This project was built and designed by Mike Montgomery from Modern Builds.
Mike reimagined a high-end outdoor swivel chair and made a version that keeps the modern aesthetic while using accessible materials and straightforward shop techniques.
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Design
The design channels a chunky-yet-refined modern look with a thin profile on the front and a wider, structural beam on the back, creating a pleasing contrast of proportions.
Mike kept the silhouette true to the inspiration piece while simplifying joints and component layouts so the chair can be built in a typical home shop.
Lumber Prep
Rather than relying on off-the-shelf appearance, Mike spent time planing and flattening the stock to achieve clean faces and squared edges for a more contemporary result.
Preparing boards to consistent thickness and edge quality reduces fitting work later and helps parts sit flush for a tighter final assembly.
Joinery and Assembly
The core structure uses simple butt joints reinforced with screws and glue, with selective use of pocket holes to keep visible surfaces clean and assembly straightforward.
Where screws are visible, Mike filled fastener holes with dowel plugs, trimmed flush, and sanded to produce a seamless look that reads like higher-end joinery.
Clamping and Fit Tricks
Clamping sequences and temporary blocks played a big role in getting wide assemblies tight and square without complex fixturing.
Mike also prioritized mirror-image side assemblies so paired chairs read right when the front and back aprons are installed, a small step that prevents mismatched fits later on.
Shaping and Surface Prep
Sanding progressed from a coarser grit to a finer finish with a grain-raising pass using water between grits to ensure a glassy final surface suitable for an outdoor finish.
Attention to grain direction when installing dowel plugs and trimming edges keeps the aesthetic tidy and elevates construction-grade lumber into a custom-looking piece.
Finishing and Hardware
An exterior-rated, water-based spar urethane was used to protect the wood and bring out natural tones while keeping the finish appropriate for outdoor use.
To add the swivel function, Mike installed an economical pivot base recessed into the underside and adjusted the reveal so the chair can rock and rotate freely, turning a stationary design into a more versatile piece.
Overall Takeaways
The project demonstrates how thoughtful preparation, selective joinery choices, and attention to proportion can turn everyday lumber into furniture that references high-end retail designs.
By focusing on fit, finish, and a few key hardware additions, the approach offers an accessible path for makers wanting a modern outdoor chair without paying retail premiums.
Please support Mike by visiting his website: https://www.modernbuilds.com/.