This step by step woodworking project is about wooden adirondack chair made from 2x4s plans. I have designed this super simple adirondack chair so you can build it in one weekend with common tools. It is so straight forward that you can ask the kids to watch or assist you. If you have a higher budget, invest in weather resistant lumber. See my other DIY projects HERE.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. PDF downloadable plans with premium features in the Store.
Made from this plan
Adirondack Chair made from 2x4s Plans
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Building an adirondack chair from 2x4s
Materials
- A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 32″ long, 1 piece – 22″ long FRAME
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 19 1/2″ long LEGS
- C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long SEAT
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long, 1 piece – 25″ long, 6 pieces – 29″ long BACKREST
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 28 1/4″ long ARMRESTS
- 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 3 1/2″ screws
- stain
- wood filler , wood glue
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Time
- One Weekend
Build an adirondack chair – Video!
How to build an adirondack chair from 2x4s
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Building the back legs
The first step of the project is to build the back legs for the adirondack chair. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to round one end and to make an angle cut to the opposite. Use a miter saw to make the proper cut to the component. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
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Assembling the seat frame
Next, assemble the chair frame by fitting the front apron. Align the component at both ends, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components.
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Attaching the front legs
Attach the front legs to the seat frame, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the legs into place tightly.
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Fitting the seat slats
Fit the sat slats to the frame of the adirondack chair. Place a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the slats to the frame.
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Assembling the backrest for the chair
Next, assemble the backrest for the simple lawn chair. Lay the backrest slats on a level surface and place them equally spaced. Attach the supports to the backrest, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the supports into place tightly.
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Fitting the backrest to the chair frame
Fit the backrest to the frame of the chair. Align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes through the bottom support and insert screws into the back legs of the chair.
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Fitting the armrest supports
Fit the armrest supports to the adirondack chair, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs.
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Fitting the armrests
Use 2×4 lumber for the armrests, as well. Fit the armrests to the supports, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
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How to build a 2×4 adirondack chair
Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components. If you really want to have a long lasting chair, apply a few coats of poly or use cedar from the very beginning.
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Adirondack Chair made from 2x4s Plans
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4 comments
The material list at the start is incorrect.
You need 7x 2″x4″x8′ planks, 6x is not sufficient.
6 Worked for me. Plan out your cuts for minimal waste. A cut list would have been helpful.
Cut plan diagram is available in the Premium Plans (see the shop).
At each stage, the plan uses screws but does not say HOW MANY screws to use. Pls advise?