I'm considering building the outdoor chaise lounge from Ana White's plans, which my girlfriend and I think would be perfect for our backyard. I've only built a dumbbell stand, so this will be my first bigger project. I've heard mixed feelings about her plans, but I'm curious if anyone thinks they're suitable for a beginner like me. Are there any potential issues or safety concerns I should know about? What wood do you recommend using? She suggests hem fir, but I'm open to suggestions. Also, what type of stain would work best since we plan to cover the furniture? Just for context, we live in a really hot area in the summer, over 100°F, and winter lows around 40°F.
1 Answer
For a beginner, tackling that chaise lounge is totally doable! Just a heads up, the 2x4s you find might not have perfectly square corners—most construction grade lumber these days has rounded edges. If that bothers you, consider checking a hardwood supply for better options. As for keeping it outside, I recommend using Spar Urethane as a finish for better water protection. You can stain or paint it any shade you like first, just remember that the urethane might change the final color a bit, so testing it on a scrap piece is a good idea.