How to Make Rustic Furniture

Select a Furniture Plan

• 1

  Visit the Adirondack Source online to download free Adirondack chair plans (see Resources below).

• 2

  Peruse the rustic furniture plans to find one that matches your skill level.

• 3

  Download the plans and print them out. You will want to have them at hand when you begin to build.

Shop for Furniture Materials

• 4

  Take the plans you printed out to the hardware store to buy your supplies.

• 5

  Purchase more wood and screws than your plan calls for so you have extra materials on hand.

Follow Rustic Chair Plans

• 6

  Construct the sides of the chair first.

• 7

  Drill guide holes before you screw each piece together. This will make inserting screws easier.

• 8

  Attach the back legs to the back supports as your plan illustrates.

• 9

  Screw the front legs to the back leg assembly using your galvanized screws.

• 10

  Lay the stretcher base in the space on the front legs and attach it.

• 11

  Center and attach the arms to the top of the legs.

• 12

  Screw the back brace into place to complete the frame of the rustic Adirondack chair.

• 13

  Attach the remaining slats across the back and seat of the chair.

• 14

  Shape the tops of the slats with a jigsaw.

Sand and Paint Your Furniture

• 15

  Sand your rustic furniture so it is smooth and ready to paint.

• 16

  Apply a coat of exterior paint and let it dry.

• 17

  Apply a second coat of paint.

• 18

  Leave the chair to dry overnight before using.