In this video, Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor build a classic Adirondack chair. Tom demonstrates how to build an Adirondack chair by using a template and a project plan.
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General contractor, Tom Silva, and host, Kevin O’Connor build an Adirondack chair. These iconic outdoor lawn chairs originated in the Adirondack region of New York in the early 1900’s, the original design has been redesigned and reimagined ever since. Tom demonstrates how to build an Adirondack chair by using a template and a project plan. He chose to modify the plan slightly and make his chairs out of pressure-treated lumber so it will weather nicely and keep the chair sturdy. Tom and Kevin must cut a variety of pieces that will eventually make up the chair. Due to the unique shape of an Adirondack chair, each cut will require different tools and measurements, this is why Tom chose to use a template. While the process of building an Adirondack chair can be a lot of work, the finished product is well worth it.
Time: 4-6 hours
Cost: $100 +
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools:
Bandsaw [amzn.to/3bDvFDS]
Router table [amzn.to/3oLOatp]
Table saw [amzn.to/2XIxQh6]
Miter saw [amzn.to/3bRuKQz]
180 grit sandpaper [amzn.to/3oK9Ia0]
Shopping List:
Adirondack chair template [bit.ly/3bDgCdg]
5/4-inch x 6 foot PT lumber [thd.co/3nK536o]
Coarse-thread screws [amzn.to/3srqNYj]
Where to find it?
Tom used the Classic Adirondack Chair Template and Project Plan from Rockler (www.rockler.com/) to figure out how to make all the different cuts. The plan comes with cardboard templates for the different pieces of the chair and some project plans to use as a guide.
Tom built the chair out of 5/4-inch x 6 foot pressure treated decking material [thd.co/3nK536o], which can be found at any home center or lumber yard. Any rot-resistant lumber would also work well for an Adirondack chair.
To cut and shape the boards, Tom used a combination of a 1-HP Steel Frame Bandsaw [amzn.to/3bDvFDS] from Delta Machinery (deltamachinery.com/), a router table, and an Industrial Table Saw from SawStop (www.sawstop.com/).
The other tools and materials Tom and Kevin used to build the chair, including exterior rated screws and drill drivers, can all be found at home centers.
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Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
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