How to Make a 2x4 Chair & Bench

Joebearhawaii
by Joebearhawaii
2 Materials
$100
3 Days
Easy
If you're handy with a saw and paint brush you can make your own custom lanai furniture for under $100. I didn't want something on my Lanai that didn't fit into the environment. There is a lot of green and foliage. I wanted something non ordinary for my lanai and found these molded frames on line. Designed to use 2x4's, it was a simple painless project that only took a few days. You'll need to let the stain dry and coating to dry, hence a few days.



I saw the frames on line while I was looking for something else. What's cool about these frames is you can make the length of the chair or bench any length you want as you're using 2x4's. However don't go over 5 feet as it gets a little woobly.
Next I cut the wood to my desired length. I made a 32" wide chair. I bought 4-8' 2x4's and cut them for the chair at a length of 32", giving me 3-32" sections each, with a bit left over. You'll need 9 total for the chair or bench, whichever you decide to make. The bench will require more 2x4's as it's longer.
I used a router to form the edge where your legs hit the wood to make it more comfortable and then I sanded it first using a 80 grid sandpaper and then a 220 grid sandpaper to make sure there were no splinters.
Next I stained the wood with a Rust- Oleum Varathene Cabernet. I used 3 coats to get a deep rich finish, followed by 3 more coats of Sikkens Cetol satin coating for sun protection. I love this stuff, it hold up longer than anything else I've tried.
With the hardware included I pre drilled the holes and attached it all together in less than an hour. The frames even come with holders for your favorite beverage. Pretty cool furniture for the price and certainly one of a kind.
Suggested materials:
  • 2x4's, Rust-Oleum Varathane, Sikkens Cetol   (Home Depot & Lowes)
  • Frames   (Amazon)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • Barb Barb on Oct 14, 2017

    What are the desription/name of the frames? I can't seem to find them on Amazon


  • NCbulldoglover NCbulldoglover on Oct 14, 2017

    Love this. Exactly what is the name of the frame on Amazon so I don't have to spend a day looking them up?

  • Cheryl Biermann Cheryl Biermann on Oct 17, 2017

    Are these metal or plastic? Thanks.

Comments
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3 of 33 comments
  • Joebearhawaii Joebearhawaii on Oct 17, 2017

    Jean, good for you. Have fun nd enjoy..don't forget to either route or sand the first run of wood that hits under your leg to get the edge smooth...

  • Debra Learn Debra Learn on Feb 09, 2018

    Thanks so much for the inspiration. The chair is done and hubby is putting the bench together.

    • Joebearhawaii Joebearhawaii on Feb 09, 2018
      Good for you. It's an ez project, and doesn't break the bank! Plus, you can always take it apart and redo it with another color..change it up a bit!
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