DIY Lounge Chair

By Ben Uyeda

SKILL
intermediate

The ultimate in whiling away an afternoon is the rocking chair. This chair is a modern fusion of an Adirondack chair and a rocking chair. It’s a bit of a low rider, which makes it a little tough to get in, but once you do, it’s so comfortable that you won’t want to get out. I made a pair of these for my parents’ patio and they are frequently put to good use for late-night chats around a fire pit.

Tools

  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Jig Saw
  • Tape Measure
  • 18V ONE+ 5" Random Orbit Sander
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver

Accessories

  • 10 PC. ALL-PURPOSE JIGSAW BLADE SET
  • 90PC DRILLING AND DRIVING KIT
  • Black Fine Point Permanent Workshop Marker

Materials

  • 1/2” Screws
  • 2 1/2" Screws
  • 2'x12' Wood Board
  • 32’ Long 3/8" BY 1 1/4” Trim Boards
  • Pipe With Flanges

Steps

Step 1

Cut a 12' long 2x12 in half. You will need two pieces of 2x12 that are at least 6’-10’ long for this project. I recommend buying a single 12’ long 2x12 and having it cut at the store for you.

Step 2

Use the template to mark cuts. Download and print the template and glue it to one of the 2x12s. You will use this template as a cutting guide so try to make sure that the edges are glued down and won’t flap when you are cutting.

Tools

Marker

Step 3

Cut the curves. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts. Make sure that your blade is both sharp and designed for wood.

Tools

Jigsaw

Materials

Wood
Cutting wood with a jigsaw

Step 4

Transfer the curve. Use the piece as a stencil for the second piece of wood. Simply put it on top of the uncut piece and trace around it with a pencil.

Tracing curve of wood

Step 5

Cut the second piece. The more accurate you are with the cut the less time you will have to spend sanding later.

Tools

Jigsaw

Materials

Wood
Cutting wood with jigsaw

Step 6

Screw the pieces together. Using five or so 2 1/2” deck screws, screw the pieces together so that you can sand the edges of both at the same time.

Tools

Drill

Materials

Wood, Screws

Step 7

Sand and shape the runners. I used a belt sander with 50 grit belts. It is helpful to use a couple of L brackets to secure the pieces to a work surface. Once the runners have identical profiles, repeat with the two back pieces.

Tools

Sander

Materials

Wood

Step 8

Screw on the back. Use five 2 ½” deck screws to attach the back pieces to the runners. Cut some of the scrap pieces into braces that are 24” long and use L brackets to connect the two runners.

Tools

Drill

Materials

Wood

Step 9

Cut cross pieces. Cut the trim boars into 24” long pieces for the seat and 21” long pieces for the back.

Tools

Jigsaw

Materials

Wood
Cutting pieces with a jigsaw

Step 10

Screw on the cross pieces. Drive one 1” screw on each end of the trim pieces and into the runners. If the trim boards split you will need to pre-drill the holes through them.

Tools

Drill

Materials

Wood
Assembling lounge chair

Step 11

Stain and seal. Finish with a light sanding before applying Danish oil. If you want to use the piece outside, also apply a water sealant.

Tools

Belt Sander

Materials

Wood, Danish Oil
Finished rocking lounge chair