Building a Chaise Lounge Chair

Tools & Materials

• You are going to need some power tools and the knowledge of how to use them. A table saw, drill and drill bits and a router are power tools that you will need. Other tools include a measuring tape, sandpaper, pencil and paper, hammer and nails, screws, dowel and stain or paint. Choosing the type of wood you’ll need depends on where the lounge is going to be primarily. Oak weathers the best, but cherry and maple are other hardwoods that are used for deck chairs. In any case, you will need 2-by-4s, 1-by-3s and 1-by-2s.

Cutting the Pieces

• The base of the chaise requires two 2-by-4 boards that measure about a half-foot in length. Use the measuring tape and pencil to accurately measure and cut these lengths. For the back frame, measure and cut two 2-by-4 boards approximately 4-inches long. Although the pieces that run along the back of the chair normally would be 6-inches long, These are adjustable if you want a wider chaise and can be cut slightly longer. It is easier to sand and paint or stain these pieces prior to building the lounge.

Dowel Pieces

• The dowel pieces need to be the same length as the wood that is placed on the back of the chaise. Then about 4 inches is added to the width to match with the 2-by-4 boards. The 1-by-2 wood is used for the backrest and is measured accordingly. The seat requires the 1-by-3 wood, and the same procedure is used with these boards.

Finishing Pieces

• Supports are needed for the backrest and the 1-by-2 boards are used for this purpose. These are measured and cut to 4 inches and placed behind the backrest reaching down to the frame end of the seat. Arms for the chaise are made from 18-inch pieces of wood and attached using vertical pieces screwed into the base framework. Legs are constructed out of 2-by-4 boards and measured and cut at a height determined by the homeowner. The legs are screwed into the seat frame.