How to Draw Building Plans for an Adirondack Chair

Sketch your ideas on paper. Adirondack chairs have several distinct features.These include a sloped angle, rounded back and broad armrests, but there is plenty of room for customization. Sketching your ideas can include using words to describe the angles, details about the armrests, curves for the back, any cut-outs and how to ensure support, or unique approaches to the legs. It can also include drawing basic “stick” pictures of what you have in mind.

Write out step by step instructions to yourself for each stage of the building process – i.e., attach the front vertical legs to the ends of the two slant legs (a common feature of Adirondacks). You can also use free plans available on the internet to help you order the steps, adding your modifications as you go. Common steps to build an Adirondack chair include attaching the legs, adding the angled seat, installing the rounded back and finishing with the wide arms. Your building plans might look somewhat different depending on your unique design.

On a separate piece of paper, keep a running tally of the supplies you’re using. For example, the first step after cutting the wood pieces should be to screw one of the front vertical legs to one of the back slanted legs. You will need specific lengths of board for all four legs and, because Adirondacks are commonly used as patio or outdoor furniture, outdoor screws that will hold them together. A tape measure can help you envision specific dimensions.

Add drawings to the plan as often as you can. If you can draw it with a 3D perspective, you will be able to envision each stage a little easier during the building process. To create a 3D perspective drawing, determine the area where you want the drawing to be and lightly sketch a horizontal horizon line. Harold Olejarz writes that the horizon line in art refers to the eye level of the picture plane. Somewhere on this line, create one or two vanishing points. Any vertical lines in your drawing will remain vertical, but any horizontal lines you want to draw should actually be oriented to a vanishing point. A straight-edged ruler can help with these drawings.

Fill in the blanks. At one or more points in your step by step plans, you have likely presumed that a specific part or specially crafted piece was available such as the Adirondack's rounded back piece or a stylized shape to the distinctively wide arms. This also includes the specific measurements for each wood piece, specific screws you want used, cut-outs, beveled or curved edges, foot rests or any other distinguishing feature you wish to include. Go back and add steps for crafting these special parts. For example, the step following basic cutting instructions might be "use the jigsaw to shape one end of the 3-inch-by-30-inch back slanted legs to a 15 degree angle."

Compile your materials list by going back through the instructions, making sure all building supplies are listed and making note of any specific tools, such as table saw, jigsaw or drill, which you will need in the creation process.