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!
Comments
msuvdawg
Tue, 05/05/2020 - 10:38
approximate weight?
Anyone know about how much these weigh? I was going to use them in the yard by a firepit, but didn't want anything too heavy as they have to be mowed under periodically.
Renevation
Thu, 05/14/2020 - 16:19
1x6 vs 2x6
Do you think that 1x6 could be used instead of the 2x6?
martha.handmade
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 09:54
Hi Ana, Would I be able to…
Hi Ana,
Would I be able to use a miter saw to cut the wood instead of a circular saw?
Thanks!
Sam_A
Thu, 05/28/2020 - 00:19
As long as you’re measuring…
As long as you’re measuring correctly and have your angles set correctly, you’ll be totally fine cutting with your mitre saw. If anything, it will probably be more accurate.
In reply to Hi Ana, Would I be able to… by martha.handmade
mvgreen3
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 19:52
Yes. I did and it made…
Yes. I did and it made quick work of the repeat cuts.
Irshmsss
Wed, 05/20/2020 - 13:46
Clarity please?
Does buying 4 2x4 and 4 2x6 make one chair or two?
Sam_A
Wed, 05/27/2020 - 06:47
I asked the same question…
I asked the same question. Sorry didn’t see someone else had asked!
wjmathewsx
Sun, 06/28/2020 - 18:26
The shopping list is for 1…
The shopping list is for 1 chair. Not sure how she claims $40 buys enough wood for two chairs.
conniebreck65
Sun, 05/24/2020 - 10:29
Pressure Treated Wood?
Did you use pressure treated wood?
Sam_A
Wed, 05/27/2020 - 06:44
A few questions from the UK!
I’m so sorry if this is a stupid question! I’m in the UK so inches are like a foreign language to me (I love your plans Ana & have created a few pieces - just takes me longer as I always need to convert to cm & mm lol) Could I please check whether the shopping list is for 1 chair or for both?
Also, have any of you ever used a semi-transparent White stain that is suitable for sealing/protecting wood for outdoor use? I’d love an almost white washed look!