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Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s

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Easy to build, sturdy modern outdoor chairs for deck or patio - free plans step by step plans with diagrams by Ana-White.com.  

We love that these chairs are beautiful from the back and the front!  These chairs looks great with stacks of outdoor pillows.  

This is a free woodworking plan with step by step diagrams, shopping list and cut lists from Ana-White.com

Also check out our matching loveseat plans.

Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s Plans

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No Pocket Hole Plans
Essential

 

UPDATE: After seven years of being outdoors, these chairs still are strong, sturdy, and holding up great!  The finish has done well too, no chipping or peeling paint.  New photos are the same chairs, seven years after they were built.

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.

building the modern outdoor chair

 

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.

arms for the modern outdoor chair

 

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

simple modern outdoor chair assembly

 

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.

seat slats, unfinished simple modern outdoor chair

 

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!

 

simple modern outdoor chair plans

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!

three steps to building your own simple modern outdoor chair

 

Loveseat Version

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

loveseat version of modern outdoor chair

Reader submitted photo by Joshh81

Thank you for submitting brag posts, it is helpful and encouraging!
 

Here's Some Tips to Build Better Outdoor Furniture

Want to build better outdoor furniture?  Over the twenty years I've been building, maintaining, and enjoying my own outdoor furniture, I've learned a few tips that can help build longer lasting furniture.  

 5 QUICK Tips for Better Outdoor Furniture

 

Pin For Later! 

Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s

Dimensions
Outdoor Chair plans
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long

2-3/4" self tapping deck screws

25" x 25" seat cushion (if smaller cushion, adjust plans to fit)

Exterior Glue

BEHR PREMIUM(R) Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer

 

I recommend pefinishing boards before cutting.

Cut List

CUT LIST PER ONE CHAIR

DESIGNED TO FIT 25" x 25" CUSHION

 

4 - 2x4 @ 22-1/4" - Legs

6 - 2x6 @ 28-1/2" - Side Slats

2 - 2x4 @ 31-1/2" - Arm Rests

4 - 2x6 @ 25" - Front and Back Slats

2 - 2x4 @ 25" - Front Top Slat and Back Top

2 - 2x2 @ 25-1/2" - Inside Cleat

5 - 2x4 @ 25" - Seat Slats (can get away with just 4)

Cutting Instructions

This chair was designed to fit a 25" x 25" seat cushion.  If different sized cushions are used, adjust plans accordingly.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Use 2- 2-3/4" or longer screws and exterior wood glue to attach legs to the longer 2x6 boards, with 3/4" spacing in between.  I used two screws per joint.

Step 2

Attach top with glue and 2-3/4" screws.

Step 3

Attach front and back slats to arms to create the frame of the chair.

Step 4

Attach back top piece with screws and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Lay seat slats on cleats and screw down.

Finishing Instructions
Finish Used
I used BEHR premium outdoor finish
Project Type
Chairs
Outdoor Projects
Outdoor Seating, Lounging and Accents
Room
living room
Outdoor
Style
Coastal or Beachy Style Furniture
Industrial Style Furniture Plans
Modern Style Furniture Plans
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

slnix6598

Sun, 05/31/2020 - 04:48

"I recommend pefinishing boards before cutting." What does this mean?

These are my dimensions: Seat cushion dimensions: 24”L x 24”W x 5.5”H
Back cushion dimensions: 24”L x 23”W x 8”H

Do I need to adjust the cuts for these sizes?

ajmikol

Sat, 06/06/2020 - 09:02

Hello,
Lovely plans Mrs. White, however I am curious how you were able to only pay 20$ for materials. 4 2x4s, 4 2x6s, a pack of screws and stain ran me close to 70$ at home depot. That is for 1 chair.
Thank you!

wjmathewsx

Sun, 06/28/2020 - 18:30

Amen. I just built a chair for $65 including tax. She said $40 for two chairs. So, I bought the wood in the shopping list and it came out to $65. Not bad, I thought, for two chairs... then I realized it was for one chair. This chair better last me the rest of my life.

fayray

Sat, 06/27/2020 - 15:46

I just finished this chair and I love it!!! I did pocket holes to screw the piece all together...took me about 5 hours to complete after I figured out how to use the kreg jig for the pocket screws. Already planning on making the love seat for our back porch.

gooch1775

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 19:28

Just finished my first chair out of a set. When attaching rear top, it has an approx overhang of about 5/8” - which was very uncomfortable on my back.

I just trimmed down to be flush with the rear slats.

Stained with Early American stain and sealed with poly.

mrtickle

Thu, 07/16/2020 - 21:39

I made a slide in table from 1x8x15with a 2x8 screwed on one side of it , it just slides through from the inside between the top two 2x6 and perfect for putting your drink on and can switch sides. I also turned the sides around so that the sides are all level. Awesome plan very easy to make alone. Made two single and two loveseats in two days.

tbeland

Sat, 07/18/2020 - 15:51

Just finished one chair this afternoon. I used pocket holes for everything so it took the better part of the day. Overall, the chair is very nice. However, the back is too low to provide any support for the pillow cushion. Oh, and I have only seen one comment about how heavy these chairs are. Once assembled, this chair is easily a two-person lift. I would avoid these plans if you were hoping to easily move these chairs around. They are meant to stay put. I would have to guess one chair easily weights over 50lbs and I didn't bother using 5 slates for the seat or the 2x2 rails. I allowed the wood to dry for 3 weeks as well.

I plan on taking these plans and modifying them with 1x4x8 and 1x6x8 instead. I'll have to look at redesigning the back as well so that it is higher. Using 1x will double the cost of every board though, so I'm looking at about $50 per chair now. I can't find cushions under $80 either. Lowe's had some on for $40 but the reviews were absolutely horrible. Total cost of the chair is closer to $130+ now.

In conclusion, these chairs are nice looking. However they are not meant to be moved around. They are meant to remain stationary. I can't image storing two or three of them in a shed over the winter. Finding decent cushions for under $50 is harder than you think it is too.

SamSimon

Wed, 03/17/2021 - 18:55

I am planning to replace recliners in my tv room with these chairs and sunbrella fabric so my cats can't destroy them. Did you ever
make the 1x4 and 1x6 version? Would you mind posting a picture and letting me know about any adjustments you made or problems that occurred. Thanks very much for your help.

LovetoBuild20

Mon, 09/14/2020 - 18:56

What kind of wood are you using? Just plain 2x4's? We live in the south and it's very humid, hot, sunny, rainy, and we have all kinds of bugs, like termites. Will these stand up to the weather and pests? Do I need to use a certain type of wood specimen so they will last?
Thanks

camelburrito

Mon, 05/24/2021 - 21:31

Ana, is it safe to build this chair with pocket holes (so the screws dont show outside ? if so which screws should we use

c.winks

Tue, 07/27/2021 - 14:33

Love, love, love my new chair. When I'd ordered my cushions, I'd order the set of 2 (back piece too). After getting it built I realized that the back cushion had no support, so I added on to the chair. And I must say, I look it looks amazing. I'm working on the matching bench now. Can't wait to get all of my chairs built and start using them.

Straykitten

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 09:46

Hi! Love these chairs. Just have two questions:
1. You mention that it's a good idea for added comfort, consider installing the seat at a slight downward angle. How would I do that?
2. Is there a way of making the back trim at the back level with the front edge of the back and the back of the arm ends?
Thanks in advance for any help! :D