DIY Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chair Plans
Quick answer: This outdoor chaise lounge chair is built from one 4×4 and nine 2×4s (Douglas fir or cedar) with pocket holes — an adjustable reclining back, wheels optional, in about a weekend per pair. Build video below, free cutting template for the curved parts; the printable plans are $10. Designed, built, and documented by Jamison Rantz.
With summer upon us, one thing Jamie has wanted is a set of outdoor chaise lounge chairs for the back deck. One day I saw her laying flat on the deck boards trying to catch some rays, and decided it was time. These have an adjustable back, they’re built from off-the-shelf lumber, and the DAP adhesives family handles the gap-filling and thread-locking duty.
Outdoor Chaise Lounger Plans
The complete printable PDF — full cut list, dimensioned diagrams, and every step including the adjustable back.
Tools & materials
Grab the free printable cutting template for the curved pieces before you head to the saw.
Dimensions
How to build an outdoor chaise lounge chair
This tutorial will show you how to build an outdoor chaise lounger that is sized for a Target replacement cushion. In this example the lounger is painted with exterior paint.
Total Time: 2 days
Tapering the Feet (Optional)
Assembling the Base
Assembling the Base (cont.)
Assembling the Seat Frame and Back
Attaching the Seat Frame
Note that the seat slats are left off until after paint. This makes the painting process easier.
Cutting and Installing Supports
Drilling Holes for Support Arms
Attaching Supports to Back
Prepping and and Painting
Before you prime and paint you’ll want to get the surface as clean looking and smooth as possible. To fill any imperfections I recommend using DAP Platinum Patch (if painting) or DAP Premium Wood Filler (if staining). DAP Platinum Patch is designed for exterior applications and will adhere to a variety of surfaces.
As always, when painting bare wood, make sure to prime it first. For paint, we used Behr’s exterior grade paint in the color Gladiator Gray with a satin sheen.
Installing the Seat Slats
Installing the Back
When attaching the support arm with the carriage bolt you want to make sure the nut is not too tight. If the nut is overtightened it will create too much friction and the support arm won’t swing freely. Apply DAP Tank Bond Thread Stopper to the treads and hand tighten the nut. The tread stopper will keep the nut in place and can even be loosened if need be over time.
Every dimension and the full cut list are in the printable plans, and the video walks each step.
Outdoor Chaise Lounger Plans
The complete printable PDF — full cut list, dimensioned diagrams, and every step including the adjustable back.
Questions? Comments?
As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below — and don’t forget to post pictures of your finished loungers in the comments! ENJOY!