I’m looking into building some chairs for our sunroom. We had an inexpensive couch that had to be removed! Considering building two chairs, with cushions as comfort is a focus. Would love to see any links to projects or pictures (or plans) that you all have built that aren’t “too” complicated (tried to do a search without much success). My husband is a bit worried about trying to do the cushions/upholstery, but I feel if I build the frame, he can deal with that part.
Ross Leidy has some fantastic chairs for patio use. They can be considered complex, but taking his step by step approach makes them worthy projects.
Of course there are also a lot of more traditional lounge type chair projects (search on Adirondack) on this site which can be made from lumber yard type supplies.
you could Adirondack and put cushion on them https://www.amazon.com/FUNBERRY-Adirondack-Cushions-Outdoor-Improved/dp/B0C5D9H7SY/ref=sr_1_6?asc_campaign=d069222cb4fc5a7bbdc984dfa1958b21&asc_source=01GTER1X19F274KT48MCTDGTQG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5hGu8ZKCYnTXM5S8eBv9wNfpmvl1NI i personally dont think they are to comfortable but my trouble is getting out of them when in them im happy
I think the chair Ross built would be beyond my ability (although that Z-chair is really neat). Our "sunroom" is actually a room we added that is part of our house, just lots of big windows so I don't think Adirondack chairs would be a fit as they have an outdoor feel (and I agree that comfort can really vary). As I look some more, potentially a Morris chair....
Love a Morris chair, and there are miles of good plans out there, and resources to roll your own. I really like Bob Langs books, and he covers what needs to be covered very well, with pics
My husband is worried about the cushions. I don't see that it should be too hard. Interested if anyone has upholstered their own cushions - any factors to consider?
Another dying breed due to throw away everything, but back when there used to be upholsterers all over the place.
You might want to check to see how much a couple of professionally fit cushion sets would cost ya. This is what I did centuries ago when I made a Shaker settee, and a few Morris chairs. I got good grade leather for not much more than some fake leather junk would have cost me.
GeorgeWest- guessing hiring out would end up being pretty costly (if we could find anyone). And, seems like whenever I have to rely on someone else, I'm disappointed. Likely part of my high expectations, but also suspect our "throw away" society is part of the picture. Often buying new isn't much fun as quality for the price is lacking. If I make this myself, I'll only have me to blame!
If you lived in my area (Plano, TX), I have a good upholsterer who has made some excellent cushions for us and the price was fairly reasonable IMO. You have to buy your own fabric which is where the cost comes. If you check with work rooms used by interior designers, sometimes they sell remnant rolls that are enough to do one or two chairs.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
Lazyman - thanks for that link. Not sure I like the numerous slats on the side and the angled arm rest. I'm thinking a simpler design, although after watching some videos I'm getting nervous about all the mortise and tendon connections.
No where near Texas, so will see what options I can find locally if we don't try it ourselves.
You can always the slats on the side to this look. It is available from Woodsmith too but is actually from a Popular Woodworking article. I like this Stickley look better myself. The nice thing about the plans that come from Woodsmith Magazine is that they are very detailed and most people with decent woodworking skill (and tools) can follow their instructions. In the magazine issues where their plans originate, there is often an article about how to make some of the joinery and sometimes a jig or tool you can make to simplify them. The mortises will probably require some sort of mortising jig unless you want to muscle through doing them manually. In some cases loose mortises or just dowels will substitute. It is possible with care to just use a router table. From ShopNotes article:
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
That would make it easy, but a router table is far more versatile, even a hand held router with a good jig would make quick work for far less $
Long strips with slats can also be done bu routing a mortise thickness down its length, then installing flush rectangular strips into the dado between the slats. If you match up the wood color, you'll never know 😬
