Here are free plans for a modern outdoor chair made from 2x4s and 2x6s. This chair is great for sitting around your firepit, relaxing by the pool, or just hanging out on the deck or patio. The square lines give it a modern flair, while the angled back maintains the comfort not found in chairs that are shorter or straight up. Plus, this chair is designed to use standard 25″ x 25″ outdoor cushions – so you don’t have to worry about trying to make your own!
All of the cuts for this modern outdoor chair are square, so there are no difficult angles to measure and you don’t need too many tools to build it. The only angle in the piece is the angle of the back, which you can just set to how it is comfortable for you to sit, you don’t need to be precise with the suggested standard 110° angle.
Materials Required
- 6 – 2×4 @ 8 feet
- 1 – 2×6 @ 8 feet
- 1 – 2×6 @ 10 feet
- 1 – 2×2 @ 6 feet
- 2 1/2″ deck screws
- 2 1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws
- Exterior wood glue
Tools Needed
- Miter saw or circular saw and square
- Drill / Driver combo
- Kreg jig
- Pocket hole clamp
- Tape measure
- Sander and sand paper
This modern outdoor chair is composed of three major components – two sides and the back. So you’ll build those components first and then join them together with the seat slats.
Step 1: Build the chair back
We’re going to start this project by building the chair back. This entire component is made from 2x4s. Cut two pieces to 24 3/4″ in length, and six pieces to 18″ in length. Use wood glue and two pocket hole screws at the end of each 18″ piece to attach them to long outer 2x4s. Having a pocket hole clamp comes in handy when trying to hold the boards in place while you are screwing them together.
Use a scrap piece of 1x material as a spacer to help maintain a consistent 3/4″ gap between the 2x4s.
When fully assembled, your modern outdoor chair back should measure 25″ across.
Step 2: Build the two sides
Next up in this build are the two sides. Start by cutting your two legs from 2x4s, cut to 22 1/4″ in length. Then attach three 2x6s, cut at 28 1/2″ long, using wood glue and 2 1/2″ deck screws. One side of the 2x6s should be flush with an edge of the 2x4s – do not center the 2×6.
Use your 1x scrap again to help maintain a consistent 3/4″ gap between the 2x6s.
Lastly, add the armrest made from a 2×4 cut 31 1/2″. Use wood glue and 2 1/2″ deck screws to secure it to the legs and the top 2×6.
Step 3: Join the sides with the front boards
Once the sides are built add the front boards – one 2×6 and one 2×4, both cut to 25″. Align the 2×6 with the bottom 2x6s on the sides for nice consistent lines. Use your 1×6 scrap for a spacer and attach the 2×4 above the 2×6. Attach both boards using wood glue and 2 1/2″ deck screws.
NOTE: your sides must be turned so the sides with the 2x6s flush to the 2x4s are on the inside.
Step 4: Add the seat supports and slats
Cut your 2×2 into two 25 1/2″ pieces. Mount these to the sides using wood glue and five 2 1/2″ deck screws on each. Note these should be pushed up flush to the front 2×4, but down 1 1/2″ from the top of it.
Once the seat supports are in place, add six 25″ slats made from 2x4s. Space these 3/4″ apart and use wood glue and 2 1/2″ deck screws to secure them to the seat supports.
Step 5: Attach the back
The last step in these modern outdoor chair plans is to attach the back. If everything was cut and assembled correctly, your pre-built back should slide in between the sides nice and snugly. Slide this in place, leaning it back at a nice comfortable angle. Typically, 110° is a comfortable and relaxed seating position. Though don’t feel like you are locked into that measurement. Feel free to adjust it to what is comfortable to you.
When positioning it, try to keep the back edge of the seat aligned with the back edge of the arms. To attach the seat back, use four 2 1/2″ deck screws through the 2x6s on each side.
Now that your assembly is complete, it’s time for a good sanding to ensure none of your guests get splinters. After you are done sanding, wipe your new modern outdoor chair down and add a coat of paint or stain and you are complete!
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