How to Build a DIY Adirondack Chair

Be sure that you have all the materials needed for the project, including exterior deck screws in three sizes:

• 1 1/4-inch deck screws
• 2-inch deck screws
• 2 1/2-inch deck screws

Gather the boards to be cut, including:

• (4) 1- x 4-inch boards, 8-feet long
• (3) 2- x 4-inch boards, 8-feet long
• (1) 2- x 2-inch board, 6-feet long

Using a power miter saw, cut the boards using this cut list and measuring tape to get accurate results:

• (2) 2x4 @ 20 3/4 inches with both ends cut parallel at 15 degrees off-square (back legs)
• (2) 2x4 @ 20 inches (front legs)
• (2) 2x2@ 26 1/2 inches, longest point measurement, one end cut at 15 degrees off square (arm support)
• (2) 2x4 @ 31 7/8 inches, one end cut at 35 degrees off square to longest point, other end cut at 20 degrees off-square to shortest point - see Step 2 (stringers)
• (2) 2x4 @ 22 1/2 inches (front apron and back support)
• (5) 1x4 @ 22 1/2 inches (seat slats)
• (5) 1x4 @ 36 inches (back slats)
• (1) 1x4 @ 19 1/2 inches (back top support)
• (1) 2x4 @ 19 1/2 inches (back base support)
• (2) 1x4 @ 27 inches (arm rests)

Make an additional cut on the stringer boards so the seat slat at the front of the chair will be flat.

• Find the 2-inch length square to the edge using a speed square on the stringer.
• Mark the top portion to be removed and cut it off using a jigsaw.
• Repeat the measurement and cut for the other stringer board.

Begin assembling your DIY Adirondack chair by attaching an arm support to the front and rear legs. To prevent the wood from splitting, make pilot holes with a countersink bit before driving the screws in all steps.

• Arrange one front leg and one rear leg on the work surface.
• Place an arm support across the two pieces, being sure that the angled end of the support is at the rear leg.
• Apply wood glue.
• Use clamps to keep the top and outside edges flush.
• Fasten with 2 1/2-inch deck screws.

Flip the assembly over to attach the stringer boards to the legs of your DIY Adirondack chair.

• Place a piece of 2- x 4-inch board underneath the legs for support while attaching the stringer.
• Mark the front leg on the inside with the arm support on the outside. Leave 1 1/2-inch space in front of the stretcher.
• The bottom corner of the stringer will match the bottom corner of the back leg.
• Use a power drill to attach the stringer to the front and back legs with 2 1/2-inch deck screws and wood glue.

• Build the leg assembly for the opposite side as a mirror image of the first set, with the arm support to the outside and the stringer on the inside.
• Make sure the two sets match up.

Attach the front apron to the two leg sets using 2 1/2-inch deck screws and wood glue.

• From the front, fasten the screws through the apron into the stringer board ends.
• Then use more screws to go through the legs and into the apron for additional support.

Tip: It's important to make sure all screws are properly tightened on the DIY Adirondack chair to properly support weight correctly.

The slats stretch from stringer to stringer.

• Begin at the front of the chair and attach the seat slats to the stringers with wood glue and 2-inch deck screws in pre-drilled holes.
• Keep the slat ends flush with the edges of the chair.
• Use a block of wood as a gauge to help maintain a 1/2-inch gap between each seat slat.

To accommodate the sloped chair back, the support must be fastened to the back legs at an angle. Be sure to follow your Adirondack chair plans precisely to get the correct measurements.

• Mark the front edge of the back legs 4 1/2 inches down from the top.
• Mark the rear edge of the back legs 5 inches down from the top.
• Position the back support so that its front-bottom edge is at the 4 1/2-inch mark.
• Tilt the back support so that its rear-top edge is at the 5-inch mark.
• Attach the back support to the back legs with 2 1/2-inch deck screws.

Build the seat back by attaching all the back boards to the seat back top support and back base support, leaving approximately a 1/2-inch gap between each board. Attach the boards to the supports using 1 1/4-inch deck screws.

Using a jigsaw, cut the familiar DIY Adirondack chair arch shape on the top of the chair back. Use a large round object, such as the base of a bucket, as a guide.

Tip: While learning how to build an Adirondack chair, please use proper saftey tools to prevent injury.

Place the back assembly inside the chair and secure it in place through the stringers using 2 1/2-inch deck screws.

Then attach the chair back to the back support with 2-inch deck screws.

Secure the armrests to the arm supports and the tops of the legs with 2-inch deck screws and glue. Use clamps to hold the armrest in place. Don’t remove them until the glue sets.

Fill all of the screw holes in the chair with wood filler and then paint or stain the chair to suit your taste or match your other outdoor furniture.

Once you've finished your adirondack chair, place it wherever it's needed!