DIY Patio Chair

This step by step diy project is about diy patio chair. If you want to learn more about building a sturdy wooden chair, pay attention to the instructions shown in this tutorial. This project is ideal for any backyard, deck or patio, as it features a comfy backrest and large armrests. It was a fun afternoon project and I am very pleased with the end result. My design is super sturdy and looks very nice in my garden.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. If this is your first project, you need a friend to give you a hand when assembling the wood outdoor chair. Invest in high quality lumber and plywood, as the components will be exposed to bad weather. Protect the components with appropriate paint or stain.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure.

Made from this plan

DIY Patio Chair – How To Build

Building an outdoor chair

Using my own plans for this garden project was the common sense choice. I was convinced the chair would look unique and have that authentic look that I am in love with. I made very little modifications to the original plans and everything went smoothly. See in the following step by step tutorial how I build the garden chair in just one afternoon.

Adding-glue-to-the-joints

After cutting the components for the patio chair, you need to smooth the edges with 120-150 sandpaper. After assembling the components together it will be difficult to have access to all edges and corners. Add waterproof glue to the edges before inserting the galvanized screws.

Assembling-the-seat-frame

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the side components, when building the seat frame. As you can easily notice in the image, you need to cut one end of the side components at 75 degrees. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges with attention, when inserting the 2 1/2″ screws. Leave no gaps between the wooden pieces.

Seat-frame

Fit the rest of the components to the seat frame. Make sure the corners are square.

Fitting-the-legs

Next, you need to attach the legs to the seat frame. Measure 11″ from the bottom of the legs and fit the seat frame into place, as shown in the diagram. Use scrap boards to make sure the legs are places at the same level. Make adjustments until the corners are square. I cut both ends of the back legs at 75 degrees. I used 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the cut edges.

Attaching-the-legs

Drill pilot holes through the seat frame and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs. If you don’t use self tapping screws, drilling pilot holes would prevent the wood from splitting.

Diy-patio-chair-frame

Attach the legs to the opposite side of the seat frame. Afterwards, the patio chair should look similar to the one in the image.

Attaching-the-backrest-supports

Next, I attached the backrest supports to the frame of the garden chair. I made 15 degree cuts to one end of the backrest supports. In addition, I rounded the exposed corner of the supports, by using a jigsaw. I used 2 1/2″ galvanized screws to secure the supports to the frame of the chair.

Building-a-patio-chair

The garden chair starts to take shape quite nicely. What I like most about this design is the rigidity of the frame. The chair is super sturdy and it has an unique appearance.

Fitting-the-armrest-supports

Next, I attached the armrest supports to the sides of the garden chair. I aligned the components, drilled pilot holes and inserted 2 1/2″ screws to create sturdy joints.

Fitting-the-seat-slats

Next, I attached the slats to the seat of chair. However, I used 5 1/2″ wide boards for the seat. You can follow the initial plans and use 2×4 slats. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame of the chair. Place the slats equally-spaced and make sure the boards are flush, before inserting the screws.

Attaching-the-backrest-slats

Afterwards, I attached the the boards to the backrest of the patio chair. Make sure the edges are flush before inserting the galvanized screws.

Fitting-the-backrest-slats

Fit the rest of the slats to the back of the garden chair, making sure the slats are equally-spaced. Use 2 1/2″ galvanized screws to lock the boards to the supports.

Patio-chair-plans

The garden chair looks nice and it is really comfy. All I have left to do is to attach the armrests and to take care of the finishing touches. I followed my own garden chair plans and everything went smoothly. The seat is horizontal and the backrest lean is great.

Attaching-the-armrests

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the armrests to the chair. Align the edges with attention and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the slats into place. I didn’t like the boxy look of the armrests so I used a jigsaw to round the front corner and to make another cut to the back of the slat.

How-to-build-a-patio-chair

After assembling all the components together, I sanded the edges with 120-150 grit sandpaper. Make sure you get the job done thoroughly, otherwise the surface won’t be smooth enough for daily use. Remove the residues with a damp cloth and dill the holes with wood putty. After it dries out, sand the areas with 150-grit sandpaper.

How-to-build-an-outdoor-chair

The chair looks interesting seen from behind. Make sure you smooth the edges thoroughly and double check all the joints. If they are loose, consider inserting more screws to get the job done in a professional manner.

Diy-Garden-Chair

This is the angle that I love the most to watch the chair. It really has a strong character with the back leg, backrest and large armrests. the best part about this garden chair is that you can built it under 20 $, or even less according to the materials you use.

Building-a-Deck-Chair

I stained the chair to protect it from water damage and decay. I chose a teak finish to go along with the rest of my outdoor furniture. I totally love the rustic look of the patio chair and I am planning to build more.

DIY-Patio-Chair-Plans

If you want to build this garden chair, see the step by step plans with detailed measurements here. I hope you enjoy the plans and this step by step tutorial, as well. I would love to hear your feedback and to see your pins and likes. If you build this simple bench with backrest don’t forget to send a few pics.

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