Steve Ramsey, from Woodworking for Mere Mortals, has created a straightforward guide to building a classic Adirondack chair. This project is ideal for beginners and can be completed over a weekend, making it perfect for enhancing any outdoor space. Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step tutorial based on Steve’s methods, complete with materials and tools you’ll need.
Materials Needed:
- Cedar boards (1x6s)
- Exterior-grade wood screws
- Carriage bolts
- Timber oil finish
Tools Required:
- Table saw
- Tapering jig
- Pocket hole jig
- Jigsaw
- Sander
- Router (for edge profiling)
- Drill and driver
Step 1: Selecting the Wood
Steve begins by selecting cedar boards from a local home center, opting for them over redwood to create a contrast with his deck. He mentions that using 1×6 boards allows him to choose the best parts of each board for different sections of the chair.
Step 2: Cutting the Back Slats
Next, Steve cuts seven back slats to the same length as the longest slat, which is the middle slat of the chair. This approach gives him flexibility for final adjustments once the chair is assembled.
Step 3: Tapering the Slats
Using a tapering jig, Steve modifies it to accommodate the thinner boards. He marks where the taper should begin and makes the necessary cuts. Each slat is cut to have a tapered edge that adds a refined look to the chair.
Step 4: Shaping the Slats
After tapering, he uses a compass to draw a rounded curve at the top of each slat, which he then cuts out with a jigsaw and sands smooth.
Step 5: Assembling the Frame
Steve cuts pieces to create the frame of the chair, drilling pocket holes to attach the back slats. He lays everything out, ensuring the placement is correct before securing the pieces together.
Step 6: Attaching the Back Slats
He begins attaching the back slats to the frame, spacing them evenly and using exterior-grade wood screws for durability.
Step 7: Creating the Legs
Steve cuts out the rear legs, which also define the chair’s shape. He drills holes for carriage bolts to connect the front and back legs securely.
Step 8: Final Assembly of the Seat and Legs
With the frame assembled, he adds the seat slats, ensuring they are spaced correctly and secured with screws. He emphasizes the importance of pilot holes to prevent splitting.
Step 9: Shaping the Armrests
The armrests are created using the tapering jig again. Steve ensures that the arms are flush with the tops of the front legs and adds end caps for additional support.
Step 10: Finishing Touches
Finally, Steve applies Australian Timber Oil to protect the chair from the elements. He mentions that this clear coat will help maintain the wood without altering its natural beauty.
Conclusion
After completing the first chair, Steve finds that he enjoys the process so much that he ends up making a second chair, making adjustments for his height. With the plans available on his website, anyone can follow along and create their own Adirondack chair.
If you’re interested in building your own Adirondack chair, check out Steve’s plans here.