Making an Adirondack Chair

Adirondack chair made by Steve Lillie.

After I did show-and-tell for an Adirondack chair at the February 2020 meeting, a few people asked about plans. A link to a Popular Woodworking article from 2005 that walks through the construction and provides drawings follows. This a straightforward project, and a useful result — something to sit in, with nice flat arms for you favorite beverage. It’s best to make them in pairs.

Here are some thoughts about making this project . . .

1. Tools needed — jigsaw or bandsaw, drill/driver, router (optional), sander (optional). Table saw would be very helpful for ripping parts to width if you start with random width lumber.
2. Wood and hardware selection — durable woods are best — cypress, white oak, mahogany, white cedar, redwood, etc. Pine would last about two years. Stainless steel hardware best by far (marine suppliers are a good source).
3. Patterns for the parts can be drawn on paper and used as is, or transferred to 1/4 plywood if you think you’ll end up making several chairs.
4. I haven’t done it, but you could probably make a decent chair out of leftover plastic decking.

– Steve Lillie

Link to Adirondack chair plans from Popular Woodworking.