Easy Modern Adirondack

Time to Complete

1 Hour

Estimated Cost

$30 – $40

Skill Level

Beginner

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An Adirondack chair has been on my list of things to build for some time now. However, I wanted to add my twist to it. When I was building my outdoor bench not too long ago, I realized that the simple modern looking leg design could probably be translated to more of a lounge chair like an Adirondack. So I tweaked the design to give it the angles of an Adirondack and added a curved back and armrest and now we have the easy modern Adirondack chair! We were able to build this chair for about $30-$40 and in about an hour with only a few tools.

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Dimensions

Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Dimensions

How to Build an Easy Adirondack Chair

Time needed: 1 hour.

The plans below detail how to cut and assemble the wood to build an easy Adirondack chair.

Some things to note are that it is always highly recommended to pre-drill screw locations to reduce the chances of wood splitting. Another is that any fasteners that are used in combination with treated wood should be ACQ rated so that they do not corrode.

  1. Cut List


    Cut the lumber as specified below. For the legs and supports, the second of each can be templated using the first to make sure they are the same.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Cut List 1

    If you do not have access to a miter saw the angles for these cuts can be found using a speed square as shown below.

    Using a speed square to find an angle 1

  2. Taper the Long Leg


    Using the diagram below, mark the cut with a straight edge and cut the
    taper with a circular saw.
    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 1

  3. Assemble the Legs


    Use the measurements on this diagram to mark the intersection of the short leg on the long leg. Then, make a mark at 4″ from the bottom on the front side of the short leg and align the short leg as shown below. Scrap boards can be used to balance the shorter leg while fastening with 2-1/2″ wood screws. Before fastening check to make sure the bottom of the short and long leg are even so that they will sit flat on the ground.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 2

    One way to enhance this build and make it last longer to use exterior waterproof wood glue at this joint and/or assemble with 3 galvanized carriage bolts, washers and nuts. If you want to get really fancy you can cut a lap joint!

  4. Cut out the Back Supports


    The back supports should be curved for comfort. Using the dimensions below you will be able to 3 points on the board (one is mirrored to the other side). Connect those points with a straight edge and then cut it out with a jigsaw or bandsaw.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 3

  5. Install the Back Supports


    Pre-drill and install the back supports with 2-1/2″ wood screws. Especially at the top of the leg because that is where boards are most likely to split. I know because I was lazy and mine split.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 4

    One way to beef this connection up is to opt for longer lag bolts or install a 90 degree galvanized bracket on each of the inside corners of these joints.

  6. Taper the Arm Support


    Using the diagram below, mark the cut with a straight edge and cut the
    taper with a circular saw.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 5

  7. Installing the Arm Supports


    Mark the height of the arm supports on the leg, pre-drill and install them with 2-1/2″ wood screws. Then align the triangular pieces such that the top is flat with the arm support, pre-drill the supports and install with 2-1/2″ wood screws.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 6

    This is another area that could be beefed up with exterior waterproof wood glue at the joints and/or assemble the supports to the legs with 1 or 2 galvanized carriage bolts, washers and nuts.

  8. Installing the Seat and Back


    The 5/4 boards are used for the back and seat. These will get installed per the diagram below using 2-1/2″ wood screws. Pre-drilling first of course.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 7

  9. Cutting out the Arm Rests


    Use the diagram below and a straight-edge to outline the armrests, then make the cuts with a circular saw and follow up the inside corners with a jigsaw.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 8

  10. Installing the Armrests


    Locate per the diagram, then pre-drill and attach the armrests with 2-1/2″ wood screws. The screws in the back of the armrest will need to be pre-drilled and counterbored to an appropriate depth so the screw will reach the leg or use longer screws.

    Easy Adirondack Chair Plans Step 9

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