How to Build a Chaise Lounge
Sitting upright at a table in a deck-chair may be enjoyable for a summer meal, but stretching out and relaxing is better. A chaise lounge is a perfect way to both stretch out and relax. Several moving joints make this project more difficult than making a chair, but the end reward is more than worth the effort.
Required Materials
- stock of choice: 2×4”, 1×3”, and 1×2”
- dowel
- tack nails
- screws
- carpentry glue
Required Tools
- hammer
- drill with full drill set
- 3-4-5 square
- circular/table saw
- router
- paper and pencil
- measuring tape
Instructions
- Layout - There are many possible variations for chaise lounges. A good set of plans is the place to start. For a basic wooden chaise lounge, begin by selecting a wood. Teak is nice for places which have exposure to water, while oak or pine is good for cabins etc.
- Seat & Back Frame - Chaise lounges have quite a few pieces. Cutting, sanding, and painting/staining/sealing as many as possible before assembly will ultimately make the project easier. Begin by cutting the frame pieces of the lounge. The base frame will require 2-2×4” boards cut to approximately 6’ long. The back frame will require 2-2×4” boards cut to approximately 4’ long.
- Seat & Back Slats/Supports - The cross pieces that you lean and sit on require 1×2” stock. These should be cut to approximately 2’-6” long, but can be made longer if required. Cut dowel to match this length and add 4” for the width of the 2×4” boards. Do the same for the 4-1×3” stock used for seat and back end caps. Remember that the width pieces need to sit within the length pieces.
- Back Rest Supports - Cut 2-1×3” pieces to make back rest supports. These should be as long as the hypotenuse of a 45 degree triangle, starting from where you decide to locate the base of the backrest. Cut 2-1×2” boards to length from 4” behind the attachment of the backrest to the end of the seat frame. Now, router half circles into these boards at intervals that meet your reclining preferences.
- Legs & Arms - Legs can be of any material or size. 4-2×4” boards cut to the desired height will work. Cut two arm rests to style and taste. The elbow portion of the arm should be tapered down to approximately 2”. Cut two vertical support pieces to the desired height. Drill screw-holes for attachment.
- Sanding and Staining - Sand everything. Stain and paint better adhere to a well sanded and prepared surface. Stray splinters are never any fun either. Stain/paint/seal the wood pieces.
- Assembly - Begin with the two frame sections. Drill, countersink, and screw the end cap pieces to the 2×4” side frame pieces. Drill, countersink, and screw legs to the seat frame. Drill, countersink, and screw the seat and backrest slats to the frame to allow for seat movement. Layout the back and the seat frames and drill a 1” dowel hole at the seat and back intersection. Nail the backrest’s horizontal support pieces to either the narrow side or the seat frame. Attach the backrest supports to the backrest with dowels.