DIY A Wood Sunbed That Is Better Than Anything You Could Buy

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Warm sunny weather calls for a comfortable spot to lounge outside. Home and garden stores are filled with patio chairs, but the high-quality models are always so pricey and the cheap options can be flimsy. One way to overcome these hurdles is to DIY your own wooden outdoor chair that rivals anything from a big box store using planks, nails, and a little elbow grease — without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

The base of this project is a simple wood box. In fact, when you start, it looks something like a short raised garden bed. The recliner part comes in with a nifty raised back using smaller wood pieces as supports (that high school geometry is finally useful for something). The finished project can be lined with store-bought or handmade cushions for a perfect, comfortable spot to enjoy your outdoor living space and soak up some rays.

You need to gather a few supplies to begin assembling your own DIY sun lounger. The most important elements are the 2x6, 2x2, and 2x1 boards you choose. You also require a saw, hammer, nails, and wood glue. Pick up some comfy-looking padding to top the chair, such as the Moonase patio chaise cushion. Choose a pattern or pop of color that brings your outdoor space to life for heavy-duty lawn chairs that add style to your backyard.

With materials prepped, it's time to do some carpentry. Measure and cut your widest boards so there's a 6-by-2-foot foundation (adjust this based on the height of the tallest user). The seat slats should be 2 feet wide and made with the 2x1s while the 2x2s are cut into 6-inch segments to fit into the four interior corners of the frame. The reclining portion is a separate 2-by-3-foot piece bordered by 2x1 boards (again, this varies based on how tall you are). Connect the headrest with two angled 2x1 pieces of wood, cutting the angle depending on how much or little you like to recline. Secure the project with wood glue and nails, then sand it to remove sharp edges. Now you have a sturdy wood sunbed made with your body's measurements in mind. All that's left to do is personalize your creation.

Customizing the look of your new lawn chair offers a chance to tie it in with the rest of your outdoor aesthetic. Start by taking the basic finish to the next level with stain or paint, and play around with the overall design of the lounger. Add armrests with scrap wood you have, or build the leg rest on a separate frame and add it with hinges on one side so it can open to store everything from sunscreen to pool toys.

As you evolve this project to suit your style standards, there's also longevity and the longterm effect of the elements to consider. Coating the wood with an outdoor sealant, such as Olympic WaterGuard spray or Tenee tung oil, ensures your hard work doesn't go to waste.  Whatever changes and upgrades you make, you have an affordable, high-quality chaise lounge to spend many sunny days on, and you'll be the only one on the block with yours while everyone else is out on cookie-cutter Costco models.