I can still taste the salt on the breeze from last July. Sawdust stuck to my arms while the stereo played low. I cut the final slat and fit it then felt that sweet snap when wood meets wood without gaps. Right then the simple idea of wood beach chairs turned into the seat my kids now fight over. You can grab that same moment today. Keep reading.
Why choose wood beach chairs
Wood sits cool even in noon heat. It smells good near the sea. You can fix it with a hand saw if a part breaks. Store it flat then slide it in the trunk and stroll to the shore. Build one once, use it for years.
- Natural look fits any coast scene*
- Weight stays light enough for one hand*
- Seat rides at knee height for easy rise*
- Flat pack design saves car room*
- Personal projects feel unique and carry memories*
Core numbers that shape comfort
- Seat height about nine inches
- Back tilt near thirty seven degrees
- Depth around eighteen inches
- Load goal two hundred fifty pounds
Stick close to those and you land in the sweet spot for most bodies.
Pick your lumber
- Cedar feels light and resists rot
- White oak holds heavy guests
- Pine costs less but begs for strong sealer
- Teak stands tall in salt spray yet drains the wallet
Look for straight grain. Skip boards with deep knots.
Fasteners and finish list
- Exterior screws inch and one quarter long for slats
- Exterior screws two inches long for rails
- Waterproof wood glue
- Marine spar varnish for clear gloss
- Stainless washers if parts pivot
Carry this in one trip from the store.
Tool lineup
- Hand saw or miter saw
- Drill with countersink tip
- Random orbital sander
- Tape measure and square
- Two clamps
- Eye and ear guards
No fancy station needed.
Cut plan for the two piece chair
Seat frame:
- Rails two pieces of two by two at twenty three inches
- Stretchers two pieces of two by two at eighteen and a half inches
- Six slats from one by three at eighteen and a half inches
Back frame:
- Rails two pieces of two by two at thirty inches
- Stretchers two pieces of two by two at eighteen and a half inches
- Seven slats from one by three at eighteen and a half inches
Support parts:
- Cleats two pieces of one by two at twelve inches
- Props two pieces of one by two at sixteen inches
Cut slow. Keep ends square.
Build steps
Mill and sand
Plane rough faces if needed. Sand to one hundred fifty grit. Knock off sharp edges. Touch every face. You will feel the difference later.
Make the seat frame
Layout the rectangle and clamp it. Glue joints and drive two screws at each corner. Check for square with a tape from corner to corner.
Add seat slats
Mark half inch gaps with a scrap stick. Pre drill holes to stop splits. Glue and screw each slat. Seat now feels solid.
Build the back frame
Repeat the frame steps then add the seven slats. Keep the same gap for smooth look.
Attach cleats
Flip the back panel. Glue and screw cleats near its bottom slat. Space them so the seat frame slides in snug.
Fit support props
Screw the sixteen inch props behind the back. They hold the recline angle in sand. Use wingnuts if you want to fold them.
Sit and tweak
Slide the seat in. Try it. If the lean feels steep shave the front rail bevel a bit. You now own a working wood beach chair.
Fabric sling option
Love fabric feel. Swap slats for a simple cloth sling.
Cut list for twenty four inch width:
- Back legs two pieces of one by two at thirty two inches
- Front legs two pieces of one by two at twenty inches
- Top cross bar one by two at twenty three inches
- Seat bars two pieces of one by two at twenty three inches
- Fabric panel twenty inches by fifty four inches with pocket hems
Steps:
- Drill pivot holes twelve inches up each leg.
- Bolt front and back legs with five sixteenth inch bolts plus washers.
- Screw top bar to back legs.
- Screw seat bars to front legs.
- Slide fabric over bars.
- Test angles by moving rear seat bar spot.
This chair folds flatter than the slat model and rides light on long walks.
Fit and feel notes
Seat height at nine inches spares knees. Back lean near thirty seven degrees keeps spine happy. Slight crown on slats lifts pressure from thighs.
Weather guard
Sand parts to one hundred fifty grit. Wipe down with a damp cloth then sand to two twenty. Brush on thin varnish cut with ten percent mineral spirits. Let dry then scuff with three twenty grit. Add two more coats. These coats ensure long life in salt air. Wait a day between coats. The chair will glow like wet amber.
Cost and time
Cedar fence pickets and two by two sticks add up to about fifteen dollars. First build may take five hours. Second takes three. Cut parts in batches for a family set.
Frequent questions
- What wood lasts longest near salt*
Teak wins yet cedar wins on price.
- How much weight can this seat carry*
Correct joinery gives two hundred fifty pound support.
- Should I store the chair outside*
Dry shade adds years.
- Which screws work best*
Stainless or ceramic coated screws fight rust.
Quick fixes
Slat splits, drill pilot holes first.
Seat feels flat, add a small wedge under the rear stretcher.
Back flexes, add a diagonal brace.
Finish looks dull, wipe clean and brush a fresh coat.
Wrap up
You hold every step to craft wood beach chairs that stand up to sun sand and stories. The build stays friendly for first time wood lovers. Give the joints utmost care during assembly. Grab a cedar picket then cut clean then screw tight then finish smooth then head for the shore. Snap a photo when you sit back. That grin will match mine from last July. This guide grew from trial on the sand at Cape May and from chats with carpenters at the local yard. Each tip came from splinters and sunrise tests.