Folding wooden deck chair - How to make a wooden deck chair? DIY

Summer, warm days and relaxing outdoors – nothing is more conducive to relaxation than a comfortable wooden deckchair . If you want to create your own space to relax in the garden, on the balcony or terrace, and you also like DIY, then a foldable wooden deckchair may be the perfect DIY project for you! In our article, we will show you how to make a wooden deckchair step by step that will serve you for years.

Preparing materials – what will you need?

Before you start working on your deck chair, make sure you have all the materials and tools you need. To make a wooden deck chair, you will need a few basic items that you can find at a home improvement store. Below is a list of things to prepare:

Materials:

Wood – it is best to choose hardwood such as oak, ash or pine. It is important that the wood is weather resistant, especially if the lounger is to be used outside.

• Canvas or seat material – this can be a thick material (e.g. impregnated canvas) or a special outdoor fabric, resistant to moisture and UV radiation.
• Screws – for mounting individual elements. It is best to choose stainless screws so that the lounger does not corrode, especially if it is exposed to rain.
• Screws – for wooden connections.
• Wood wax or paint – to protect the wood from moisture and sun, which will extend the life of the lounger.

Tools:

• Saw – for cutting wood to the correct dimensions.
• Screwdriver – for installing screws and bolts.
• Hammer – for striking the pegs (if used).
• Drill – if you plan on drilling holes for screws.
• Tape measure and pencil – for accurate measurement and marking of cutting locations.
• Sander – for smoothing the edges of wood.

Step 1: Preparing the Wood

The first step is to prepare the wood carefully. You need to cut it properly so that all the elements of the lounger fit together. Here's how to do it:

1. Cut the board to size . The dimensions of a standard wooden deck chair are:
   

• Length : approximately 150-180 cm (depending on the size of the person).
• Seat width : 50-60 cm.
• Board thickness : 2-3 cm (depending on preferences and durability).

2. It is also worth cutting two boards for the frame and longer boards for the back and legs. Once everything is properly cut, remember to sand all the edges thoroughly so that they are not sharp and do not cut the leather.

3. Cut the wood for the legs of the lounger – the legs of the lounger should be suitably shaped to ensure stability and the possibility of folding. Usually, the legs are shaped like triangular or rectangular legs that are screwed to the main boards.

Step 2: Assembling the Frame

The next step is to assemble the main frame of the lounger. Use long boards to do this, which will be the "side" parts of the structure. Screw them to shorter boards, which will be the supporting elements. Remember to maintain the right angle of inclination so that the lounger is comfortable.

1. Assemble the frame : Screw two long boards to two shorter ones to create a rectangular frame. Using screws, make sure the whole structure is strong and stable.

2. Reinforce the structure: To make the lounger more stable, it is worth adding additional reinforcements, such as horizontal slats within the frame, which will hold the entire structure.

Step 3: Creating the Seat and Backrest

Next, start preparing the seat and backrest of the lounger. These are two key elements that will ensure comfort during use.

1. Seat : To create a seat, use several narrow planks that are evenly spaced (depending on how wide you want the gaps to be). Use screws to secure the planks to the frame. Remember not to place the wood too close together – leave gaps so that water can drain away if the lounger is used outdoors.
   

2. Backrest : The backrest of the lounger can be made of larger boards arranged in a similar way to the seat. It is a good idea to attach the backrest at a 45-degree angle, which will provide a comfortable angle of inclination for rest.

Step 4: Assembling and mounting the legs

Once you have the seat and backrest ready, it's time to fold the legs. A folding lounger should have legs that allow you to easily fold and unfold the structure. To do this:

1. Leg assembly : Attach the legs to the main structure using screws and bolts. Make sure the legs are positioned so that the lounger can be easily folded.

2. Folding mechanism : To enable the deckchair to be folded, it is worth using hinges or special connectors that will allow it to be folded flat, making it easier to store.

Step 5: Finishing and painting

After assembling the entire deckchair structure, it should be properly protected against adverse weather conditions. The wood should be covered with a layer of impregnation or varnish that will protect it from moisture and UV radiation.

1. Painting : Finally, paint the deckchair with wood paint or use a special protective oil. The paint will protect the wood from moisture and fading, and will also give it an aesthetic appearance.

2. Fabric seat : If you want to make your lounger even more comfortable, you can add a fabric seat or cushion. Use a weatherproof fabric so that the seat doesn't get ruined after a few days of rain.