An Adirondack chair is a great addition to any outdoor area. We built our Adirondack chair from cedar following a set of plans available at Woodcraft. The plans were very detailed, featuring how-to photos, full size patterns, and step-by-step instructions.
Once the pieces have been cut to size and shape using a circular saw and jig or bandsaw, the chair was assembled using galvanized carriage bolts and screws. Building the chair yourself allows you to customize the design to fit your needs. Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- Building a Picnic Table for Your Yard (video)
- How to Build an Outdoor Bench (video)
- How to Build a Patio Planter (video)
These DIY outdoor furniture projects include a bench, picnic table, Adirondack chair, patio planter, and plant stand. All can be built with a minimum of tools and expense in a few hours time.
Tools
To complete these projects, you’ll need the following tools:
- Safety glasses and ear plugs
- Tape measure and pencil
- Square and level
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Jigsaw or bandsaw
- Drill and bits
- Sander and sandpaper
Building Tip
Always use rot resistant wood and corrosion resistant fasteners for outdoor building projects.
Outdoor Bench
This pressure treated pine outdoor bench was built in less than two hours for a total of $15 in materials. See How to Build an Outdoor Bench to find out more.
Picnic Table
This picnic table was assembled using corrosion resistant carriage bolts and screws. Picnic table plans are available from Woodcraft.
Adirondack Chair
This Adirondack chair was made from cedar following a set of plans from Woodcraft. Galvanized carriage bolts and screws were used to assemble the chair.
Building Tip
Cut out the full-size paper patterns from the plans, then transfer them to poster board to allow the patterns to be used again.
Outdoor Planter
The legs and frame of the planter were made from pressure treated 2”x4” lumber, with 1”x4” sides and top screwed to it. When completed, the planter was lined with landscape fabric to hold the soil in place while allowing any excess water to seep out. See How to Build a Patio Planter for detailed instructions.
Hanging Planter Post
To make this planter stand post:
- Cut a treated 4”x4” post to length.
- Mark 1” from the top, and draw a line around all four sides with a square.
- Set the saw for 45° angle cut.
- Cut to the line around all four sides.
- Screw planter brackets at the desired heights near the top of the post.
- Set and plumb the post in the ground.
- Place hanging plant baskets on the brackets.
Circular Saw Crosscut Guide
A crosscut guide allows you to make perfect crosscuts with a portable circular saw.
To make the crosscut guide:
- Screw two pieces of lumber or plywood together at right angles.
- Position the guide on a scrap board with the base of the circular saw pressed firmly against the guide.
- Cut through the cross member on the guide.
To use the crosscut guide:
- Mark the length board to be cut.
- Position the guide even with the mark and hold firmly in place.
- Press the base of the saw firmly against the guide while making the cut.
Crosscut Guide Rip Guide
Circular Saw Rip Guide
A rip guide allows you to use a circular saw to make long straight cuts in boards and plywood.
To make a rip guide for a circular saw:
- Unplug the saw.
- Clamp a board to the saw base, measuring from both the front and back of the blade so the fence and blade are parallel.
- Plug the saw in and hold the fence firmly against the edge of the stock.
- Make the rip cut the length of the stock.
Portable Miter Saw Table
When using a miter saw outdoors, it’s important to have a long, rigid table to support the saw and work.
To make a portable miter saw table:
- Lay an extension ladder on top of two sawhorses.
- Attach a plywood base to the miter saw.
- Make work supports the same height as the miter saw table.
- Position the miter saw and work supports on the ladder.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Drywall Knife Paint Shield
Instead of painter’s tape, try using a drywall knife as a paint shield when painting different colors on adjoining surfaces. Hold the knife firmly against the edge, paint the adjoining surface, remove the knife, wipe any paint off the knife, then move it down to the next section. (Watch This Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Ryobi Auto Hammer
The 12-volt, lithium-ion Auto Hammer from Ryobi holds and drives nails up to 3½” long in seconds, making it the perfect tool for working in tight spaces. A built-in LED work light provides plenty of light for easy visibility. The Ryobi Auto Hammer is available at The Home Depot. (Watch This Video)
Thinking Green with Danny Lipford:
Tinting Can Add VOCs to Paint
House paints with low or no Volatile Organic Compounds reduce odors and limit the release of harmful chemicals in the air. But tinting the paint often adds unwanted VOCs into the paint. To keep the air in your home clean, use factory tinted low or no VOC paints, or paints that use a VOC-free colorant.
(Watch This Video)
