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The simple lines of an Adirondack chair can add a touch of class to your porch, patio or deck.
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Once the yard work and home repairs are done, you'll need a place to relax. Great-looking Adirondack chairs are comfortable as well as easy and affordable to make. Materials:
8' length of 2" x 8" pressure-treated lumber
12' length of 2" x 4" pressure-treated lumber
12' length of 1" x 8" pressure-treated lumber
2" and 2-1/2" galvanized screws
Exterior latex paint
- First, assemble the two side supports. Using 2 1/2" galvanized screws, attach the back support 3 1/2" from the back of the chair on the back legs, then attach the back legs to the front legs. Do one side and then the other. Drilling pilot holes as you go makes the job go faster and prevents the wood from splitting. Counter-sinking the holes helps hide the screw heads.
- Place the stretcher brace in the notch on the front legs, and attach it from the outside of the legs, using 2-1/2" screws.
- Lay the upper back support on the top of the back braces, making sure they're flush on each end, and attach with 2-1/2" screws.
- Center the arm braces on the outside top of the front legs, and attach them with 2-1/2" screws. You'll need to drill pilot holes through the edge of the braces to attach them.
- Lay the arms in place on top of the support. Fasten the arm to the support first, using 2" screws. This will level the arm to determine where the back of the arm will fasten to the back support.
- Drill pilot holes, and fasten the back of the arm to the back support, using 2" screws.
- Fasten the lower-back support to the rear legs just above the curve in the seat.
- Place the back slats on the upper and lower supports. Find the center of the top and bottom back supports, and place the middle slat first. Place the outer slats next, then evenly space the two middle supports on each side. Attach all slats with 2" screws.
- Attach the curved seat slat so that it's flush with the back slats.
- Evenly space the slats along the seat, and attach with 2" screws. Make sure the last slat on the front of the chair overhangs a bit so that the sharp edge on the front of the back leg is concealed.
- Drive a finishing nail into the center of the center slat. Attach a string to the nail, and attach a pencil to the other end of the string. Use it to mark a rounded contour across the top of the chair. Remove the nail. Use a jigsaw to cut along the contour, then sand the edges until smooth.
- Apply two to three coats of exterior latex paint.
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