How to Build a Beach Chair

Lowe's Woodworkers Shop Class host, Keith Flippen, introduces a new project: a beach chair. In this series, learn how to build a new wooden beach chair, complete with canvas back.

Family, friends, and passersby—everyone will want one of these comfortable collapsible chairs. Sitting close to the ground, you can lean back and bury your feet in the sand; when the day at the beach is over, the two components pull apart and fit together for carrying and storage.

Instructions: General

Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit. Make sure to use exterior-rated lumber, glue, fasteners, and stain or paint.

  1. Prepare the supports.
    • For each (01) back support and each (02) seat support, glue together a 1 x 2 and a 2 x 2 to create 1 1/2-inch-thick, 2 1/4-inch-wide stock for the supports. Use weatherproof glue and clamps, and allow the blanks to dry overnight.
    • When dry, remove the clamps, and scrape off any excess glue.
  2. Build the chair back.
    • Lay out the (01) back supports as shown in Figure 1. Mark the placements for the (03) back cleats.
    • Cut the angle and drill the 1-inch dowel hole for each (01) back support as shown.
      Using glue and 1 1/2-inch stainless steel screws, attach the two (03) back cleats to the (01) back supports as shown in Figure 2.
    • Glue the (04) dowel into the 1-inch holes.
    • Sand and apply a finish to the back assembly before attaching the canvas; we applied stain and then brushed on two coats of spar urethane with UV protection.
    • Cut the canvas drop cloth to a rough size of 24 x 31 1/2 inches. The finished size when attached is 12 x 28 1/2 inches.
    • Fold the drop cloth in half, and then attach it to the back assembly with five evenly-spaced finishing washers and 3/4-inch stainless steel screws per side; the finishing washers will secure the drop cloth without tearing it.
  3. Build the seat assembly.
    • Lay out the (02) seat supports as shown in Figure 3.
    • Cut the taper and sand the edges smooth for each (02) seat support. Click here for plans on building a tapering jig and tips on cutting tapers.
    • On a level work surface, position the two (02) seat supports spaced 14 3/4 inches apart with the ends aligned and the tapers facing down. (See Figure 4.)
    • Position the first (05) seat board flush with the ends of the (02) seat supports as shown in Figure 4. It should overhang the (02) seat supports equally on both sides. Secure the (05) seat board with glue and 1 1/2-inch stainless steel screws.
    • Position the last (05) seat board aligned with the ends of the first (05) seat board and 14 5/8 inches from the front edge as shown in Figure 4; secure it to the (02) seat supports.
    • Space the remaining (05) seat boards equally apart, and secure them with glue and 1 1/2-inch stainless steel screws. Tip: Use note cards or thin strips of scrap wood for spacing.
  4. Apply finishing touches.
    • Sand the seat assembly, and then apply stain and two coats of spar urethane.
    • To set up the chair, place the seat assembly into the back assembly between the (04) dowel and the bottom (03) back cleat. For storage, pull the assemblies apart, and slip the seat into the back as shown in Figure 5.
Illustration

Beach Chair

Cut List

#

PART NAME

QUANTITY

MATERIAL

SIZE (in inches)
01 back supports 2 1 x 2 x 4, 2 x 2 x 3 2 1/4* x 1 1/2 x 34 3/16
02 seat supports 2 1 x 2 x 4, 2 x 2 x 3 2 1/4* x 1 1/2 x 34 11/16
03 back cleats 2 1 x 8 x 6 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 21
04 dowel 1 dowel 1 x 1 x 21
05 seat boards 6 1 x 8 x 6 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 21
*Glue a 1 x 2 and a 2 x 2 together to get this thickness.

Finished Dimensions (assembled position)
Height: 29 1/2 inches
Depth: 34 1/2 inches
Width: 21 inches
Customer stories
Customer avatarBy:Stephen
Posted: July 31, 2011
Customer avatarBy:Stephen
At the two Lowes nearest me, there is no 2 by 2 cedar or redwood for the supports on the back rest. Can I use pressure treated lumber for the 2 by 2 and cedar for the 1 by 2. Or do i need to use both pressure treated so i can glue these items up for best hold and support. Please let me know and this information might help others in the same situation.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
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Project Resources
Project Details
Skill Level: Intermediate
Lumber*
  • 4 boards, 1 x 2 x 4
  • 1 board, 1 x 8 x 6
  • 4 boards, 2 x 2 x 3
  • 1 round dowel, 1- x 36-inch
Hardware & Supplies
  • 2 packs (1/4-inch) finishing washers
  • 2 packs (3/4-inch) stainless steel screws
  • 3 packs (1 1/2-inch) stainless steel screws
  • 1 (9- x 12-foot) canvas drop cloth
  • wood glue rated for exterior use (Titebond III)
  • stainable wood filler (PL)
  • 1 quart stain (Olympic Mocha Brown)
  • 1 quart spar urethane

*Availability varies by market. Cedar and redwood are appropriate for this project.

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