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:
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:
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
- Build main outer frame
- Install center support rail
- Build backrest frame
- Attach slats
- Install folding legs
- Mount reclining support arm
- Install pivots and hinges
- Test recline angles
- Sand entire lounger
- 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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