How to Build a Modern Adirondack Chair

Hey friends, let's build a modern Adirondack chair! This was a really fun build that you can easily complete in just an hour or two.
If you need a quick weekend woodworking project to get ready for spring and summertime around the firepit and patio, this is the one!
Grab more project details on the website here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/moder...
Grab the printable building plans here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.co...
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Tools & Materials:
*aff links below
Tools:
Miter saw: homedepot.sjv.io/b3DkDx
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/Aoo6Ya
Circular Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx
Kreg Rip Cut and Kreg AccuCut Cutting Guides (optional, but helpful): amzn.to/3Y38tDQ &
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/32eoPBY
Speed Square: amzn.to/40vomVy
Materials:
(1) 1x8x8 board
(2) 1x6x8 boards
(1) 1x4x8 board
(2) 1x3x8 boards
Fence pickets: homedepot.sjv.io/zaB9zO
1 1/4" exterior pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3M5Vkaq
1 1/4" exterior wood screws: amzn.to/3ZwDr7V
Wood Glue: amzn.to/34NCtuv
Finish: amzn.to/3ZxwEed
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Materials List & Notes
01:39 How to Cut the Back Legs
03:44 Assemble Adirondack Chair Leg Assemblies
05:06 Attach Seat Frame
06:53 Build and Install Back Frame
07:44 Build and Install Arm Rests
08:54 Add Seat and Back Slats
11:20 Install Arm Rest Support Triangles
12:23 Finish and Conclusion--Plus Lucy Chaos!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hey friends, thanks so much for watching! Please ignore my "nasal-y" voice and audio during this video as I was recovering from a head cold and sinus issues when I recorded it haha. This was a fun build I hope you enjoy watching! Happy building!

[@jeffb5858]

The Lucy zoomies at the end were the perfect project wrap shot! She's so stinkin cute!

[@createful_heart]

Lucy thinking she's a lap dog gave me a good chuckle this morning! Great build, Shara. They look easy enough.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha we’ve tried to tell her different. But she never believes us when we tell her she’s not a lap dog 🤷‍♀️🤣

[@supermodestmouse]

these are on my first build list :) really appreciate the walk through!

[@brewster3987]

Okay, I'm gonna call this one "an engineer's approach to building an aesthetically pleasing Adirondack Chair." I love the efficiency of material use and the simple, strong (enough) design... these things can be over-designed to the point that one needs a forklift to move them 😉... Nice to see some spring projects coming around, although those of us who have followed you for a while can hear the spring pollen in your voice (ask me how I know).🤧[Edit - maybe if I read the pinned comment before type-blabbering I'd see the real explanation 🤦‍♂]. Finally, I have no more room to grouse about not seeing the shop animals... got my Lucy and Bubby fix for a while!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I have definitely seen some way over complicated ways to build these. But there are also lots of easy ways, too 😉 Adirondack chairs are funny…for hundreds of years people have been building the exact same thing a million different ways 🤣 Also, haha yes the pollen and the western isn’t helping with the sinuses 🙈 I love the warmer weather but what comes with it isn’t always pleasant. Pros and cons ha. I appreciate you watching and glad you enjoyed the Lucy and Bubs appearances! Have a great weekend!

[@johannesputter8455]

👍 Yours:" Please ignore the project in the background" totally works! I look every time when it is to see and I can't wait for this vid! 😗

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Love how the chairs turned out and now you can enjoy them throughout the summer! Looks like the weather is warming there. It was great to finally see Lucy. Looks like she has a lot of energy stored up from winter. It's hilarious how she thinks she's a lap dog! Bubby always likes to make an appearance. He looks like such a friendly cat. Enjoy your beautiful chairs. It appears you made them extra wide so Lucy can sit with you!

[@jrbrooks34]

Excellent project and video as always

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching!

[@johnkelley9877]

I have seen several tutorials on building Adirondack chairs but you give the clearest instructions on cutting and assembling I have seen before. The chairs look great and I like how you try to save as much money on supplies as you can and pass that information on to the viewer. Thank you for sharing this and I love seeing your pets in the tutorials.

[@tlmoller]

I plan to give it a go next week. I live in Northern Europa so I will use Oak from our country. It is expensive but I have a good source so it is manageable. European Oak should last fine outdoor I just need to solve the "leg on the ground" issue is some good way,

[@markrobinson9956]

I appreciate all the whoops moments you included, and how you overcome them.

[@brunnie]

What a great, simple project. Thanks for the tip about using less expensive boards, that always helps.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m not sure about other places but cedar around here is PRICEY. Got to find ways to save here and there haha. Hope it helps!

[@irawardmusic]

Another awesome design and build Shara 💯😄! I will put these on my summer build list 😉. Thanks for sharing! 😀

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed the video and the project! Happy building 🙌

[@sandycooper3188]

Run Lucy run!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ She is precious!!! So is Bubby. I love these chairs. I really want to try a set but the angles always trip me up. I’m gonna give it a go. Thanks. Take care ❤️

[@debraroth4724]

Another great build. Keep them coming!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@jeanloreaud9282]

Très joli,j’aime bien,à bientôt salut Jeannot ⚒😉

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@POCO71]

such an excellent and practical build, so well thought out. you are probably my favorite builder in YT because of the fact you are not afraid to build with any type of wood and you never go goofy with glue. i hate all of the friggin gluing going on in YT now, its not always needed and its not needed in the amount these other builders on YT use...sheesh.

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, I hope this project was as much fun to build as it was for us to watch. We're taking care of my Son's dog this weekend and he started it off by climbing into my lap this morning! (I have the cleanest face right now!) So your video fit the theme of our weekend perfectly. I'm always reminded of your education when you start swinging that speed square around and really enjoy it when you bring that tool into the mix. The up's and down's of the weather is playing havoc with our health as well but you always brighten our day! Thanks for Sharing!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Great project. And I appreciate that you often have money savings tips on materials. Thanks and thumbs up!

[@mikelawler2278]

I think Lucy prefers you as her seat cushion

[@DMAG-3200]

Morning Shara, those came out nice. Looks like a nice weekend project. Sometimes pets are as bad as kids in the cooperation department. (ps) the community pantry came out gorgeous. You should be very proud of that! 👏👏👏😁. Have a great weekend.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching and I also appreciate the compliments on the pantry project. I was really happy with how it turned out and hope it gets put to good use (I'm sure it will :) ). Have a wonderful weekend as well!

[@pauldejesus9644]

fantastic video finally someone with complete awesome chair to build

[@sillydaisy11017]

Cute chair, cute puppy, and cute kitty! Truly living your best life 🙌🙌 Also love the extra triangle detail - I feel that extra bit of visual interest also gives it that more modern feel. Great design!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I love when the shop dog and shop cat can get involved and make an appearance haha. I agree…the triangle detail adds a little extra modern vibe. I’m really happy with how these turned out and excited to use them this summer!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Thanks so much for sharing a great Adirondack chair build. Your projects are always amazing and easy to follow. The fence pickets are a fantastic idea. Your chair turned out beautiful, just like Lucy and Bubby! Lol…. Keep on building Shara and have a great weekend…. btw…. we had devastating tornadoes rip through our area last night here in Middle Tennessee . Our neighbor’s house was totally destroyed (no one injured). while we had no damage except too many trees to count are on the ground. If I only had a sawmill!

[@mwoody4560]

Another nice project. I have taken great advantage of cedar fence pickets too. I’ve built garden furniture, plantar boxes/buckets, green house plant benches, plant stands, and a potters work bench. I have a planer so when i need thicker boards i just find some pickets that aren’t cupped plane side then glue them up. It’s more work but i’m a DIY hobbyist so it doesn’t bother me. And i’d rather spend money on tools. Thanks for sharing the project. It is a nice modern look.

[@joelcopeland3018]

Very nice...

[@mon2dan]

So nice chairs Shara! And Lucy is just too cute! Love when she makes her presence and Bubby too! I also love the way you are adding different editing to the videos! Thanks, Candy from Huntsville, AL

[@lynjermey6423]

Gorgeous set of chairs.

[@lovejones7545]

Awesome build! Throw on some padding maybe and it's good to go. The background views of the countryside are amazing🤙🏾💯.....Lucy❤

[@robertevans6481]

I wonder if the chair took more time to build,or trying to get Lucy to sit in the chair for the photo......😂😂😂 Yes i have enough wood to make one maybe 2 it helps a lot when you have a saw mill next door,and they let get boards from there purn pile.....have a great week..

[@patrickperson1252]

voila de quoi passer un bon été a l ombre des arbres shara félicitations patrick .

[@MrsHalf]

Love the Lucy Chaos! Also, I have used cedar 4x4 posts ripped into 2x4's for multiple projects. I like sealing them with Cabot's Australian Gold for a natural look.

[@FritsvanDoorn]

Super!

[@GirlJustDIY]

Great build girl, love the modern twist!

[@alvarozamora4700]

Excelente proyecto

[@JaceTLittle]

Unique take on these chairs. I wouldnt expect anything else. Keep up the great work. :)

[@jimrosson6702]

Very cool

[@trentrichards6490]

Nice design! Have you considered putting a round over edge on the front edge of the seat for comfort?

[@johnr5893]

Always enjoy your videos. I like that you produce great projects with reasonable equipment. Also loved seeing your creatures! I have a black and white Lucy, too. She is a Great Dane who thinks she’s a Yorkie and acts like a lap dog.

[@Hank_K3]

Your projects and videos are amazing! But I will never understand how your Kreg joints don't twist!!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Maybe this video will help: How to drive pocket hole screws without using clamps #shorts kzbin.info5BEhvuj3Kfc?feature=share

[@MsMeri1969]

I love those chairs as much as the ones you built a few years back. You make things look so simple. Can't wait to see what the white "project" that was in the background will be. Also, great advise on using cedar fence pickets as a cost savings.

[@timcampbell4267]

Thank you for showing how to use alternative sourced for lumber! I recently made a light-duty outdoor table from cedar fence posts. I doubled them for strength in some places but it was still a lot less expensive than buying dimensioned lumber.

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Shara! They look amazing indeed! 😃 I bookmarked the plans to get them later! I always wanted to build chairs like those, but all the plans I've found are pretty difficult. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 BTW, tell Lucy she's a good girl! And smash Bubby for me! ❤

[@jomangeee9180]

you have phenomenal wood

[@oscarcapon3795]

Me ha encantado

[@hwym59]

Well now I have to build a chair 🥸

[@GreganDunn]

Love your work! I'm going to make these... And a love seat based on your design. I think some nice changes would be to use pocket holes to hide more of the screws from view. Also, I think the triangle pieces on the arm rests would look better if they butted up on the side for the arm support rather than having them on the front. Thank you for this video and the plans!

[@GranfersWorkshop]

Zoomies❤❤ oh and the chair is really nice too 😂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Squeaky toys always give Lou the zoomies 🤣 it’s good entertainment!

[@samme5513]

very nice

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@rosecityremodel2015]

Loved watching Lucy getting the zummies. 😂

[@ChrisFranklyn]

Dog: Seriously, I know what'll look excellent at the end! CAN I? CAN I? CAN I? CAN I? CAN I? CAN I?

[@jasonthomas1760]

Great video Shara, hope Lucy girl is better now that the storm is over. Also didn't know gorilla glue was waterproof, good to know much cheaper than what I usually use lol

[@leonardohard9604]

6:49 ups

[@barryholloway8728]

5:03 perfect video and a great take on the Adirondack , looking forward to building a pair of these ! Could you confirm how long the front legs are ?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! All the dimensions and plans are found here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/modern-diy-adirondack-chair/

[@barryholloway8728]

Thankyou for such a quick response !

[@user-jp9hy2bp4u]

красотища😀

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@adnansharayha1081]

ممتاز هل ممكن كتابه المقاسات والزوايا

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you. You can find all the dimensions and angles in the plans here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/products/adirondack-chair-plans

[@rebecca6944]

Can you please make a low tool series? Dont have access to a table saw or planer and would love woodworking plans for projects which only use a drill and circular saw

[@NoodlePassion]

Do you have any tips for beginners for drafting your own projects? I want to build a "catio" for my cat, but I'm not sure where to begin! I made your fliptop keyboard stand as my first big project and it went wonderfully!

[@yunusfurniture4415]

Hi.medam.your.work.nice

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@jeremyspecce]

12:55 those are some quality zoomies, right there ❤️

[@Ray_Sellner]

You showed the blue coated Kreg screws, but I didn't see you use any.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s what I used in all the pocket holes.

[@edilsonnascimento4148]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@juliangastelum3593]

What's the price range for material cost? Assuming you already have the tools

[@WoodshopDiaries]

The material list is in the video description and the plans here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/modern-diy-adirondack-chair/ Material cost will vary greatly depending on the type of wood you choose, the area you live in, whether you go with dimensional lumber or use the fence pickets like I shared in the video. I recommend checking prices for the materials in the materials list for your area to see what the rough cost would be for you where you are.

[@kirkmcclellan7666]

I cannot locate the plans. I have subscribed and still don't see them. Any help?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Theyre linked in the video description but I’ve also linked them here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/outdoor/products/adirondack-chair-plans