Build an Adirondack Chair — Every Measurement You Need

Build an Adirondack Chair — Every Measurement You Need

A classic Adirondack chair with wide armrests, angled seating, and deep recline for maximum outdoor comfort. This build uses simple lumber cuts and strong joinery for a durable patio, garden, fire pit, or deck chair. Access over 16,000 Woodworking plans 

Finished Dimensions

Part Metric Imperial
Overall Height 980 mm 38 5/8 in
Overall Width 600 mm 23 5/8 in
Overall Depth 920 mm 36 1/4 in
Seat Height Front 380 mm 15 in
Seat Height Rear 300 mm 11 13/16 in
Armrest Length 680 mm 26 3/4 in
Backrest Angle 100–105° 100–105°

Chair Features

  • Wide comfortable armrests
  • Reclined ergonomic seat
  • Curved backrest slats
  • Angled rear legs
  • Heavy outdoor construction
  • Deep lounge seating

Recommended Wood Types

Best outdoor woods:

  • Cedar
  • Teak
  • Cypress
  • Treated pine
  • White oak
  • Douglas fir

Recommended Lumber Sizes

Use Metric Imperial
Structural Parts 38 × 89 mm 2 × 4
Slats & Arms 20 × 140 mm 1 × 6
Back Slats 20 × 90 mm 1 × 4

Materials List

Lumber

  • 2 × 4 structural boards
  • 1 × 6 boards
  • 1 × 4 boards

Hardware

  • Exterior deck screws
  • Wood glue
  • Carriage bolts (optional)
  • Exterior wood filler

Cut List — Main Structure

Front Legs

Qty Metric Imperial
2 520 × 89 × 38 mm 20 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 1 1/2 in

Rear Legs

Angled Rear Supports

Qty Metric Imperial
2 860 × 89 × 38 mm 33 7/8 × 3 1/2 × 1 1/2 in

Rear legs extend upward to support the backrest.

Seat Stringers

Qty Metric
2 820 × 140 × 20 mm

Cut with front-to-back seat taper.

Front Seat Rail

Qty Metric
1 520 × 89 × 38 mm

Rear Seat Rail

Qty Metric
1 520 × 89 × 38 mm

Seat Slats

Slatted Seat Layout

Qty Metric Imperial
6 520 × 140 × 20 mm 20 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 3/4 in

Spacing:

  • 8–10 mm gaps

Backrest Dimensions

Back Slats

Qty Metric
7 850 × 90 × 20 mm

Backrest Curve

Center slat:

  • Tallest point

Outer slats:

  • Progressively shorter

Typical height difference:

  • 40–60 mm

Backrest Support Rails

Qty Metric
2 520 × 89 × 20 mm

Curved slightly for ergonomic support.

Armrest Dimensions

Qty Metric Imperial
2 680 × 140 × 20 mm 26 3/4 × 5 1/2 × 3/4 in

Armrest Height

Metric Imperial
560 mm from ground 22 in

Arm Support Braces

Qty Metric
2 220 × 89 × 38 mm

Installed vertically between:

  • Front legs
  • Armrests

Chair Angles

Component Angle
Seat Tilt 12–15°
Back Recline 100–105°
Rear Leg Angle 20°

These angles create the signature Adirondack comfort.

Joinery Recommendations

Best Fasteners

  • 65 mm exterior deck screws
  • Waterproof wood glue
  • Countersunk pilot holes

Optional:

  • Carriage bolts for main joints

Assembly Order

  1. Cut all structural parts
  2. Shape seat stringers
  3. Assemble front and rear legs
  4. Install seat rails
  5. Attach seat slats
  6. Build backrest frame
  7. Install back slats
  8. Attach arm supports
  9. Install armrests
  10. Sand all surfaces
  11. Apply outdoor finish

Recommended Edge Profiles

Round over:

  • Armrest edges
  • Seat front edge
  • Backrest tops

Use:

  • 6–10 mm round-over router bit

Sanding Guide

Stage Grit
Rough Sanding 100
Finish Prep 180
Final Smooth Finish 220

Outdoor Finish Options

Best Finishes

  • Exterior deck oil
  • Marine varnish
  • Outdoor polyurethane
  • UV-resistant stain

Optional Upgrades

  • Foldable design
  • Built-in cup holder
  • Ottoman footrest
  • Side table attachment
  • Curved waterfall seat edge
  • Engraved backrest
  • Cushions and pillows

Cushion Dimensions

Seat Cushion

Metric Imperial
520 × 520 × 50 mm 20 1/2 × 20 1/2 × 2 in

Back Cushion

Metric Imperial
520 × 700 × 50 mm 20 1/2 × 27 1/2 × 2 in

Estimated Weight Capacity

Capacity Approx
Safe Load Rating 120–150 kg

Maintenance Tips

  • Refinish yearly outdoors
  • Tighten screws every season
  • Store dry during winter if possible
  • Keep chair elevated from wet soil
  • Wash pollen and dirt regularly

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