DIY Reclining Outdoor Lounge Chair with Storage

Hi it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back with another build plan.  The weather is getting warm again and it’ll be nice to spend time outside in the sun.  I have been swooning over these outdoor loungers shared by a European magazine European magazine.  The magazine shares a rough sketch and tutorial in metric measurements.

The Inspiration Photo

For those of us in the good ol’ USA, I changed the dimensions to fit common outdoor cushions and readily available lumber.  Besides looking cool, these loungers are nice because you can store the cushions in the compartment when not in use.

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How to Build an Outdoor Lounge Chair

Materials

• 12 – 2″ x 6″ x 8′ boards
• 2 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ boards
• 4 – 1″ x 6″ x 8′ boards
• 4 – 4″ heavy strap hinges
• 2 1/2″ screws – self tapping preferred
• 2″ screws – self tapping preferred
• sandpaper
• sealer
• outdoor chaise cushion
  • Estimated cost: $88

I used 2″ x 6″ boards for the bulk of the build because 2″ x 6″ are cheaper here than 1″ x 6″ boards.

Cut List

• 6 – 2″ x 6″ x 75″
• 4 – 2″ x 6″ x 18 3/4″
• 6 – 2″ x 6″ x 30″
• 10 – 2″ x 6″ x 27″
• 2 – 2″ x 6″ x 24″
• 12 – 1″ x 6″ x 27″
• 2 – 2″ x 2″ x 43 3/4″
• 2 – 2″ x 2″ x 24 1/4″
• 2 – 2″ x 2″ x 15 3/4″
• 4 – 2″ x 2″ x 3″

Step 1

Mark a line 1 1/2″ from the bottom of each 18 3/4″ board.  If you are not using self tapping screws, you will need to pre-drill each hole before securing with a screw.  Secure a 18 3/4″ board on each end of a 24″ board with 2 1/2″ screws.

Attach a 75″ board 1 1/2″ up from the bottom of the 18 3/4″ boards.  Attach 2″ x 6″ x 27″ boards with 2 1/2″ screws between the 75″ boards leaving a 3/4″ gap between the boards.

Attach 3 total 75″ boards to the long sides with 2 1/2″ screws leaving a 3/4″ gap between boards.  On the ends attach 3 – 30″ boards to make up each end with 2 1/2″ screws.

Measure and mark 3/4″ down from the top of the sides.  Secure the 2″ x 2″ x 43 3/4″ boards with 2 1/2″ screws.

Step 2

Take 4 of the 1″ x 6″ x 27″ boards and space each board 3/4″.  Secure the boards by attaching the 24 1/4″ boards with 2″ nails.  Ideally you would put the screws through the 1″ x 6″ board into the 2″ x 2″ support.  If you don’t want the screw heads showing, you can secure it from the back side.

Attach the strap hinges to the boards.  Where the back support hinges go, leave a 1 1/8″ gap and center the hinge.  Attach the hinges in the orientation shown.  The exact placement is not critical.

Attach the 1″ x 6″ x 27″ boards in the top of the lounge, leaving a 3/4″ gap between the boards.  Secure with 2 1/2″ screws.

Add arm supports for the tilt supports, secure with 2 1/2″ screws.  You’ll want to place these in locations that give you comfortable recline angles.

Step 3

Lightly sand the wood, then seal the wood for outdoor use (ie Thompson’s Waterseal).  Add outdoor chaise cushions and enjoy!

Check out more projects at Hertoolbelt

Scroll Console Table // 7 Drawer Dresser // Accent Table 

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More outdoor projects:

Pair your new lounge chair with an easy outdoor buffet table:

by Simply Swider, featured here on Remodelaholic

or an outdoor coffee table:

by A Place to Nest, featured here on Remodelaholic

and of course, a pergola like this would be dreamy!

by Little White House Blog, with tutorial here on Remodelaholic

Published: May 6, 2015Filed Under: Contributor, Seating, Sketches/Renderings, Tutorials Tagged: building plans, Outdoor projects, seating

About Amy Baesler

Amy is the tool lover at Hertoolbelt. On Hertoolbelt, Amy shares DIY furniture plans, handyman tutorials, and craft patterns. She has two pint sized 'helpers' that help fix things around the house and build fun projects.