Are you looking for beautiful and sturdy seating for your outdoor space? Have you considered building your own? You can save a ton of money and get exactly what you want!
For about $20 a piece, I built these outdoor chairs!
We love they way they look. We love the sturdiness. We love how heavy they are - no one likes to chase outdoor furniture down in the wind. And we love how easy they are to build!
Building the Modern Outdoor Chairs
These chairs were so simple and easy to build!!! All just 2x4 and 2x6 lumber, right off the shelf!
Here's how I built it -
I cut all my boards according to the cut list below using a compound miter saw. You could also use a circular saw and a square, or even have your local home improvement store cut your boards for you. Good straight end cuts are very important.

Then I attached the legs to the longer 2x6 boards, using 2-3/4” long deck screws. Notice the spacer in between the slats – it’s a scrap 1x that measures ¾” thick.
Here’s how it will look with both legs.

Then add the top armrest piece, and repeat for two arms (for one chair).

It’s ideal to have two people to assemble, but if you don’t, I used a board threaded between the slats to support my back boards while I attached. This is the most challenging step of the entire build.

Once the arms are attached to the back and front pieces, two cleats are screwed to the insides of the arms, and seat slats rest on top. TIP: For added comfort, consider installing the seat at a slight downward angle.
Turned out really well!

Good luck, and if you build, do share pics (you can add a brag post or tag me on instagram @anawhitediy or #anawhite) – can’t wait to see how your outdoor chairs turn out!
Plans follow, enjoy and share!

Loveseat Version
After many requests, we have created a loveseat plan version for your convenience.

Reader submitted photo by Joshh81
Thank you for submitting brag posts, it is helpful and encouraging!
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Comments
rcm296
Mon, 07/17/2017 - 21:16
Stain color
Hi Ana, Love you projects. What color is that stain on the outdoor modern chair?
pokem23
Sat, 08/26/2017 - 09:47
Thanks
Thanks
off2wdw
Wed, 09/13/2017 - 06:31
Thanks! Loved how these turned out!
Crazzed_1
Sat, 09/16/2017 - 07:23
Modification
I find that screws don't hold well when out into the end grain. I drilled and installed 1" dowel into those areas and then sanded flush once screwed. Gives the screw a much better bite as it is grabbing a cross grain. Great plans!!
juge
Mon, 01/08/2018 - 16:28
Excuse me, I'm from another
In reply to Excuse me, I'm from another by juge
Ana White
Sat, 01/13/2018 - 17:30
Yes, all measurements are in
Yes, all measurements are in inches, please see the getting started section
for actual dimensions http://www.ana-white.com/2012/12/get-started
Poyaoan
Sun, 01/28/2018 - 10:07
Question
Hi Ana,
Is the shopping list is for two chairs? Another question is can I just use a regular lumber or should I use treated lumber as we have snow every winter?
Thank you and have a great day.
Justjess1125
Fri, 02/23/2018 - 21:18
Table plans
Do you have the plans for the small table in between the chairs?
Curtis.Waug
Wed, 01/15/2020 - 18:10
If you go under the outdoor…
If you go under the outdoor seating section, the plan is called Adirondack side table
frankb03
Sat, 07/07/2018 - 14:47
$20
Where can one find four 2x6 and four 2X4 for $20? I can't even get four 2x6 for $20