Wood Deck Chairs

This was my first solo build project and my first time using a power saw. I was terrified but determined because I've been wanting to make these chairs for years. After failing to convince my husband to make them for me, I decided to make them myself and I am so glad that I did. I am so proud!

I fell in love with the fabric first (Premier Prints' Suzani Chocolate and a striped fabric called Veranda Chocolate for the bottom) and then picked a stain to match. I chose to reinforce the sling by sandwiching the outer fabric with a layer of heavy duck fabric. I also made pillows, which protect your head from that upper wood support.

Also, I ordered some special connecting bolts and nuts made by Rockler that someone else mentioned in their brag post. Unlike the hardware mentioned in the original plan, these bolts are flush with the frame on both the inside and out so the chairs can fold completely flat. Here are the links to them on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Statuary-Bronze-Connector-Bolts-8-Pack/dp/B001DT3…
http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Nuts-Connector-Bolts-pack/dp/B001DT3G9O/ref=p…

The inner frame did need slightly larger holes (3/8 inch, I believe) to accommodate the cap nuts.

Built from Plan(s)

Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size

Estimated Cost

$100 - I spent a little bit more on wood than others because I bought pre-sanded stock. I also ordered extra fabric to make pillows and chose two different fabrics to make the design reversible. This project can definitely be done more economically if you already have some of the materials and if you find the fabric on sale.

Estimated Time Investment

Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)

Finish Used

Cabot Premium Wood Finish Stain & Sealer (Espresso) - I originally tried a few different stains (one from Minwax and one from Valspar) that we already had but I didn't like the fact that I would have to do multiple coats to get the color opacity that I wanted and then I'd have to do multiple coats of sealer. I'm too impatient for all that so I found an all-in-one product that worked beautifully. I will definitely use this product again!

Recommended Skill Level

Beginner