DIY OUTDOOR CHAIRS

I've gotten so many messages from you guys after sharing our progress pics of decorating our balcony, so I am SO EXCITED to share my DIY outdoor chairs with you guys! I got the measurements from a Pinterest DIY I found (it even has a video tutorial!) and luckily it wasn't a fail! HAHA! To be honest, they came out 100% better than I expected and our balcony is becoming our new favorite place to hang out.

I purchased my cushions for the chairs from Home Depot (linked HERE) and got some outdoor decor pillows from Target (linked HERE). If you use different cushions make sure to adjust the dimensions!

The seat cushion I used is 29.33″ long x 29.33″ wide.*Make sure to get your cushions first before building in case they go out of stock!

HOW TO BUILD A DIY OUTDOOR CHAIR:

MATERIALS:

• (6) 2×3 @ 8ft (framing lumber)

• (2) 1×3 @ 8ft

• 2 1/2″ Deck screws

• 2″ Brad nails

• 2 1/2″ Kreg screws (weather resistant)

• Stainable wood filler

• (1) sets of outdoor cushions (I used these Hampton Bay cushions)**

• Exterior wood stain (I used a quart of Minwax Wood Finish Oil in Dark Walnut)

• Polyurethane aerosol (I used this one by Minwax)

TOOLS:

• Kreg Jig

• Miter saw

• Drill

• Brad nailer

• Clamps

• Tape Measure

• Speed square (optional)

*If you use different cushions, make sure to adjust the below cut measurements!

The final size of this DIY outdoor chair is 26″ tall x 33 3/4″ wide x 30 1/4″ deep.

1. MAKE CUTS FOR OUTDOOR CHAIR FRAME

Use a miter saw and make the following cuts from the 2x3s:

• 4 pieces @ 24 1/2″ (for side frames)

• 2 pieces @ 30 1/4″ (for side frames)

• 5 pieces @ 28 3/4″ (for back & front frames)

• 5 pieces @ 27 1/4″ (for side & bottom frames)

2. ADD POCKET HOLES TO WOOD

Make sure your Kreg Jig is set to 1 1/2″ thick wood. Add two pocket holes to each end of the following 2×3 pieces:

• 5 pieces @ 28 3/4″

• 5 pieces @ 27 1/4″

3. ASSEMBLE DIY PATIO CHAIR SIDE FRAMES

Mark 10″ up from the bottom of one of the 24 1/2″ pieces. Attach one of the 27 1/4″ pieces perpendicularly to the 24 1/2″ piece at the 10″ mark. Then, attach them together with 2 1/2″ Kreg screws.

Repeat on the other side.

Next, attach one of the 30 1/4″ boards to the top of the frame with 2 1/2″ deck screws. Make sure they are countersunk beneath the wood surface (you will fill them with wood filler later). I used self tapping deck screws that do not require pre-drilling.

Repeat the above steps for the second side chair frame.

4. ADD SIDE SLAT BOARDS TO CHAIR SIDE FRAMES

Measure the exact distance between the two legs of the side frames and cut three 1x3s to this size. The measurements should be close to 27 1/4″ but since we’re working with framing lumber, they may not be. My 1x3s were about 1/16 different and I wanted the measurements to be precise so that there were no gaps!

Add each 1×3 one at a time with 2″ brad nails through the side 2×3 legs. Space them 1 3/4″ apart starting from the top  2×3.

5. ATTACH SIDES OF DIY OUTDOOR CHAIR TOGETHER

Attach the two side frames together by attaching the front and back bottom boards (two of the 28 3/4″ boards). Use  2 1/2″ Kreg screws and a drill. Make sure that the pocket holes are facing the inside of the chair frame.

Next, add the bottom support boards using the remaining three 27 1/4″ boards and 2 1/2″  Kreg screws. Space the bottom support boards about 5″ apart. *Note: I had extra lumber so I added extra support!

6. ADD BACK FRAME BOARDS TO THE CHAIR

Finally, attach the remaining three, 28 3/4″ boards to the side frames to create the back frame of the DIY outdoor chair (space the boards about 2 3/4″ apart).

And that’s it for the build!

7. FILL HOLES, SAND, AND STAIN THE OUTDOOR CHAIR

The last step is to fill the screw and nail holes with stainable wood filler. Also, finish any needed sanding.

Finally, stain your DIY outdoor chair! I used one coat of Minwax Wood Finish Oilin Dark Walnut. Let the stain fully dry and then add at least two coats of your Polyeurothane! Finish it off with your cushions and decor pillows and you have a cozy space to spend your summer!

We are slowly adding more decor - most recently this black and white striped rug and white umbrella (both from Walmart!). I definitely want to add some flowers, too! Let me know in the comments what you think!

xoxo. Alexandra

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