Home › Adirondack chair plans
Adirondack chair plans: comfort is in the angles
Reviewed 30 August 2026 · how we research
The Adirondack chair is a classic weekend build. Comfort comes almost entirely from the seat slope and back recline, so the plan's angles and templates matter more than fancy joinery.
What to expect
A day's build with a jigsaw, drill, and sander. Most parts are straight; a few curved pieces (back slats, arm supports) are cut from templates the plan should provide.
What a good adirondack chair plan plan includes
- Full-size templates or a squared grid for the curved back and seat parts
- Stated seat angle and back recline (the numbers that make it comfortable)
- A cut list in a rot-resistant wood - cedar, cypress, or treated pine
- Stainless or coated exterior screws throughout, counterbored and plugged if you want a clean look
- Assembly order that lets you clamp and check the recline before final fastening
Key considerations
- Build one chair as a prototype and sit in it before cutting parts for a set - small angle changes matter.
- Cedar is light and weather-resistant but soft; pre-drill every screw to avoid splitting.
- A matching ottoman and side table usually share the plan's leftover stock.
Adirondack chair plans is one category in the Ted's Woodworking library. Match any plan to the points above, whatever the source, and check the cutting list before buying materials. Our review covers how that library holds up overall.
FAQ
What angle is an Adirondack chair seat?
Plans vary, but the seat typically slopes back around 15 degrees with the backrest reclined near 20 to 25 degrees from vertical. Prototype one and test it first.
What wood is best for an Adirondack chair?
Western red cedar or cypress for weather resistance and light weight, or treated pine for the lowest cost. Use stainless or coated exterior screws.
How long does it take to build one?
A full day for a first chair with basic tools. Later chairs go faster once your templates are cut.
Do I need templates for an Adirondack chair?
Yes, for the curved back and seat parts. A good plan includes full-size templates or a squared grid.
What fasteners should I use?
Stainless or exterior-coated screws throughout. Counterbore and plug them for a clean look.
Can a beginner build one?
Yes, with a jigsaw, drill, and sander. Build one as a prototype and sit in it before cutting parts for a set.
Should I finish an Adirondack chair?
Optional. Cedar and cypress weather well unfinished. An exterior oil keeps the colour; paint protects best but peels.
How do I make the chair comfortable?
The seat slope and back recline do it. Prototype and adjust those angles before committing to more chairs.
Can I build a matching ottoman and side table?
Yes. They usually use the plan's leftover stock and the same joinery.
Why does cedar split when I screw into it?
It is soft and splits easily near the ends. Pre-drill and countersink every screw.
More: Outdoor projects · Picnic table plans · Ted's Woodworking review