How to Build Sturdy Adirondack Chairs for Your Backyard
Adirondack chairs are a staple of outdoor relaxation. With their wide armrests, slanted backs, and comfortable design, they provide the perfect spot to unwind in your backyard. Building your own Adirondack chairs can be a fun and rewarding project, and the best part is you can customize them to fit your space and style. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make sturdy Adirondack chairs that will stand the test of time.
Materials You’ll Need:
Wood: Cedar, pine, or redwood are the best choices for Adirondack chairs because they’re weather-resistant and durable. You’ll need about 6-8 boards (1x6 or 1x8) depending on the size of your chair.
Wood screws: Use 2 ½-inch screws for assembly.
Wood glue: For extra stability, particularly on joints.
Sandpaper or a sander: For smoothing edges and surfaces.
Outdoor wood finish or paint: To protect the wood from weathering.
Measuring tape, square, pencil, and saw: For measuring and cutting.
Drill and drill bits: To make pilot holes for the screws.
Clamps: To hold pieces in place while assembling.
Step 1: Cut Your Wood Pieces
Start by cutting your wood to the required dimensions. If you’re following a traditional Adirondack chair design, here are the basic cuts you’ll need:
Chair Back:
2 back legs: 2 pieces, each 35" long (for the back support)
5 back slats: 5 pieces, each 20" long
Seat back supports: 2 pieces, each 21" long
Chair Seat:
2 front legs: 2 pieces, each 17" long
Seat slats: 7 pieces, each 22" long
Seat supports: 2 pieces, each 18" long
Chair Armrests:
2 armrests: 2 pieces, each 28" long
Arm support pieces: 2 pieces, each 9" long
Additional pieces:
Cross supports: 2 pieces, each 16" long (for added stability)
These dimensions are typical for an adult-sized Adirondack chair, but feel free to adjust based on your desired size and design.
Tip: Double-check your cuts before assembly, and always measure twice to ensure accuracy.
Step 2: Sand Your Wood Pieces
Before you begin assembly, it’s a good idea to sand all your pieces to remove any rough edges or splinters. Use a medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit) to smooth out the surface, then finish with a finer grit (around 220-grit) for a smooth finish.
Tip: Sand with the grain of the wood to avoid scratches or damage to the surface.
Step 3: Assemble the Chair Frame
A. Attach the Front and Back Legs
Start by attaching the front legs to the seat supports. Use wood screws and wood glue to attach the legs at an angle—about 90 degrees for the front legs. Secure them in place with clamps while you drill pilot holes for the screws.
Next, attach the back legs to the back seat supports using the same technique. The back legs should be angled slightly back to create the slanted, comfortable seating position of the Adirondack chair.
B. Attach the Seat Slats
Once your frame is set, it’s time to attach the seat slats. Space them about 1/4" apart so water can drain through them (important if you’re using the chairs outdoors). Start from the back, attaching the slats to the seat supports. Use wood screws or nails to secure each slat.
C. Add the Cross Support
For added strength, attach the cross support pieces between the front and back legs. This adds stability to the entire frame, preventing the chair from wobbling.
Step 4: Build the Backrest
The backrest is what gives the Adirondack chair its distinctive look and comfort.
Attach the back slats to the back supports: Start with the two vertical back supports and attach the slats horizontally across them. Use screws and wood glue to secure each slat.
Angling the back: The backrest should be angled slightly backward for comfort. To achieve this, position the backrest slats at an angle of around 15-20 degrees from the vertical supports. You can use a protractor or an angle finder to help measure this angle.
Once all the slats are attached, you can trim any excess wood at the top if you want a more refined look.
Tip: For additional comfort, consider adding curved edges to the back slats. This can be done by using a jigsaw to cut the slats to a slight curve before attaching them.
Step 5: Attach the Armrests
The armrests are an important part of the Adirondack chair’s design—they add both comfort and style.
Attach the armrests to the front and back legs: Position the armrest supports along the side of the chair, attaching the armrests at a slight angle. Use wood screws to secure the armrests to the frame.
Ensure the armrests are level: The armrests should be parallel to the ground, so double-check that they’re level before securing them.
Tip: If you want to make your armrests extra sturdy, you can add additional support underneath by attaching a short wooden block or bracket between the armrest and the seat.
Step 6: Finish the Chair
Once the main structure of the chair is assembled, it’s time to finish it. Here’s what you need to do:
A. Smooth all edges
Give the entire chair another round of sanding to make sure all edges are smooth and comfortable to sit on. Pay attention to the armrests, backrest, and seat, as these areas will have the most contact with your body.
B. Apply Outdoor Wood Finish or Paint
To protect your Adirondack chair from the elements, apply a weather-resistant wood finish or paint. Use an outdoor deck stain or wood sealant to prevent water damage and UV fading. If you prefer a painted look, choose an outdoor paint designed for wood furniture, such as enamel or acrylic paint.
Be sure to apply multiple coats for better durability, and allow the finish or paint to dry completely between coats.
Tip: Consider using a clear sealer if you want the natural look of the wood to shine through, or opt for a bright color to make a bold statement in your backyard.
Step 7: Add Cushions and Enjoy
To make your Adirondack chair even more comfortable, you can add outdoor cushions to the seat and backrest. Look for cushions made with weather-resistant fabric to ensure they hold up against sun, rain, and wind.
Once everything is assembled and dried, you’re ready to enjoy your new Adirondack chair! Place it in your favorite spot in the backyard, add a side table for drinks, and relax.
Tips for Long-Term Care
Cover your chairs during extreme weather or store them indoors during the winter months to prolong their lifespan.
Reapply finishes or paint every couple of years, depending on the weather exposure.
Check for loose screws or parts periodically, and tighten them to ensure the chair remains stable.
Conclusion
Building your own Adirondack chair is a gratifying project that results in a sturdy, custom piece of outdoor furniture. With a few tools, some basic woodworking skills, and quality materials, you can create chairs that are both functional and stylish. Whether you’re relaxing with a book or entertaining guests, your new Adirondack chairs will add charm and comfort to your backyard for years to come!
