Introduction
Blog Cabin 2014 is all about lake life! I collected these vintage water skis from the former Cypress Gardens water park for interior decor when Grundy sent me a link to water ski chairs. We knew they would be perfect for the yard and add a fun pop of color and identity to the area.
Step 1

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Get Started
What good is a chair if it isn't comfortable? Start by shaping the side rails. Cut (2) 3' pieces of pressure treated 2x8 and use a piece of PVC pipe to form the shape of the seat.
Step 2

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Cut the Shape
Using a jig saw, slowly cut out the shape.
Step 3

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Bevel and Cut
Using a circular saw bevel the front with (2) 30 degree angles and slope the rear down to 5" at the end. Then trace that piece onto the other side rail. Cut this one the same way.
Step 4

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Build the Legs
Make the front vertical legs with (2) 24" pieces of pressure treated 2x4. Fasten the side rails to the legs with (2) coated exterior screws and bevel the rear of the legs to be flat to the ground.
Step 5

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Cut and Fasten Boards
Cut pressure treated deck boards into (7) 18" pieces and fasten to the top of the side rails with (2) coated screws each. Rip the boards down to the appropriate width for each facet of the rails. For example, the curve portion may have boards only 2" wide to help conform to the shape.
Step 6

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Route the Edges
Optionally, route the front edges of the boards for more comfort in the knee area of the chair.
Step 7

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Attach the Legs
Next, attach a 1 1/2" x 4" block to the vertical legs for the arms to attach to. Also mount a curved 2x4 back rail for the rear boards.
Step 8

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Remove Hardware
Remove any extra hardware from the skis for a flat mounting surface. I never throw away these extras so they can end up in other projects!
Step 9

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Cut More Boards
Cut an additional curved back rail copying the lower one but 6" longer. Then cut two 24" back boards. Use a jig saw and router or sander to shape the top similar to the skis.
Step 10

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Find the Right Spot
Find a comfortable slope to the back. Have a friend hold the back if need be to find the perfect spot!
Step 11

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Install the Arms and Back
Install the arms and back with (2) screws at each joint.
Step 12

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Trim It Up
Trim the center back board to the perfect length using a circular or chop saw. Aim for roughly 8" longer then the adjacent boards.
Step 13

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Finish the Install
Install this last board with (2) screws at the bottom and top rails.
Step 14

Tony Flora/ AP Images, 2014, DIY Network/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Paint and Enjoy
Finish by painting the raw wood with an exterior sealer. We chose a semi-transparent wood stain and then apply matte poly over the whole chair. Be sure to get the bottoms of the legs too to ensure this chair lasts a long time!