I'm planning to build a folding Adirondack chair from plans I got from Rockler. I've been putting off the build while accumulating some tools, but now I'm stuck deciding on the best wood to use. The plans don't specify recommended wood species, but I need something that holds up outdoors since these chairs will mostly stay outside. I live in the Midwest and can bring them indoors during harsh weather, although I might forget to do that sometimes. For the chair, I need 3 pieces of 1x8x8, 1 piece of 2x6x8, and 1 piece of 2x8x10.
I've read that western red cedar is often recommended for outdoor furniture, but I can't find it locally. A shop near me suggested Ipe or white oak, but I'm concerned about their weight and difficulty to work with. Big box stores have some red cedar for decking but not in the sizes I need.
I'm also considering just grabbing some construction lumber from a big box store to test out the plans. For the finish, I'm leaning towards using polyurethane with UV protectant, but I haven't researched that much. Can anyone recommend wood species or finishes for these chairs?
4 Answers
Definitely go for a rot-resistant wood like red cedar or cypress. When it comes to finishes, it’s all about finding what suits you and your needs. Don't stress too much over it—just find a finish that's easy to apply and will do the job well. Check out some guides from woodworking channels like Stumpy Nubs for some good tips!
Just a heads-up: a "natural" finish like spar varnish can suffer from UV damage over time. It requires a full stripping to refinish, which is a hassle. Cypress is great with an oil finish that can be maintained easily. You can also leave it raw, which looks nice too. Just keep in mind you might need to order it online and mill it down to size.
Menards in your area should have red cedar available. I also suggest looking into eastern white cedar as it’s a good alternative. Personally, I’d go with white oak if you're planning to keep the chairs in one spot.
Cypress or white cedar could be great choices for you too. As for the finish, marine-grade spar varnish is a solid option for outdoor furniture.
Totally agree! I just built a Rockler chair using red cedar from Menards. Had to order the 2x8 at the counter, but it was worth it!