Easy DIY Outdoor Lounge Chairs & Pinterest Challenge: Summer Edition

Less than one month before we move! In an attempt to avoid packing I decided to start a couple outdoor projects. I have been stalking a few ideas on Pinterest for awhile now.

The first project is Ana White's $35 Chaise Lounges. Such a simple and comfortable looking chair. I know exactly where we can put them!

I have been going back and forth on what to put on our second level deck. I wanted to create a space that is relaxing and comfortable. I don't see us using the upper level with cookouts or gatherings, so my focus wasn't on multiple seating, just a space for us or overnight guest to use.  


Following the plans Ana White created and the advice of Brook at Being Brook who helped test of the plans!

The plans are very easy to follow and Brook provides additional tips and tricks as well.

With such detailed plans already created by the professionals, I just took a couple process shots of the building process. 

I wanted to see if everything was going to fit, before I started nailing and screwing everything in. I attached my 1x3 slats on with nails. I just used two nails on each end of each slat. 

When you look at the back end of my first chair, you may notice that mine looks different. I first was following the plans exactly. Then, once I got the legs attached and sat it upright something was very off. The back left and right front legs were not even. After measuring and trying a couple tricks I determined that the long 85" frame board warped after I started building. It was about 106' outside and I moved in and out of the garage as I was building. 


I tried to fix the problem but ultimately I was going to have to create new legs, but before I could do that I decided to cut off about 4" of the back, which included the first set of back legs, and the support piece of the frame. 


Then I cut a new 21" support frame, and 14" legs. Using clamps, I attached the legs and adjusted until I was sure the chair was sitting level. I ended up having to adjust the back left leg about an inch and half. If you look in the picture above you will see the small gap, where the leg is not flush with the corner of the frame. 

With the changes to the chair, I finished building and created my notches. I used a circular saw to create tiny slivers of cuts and then took my jig saw to trim the slivers out! It was the easiest method but killer on the back to hunch of over for so long.


I also made another change! My husband is a big guy and as I was maneuvering the chair around, I felt like the notches weakened the stability of the chair. So again, when you look at the back of the chair you will notice an extra 21" board placed near the chair legs. It added a ton of extra support! 

I should NOTE: with the extra changes I made, the chair no longer as the ability to lie flat. The shortened body frame and extra support board, no longer allow the the chair back to tuck into the frame. This does not bother us, but may limit the chair for some people. 

I also decided to trim the slats of the chair back flush with the frame and cushion top. I just took my circular saw and zipped right along the frame edge! 

Next step I sanded the whole thing smooth! Once that was finished I used the leaf blower to blow all the dust off, wiped it down with a towel and began staining in Minwax Ebony!

 Here it is drying with the staining completed. Next time I will stain before I put this together! 

And the finished product with its new green cushion from World Market, on sale, 50% off! 

So, there is chair #1. I still need to make a second chair, so it has a friend! It cost me about $45 without the cushion because of the mistakes I made and needing to purchase more wood. Totally worth every penny in my opinion! Its super sturdy and solid. 

Would to hear your thoughts and ideas! 

I am linking up with the following girls for the: 

Pinterest Challenge: Summer Edition

Centsational Girl

Young House Love

Bower Power

Ten June