How to Make Outdoor Chairs

Sides

• 1

  Cut four lengths of 2-by-4 inch pine, measuring 15 1/4 inches long each. These are the horizontal sides.

• 2

  Cut two more lengths of 2-by-4 inch pine, measuring 35 inches long. These are the long vertical sides.

  Cut two short vertical sides from 2-by-4 inch pine. These short sides need to measure 29 inches long.

• 3

  Place two of the horizontal sides on a flat surface, parallel to each other, 14 inches apart. Place one of the short side pieces next to one side of the horizontal boards in a perpendicular fashion. Push the short side all the way against the horizontal boards so the top of the board is in line with the top horizontal board.

• 4

  Position a long side against the other side of the horizontal boards, in the same way you positioned the short board. Adjust the long board, so that it sticks up 6 inches above the top, parallel board. The bottom of this board should be in line with the bottom of the short side. Apply wood glue where the wood meets, then screw the structure together. This is the first side assembly. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create a second side assembly.

Seat

• 5

  Cut two outer seat supports to attach the two side assemblies together. Cut these supports 20 inches long from 2-by-4 inch pine. Cut two more supports to use for the inside of the chair. Cut these supports 19 1/2 inches long from 2-by-4 inch pine.

• 6

  Set the two side assemblies up and arrange them so they are parallel and 20 inches apart. Position the two outer seat supports in between the two side assemblies, in line with the bottom, parallel boards on the back and front edges of the chair. Screw them in place by screwing through the vertical supports and into the seat supports. The chair should now be able to stand alone.

• 7

  Attach the inner support boards to the chair on the sides. Place the boards in line and perpendicular with the previously installed supports. Attach them by screwing through the outer supports and into the inner supports. These four boards form a square seat frame for the chair.

• 8

  Cut five seat slats from 1-by-4 inch pine, measuring 20 inches long. Place the slats over the seat frame, parallel with the external support boards. Arrange the slats so they are in line with each other, and 3/8 inch apart. Glue, then screw the slats in place.

Back and Finishing

• 9

  Cut five more slats from 1-by-4 inch pine, measuring 20 inches long. These slats are for the back of the chair.

• 10

  Place the first slat across the back of the chair, so both ends are touching the large vertical sides. Adjust the board, so it is in line with the top of both vertical sides, then screw and glue in place. Install the remaining slats in the same manner below the first. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between each slat when installing.

• 11

  Sand the entire chair to remove any rough spots. Fill all cracks and screw holes with wood filler. Apply wood stain to the entire chair using a paint brush. Allow the chair to dry thoroughly.