These easy modern Adirondack plans are designed to be extremely easy to build, and affordable too. They are built using just a few 2x4s and a single 1×10 board. You also won’t need a lot of expensive tools, just a circular saw or miter saw, a drill, a protractor or square, and a tape measure. I’ve designed these easy modern Adirondack plans so that the seat is just slightly higher than a traditional Adirondack, and the seating slope is just a little less extreme. These minor adjustments make them a little easier to get in and out of, but don’t create any noticeable loss in comfort. You should still be comfy enough to relax back a nice campfire, or in front of the water.

Note: These instructions are based on using standard dimensional lumber, and we try our best to make that apparent in our illustrations and directions.  If you plan to lumber from a lumber yard you may have to adjust the measurements slightly to account for the difference in actual measurements.

Materials

• 4 – 2×4 @ 8′
• 1 – 1×10 @ 10′
• 1 1/2″ exterior grade wood screws
• 2 1/2″ exterior grade wood screws
• 4- 5″ structural screws (optional), or
• 2 1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws (optional)
• exterior wood glue

Tools

• Circular saw or miter saw
• Drill and driver combo
• Pocket hole jig (optional)
• Tape measure
• Square
• Clamps
• 4′ straight edge
• Sander and sand paper
• Pencil

Step 1: Build the leg assemblies

The first step in these easy modern Adirondack plans is to cut and assemble the legs for both sides. The left and right sides are almost identical, the minor difference being the angled leg should be aligned to the inside edge of the front 2×4 on both assemblies.

Start by cutting two 2x4s to 20″ in length, and two more 2×4 pieces to 31 3/4″ in length. Use wood glue and three 2 1/2″ wood screws to attach the 31 3/4″ pieces on top of the 20″ pieces. Next, cut roughly a 72° angle on the end of two pieces of 2×4 at least 37″ long. Now lay these out so the top edge of the angle is 14 3/8″ up from the bottom of the front uprights. Then use your 4′ straight edge pressed to the bottom of the front upright to determine where the angled support crosses parallel to the bottom of the front upright. Mark a line here, continued along that plane for 1 1/2″, then mark another line up 90° from the end of this line. Cut along those to lines with your circular saw and you will have the back cuts for these angled legs. Use wood glue and three 2 1/2″ screws through the front uprights to attach.

Step 2: Join the Leg Assemblies

Next cut two pieces of 2×4 to 19 1/2″. Use wood glue and 2 1/2″ wood screws to attach the first one in between the fronts of the angled supports. Ensure the top back corner of this piece is flush to the top of the angled piece. If you align the front, this board will be in the way of the seat slats.

For the back cross support you can use either three pocket hole screws on each end, or you can pre-drill and use two 5″ structural screws on each end. I prefer the latter, but either will work just fine.

Step 3: Attach the seat slats

The next step in these easy modern Adirondack plans is to attach the two seat slats. Cut two pieces of 1×10 to 22 1/2″ in length, then attach to the angled legs using wood glue and three 1 1/2″ exterior wood screws per side for each slat. Leave about a 1/4″ gap in between the two

Step 4: Add the backrest supports

With your seat slats in place, cut two pieces of 2×4 at 32 3/4″ each. Align the bottoms of these to the bottoms of the angled legs, push flush to the back of the second seat slat, and let them lay back against the horizontal 2×4 backrest support. Ensure the backrest support is exactly 20″ from the ground, then screw these vertical backrest supports in using three 2 1/2″ wood screws through the angled legs, and then using another three 2 1/2″ wood screws through the vertical support into the horizontal support.

Now add another piece of 19 1/2″ 2×4 screwed to the back of each of these vertical supports, and again having three 2 1/2″ wood screws attaching from the outside of the angled legs.

Step 5: Attach the back slats

Finally, cut and attach three pieces of 1×10, cut to 19 1/2″ to the vertical supports using wood glue and 1 1/2″ screws. Start at the top, keeping the top edge flush to the tops of the vertical supports. Then proceed attaching the second and third, leaving 1/4″ – 1/2″ gap in between each. Make certain to leave a gap at the bottom as well for water and debris drainage.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

At this point the build of your new modern Adirondack chairs is complete. It’s time for a good sanding, paying particular attention to the surfaces where you’ll contact most frequently. Start with 120 grit sandpaper, and follow up with 180 grit. You can even proceed to 240 grit if you want to go for an ultra smoot finish; though since this is construction lumber you’ll most likely have grain raising when you paint, stain and seal it.

Not certain what type of finish you want to add to your new piece? Check out our series on eco-friendly wood finishes. We detail options for oils, waxes, water-based finishes, shellac, milk paint, and citrus and plant based solvents. We give you all of the details you need to make an informed choice about the right type of finish to choose for your latest project.

If you have comments or question, please feel free to connect with us via the comments section below or use our Contact Form.  We love the feedback!  Also, don’t forget to check out our other free DIY furniture plans.

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