DIY Adirondack Chair Plans: A Weekend Cedar Build With a Curved, Comfortable Back

With its deep, reclined seat, wide arms built to hold a cold drink and a tall fan back, the Adirondack chair is the most recognisable outdoor chair in the world. Store-bought versions are often flimsy plastic or very expensive hardwood. Building your own in cedar gives you the best of both: a chair that’s comfortable, durable and made to fit you.

Think of it as a giant puzzle: five sub-assemblies, each simple on its own, that come together into something iconic.

Build specs

Materials

• (5) 1×6 × 8' cedar boards, plus a short 2×4 for back supports
• 1-1/4" and 2" stainless steel deck screws
• Waterproof wood glue
• Exterior penetrating oil

Main parts (starting dimensions)

Adirondack designs vary. Treat these as starting dimensions, make full-size templates from cardboard or thin plywood, and dry-fit before cutting the remaining parts. A template also lets you build a second matching chair quickly.

Step 1: Cut the stringers

The stringers set the seat angle. Mark the profile on a 1×6, including the gentle curve at the back. Cut one with a jigsaw, then use it as a template for the second. Clamp them together and sand as a pair so they’re identical.

Step 2: Attach the front legs

Glue and screw the front legs to the stringers. Check they’re exactly square with a speed square — tilted legs make the chair rock.

Step 3: Seat slats

Install the seat slats across the stringers with about 1/4" gaps for drainage. Round the front edge of the front slat for comfort behind the knees.

Step 4: The fan back

1. Lay the five back slats side by side with 1/4" spacers between them.
2. Use a string and pencil as a giant compass to draw an arc across the tops.
3. Cut the arc with a jigsaw and sand smooth.
4. Attach the slats to the lower and upper back supports.

Step 5: The arms

Round the front corners of the arms and set them on the front legs and the back support. Use a level — the arms must be level to hold a mug.

Flat back vs curved back

Finishing for the elements

Sand to 150 grit — finer sanding can stop exterior oils soaking in. Apply a penetrating exterior oil for a warm glow without a plastic film, and refresh it every year or two. Left bare, cedar weathers to silver-grey and still lasts well.

More outdoor finishing advice in our outdoor wood guide.

Comfort upgrades

• Contour the seat slats slightly with a spokeshave or sander.
• Add a matching footrest using the same stringer angle.
• Shape the arms with a wider rear section for a phone or book.

Beginner, intermediate, pro

Beginner: build the flat-back version first and focus on square legs and level arms.

Intermediate: the curved fan back and contoured seat.

Pro note: build in white oak or teak with mortise and tenon joints at the leg-to-arm connection — see our mortise and tenon guide. Shape curves on a belt and disc sander for crisp, fair edges. Pair it with our cedar planter plans for a complete patio set.