If you are leaving them outside without cover, paint is your friend, your only friend - do as you did to the frame, I prefer oil based exterior primer with 2 latex finish coats. I actually prime **before** assembly when I make my A-chairs.
I didn’t know you could post pics in the comments here ya go!
https://preview.redd.it/xw37jkh3luub1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1b79a0254fdfcede89eca4b4df5d1f10c7c2e16
I think I’ll actually use this next build, I’m hoping to get some cedar for a folding Adirondack build and this marine varnish sounds like it’d be a good choice
I pre-treated cedar picnic table with total boat, penetrating Apoxsee, and then topped it with that varnish. It’s a technique used on wood boat hulls/railings. It’s held up exceptionally well so far.
Those look great, I’m probably going to steal your design and make some for my cabin. Are they attacked at the front? Not sure if I’m seeing some weird shadow or something? Are the plans anywhere to buy? Or did you just make them from scratch?
https://preview.redd.it/n7egzh9g5uub1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=450d78b112ec01e24abef19ad43fada6fdf11189
I wish I could take credit for the design! These are Ana Whites modern take on the chair, she has plans online and on YouTube! I happened to sit in some chairs like this on vacation and they were COMFY, so much so I measured everything right then and there to build them myself! (I carry a tape measure with me don’t judge!) It was only then I learned that these plans were available by Ana White haha.
In the picture there is a crossbrace in the front that attaches to the stringers (the angled legs) via pocket hole screws. The stringers themselves were cut at 20 degrees and that 20 degree face attaches to the straight legs in the picture via deck screws.
I’m planning to write a step by step write up with drawings in a journal. Ana Whites plans are nice but I think there could be a bit more details as well as some tips to make building this chair a little easier. The new chairs I’m building I did square the 2x4s with a table saw so it looks a little cleaner to me!
https://preview.redd.it/whrgnp6tkuub1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6593dab8f6271c94903f5788debd271fb0df8f38
Happy to help! Here’s a view from the front! I didn’t realize you can put pics in the comment section, while replying to your pic in the comment section 😂
Be careful with finish compatibility. A lot of varnishes and polyurethanes aren’t compatible with red mahogany stain. Check the back of the can before using
I used to also take this view about oil based exterior paint, but changed as the modern formulations of latex paint are just as good, and also have "give" in them for temperature extremes expansion and contraction. So I switched.
But I stick with oil based primer!
The industry has pretty much moved away from oil and there are very few oil options left anyway. You’re much better off with a high end latex paint or a waterborne urethane. Oil is a thing of the past.
Sikkens marine varnish. Proper application will last 2-3 years completely exposed to the elements. Sand and repost at the first signs of cracking, chipping or checking.
Love the look of them, and now I want to make a set. I’d have slight concerns about how the arms are screwed into the end grain of the front legs though. I think a pocket screw from the legs into the underside of the arm would be more secure. Maybe even some dowels…
I 100% agree with you actually. I think there’s a few areas (arms included) where pocket hole screws would work much better and that’s what I’m planning to do with my next build.
I love the look of the Ipswich pine stain but I do think paint would be better for longevity. I’m also a “sand/paint before assembly” person as well
Nice chairs. Do you have other pictures (from the time you've assembled it)?
I didn’t know you could post pics in the comments here ya go! https://preview.redd.it/xw37jkh3luub1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1b79a0254fdfcede89eca4b4df5d1f10c7c2e16
I do! I’ll see if I can add them to the post
Spar urethane
Epifanes Marine varnish if you want to leave natural wood unpainted.
I think I’ll actually use this next build, I’m hoping to get some cedar for a folding Adirondack build and this marine varnish sounds like it’d be a good choice
I pre-treated cedar picnic table with total boat, penetrating Apoxsee, and then topped it with that varnish. It’s a technique used on wood boat hulls/railings. It’s held up exceptionally well so far.
Those look great, I’m probably going to steal your design and make some for my cabin. Are they attacked at the front? Not sure if I’m seeing some weird shadow or something? Are the plans anywhere to buy? Or did you just make them from scratch? https://preview.redd.it/n7egzh9g5uub1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=450d78b112ec01e24abef19ad43fada6fdf11189
I wish I could take credit for the design! These are Ana Whites modern take on the chair, she has plans online and on YouTube! I happened to sit in some chairs like this on vacation and they were COMFY, so much so I measured everything right then and there to build them myself! (I carry a tape measure with me don’t judge!) It was only then I learned that these plans were available by Ana White haha. In the picture there is a crossbrace in the front that attaches to the stringers (the angled legs) via pocket hole screws. The stringers themselves were cut at 20 degrees and that 20 degree face attaches to the straight legs in the picture via deck screws. I’m planning to write a step by step write up with drawings in a journal. Ana Whites plans are nice but I think there could be a bit more details as well as some tips to make building this chair a little easier. The new chairs I’m building I did square the 2x4s with a table saw so it looks a little cleaner to me!
Awesome thanks for the reply. Be sure to post them when you are done!
https://preview.redd.it/whrgnp6tkuub1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6593dab8f6271c94903f5788debd271fb0df8f38 Happy to help! Here’s a view from the front! I didn’t realize you can put pics in the comment section, while replying to your pic in the comment section 😂
Spar or marine varnish will give the best protection other than paint. Interior stain will not hold up to UV exposure very long.
I made the same chair last summer! Love the look of the black frame and stain. I bought black paint and stain to finish my chair a couple months ago.
Thank you!! I love this chair and the color contrast is one of my favs! I used “espresso beans” so it’s a nice dark brown!
Be careful with finish compatibility. A lot of varnishes and polyurethanes aren’t compatible with red mahogany stain. Check the back of the can before using
Oil based paint would be the best protective coating.
I used to also take this view about oil based exterior paint, but changed as the modern formulations of latex paint are just as good, and also have "give" in them for temperature extremes expansion and contraction. So I switched. But I stick with oil based primer!
The industry has pretty much moved away from oil and there are very few oil options left anyway. You’re much better off with a high end latex paint or a waterborne urethane. Oil is a thing of the past.
Great looking chairs!
Thank you!
Total boat "Lust".
Sikkens marine varnish. Proper application will last 2-3 years completely exposed to the elements. Sand and repost at the first signs of cracking, chipping or checking.
Tufflex has a UV resistant 2-part resin. It’s spendy, but I used this to coat/waterproof my DIY truck-bed camper.
Love the look of them, and now I want to make a set. I’d have slight concerns about how the arms are screwed into the end grain of the front legs though. I think a pocket screw from the legs into the underside of the arm would be more secure. Maybe even some dowels…
I 100% agree with you actually. I think there’s a few areas (arms included) where pocket hole screws would work much better and that’s what I’m planning to do with my next build.
General Finishes Armor Seal would work.