INTERMEDIATE

ADIRONDACK CHAIR

14 hours

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The classic outdoor chair with angled back and wide armrests. This project teaches compound angles and outdoor construction techniques.

MATERIALS

▪Cedar or redwood boards: 1x4s (10 pieces, 8 feet long), 1x6s (4 pieces, 8 feet long), 2x4s (2 pieces, 8 feet long)
▪Stainless steel screws: 2-1/2" (50 pieces)
▪Exterior wood glue
▪Exterior finish or stain

TOOLS REQUIRED

▪Miter saw
▪Jigsaw for curves
▪Drill with bits
▪Sander
▪Clamps

CUT LIST

PIECE	QUANTITY	DIMENSIONS
Back legs	2	1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 36"
Front legs	2	1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 22"
Seat slats	5	3/4" x 3-1/2" x 22"
Back slats	5	3/4" x 3-1/2" x 36"
Armrests	2	3/4" x 5-1/2" x 30"

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Cut all pieces according to cut list.

Cut 20-degree angle on top of back legs for back rest angle.

Shape armrests with gentle curves using jigsaw. Sand smooth.

Assemble seat frame with front and back legs connected by cross supports.

Attach seat slats to frame with 1/4" spacing for drainage.

Attach back slats to back legs at 20-degree angle.

Install armrests, connecting front legs to back legs.

Add decorative fan-shaped back support at top.

Sand all surfaces, rounding over sharp edges.

Apply exterior finish or stain.

Let cure for 48 hours before use.

EXPERT TIPS

✓Use weather-resistant wood like cedar, redwood, or treated lumber.
✓All screws should be stainless steel or coated to prevent rust stains.
✓Create a template for the armrests so both sides match perfectly.
✓Slightly round all edges to prevent splinters.
✓Consider making a full-size pattern on cardboard to test comfort before cutting.

FINISHING

For outdoor furniture, use exterior-grade finishes. Spar urethane provides excellent protection. Alternatively, let cedar or redwood weather naturally to a silver-gray patina. Apply finish to all surfaces, including undersides, for maximum weather resistance.