Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Login
Signup
go
Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size
Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair Or Beach Chair - Adult Size
Folding adult sized wood sling chair, also known as wood beach chairs or deck chairs. Folds flat for
storage, opens up for easy relaxation! Adjusts to three positions for customized reclining. Features
removable slings.
Child sized plans also available. (/2011/05/folding-deck-beach-or-sling-chairs-child-size)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
1/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Projects built from this plan. Thank you for submitting brag posts, (http://ana-
(/2011/06/adult-
(/2011/06/adult-
slingback-chair)
beach-chair)
(/users/oldpaintdesign)
(/2011/06/sling-
(/2011/06/special-
chair-fathers-day)
teacher-gifts)
(/users/debandtom25)
Like
360
Author Notes:
I know this chair has been a long time coming . . . it's also been a long time in the making. When you
first started requesting a sling chair (also known as wood beach chairs or folding deck chairs) I knew it
was definitely a project I wanted to tackle. I just didn't know it would take me four prototypes to finally
be able to put this seal on it . . .
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
2/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
And believe it or not . . . it's still not done. The stain is still a little tacky - thus the slings are pulled tight,
and I couldn't find a single volunteer to test it out in a photo.
But I promise, this one is super comfy. If you've ever sat in a sling chair, all you have to do is close
your eyes and you are at the beach. The way the sling works, you almost feel weightless.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
3/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
This chair costs and estimated $25 to build. The best deal I've found on outdoor canvas fabric, 54"
wide is $8.98 per yard, for designer brands from Fabric.com...and they have Free Return Shipping too!
(http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3751913-10533695?cm_mmc=CJ-_-2875272-_-3751913-_Free%20Return%20Shipping)
Slings are reversible. For light colored fabrics with high contrast prints, you may consider lining the
slings with canvas duck fabric.
I used Minwax Gel Stain for this chair frame for a rich even stain. The strength and durability of this
chair is highly Dependant on what type of materials you use and how you build your chair. As shown
and built by me, the Ram (200LBS + and six feet tall) approved of the design and the size. Your chair
could differ depending on the types of materials you use and the building techniques you use.
Shopping List:
1 - 6' 1/2" Diameter Wood Dowel
1 1/2 Yards Outdoor Fabric, 54" wide
Sewing Notions and Thread
1 - 1x3 @ 48" long
4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
4 - 1/4" diameter bolts, 2" long with matching nuts
12 - washers to fit bolts
2 inch screws
Elmer's Wood Glue (http://elmers.com/diy)
Elmer's Wood Filler (http://elmers.com/products/wood-filler-and-other-repair?
filters=construction#)
120 grit sandpaper
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
4/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
Drill (https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/537)
Circular Saw (https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/92)
random orbital sander (https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/187)
countersink drill bit
General Instructions:
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable
to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work
on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square
after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a
stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be
safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Dimensions:
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
5/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
6/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Step 1:
Build the back frame very carefully as shown above. The main weight bearing joints are going to be
where the fabric slings pull on the headers - so take great care to use glue, carefully predrill holes,
avoid splitting your wood, and attach in place. There is a 3/8" gap between the header boards. Drill the
holes as shown above for the bolts.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
7/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Step 2 Instructions:
Build the smaller sling as shown above, taking great care again to create strong joints for the headers.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
8/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Step 3 Instructions:
Once both frames are complete, line the frames up as shown above, and insert bolts, with washers on
both sides of bolt, and one washer between the two wood frames to protect the finish on your wood
frames. The chair should now swing open, but there will be nothing to keep the chair from staying
open. See next step . . .
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
9/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Step 4 Instructions:
Build the propup support as shown above. Attach with bolts and washers to the backrest frame, in the
remaining predrilled bolt hole. Rest between seatframe slats. You will be able to move the prop up to
adjust the angle of the chair.
Time to make that sling.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
10/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Step 5 Instructions:
Special thanks to Grace's Grandma for sewing these slings :)
Cut fabric into two squares as directed in cut list.
With right sides together, and using a 1/4 seam, stitch around entire rectangle, leaving a 5 opening
on one long side.
Clip corners and turn project inside out.
Slip stitch opening closed.
Finger press or iron project so edges are fully expanded and no edges are tucked inside.
Step 6 Instructions:
Using a larger stitch length, topstitch edges along both (long) sides only. A decorative stitch is optional.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
11/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Step 7 Instructions: Fold bottom and top over 1 1/2 to create sleeves.
Topstitch using same seam allowance as on the sides.
Finish edges by tucking thread into project.
Step 8 Instructions:
By threading the slings through the chair headers, then threading the dowels in the "sleeves" you
create a sling that is held in place sturdily, but is easy to remove to wash or change the look up.
Preparation Instructions:
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood
filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper.
Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as
well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden
area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
12/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
needed.
Project Type: Chairs (/category/plans/project-type/chairs)
Estimated Cost: $20 - $50 (/category/plans/estimated-cost/20-50)
Room: Outdoor (/category/plans/room/outdoor)
Collections:
Ana's Adirondack Collection (/category/plans/collections/anas-adirondack-collection)
Skill Level: Advanced (/category/plans/skill-level/advanced)
Style: farmhouse (/category/plans/style/farmhouse)
Comments
(/COMMENT/16697#COMMENT-16697)
13/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
traditional, but cheap, camping chairs are so expensive and rust so fast, plus they are so ugly
compared to these! I'll be working this summer on getting a stock of these chairs ready so our
guests will have true 'luxury' camping in the islands :) THANKS ANA!!!!
(/COMMENT/51463#COMMENT-51463)
(/COMMENT/16698#COMMENT-16698)
ASSUMING YOU WANTED TO MAKE (/COMMENT/16698#COMMENT-16698)
assuming you wanted to make this for someone heavier - what would you suggest to make it
stronger?
Also, you might put a hair pin cotter pin (spring type cotter pin) to make sure the dowels don't
fall out during transport.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
14/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(/COMMENT/16701#COMMENT-16701)
STRONGER (/COMMENT/16701#COMMENT-16701)
To make these chairs stronger - use hardwood for the frames, use 2x2s and 2x3s for the
headers, use larger bolts. For an even stronger chair, you would use wider width boards
for the frame, but at a certain point - the weight is going to be too much for the sling itself.
(/COMMENT/16704#COMMENT-16704)
(/COMMENT/16705#COMMENT-16705)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
15/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(/COMMENT/16706#COMMENT-16706)
YES!!! (/COMMENT/16706#COMMENT-16706)
SO excited about these! Yay!!!!!
(/COMMENT/16707#COMMENT-16707)
FABRIC (/COMMENT/16707#COMMENT-16707)
When I made the kids chairs I got fabric for $2 a yard in the clearence section at Joann's. If I
would have known this pattern would be up so soon I'd have bought enough for these chairs
as well so they are a matching set! But their clearence is the best place to look...
(/COMMENT/16708#COMMENT-16708)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
16/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(/COMMENT/16709#COMMENT-16709)
(/COMMENT/16710#COMMENT-16710)
(/COMMENT/16718#COMMENT-16718)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
17/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(/COMMENT/16711#COMMENT-16711)
FABRIC DIMENSIONS (/COMMENT/16711#COMMENT-16711)
The fabric dimensions are the same for this adult chair as they are in your plans for the childsized chair. Shouldn't the fabric be longer and wider to accommodate for the larger chair?
(/COMMENT/16712#COMMENT-16712)
(/COMMENT/16725#COMMENT-16725)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
18/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(/COMMENT/16728#COMMENT-16728)
(/COMMENT/16759#COMMENT-16759)
GIFTS (/COMMENT/16759#COMMENT-16759)
I have been thinking what to give my son's preschool team, as he's heading to kindergarten
and has been with them for 3 years. I think I may make these as gifts for them. That would be
6 chairs -- oh gosh. Better get started!
(/COMMENT/16829#COMMENT-16829)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
19/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(/COMMENT/16922#COMMENT-16922)
THIS CHAIR BRINGS BACK CHILDHOOD MEMORIES (/COMMENT/16922#COMMENT-16922)
We had a lot of fun with this chair when we were kids. We used to remove the dowel from the
sling's base sleeve and watch someone sit and fall. Many times got into trouble when it was an
adult that fell.
I remember our's had armrests too.
I'll make one and show that trick to my kids.
-V
(/COMMENT/16925#COMMENT-16925)
SIZING ? (/COMMENT/16925#COMMENT-16925)
Love this chair and would like to make them for an older couple but they'd need them to be a
more standard chair height. Can this be done? What changes should be made? Thanks!!!
(/COMMENT/17150#COMMENT-17150)
HAS ANYONE USED POLYESTER (/COMMENT/17150#COMMENT-17150)
Has anyone used Polyester Outdoor Fabric? What does it feel like? Is it similar to Outdoor
Canvas? It's much, much cheaper.
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
20/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
http://www.fabricguru.com/cart/index.php?target=products&product_id=4034...
(http://www.fabricguru.com/cart/index.php?
target=products&product_id=403482&page=)
(/COMMENT/17218#COMMENT-17218)
(/COMMENT/17221#COMMENT-17221)
(/COMMENT/17279#COMMENT-17279)
21/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
If you have it, use it. I'm in Chandler, and was thinking about using drapery fabric. I
couldn't imagine why it would matter... at ALL.
Gina - Lady Goats
DIY Blogger (when I'm not procrastinating)
http://www.ladygoats.com
(http://www.ladygoats.com)
(/COMMENT/37998#COMMENT-37998)
(/COMMENT/17270#COMMENT-17270)
22/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
Just bought enough wood and hardware for two of these. A few quick questions. How come
you didn't use pocket holes? I thought they were supposed to be stronger, right?
What kind of wood did YOU use, Ana - especially since you said $25 in lumber? I bought pine
knowing I would seal it really well, so I'm not worried about rot or anything. My biggest concern
is strength, but it should be fine. Neither my husband or I are near 200 lbs. Hopefully pine is
good enough!
I'm letting my girls help me with this whole project as a homemade Father's Day gift for hubby!
They are so excited to get started tonight!!! :-)
(/COMMENT/17325#COMMENT-17325)
HELP! (/COMMENT/17325#COMMENT-17325)
I finished my chair for my friend tonight. It LOOKS amazing! My worry.....the dowel rod on the
prop-up support is bending like MAD! And it looks as though it's starting to split where it's
connected to the 1x2. )-: Her birthday is tomorrow and I'd really like to get this fixed before I
give it to her. Is there anything I can do at this point other than replace the dowel?
(/COMMENT/24291#COMMENT-24291)
23/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
then cap it somehow on each end??? Just some thoughts! :) Hope that helps! Can't wait
to see a photo!
(/COMMENT/24290#COMMENT-24290)
202105588/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053) &
Connecting Cap Nuts
(http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-
100338130/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053) at
Home Depot today and I love them!!! They come in 4-packs for about $4.75 per pack (choice
of bronze or brass plated), so you'll spend just under $10 for a 4-pack of bolts and a 4-pack of
cap nuts. I did keep a washer in between the 1x2's to keep the wood from rubbing. PERFECT
fit! If you used 1x2's (some people used 2x2's for extra strength), make sure to get the size I
linked to on Home Depot's website for a perfect fit. I just updated my Brag Post (http://ana-
(http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-
202105588/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
24/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
(http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-
100338130/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)
(/COMMENT/27200#COMMENT-27200)
ALMOST FINISHED (/COMMENT/27200#COMMENT-27200)
I made a few adjustments to this plan because I didn't trust merely gluing the dowels. I drilled a
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
25/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
hole through the pop-up support and pushed the dowel through that. I then glued the dowel
into place and capped it off with a screw and a washer (so that it wouldn't slide out) We'll see
how it goes after I attach the fabric.
Orange "price matched" dowels from Michaels for me. Michaels sells $1 dowels, and Orange is
around $2.45. Since Michaels only has "hardwood" dowels, and Orange has Oak, I got them
for $1.45. (Michaels dowels are far too weak for this project)
(/COMMENT/27606#COMMENT-27606)
TAUGHT FABRIC (/COMMENT/27606#COMMENT-27606)
I bought 54" home decorator fabric and sewed them according to directions, but the fabric is
taught. It doesn't sag like the chairs in the pictures. Has anyone else had this problem?
(/COMMENT/30194#COMMENT-30194)
TALL (/COMMENT/30194#COMMENT-30194)
Want to make one of these for my husband for Christmas. He is 6"4'...will he fit in this chair
comfortably??
(/COMMENT/39285#COMMENT-39285)
CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW HIGH (/COMMENT/39285#COMMENT-39285)
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
26/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
can anyone tell me how high the front of this sits off the ground? My husband has a bad back
and does not like chairs that make him feel like his behind is hovering inches from the ground. I
am actually looking to modify this into a double-wide/loveseat. Has anyone modified their
chairs into a more upright position vs lounger?
(/COMMENT/40774#COMMENT-40774)
QUESTION ON FIXING TOP BOARDS (/COMMENT/40774#COMMENT-40774)
I am new to this so I apologize if its a silly question. The above picture in Step 1 refers to
"fasten the top boards with screw and glue, predirlled"
Do I predrill holes to on the side frame wood( 48") so I can have the screw from the side
connecting the top board? Is that 2 inch screws are for?
(/COMMENT/51482#COMMENT-51482)
I SIMPLY ADORE THIS CHAIR. I (/COMMENT/51482#COMMENT-51482)
I simply adore this chair. I would like to have one in my garden too, because it seems to be
easy to build. Together with my new Power Equipment Plus
(/users/phil-oconnell-cooper) Phil O'Connell-... (/users/phil-oconnellcooper) replied on Wed, 2013-07-10 20:33 PERMALINK (/COMMENT/56401#COMMENThttp://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
27/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
56401)
THIS LOOKS LIKE A GREAT (/COMMENT/56401#COMMENT-56401)
This looks like a great chair, and as per usual, easy to follow plans, too!
Next chance we have to build more things, this is on the list for sure! Just have to finish
building a fence first!
Cheers from New Brunswick in Canada!
(/users/ladams1221) ladams1221
(/users/ladams1221) replied on Tue, 2013-08-20 16:54 PERMALINK
(/COMMENT/57319#COMMENT-57319)
STAIN COLOR/# OF COATS (/COMMENT/57319#COMMENT-57319)
Hi, Ana. I happen to have two of these wonderful chairs from the 1930-40's, and they are so
comfy to sit in. I wanted to know what color of Minwax Gel stain you used, and how many coats
you applied to get that color? Thanks - for ALL your wonderful plans. Much success on the
book - it's terrific!
(/COMMENT/57494#COMMENT-57494)
28/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
through and then gluing the dowels in place. No screwing necessary. These turned out
awesome, really comfortable, and super pretty to boot.
(/COMMENT/61255#COMMENT-61255)
(/COMMENT/61343#COMMENT-61343)
(/COMMENT/63606#COMMENT-63606)
29/30
18/11/2014
Ana White | Build a Wood Folding Sling Chair, Deck Chair or Beach Chair - Adult Size | Free and Easy DIY Project and Furniture Plans
http://ana-white.com/2011/06/wood-folding-sling-chair-deck-chair-or-beach-chair-adult-size
30/30