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Outdoor Lounge Chair Build Plans

Build the perfect place to relax in your yard with this outdoor lounge chair.

As the weather is warming up, it is the perfect time to add more seating to your outdoor spaces. And these fun outdoor lounge chairs are made mostly from 2x4s!

With our new home in Texas, we definitely needed some outdoor furniture. Especially somewhere to sit and enjoy the lake.

Outdoor lounge chair sitting on the grass in front of the lake.

Lounge Chair Design

We wanted large comfy outdoor lounge chairs that you can spend hours sitting around a campfire, or chatting with friends, or watching the sunset. And something that could hold a large cushion for some extra comfy lounging.

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But more importantly, I wanted it to match with the other outdoor chairs I already made, like these outdoor kids chairs.

Two DIY outdoor chairs with pillows in front of a lake.

Using the same modern Adirondack-esque design, I made an adult sized outdoor chair big enough to lounge in. It is even big enough for me to pull my legs up and sit on them because that is my favorite way to sit!

Or if you want some laying flat lounging, check out these outdoor chaise lounge chairs that match these amazing chairs.

I love the 2×6 angled back leg on the chairs. It makes them super sturdy and impossible to tip over. Perfect if you have kids that are prone to pushing back on their chairs.

Close-up view of the side of the modern Adirondack outdoor chair.

The seat has an angled back to make it easy to relax and lounge, but not too far back that you have to pull yourself out of it. And the back of the chair is comfy with or without a cushion. Perfect for easy outdoor living!

Outdoor chair on the grass with no cushions on it.

More Outdoor Chair Ideas

Create the perfect outdoor space with outdoor chairs for every day!


How to Build an Outdoor Lounge Chair

Tools & Materials

Recommended Tools:

Supplies:

  • PDF Build Plans
  • Wood products:
    • (3) 2x4s per chair
    • (1) 2×6 per chair
    • (2) 1x3s per chair
  • Pocket hole screws
  • Wood glue
  • Outdoor paint/stain/sealer
  • Outdoor cushions and pillows (optional)

CUT LIST

Cut out the pieces according to the detailed cut list in the build plans.

Button to buy the printable PDF woodworking plans for the outdoor chair.

My miter saw was not big enough to cut the 2×6 boards at an angle so I had to do it in 2 cuts. You could also cut them with a circular saw.

Cutting the angled piece of 2x6 for the back leg of the lounge chair.

STEP 1- Build the sides

With the pocket hole jig set for 1 1/2″ thick lumber, drill pocket holes in the ends of the leg pieces.

Attach them to the bottom of the arm rest with wood glue and pocket hole screws.

Attaching the legs to the armrest of the chair for the side pieces.

STEP 2- Build the seat base

Drill pocket holes in all 4 of the seat frame pieces.

Make sure to offset them so that the ones on the side will not line up with the ones on the front/back. The front/back pocket holes will be used to attach the seat frame between the legs later.

Drilling pocket holes to assemble the outdoor chair.

Build a box with the seat pieces so the sides are between the front/back and secure with wood glue and pocket hole screws.

Building the seat frame box out of 2x4s.

STEP 3- Attach the seat base

Attach the legs to each side of the seat frame according to the plans.

Secure it with wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws into the leg pieces.

Attaching the seat box between the two sides/leg pieces.

STEP 4- Build the back rest

Cut the 15 degree angle off the front of the seat back boards using the detailed measurements in the build plans.

I used my miter saw to cut the angle, but you could also do it with a circular saw.

Cutting the angle off the back pieces for the outdoor chair seat back.

Drill 2 pocket holes in this angled part and 2 pocket holes in each end of the seat back top piece. Attach the top piece between the side pieces.

Make sure the angled part is facing forward on both pieces with the pocket holes on the inside.

Clamp the seat back to the back legs so the angled part is flush with the 2×4 seat frame. Secure with wood glue and pocket hole screws into the seat frame.

Then secure the sides of the seat back to the arm rest with 1 screw on each side.

Attaching the seat back to the lounge chairs.

STEP 5- Add seat and back slats

Cut the seat and back slat boards from the 1x3s.

Drill 2 pocket holes set for 3/4″ thick material on each side of these boards.

Cutting 1x3s for the seat and back of the outdoor lounge chair.

Secure them between the seat frame and back, evenly spaced, with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.

You may need to slightly tap the boards into place with a hammer or mallet if your boards fit too tight.

Attaching slats to the seat and chair back.

Don’t forget to grab the printable PDF plans here!

Premium PDF plans include:

  • Recommended Tools
  • Materials list
  • Detailed cut list
  • Step-by-step instructions with 3D renderings
  • Helpful resources
  • BONUS: Easy 1 Page Printable Shopping and Cut List
  • BONUS: 3D SketchUp file

And now you are done!

Sand and stain your new chairs. I used a deck/outdoor furniture water sealer to protect my chairs.

Photo of the finished outdoor lounge chair built out of 2x4s.

They will need a new coat of sealer 1-2 times a year, but the color is amazing and looks like raw, unglossy wood, which is what I was going for.

Easy, breezy, outdoor lounge chairs!

The back of the two outdoor chairs as they are looking over the lake.

Happy building!

-Kati with picture of blog author Kati
Wooden outdoor chairs built from 2x4s on the lawn.

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Debbie

Tuesday 12th of July 2022

Did you make these before the slatted outdoor sofa? I notice the small boards here are attached to 2x4 sides with pocket holes, vs. on the sofa the boards sit on top and are attached with glue/nails. Trying to decide which design I like better... But I think I want them to match - 2 chairs + 1 sofa. Thoughts? (any chance you want to design a corner sectional to match the sofa??!!)

Wilson R S Mello

Wednesday 8th of September 2021

Can the plans be sent to Sao Paulo Brazil?

Kati Farrer

Sunday 12th of September 2021

They are a PDF, so if you can receive an email from the USA then the plans can be sent.

Fayçal

Thursday 15th of July 2021

Are the plans available in metric system?

Kati Farrer

Thursday 15th of July 2021

They are not.

Jessica

Tuesday 30th of March 2021

What stain did you use ?

Kati

Monday 19th of April 2021

I use Thompson waterseal for outdoor in Walnut.

Alicia Hursley

Friday 26th of March 2021

We just refinished our kitchen cabinets and we're now looking for ways to update the look of our backyard. I think building these chairs as a functional decoration is going to be perfect! Thank you for sharing.

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