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Simple Modern Outdoor Chair

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Submitted by Ana White on Thu, 05/21/2020 - 11:03
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Stylish modern wood outdoor chairs in a compact footprint!  Reclined seat and back for comfort, wide armrests.  Fits a standard size chair pad.  These chairs are smaller in size, more of the size of a dining chair, not oversized like a living room chair.

Collections
Simple Modern Outdoor Collection
modern wood outdoor chair

Photo by ACERANIC

This plan has been updated, the original plans are still available here.

diy wood slat chair plans

Dimensions
Wood chair outdoor dimensions
Sized more like a dining room chair than a living room chair, fits standard chair cushion pads (NOT deep seat)

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 10 feet long
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long
  • 36 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws for exterior use (can be used as the "longer screws" in this plan)
  • 40 - self tapping (star bit) exterior screws, length at least 1-1/2" long (used for attaching the back and seat slats to the frame, referred to as shorter screws in plans)
Cut List
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 20-1/2" (for use with a dining table, cut at 24") - legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 27-3/4" - arm rests
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 24-3/4" - side supports
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 20-1/2" - front/back aprons
  • 3 - 2x2 @ 20-1/2" - seat supports
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 25-1/2" - back slats
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 20" - seat slats

Cut the longest boards first to make sure you get all your cuts out of the boards called for in the shopping list

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Build the arms using the longer screws (or Kreg Jig on the 1-1/2" setting with 2-1/2" exterior pocket hole screws).  The two legs are built identical.

Step 2

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of all the boards in this step, and attach with 2-1/2" exterior pocket hole screws.

Step 3

Attach the 2x2 seat cleat with pocket hole screws inside the chair frame, place screws on bottom or sides (NOT top to prevent water pooling inside the pocket hole)

Step 4

Lay out the chair back and attach to the chair back base with the shorter screws.

Step 5

Set the chair back inside the chair, leaving a small gap for water drainage from the seat base 2x2.  Attach with the longer screws to the arms.

Step 6

Lay the seat slats inside the chair and attach with the shorter screws, two screws per joint, with 1/2" spacing in between.

Help Improve This Plan

We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.

Project Type
Chairs
Room
Outdoor
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

senovia (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 20:56

This is a fabulous chair! I just recently found your site and can't wait to make so many things! I would love to see it in a loveseat size!

jdeuce

Tue, 01/06/2015 - 09:10

does anybody know what the "1 1" is on the line after 1 – 2×2, 8′ Length or scrap 24″ long on the material list?

Betsy (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 21:01

This is so perfect! The style, the size (love that it uses standard cushions)... Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Looking forward to the couch and loveseat sizes, as well.

Erin (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 21:36

One loveseat and two chairs...yes please!! I told myself I was going to build things in the order that I find them and I am on item #1 of a 10 item list, but these just may have to cut in line :-)

James (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 00:57

What fantastic chairs! I had been planning to modify the Simple Stackable Chair into a bench, but this will be a lot easier. It will also fit beautifully with the Hamptons Outdoor Coffee Table I'm planning to build. Can't wait to see the loveseat and bench plans.

Leslie (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 02:39

You know what, Ana? The best part of this whole plan is the fact that you really, REALLY consider US when you create. I mean, we can all actually go to Target and buy a cushion that FITS! Holy crap! That is HUGE, and you know that!

I'm just about packed up and will be heading up to RI for the big move tomorrow. My sister and I have great plans for your plans and we can't wait to get started.

Many thanks!