Lounge Chair

Room by Room : Episode RXR-1313 -- More Projects »
Photo
 Media
Video: Build your own lounge chairs for comfortable seating on a deck or near a pool.
Matt Fox adapted book instructions to make inviting lounge chairs.

Materials:

2" x 6' poplar pieces
2" x 4" poplar pieces for legs
2-1/2" decking screws
exterior wood glue
compass
pencil
jigsaw
2 carriage bolts
2 wheels (optional)
cushion (optional)

Tip: Consider making a few of these at the same time so everyone in the family can relax together.

Steps:

1. Build the frame using 2x6 poplar. Cut them to size so that the frame measures 29-3/4" x 72". Assemble it using decking screws and exterior wood glue.

2. Cut four 2x4 pieces to 14-inch lengths for the legs and round them off with a jigsaw (use a compass to trace the curved end). Attach them to the frame using one of the slats that make the seating portion of the chaise as a positioning guide.

PHOTO

Figure A
3. The slats need a support on each side to hold them in place and for something to attach them to (use 2" x 2" pieces for the supports). To allow for raising and lowering the backrest, a gap is needed in the supports (figure A). The featured project back measures 25 inches, so make sure to set a spacer at that distance to allow the back to pivot up and down.

4. To give the backrest support in the lowered position, use a cross brace with two 2x4 pieces cut to a length of 27 inches and attach them from underneath to the frame.

PHOTO

Figure B
5. Lay out the back with the slats, which are 2x4 pieces cut to a length of 27 inches and two 2x2 pieces that measure 22 inches. Make the swivel section from 2x2 pieces with a bottom support board and attach it to the back with two carriage bolts. Round-off the tops of the 2x2 pieces so the board pivots smoothly, and then set the back into position on the frame (figure B). Place the back in position.

6. Put the remaining slats into position. Before attaching them with decking screws, use a finish nail as a spacer. Tip: If desired, prime and paint each before attaching them so the gaps show color and not bare wood.

7. Once it's assembled, leave it natural and protect it with an exterior sealer or paint it.

8. If desired, add wheels to the back so the chair can be rolled around easily and a cushion for more comfort.

Resources
2 X 4 Projects for Outdoor Living
by Stevie Henderson, Mark Baldwin (ISBN: 1579901646)
Lark Books / Altamont Press
67 Broadway
Asheville, NC 28801
Toll Free Phone: 800-284-3388
E-mail: info@larkbooks.com
Website: www.larkbooks.com
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