DIY projects plans

DIY 2x4 wooden chair with white cushions on a beach patio, perfect for outdoor seating.

Easy-to-Build Wooden Lounge Chair: Perfect Addition to Any Outdoor Space

Introduction

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular as homeowners look to extend their living and entertaining areas to the outdoors. One of the essential components of any outdoor space is comfortable and stylish seating. This DIY wooden chair plan offers an affordable and beginner-friendly option to create an attractive and functional seating solution that perfectly complements any outdoor setting. In this article, we will explore the design, cost, and versatility of this DIY wooden chair plan, along with its compatibility with other outdoor furniture pieces.  

Section 1: The Beauty of DIY 2x4 Wooden Chair Design

The DIY 2×4 wooden chair design is a simple yet elegant seating solution that can be customized to suit any outdoor living space. The minimalist design of the chair highlights the natural beauty of the wood, allowing it to blend seamlessly with various outdoor styles and settings. The chair features a comfortable seat and backrest, providing a cozy place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for smaller patios, balconies, or garden areas, while its versatility ensures that it can be easily combined with other outdoor furniture pieces to create a cohesive and functional outdoor living area.  

Section 2: Budget-Friendly and Beginner-Friendly Project

One of the most significant advantages of this DIY wooden chair plan is its affordability. With a cost of around $85 per chair, this project is an excellent option for those looking to add stylish seating to their outdoor space without breaking the bank. Additionally, the simplicity of the design and the use of readily available 2×4 lumber make this project beginner-friendly. With no fancy joints or complicated cuts required, even those with limited woodworking experience can successfully complete this project and enjoy a sense of accomplishment in creating their outdoor seating.  

Section 3: Customizable and Versatile Seating Solution

The DIY 2×4 wooden chair plan is highly customizable, allowing you to create a seating solution that perfectly suits your outdoor space and personal style. The chair can be painted or stained to match your existing outdoor décor or to add a pop of color to your space. The choice of wood species can also be tailored to your preferences, ensuring that the chair is not only visually appealing but also durable and long-lasting. Moreover, the chair’s design is versatile enough to be paired with other outdoor furniture pieces, such as the U-shaped sectional or the 3-seater. This compatibility allows you to create a cohesive and functional outdoor living area that caters to your specific needs and preferences.  

Section 4: Selecting the Right Cushions for Your DIY Wooden Chair

A crucial aspect of any outdoor seating solution is comfort, and the DIY 2×4 wooden chair is designed to accommodate standard 24-inch x 24-inch base cushions. When selecting cushions for your chair, consider factors such as durability, weather-resistance, and ease of maintenance. Outdoor cushions made from high-quality, water-resistant materials such as Sunbrella fabric can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting comfort. Additionally, choose cushions with removable covers for easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that your outdoor seating remains fresh and inviting throughout the seasons.  

Section 5: Building Your DIY Wooden Chair in Your Garage or Backyard

The DIY 2×4 wooden chair plan is designed to be built in a garage or backyard, making it a convenient and accessible project for most homeowners. The use of simple tools and materials ensures that the construction process is straightforward and manageable, even for those with limited woodworking experience. The chair’s design focuses on simplicity, with no fancy joints or complicated cuts required, allowing you to create a beautiful and functional seating solution with minimal fuss.  

Section 6: The Importance of Proper Maintenance for Your DIY Wooden Chair

To ensure that your DIY wooden chair remains in excellent condition and serves as a comfortable seating solution for years to come, it is crucial to perform proper maintenance. Regularly inspect the chair for any signs of wear or damage and promptly address any issues that may arise. Clean the chair with a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Allow the chair to dry thoroughly before applying a protective sealant or stain, as this will help preserve the wood’s beauty and longevity.  

Section 7: Expanding Your Outdoor Furniture Collection and Creating a Complete Outdoor Living Space

The DIY 2×4 wooden chair plan is not only an affordable and beginner-friendly project but also serves as a foundation for expanding your outdoor furniture collection and creating a complete outdoor living space. As mentioned earlier, this chair can be easily paired with other furniture pieces, such as the U-shaped sectional and the 3-seater bench, to create a cohesive and functional outdoor seating area.

To further enhance your outdoor living space, consider incorporating a DIY outdoor kitchen. This three-component kitchen is an excellent complement to your outdoor furniture collection, providing a convenient and stylish area for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Featuring a grill station, outdoor sink, and a bar, this outdoor kitchen adds functionality and versatility to your backyard.

By building additional chairs, benches, or even tables using similar design principles and materials, you can create a complete outdoor furniture set that is both stylish and budget-friendly. Additionally, the integration of a DIY outdoor kitchen will make your outdoor living space even more inviting and practical for gatherings with family and friends.

With a combination of outdoor furniture and a well-designed kitchen, you’ll have the perfect setting for enjoying warm summer days, backyard barbecues, and memorable moments with loved ones in the comfort of your own backyard.  

Section 8: The Joy of DIY Outdoor Furniture Projects

One of the most satisfying aspects of embarking on DIY outdoor furniture projects, such as this wooden chair plan, is the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands. Not only will you have the satisfaction of having built your outdoor seating, but you’ll also have the opportunity to customize your furniture to your unique style and preferences. Furthermore, DIY projects allow you to create high-quality, durable furniture pieces at a fraction of the cost of purchasing pre-made items, making it a practical choice for many homeowners.  

Conclusion

The DIY 2×4 wooden chair plan offers an affordable, beginner-friendly, and versatile outdoor seating solution that can be easily customized to suit your needs and preferences. With its simple design and the use of readily available materials, this project is an excellent choice for those looking to add stylish and functional seating to their outdoor living space. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and properly maintaining your DIY wooden chair, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable and attractive outdoor seating option for years to come.  

DIY 2x4 wooden chair with white cushions on a beach patio, perfect for outdoor seating.
DIY 2x4 wooden chair with white cushions on a beach patio, perfect for outdoor seating.

Time to build

3.5 hours (per chair)

Total cost of build

$85 (cushions and pillows not included in cost estimate)

Skill level required

Beginner

Download the PDF plans

Outdoor wood patio chair PDF plans

What is included in the PDF download? 

 

    1. Easy to read step by step instructions
    2. Material list
    3. Cut list
    4. Tools needed 
    5. 3D illustrations 
    6. Helpful links to materials/tools needed

     

Recommend tools for this project

  • Saw (miter saw recommended for precision cuts) 
  • Drill 
  • Impact driver with bit for screws 
  • GRIP Clamps 
  • Sander 
  • wood countersink drill bit
  • Pipe clamp grip, tie downs, or straps.
  • 2.5 lbs of 2.5-inch-long screws (highly recommend T25 Star Drive screws) 
  • Wood glue 
  • Sand paper 
  • Pencil

Cut list and material list

Available with purchase of PDF plans.  

DIY patio chair

Step 1 (DIY patio chair frame assembly)

Gather two of the 24-in pieces and two of the 22.5-in pieces. Lay them out as shown in the diagram. It is recommended to predrill the wood prior to putting in a screw to prevent the wood from splitting. What works for me is to us a wood countersink drill bit. 

Apply wood glue to all surfaces that will be joined together. Too much dry glue can be difficult to sand off and does not stain well.

DIY chair frame assembly

Step 2 (DIY patio chair arm rest assembly)

Next, take two 27-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and two 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below. Add glue, predrill holes, and add 2.5 inch screws.  

DIY patio bench arm rest assembly
DIY patio bench arm rest assembly

Step 3 (DIY patio chair arm rest assembly continued)

Next, add a 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the arm rest. It needs to be indented by 1.5 inches. I use a spacer from 2×4 lumber scrap wood for this step since the 2×4 is 1.5 inches thick.

As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.

Next, make a second arm rest identical to the one you just made for a total of two arm rests. 

DIY patio bench arm rest assembly
DIY patio bench arm rest assembly
DIY patio bench arm rest assembly

Step 4 (DIY patio chair arm rest assembly continued)

Next, add 27 inch long 2×4 lumber pieces to both of the arm rests.

BE CAREFUL! Make sure that the 27 inch long 2×4 pieces are places in a mirrored fashion to eachother. This is indicated by the red arrows in the diagram.

Once you ensure the proper placement of the 27 inch 2×4 lumber pieces then as before, add glue, predrill, and add screws.  

DIY patio bench arm rest assembly
DIY patio bench arm rest assembly
DIY patio bench arm rest assembly

Step 5 (Attaching chair frame to chair armrest)

Next, set the frame up right on top of one of the armrests.

In this step make sure that glue is applied to the areas that will make contact. Get help to balance the frame. Secure the frame with clamps for stability and a more solid joint.

As before, predrill and add screws.

Add both vertical and diagonal screws as shown below for a secure joint.

Repeat this for the other arm rest as well. 

attaching the frame to the armrest
attaching the frame to the armrest
attaching the frame to the armrest

Step 6 (Attaching backrest)

Next, add a 24 inch 2×4 lumber pieces across the back of the bench for the back rest.

Secure the lumber piece with either a tie-down/ratchet strap, or a pipe clamp (Both options displayed below)

As before, add glue, predrill, and add the diagonal screws to secure the joint.

Next, add a 24-inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the back rest as shown below. Add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.  

DIY patio chair assembly of backrest
DIY patio chair assembly of backrest

Step 7 (Adding decking pieces)

Next, add six 24 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to make the seating platform of the bench.

Space them out about 7/8 inches apart.

As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.

adding decking pieces to DIY chair
Adding back rest to DIY patio bench

Step 8 (Finishing touches)

Next, sand down the whole chair. This can be time consuming. I use an orbital sander to speed up the process

I use a rough 80 grit paper first and then finish it with a 220 grit paper.

Filling in the holes is optional.

At this point it is ready to be stained or painted!

DIY patio chair

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *