This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It’s a clean, modern outdoor chair made entirely from just five 2x4s—an affordable and satisfying woodworking build.
Outdoor furniture can be expensive, but with a few basic tools and some inexpensive lumber, Brady shows how to recreate the look of high-end patio seating at a fraction of the cost. The finished chair is sturdy, stylish, and customizable to suit your space.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Brady’s channel:
The Design Inspiration
Brady based his design on a high-priced chair found online, aiming to match the sleek aesthetic without the expensive materials. His version stays true to the look while keeping things simple and accessible.
Using 2x4s makes the build approachable for most woodworkers. With clean cuts, thoughtful joinery, and a little finishing, the result looks far more expensive than it is.
Materials and Tool Requirements
This project relies mainly on standard 2×4 construction lumber. Five boards are all it takes to make the frame, backrest, and seat slats.
The core tools include a miter saw, a drill or impact driver, clamps, and a pocket hole jig. While optional, tools like a planer, jointer, or domino joiner can help refine the fit and finish.
Breaking Down the Lumber
Brady starts by rough cutting the boards to manageable lengths. Removing the factory ends ensures clean, square cuts for better joinery.
A miter saw is used for all crosscuts, helping keep angles accurate and repeatable. If you’re building multiple chairs, cutting all the parts at once can speed up the workflow.
Optional Jointing and Planing
While not required, jointing and planing the 2x4s gives them a cleaner, furniture-grade appearance. Brady demonstrates how even light passes can significantly improve surface quality.
Avoiding tear-out around knots and edges takes some care, but it’s worth it for a smoother final product. Even without this step, you can still get great results with sandpaper and attention to detail.
Final Cuts and Layout
Once the boards are cleaned up, Brady trims everything to final size. These include pieces for the front and rear legs, the seat supports, slats, and backrest.
He dry-fits all parts first to make sure the angles line up correctly. This step avoids surprises during glue-up and helps confirm proportions before committing to screws or joinery.
Joinery and Assembly
Brady begins assembly by attaching the backrest supports to the rear legs. He uses pocket hole joinery for a clean appearance and clamps everything in place while the glue dries.
If you have a domino joiner, that’s also a great alternative for alignment and strength. The goal is to keep all joints flush and square for a seamless look.
Next, he installs the seat slats, spacing them evenly for both support and airflow. A simple block used as a spacer makes the job easier and keeps the gaps consistent.
Backrest and Final Assembly
The backrest follows a similar method, using wide, flat slats arranged with slight spacing for comfort. These are installed at an angle to match the natural sitting position and improve support.
Once the core structure is in place, Brady double-checks for wobble and adds any extra fasteners if needed. Clamps are used again to hold everything tight as the glue sets.
Sanding and Finishing
With the frame complete, it’s time to sand all surfaces. This includes rounding over any sharp edges, removing pencil marks, and prepping the surface for outdoor protection.
Brady recommends using an outdoor stain or wood sealer to protect the chair from sun and moisture. The finish brings out the grain in the wood and gives the chair a professional look.
Why This Chair Is a Great Project
This chair is a great introduction to outdoor furniture building. It requires minimal materials, can be completed in a weekend, and scales easily for batch production.
Building your own chairs also gives you control over style, size, and finish. You can modify the back height, change the angle, or even add cushions for more comfort.
Affordable, Custom Outdoor Seating
Brady proves that high-end outdoor seating doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By sticking with basic lumber and straightforward techniques, you can create chairs that are both functional and attractive.
Whether you’re adding a single chair to your patio or creating a full set for entertaining, this project offers a great mix of savings, skill-building, and satisfaction.
Support Brady by visiting his website, buying his plans, and viewing his offerings: https://bradyhommel.com/.