Sleek, and Stylish Modern Adirondack Chair
Featured Wood PlansOutdoor Plans November 6, 2013 Wood Writer 9
Click Here or the image to find the plan!
I grew up in the Adirondacks and let me tell you it is cold! But besides that, the one thing that most people think of when someone mentions the Adirondacks are Adirondack chairs. The design for this type of chair was first patented by Irving Wolpin in 1938. The design has remained basically the same ever since that first design was created, but the people at Popular Mechanics have provided the aspiring furniture craftsmen with a nifty instruction manual on how to make a totally unique and different design of this well-known classic.
PDF: Modern Adirondack chair plans
This project calls for 2×10 planks of wood. The instructions recommend western red cedar since it naturally withstands the elements. Since these chairs are predominantly used outdoors it’s best to make sure it is weather-proof. Other wood can be used as well, but it will require a little manual weatherizing to make it perfect.
Let’s go through the list of tools needed for the job shall we?
- Miter saw
- Table saw with sliding miter gauge
- Dado set
- Jigsaw
- Clamps
- Palm sander
- Sanding block
- Sandpaper (120-, 150-, 180-, and 220-grit)
- Cordless drill
- Drill press or drill-guide attachment
- Flush-cutting handsaw
Pretty long list, but well worth it! This modern take on a classic will bring loads of enjoyment during the bright sunny days of summer and be a lovely addition to the back deck or patio of your home. Click the image provided and be prepared for a really fun build, and as always stay crafty!
joe D
August 7, 2020 #1 Authorthanks for the response – however i’m not understanding the tickness of the plank – it’s a 2’0″ x 10′-0″ plank x ?” thickness?
WoodworkCity
August 7, 2020 #2 AuthorJoe, They are referencing dimensional lumber. A 2″ x 10″ has a finished dimension of 1 1/2″ x 9 1/4″.
This site provides a chart and describes why lumber is sized this way. The biggest part is that the 2″x10″ is the size of the rough cut piece prior to finishing (thickness planing to smooth).
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/understanding-wood-sizes-in-softwood-lumber-3536905
Hope this helps.
joe d
August 6, 2020 #3 Authorwhat is the thickness of the wood?
WoodworkCity
August 6, 2020 #4 AuthorJoe,
The dimensions of each piece are located on this PDF: https://woodworkcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/modern-adirondack-chair-plans.pdf
David B
September 21, 2015 #5 AuthorI love the Adirondack chair and would like to start building one. I have a question though regarding the angles in the half lap joint on the arms. Shouldn’t the angle be 27 degrees to match the angle of the rear support not 20?? The rear support angle is 27? Thanks in advance.
WoodworkCity
September 21, 2015 #6 AuthorDavid,
It appears you are correct. Since these items are along the same line (tops are parallel), the angle should match up. Looks like the plan creator must have been a little off when typing. To be frank, I am not sure which angle is correct (20 or 27 degrees). i am sure that a little high school geometry would provide the correct angle for that cut. Personally, I would probably do a quick setup of the legs and seat back to see where the angle would fall.
David B
September 21, 2015 #7 AuthorI think the two different angles are correct. 20 degs. for the junction of the upper and lower seat slats and 27 degs at the back support. Without doing the math I think it’s because the seat slats are already angled downward somewhat (maybe 7 degs??)
WoodworkCity
June 1, 2015 #8 AuthorPeter,
The “plans” are a bit hard to find with the new format of the “PM” site. Here is the PDF that should help to get you further along than the images do.
https://woodworkcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/modern-adirondack-chair-plans.pdf
Peter Vant Slot
June 1, 2015 #9 AuthorI would like to acquire the detailed plans for the Modern style Adirondack feature in the PM article.