Introduction: Folding Cedar Lawn Chair

By Thewoodshop
About: I started woodworking with my grandfather as a young boy. I continued woodworking through high school, and started woodturning after seeing a turned project in a friends shop. Some of my fondest memories are w…

I just uploaded this video on YouTube on how to make this Cedar chair. Here's some more detailed instructions if you would like to build it. It's a pretty easy project.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Lumber

I chose Cedar for this project, it's a great outdoor wood that holds up well.

Step 2: Cut List for the Project

I picked out 3 pieces 8' x 3 1/2" x 1" and 1 piece 8' x 5 1/2" x 1 1/4" Cedar.

The 8' x 3 1/2" piece needs to be ripped down to 1 1/2" on the table saw. The 8' x 5 1/2" x 1 1/4" needs to be ripped down to 1" on the table saw.

After you have them down to width, they need to be cut to length with a chop saw.

You will need:

(11) 1 1/2" x 1" x 6"

(2) 1 1/2" x 1" x 40"

(2) 5 1/2" x 1" x 24"

(2) 1 1/2" x 1" x 2"

(8) 1 1/2" x 1" x 12"

(8) 1 1/2" x 1" x 27 1 /2"

Step 3: Hardware

You need a total of 8' of threaded rod #8

8 #8 washers

8 #8 nuts

8 #8 cap nuts

Step 4: Drilling the Holes

You need to dill holes in all the pieces, use a drill press. Setup a stop block, and fence.

The 6" and 27 1/2" the holes need to 3/4" in from the ends on both ends.

12" pieces need holes 3/4" from one end and 2 1/8" from the other.

The 40" pieces need holes drilled 3/4" in from one end, and 13 1/2" from the other end.

The 24" pieces need holes drilled 3/4" in from the top, and 10" in on the same the end.

Step 5: Assembly

You can put the first threaded rod in by hand, this is the top of the back. The easiest way to put in the other rods, is to hook them into a drill. They will feed themselves in, and makes this part of the assembly very easy. After the rods come out the other side, put the washer and two nuts on each piece. Use a hacksaw to cut off the excess rod. Put the remaining washers and nuts on. The final step in assembly is to install the stop blocks, these are the 2" pieces. On the top of the 24" pieces (rear legs), come in 10" and glue the stop blocks. When the chair is open the 27 1/2" pieces will rest on these.

Step 6: Applying a Finish

Choose a durable finish, I used General Finishes Arm-R-Seal, and applied it with a brush.

Step 7: Time to Enjoy

Grab a nice tall glass of your favorite beverage, and enjoy summer!!

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