This outdoor lounge chair was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. Combining comfort and practicality, Drew’s build features adjustable reclining positions and a convenient storage compartment, making it perfect for relaxing days outdoors.
If you’re interested in woodworking projects that blend style and functionality, be sure to explore Drew’s channel, Fisher’s Shop, for more engaging ideas and tutorials.
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Why Build Your Own Lounge Chair?
Having a comfortable spot outdoors is essential for enjoying sunny weather, relaxing after work, or simply unwinding on weekends. By building your own lounge chair, you can tailor its design, size, and materials to perfectly match your needs and preferences.
Additionally, Drew’s design incorporates a built-in storage compartment, making it easy to keep essentials like sunscreen, cushions, or magazines within reach. This custom feature adds functionality and makes your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.
Drew’s Lounge Chair Design
Drew designed the lounge chair to provide maximum comfort, with multiple reclining positions including a completely flat option. This versatility allows it to accommodate various relaxation preferences, whether reading, napping, or sunbathing.
The integrated storage compartment beneath the chair’s decking enhances practicality, offering a discreet spot for items you want handy but neatly tucked away. The overall design blends form and function seamlessly, ideal for any deck, patio, or garden setting.
Choosing the Right Materials
Drew selected cedar wood for this outdoor furniture project due to its natural durability and resistance to moisture, rot, and insects. Using reclaimed cedar boards from a neighbor’s old deck project added unique character while being an environmentally friendly choice.
Careful selection of quality wood ensures the lounge chair will withstand outdoor conditions, lasting beautifully through many seasons. Cedar’s natural beauty and resilience make it the perfect material for outdoor furniture projects.
Building the Chair’s Frame
The chair’s construction began with preparing sturdy legs from solid wood stock, ensuring reliable support and stability. Drew carefully cut dado joints into the legs, providing secure and robust attachment points for the frame.
While power tools made this step more efficient, precise measuring and careful cutting were key factors in achieving strong joinery. Attention to detail in these early stages helped create a solid foundation for the rest of the build.
Assembling the Structure
After preparing all components, Drew began assembling the frame with outdoor-rated screws and waterproof wood glue. Reinforcing the joints with additional braces ensured a strong structure, ready to withstand regular use and outdoor conditions.
Taking extra time to properly square and clamp each component during assembly ensured the finished chair remained sturdy and visually appealing. Proper assembly methods contributed significantly to the chair’s durability and professional appearance.
Installing the Decking
For the chair’s decking surface, Drew carefully prepared and attached cedar boards. Each board was spaced evenly to allow optimal water drainage, a crucial detail for maintaining the chair’s longevity outdoors.
Drew created a jig to consistently drill counterbore holes for each board, ensuring a neat and uniform look. This step gave the lounge chair a polished, professional finish while adding durability.
Adding Storage and Functional Hardware
To provide easy access to the built-in storage compartment, Drew used stainless steel hinges designed for outdoor durability. These hinges allowed the decking surface to lift smoothly, revealing ample hidden storage underneath.
This thoughtful addition provided practical benefits, making it simple to store outdoor accessories conveniently. Ensuring quality hardware was used enhanced both functionality and aesthetics.
Finishing the Wood
Once fully assembled, Drew carefully sanded the entire structure, preparing it for finishing. Sanding ensured all surfaces were smooth and safe to the touch, enhancing both comfort and appearance.
He applied a protective finish using professional-grade spraying equipment, highlighting the beautiful contrast between the various cedar boards. This protective finish ensured durability against weather conditions, preserving the chair’s beauty for years to come.
Final Assembly and Testing
With all finishing touches completed, Drew conducted thorough testing to ensure the chair functioned as intended. Adjusting reclining positions and confirming the ease of access to the storage compartment were essential steps in verifying the chair’s practicality.
This final testing ensured that every aspect of the chair worked seamlessly, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Drew’s careful testing guaranteed a high-quality final product, ready for daily use.
Why You Should Build One Yourself
A custom-built outdoor lounge chair provides more than just comfort—it adds unique character to your outdoor space. Building your own allows for complete customization, ensuring the chair perfectly suits your personal style and functional needs.
This project also offers a rewarding woodworking experience, allowing you to enhance your skills and create something practical and beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner looking for a satisfying challenge, Drew’s lounge chair design is a fantastic choice.