Folding Cedar Lawn Chair

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!!

Comments

[CharleneK16]

Hi Karl, great tutorial. Thanks! Can I just use store bought 1x2s and 1x4? I have researched on a lot if this chair. I like that you used the 1x4 for extra support. If I use 1x2s, are there any changes that I should do? Thanks again.

[dbd808]

Hi Carl,

Could you tell me where you were able to purchase cedar boards 1 inch thick ?
I am struggling to find them.
Thanks
Dominic

[steven.sonneveld]

I am struggling a bit to get the right sizes in european anyone has any advise how to convert it? I am new to woodworking so have no clue about dimensions. Thank you, lovely project🙌

[Manolo2]

Gostaria saber sobre as medida da cadeira em cm.......não entendi as medidas que estão na lista....obrigado

[Dancd141]

What size hole do I drill

[Llevett02]

I love this project I have tried downloading the PDF but seem to be having trouble. I would like to try this project with my students.

[VinceP26]

I’ve done both small/large rear leg and everyone likes the Big rear leg but also for the above average person I rip my lumber 1.5 instead of 1” which also gives a wider Seat !

[MattiasP6]

Hi Carl,

great vid! Just one thing, if you thread all the pieces BEFORE tensioning, then you don't need the drill to make the rod go through.

I want to make it bigger, what measurements did you come up with that worked well for sitting..?

Once again, thanks!

[TarsisG]

Hey carl, i made it! I confess it was a bit hard for me (im a beginer) here's the photo you asked, im making another one for my wife. Oh i forgot to say last time, i used pine. Thanks again!

[TarsisG]

Hey Carl thanks for the tutorial, im brazillian and im starting it tomorrow, here the total cost was 60 reais, which would be about 20 dollars. Keep up the great work!!!

[Carl Jacobson]

Thank you very much! Please share some pictures when you're done.

[hohum]

I got wood at Home depot today, all thread rods, nylok nuts, acorn nuts, washers, i am working on the Kentucky stick chair tomorrow, my cost was also about $45, thanks very much for the tut, i have to find the stain/finish you were using..

jack g

[bob1445]

You are the best. I never turned wood before but since I retired I have found this to be very rewarding and I love it. I have learned a lot watching your videos and thank you so much. I can't wait for you to get your robust lathe

[buck2217]

I'm definitely going to make some of these, brilliant design

[stouchet]

Carl, May I ask how tall you are? You said in the video that the chair back was a little too short for you. Thanks.

[Carl Jacobson]

I'm 6'2" I was think of making the 40" pieces 46" or 48"

[CJStephens]

Great job! looks amazing.

[Carl Jacobson]

Thank you!

[SlickSqueegie]

awesome job Carl! Great first instructable!

[Carl Jacobson]

Thank you very much!