How to build a wooden loop-frame lounge chair — 28" wide

Cut list

Step by step

1. Route the half laps

   Route the marked half laps on supported frame blanks before assembling anything.

   • Mark each 2 1/2" lap from the matching member.
   • Clamp each blank flat on a sacrificial board.
   • Clamp a straightedge across the waste boundary.
   • Route the waste in shallow passes to 3/4" depth.
   • Test each mating pair against a flat surface.

2. Smooth the contact surfaces

   Sand the prepared components and soften exposed edges without rounding the joints.

   • Inspect each blank for splits and loose knots.
   • Sand exposed faces with the random orbital sander.
   • Soften exposed edges to about a 1/16" radius.
   • Keep half-lap cheeks and slat-bearing edges square.

3. Assemble the side loops

   Glue and screw the two rectangular side loops flat and square.

   • Arrange one side loop on a flat protected bench.
   • Spread exterior glue on the four lap cheeks.
   • Clamp the loop with equal diagonal measurements.
   • Drive two 1 1/4" screws through each lap.
   • Repeat the assembly for the second loop.
   • Leave both loops clamped for the glue's specified cure.

4. Assemble the seat frame

   Join the seat perimeter and screw the recessed slat ledges to its inner sides.

   • Spread glue on the four seat-frame laps.
   • Clamp the crossrails square between the side rails.
   • Drive two 1 1/4" screws through each lap.
   • Position each ledge 3/4" below the upper frame face.
   • Drive four 1 1/4" screws through each ledge.

5. Assemble the backrest frame

   Join the backrest frame and install its recessed upper and lower slat ledges.

   • Spread glue on the four backrest laps.
   • Clamp the backrest flat with equal diagonal measurements.
   • Drive two 1 1/4" screws through each lap.
   • Position both ledges 3/4" behind the front frame face.
   • Drive three 1 1/4" screws through each ledge.

6. Connect the chair frames

   Secure the seat and reclining backrest between the side loops using the dimensioned layout.

   • Space the side loops 25" apart inside.
   • Clamp the seat front edge 1 1/2" behind the front uprights.
   • Set the front seat surface 17" above the floor.
   • Drive two 2 1/2" screws at each seat-to-upright contact.
   • Clamp the backrest at 15 degrees behind vertical.
   • Drive four 2 1/2" screws through each rear upright into the backrest.

7. Install the eight slats

   Fasten four transverse seat slats and four vertical backrest slats from their recessed ledges.

   • Space the four seat slats with 1/8" gaps.
   • Clamp the seat slats flush with the frame surface.
   • Drive one 1 1/4" screw under the center of each slat end.
   • Space the four vertical back slats with 1/8" gaps.
   • Drive one 1 1/4" screw behind the center of each back-slat end.

8. Finish and inspect the chair

   Apply the two-tone exterior finish, allow full curing and inspect every joint before use.

   • Mask the brown slats from the charcoal frame.
   • Prime the frame and exposed end grain.
   • Paint all frame members and ledges charcoal.
   • Stain all slat faces and edges weathered brown.
   • Allow the coatings to cure for their specified time.
   • Inspect every joint for movement before gentle first use.