. Kids love it!

Reply
Mike Gulino-McGrath -

Great looking chair? Do you happen to plans in CAD or Sketchup? Looking to make the chair 7ft in height.

Reply
Ovidiu -

I don’t share the model file. Sorry

Reply

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