Despite the scorching heat during the summer season, you can still double outdoor relaxation on a comfortable chair. A quality lounge chair would make for the best summer tanning and sunbathing for any outdoor lover. Even so, do you know you can make a DIY outdoor chaise lounge chair for memorable poolside enjoyments? Accordingly, learn how to build a Chaise Lounge Frame.
In this guide, our primary aim is to provide you with easy-to-follow steps for making simple DIY lounge chair projects. Here are some reasons we chose to make DIY lounge chairs despite the huge variety of ready-made outdoor furniture:
- Making an outdoor chair lounge is easy and doesn't require previous experience in carpentry.
- Also, the DIY lounge chairs are cheaper to make compared to the store-bought sets.
- The materials, tools and equipment necessary for this creative process are readily available in local stores. So why not tap into our creativity.
- Over and above the other reasons, imagine how satisfying it will be to make a wooden chaise lounger from scratch.
If we did it with no previous carpentry experience, you can also do it! Notably, there are different DIY chaise lounge plans, including a semi-chaise lounge, a DIY plywood lounge chair and even a portable beach lounge. Nonetheless, our focus will be on making a standard outdoor lounge chair for the ultimate outdoor relaxation.
Basics Before the Craft
First, we will be making a wooden chaise lounge frame with legs, backrest, cushion deck, and back supports. Also, we will make a full adult-length (200cm long, 52 cm wide, and 90 cm high seat) outdoor chaise lounger chair for use by any person. So, without much ado, let's dive into the crafting.
What You Need
Materials
- Wood
- A pair of 3-inch hinges
- Self-tapping exterior wood screws
- Wood glue
- Stop blocks
- Paint
Tools and Equipment
- Tape measure
- Speed square
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection drill
- Circular saw
- Sander
To make your work easier, you can visit a local woodwork shop to get the custom cut plunks for the deck, legs and backrest. For the main frame, get two 200 cm long planks and two 52 cm planks of similar width. This strategy will help you minimize what you need to buy, considering some wood cutting equipment can be expensive. Also, you can easily work with limited space in your backyard or garage with ready-cut planks.
Process
Step 1: Join the Main Planks
Mark the drill holes on each main plank with your pencil before screwing them together. The assembly order might differ from ours, but the main goal is to achieve a rectangular-shaped box. At the basic level, you can make a flat deck frame or one with a reclining and declining style.
Image Credit: littleloveliesbyallison.com
As you join the main length and width panels, you can also screw the legs to get done with the main deck frame. Notably, screws provide a neater job than nails, and it will be easier to dismantle the frame in case of any mistakes. Along the joints, you can apply wood glue for more frame stability. Additionally, remember to put on your safety gear for optimal safety.
Step 2: Add Chaise Seat Slats
One might ask, why use multiple slats while you can add one full-length cardboard? The advantage of multiple seat slats is to create a breathable deck. Such a feature will help you relax under the summer heat by the poolside without any heat discomforts. Also, the spaces between the seat slats help drain water if you sit on the chaise lounge chair with drenched clothes.
Therefore, as already pre-empted, the slats should be slightly spaced out. Notably, you can find slats of different widths, but their length should cover the main frame's width. After marking the drill holes, proceed and screw the slats to the outer planks. Also, remember to leave space for the back piece.
Step 3: Assemble the Back Piece
Ideally, the back piece which will serve as the backrest for the chaise lounge chair should cover the width of the main frame but will be pivoted on the deck frame. Remember, we are after maximum outdoor relaxation in the summer. Therefore, an adjustable backrest will be favorable.
Moreover, ensure you construct your back piece with spaced slats for breathability. Generally, the back piece should be made with the same materials used on the deck frame, only that it's a separate piece. Finally, add some spaced-out back supports for adjustable sitting positions at the back of the back piece. For instance, the lower support will be steeper for the back than the higher support.
Step 4: Prepare Back Support on the Main Frame
Before adding hinges, add a back supporting plank on the inside of the main frame. The main frame's back support will serve as the anchor for the plank that will be supporting your chaise lounge chair's backrest. Therefore, it should be firm and stable for adequate back support with risks of breaking.
Step 5: Add Stop Blocks
On both the back and main frame's back supports, ensure you add stop blocks. The stop blocks will ensure the back support plank remains in place for your back safety. As such, the supporting planks for adjustable height will remain firmly between the stop blocks for a stable and reliable backrest.
Step 6: Attach the Back Piece
With your backrest and back supports ready, use hinges to attach it to the main deck frame. For a neat craft, the back piece should be a continuation of the deck slats but should be leveraged for an adjustable backrest. Therefore, use two end hinges and one at the center to ensure the leverage will withstand occasional adjustments without coming off. In the end, sand your now complete frame and paint it or even stain it before adding the cushion.
Conclusion
Generally, it's easy to make DIY outdoor chaise lounges. Nonetheless, all the parts are firmly attached to avoid unwanted accidents. In the end, these step-by-step instructions will also help you understand the engineering behind other chaise lounge chairs.
Image Credit: ana-white.com
