Looking for a budget-friendly way to enhance your outdoor space? These Adirondack chairs were built and designed by Nick from Nick’s Custom Woodworks, and they’re perfect for any fire pit area.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Pressure treated 2x4s
- Wood screws (2.5″ or 3″)
- Wood stain (semi-transparent)
- Wood glue
- Power saw (skill saw)
- Speed square
- Drill
- Sander
Step 1: Prepare the Fire Pit Area
Before building the chair, ensure your fire pit area is clean and ready. Remove any ash, dust, and broken stones. Replace any old landscaping timbers with new ones for a fresh look.
Step 2: Gather Your Plans and Cut List
There are many free plans available online, but for this project, we’ll be using plans from the queen of DIY, Ana White.
Step 3: Cut the Stringers
Start by cutting the stringers (long boards at the base of the chair) at a 20-degree angle on both ends. Then, mark down 1.5 inches using a speed square and cut that section off.
Step 4: Assemble the Chair Sides
Take one of the 19.5-inch long boards and mark it at 13.75 inches. This is where the top of the 20-degree angle will go. Screw it in place, then add the armrest and duplicate for the other side.
Step 5: Connect the Sides
Use the 19.5-inch long boards with pocket holes to connect both sides together. Ensure the pocket holes are facing inwards. Flip the chair over and attach along the back side to hold the seat back in place.
Step 6: Add Back Supports
Attach the two back supports to the chair stringers at the base. Then, use another 19.5-inch board to prop up the back and attach the back support to that as well.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Flip the chair over and attach the final 19.5-inch board to the base of the back side of the chair. This completes the build of the chair structure.
Step 8: Sand and Stain the Chair
Once the chair is assembled, sand it nice and smooth. For the stain, I chose a semi-transparent Newburyport blue for the frame and chestnut brown for the seats and backs. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly.
Step 9: Attach the Seats and Backs
After a day of drying, attach all the seat backs and seats to the frame. Use a scrap piece of wood to ensure even spacing between the boards.
Step 10: Enjoy Your New Chairs!
Your Adirondack chairs are now complete! They make for a perfect addition to your fire pit area, creating a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Video