DIY Wooden Sun Lounger with Adjustable Backrest — Full Build Plans

DIY Wooden Sun Lounger with Adjustable Backrest — Full Build Plans

A fold-flat outdoor sun lounger with a reclining backrest, slatted hardwood frame, and compact storage profile. Designed for patios, poolside decks, gardens, and outdoor relaxation while remaining strong, portable, and weather resistant. Access over 16,000 Woodworking plans


Finished Dimensions

Part Metric Imperial
Overall Length 1600 mm 63 in
Overall Width 650 mm 25 5/8 in
Overall Height (Flat) 320 mm 12 5/8 in
Backrest Height Upright 780 mm 30 3/4 in
Folded Thickness 100–120 mm 4–4 3/4 in
Seat Height 320 mm 12 5/8 in

Lounger Features

  • Adjustable reclining backrest
  • Fold-flat storage design
  • Slatted airflow surface
  • Outdoor weather-resistant construction
  • Lightweight but rigid frame
  • Replaceable slats
  • Hidden locking support arm

Recommended Wood Types

Best outdoor choices:

  • Teak
  • Cedar
  • White oak
  • Meranti
  • Treated pine

Lumber Dimensions

Main Frame Lumber

Metric Imperial
70 × 35 mm 2 3/4 × 1 3/8 in

Slat Material

Metric Imperial
70 × 20 mm 2 3/4 × 3/4 in

Materials List

Wood

  • 70 × 35 mm hardwood boards
  • 70 × 20 mm slats
  • 12 mm plywood (support gussets)

Hardware

  • Stainless steel screws
  • Exterior wood glue
  • Folding hinges
  • Locking pivot bolts
  • Nylon washers
  • Adjustable backrest support bar

Main Frame Dimensions

Side Rails

Qty Metric Imperial
2 1600 × 70 × 35 mm 63 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8 in

Front & Rear Rails

Qty Metric Imperial
2 510 × 70 × 35 mm 20 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8 in

Center Support Rail

Qty Metric Imperial
1 1530 × 70 × 35 mm 60 1/4 × 2 3/4 × 1 3/8 in

Mounted centrally underneath for rigidity.


Slatted Deck Layout

Slat Dimensions

Qty Metric Imperial
18–20 600 × 70 × 20 mm 23 5/8 × 2 3/4 × 3/4 in

Slat Spacing

Metric Imperial
8–10 mm 5/16–3/8 in

Allows:

  • Water drainage
  • Air circulation
  • Reduced warping

Backrest Section

Adjustable Backrest Size

Metric Imperial
650 × 620 mm 25 5/8 × 24 3/8 in

Backrest Frame Components

Part Qty Size
Vertical Rails 2 620 × 70 × 35 mm
Top/Bottom Rails 2 510 × 70 × 35 mm

Reclining Positions

Recommended settings:

Position Angle
Flat 180°
Relaxed 140°
Reading 120°
Upright 105°

Adjustable Support Arm

Support Arm Dimensions

Metric Imperial
450 × 40 × 20 mm 17 3/4 × 1 5/8 × 3/4 in

Adjustment Notches

Cut:

  • 4–5 angle slots
  • 25 mm deep notches

Spacing:

  • 50–60 mm apart

Folding Leg System

Front Legs

Qty Metric
2 280 × 70 × 35 mm

Rear Folding Legs

Qty Metric
2 300 × 70 × 35 mm

Folding Mechanism

Use:

  • Stainless pivot bolts
  • Nylon spacers
  • Lock nuts

Allows:

  • Smooth folding
  • Reduced wobble

Folded Storage Thickness

When folded:

  • Legs collapse inward
  • Backrest folds flat

Final thickness:

  • Approximately 100–120 mm

Easy to:

  • Hang on wall
  • Store vertically
  • Slide behind furniture

Reinforcement Points

Add:

  • Corner gussets
  • Cross braces
  • Double screw joints

Especially around:

  • Pivot points
  • Leg hinges
  • Backrest supports

Recommended Fasteners

Component Fastener
Slats 5 × 50 mm screws
Main Frame 6 × 80 mm screws
Hinges Stainless bolts
Pivot Arms M8 bolts + washers

Outdoor Finish Options

Best Finishes

  • Marine spar varnish
  • Exterior decking oil
  • Teak oil
  • Exterior polyurethane

Sanding Guide

Stage Grit
Rough Prep 100
Surface Smoothing 150
Finish Prep 220

Round over all edges for comfort.


Assembly Order

  1. Build main outer frame
  2. Install center support rail
  3. Build backrest frame
  4. Attach slats
  5. Install folding legs
  6. Mount reclining support arm
  7. Install pivots and hinges
  8. Test recline angles
  9. Sand entire lounger
  10. Apply outdoor finish

Optional Upgrades

  • Pull-out side tray
  • Built-in wheels
  • Fold-out cup holder
  • Adjustable head pillow
  • Waterproof cushion set
  • Hidden phone shelf
  • Stainless steel hardware upgrade

Recommended Cushion Size

Metric Imperial
1600 × 650 × 50 mm 63 × 25 5/8 × 2 in

Use:

  • Outdoor foam
  • UV-resistant fabric
  • Removable zip covers

Estimated Weight Capacity

Capacity Approx
Safe Load Rating 120–150 kg
Recommended Dynamic Load 100 kg

Storage Tips

  • Store dry during winter
  • Re-oil annually
  • Keep elevated from wet ground
  • Fold only when fully dry

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