First project--Adirondack chairs

Overall you’re pleased? These are freakin’ gorgeous! What kind of wood is that?

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Thank you! It’s actually Popular. I found out later, that popular isn’t exactly an outdoor wood. They’re holding up well outside. Looking back, I should have used Cypress. Rookie mistakes. Besides cypress, is there another wood to use for outdoor projects?

-- cpernisi

Man I feel relaxed just looking at these let alone sitting in one.
Great job and as what Charlie said. What type of wood?
Very nice

I agree with Charlie, I hope my first project comes out anywhere near that nice!! Well Done!! Oh, and what issue were those plans in? Those are some nice looking chairs.

-- Dave, Colonie, NY

very nice. just keep them slathered in spar finish. teak, redwood and cedar are good outdoor woods. teak is $$$. but you can get away without a finish. personally i like popular. worked well for you i see.

-- david roberts, houston area, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but that has never been a problem for me."

Thanks Jeff. I used popular.

-- cpernisi

ralmand is my father-in-law and he has the plan book. I’ll check with him and get back with you sikrap.

-- cpernisi

spar finish… thanks David, I’ll have to give that a try. I just used a stain and some outdoor poly. It’s already flaking off. But they’re getting a cool rustic look now.

-- cpernisi

They look real comfortable! Great job on the finish though, popular is sometimes very hard to finish. Well, in my case. :p

-- Hold on! Let me get the board stretcher!

Very, Very nice. Great for a first project.

-- Don, Pittsburgh

white oak is another option for an outdoor wood.
great looking chairs, especially for a first project!

can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

-- www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com

wow poplar that stained very evenly and lovely. Nice work man. Im not a fan of adarondack chairs but yours look very nice. I am now starting the dock chair that is in the new issue of Popular Woodworking or is that poplar woodworking(J/K). Sorry to be an ass!

-- My philosophy: Somewhere between Norm and Roy

I’m thinking about starting to call B.S. on some of these “first projects”

Not necessarily because I don’t believe it, but because I should just quit right now if people are building things this nice as novices. Beautiful chairs, man. LOL about “popular” wood.

-- "It's a good thing my woodworking is done afterhours so my 2 year old daughter can't hear the swearing."

These are really nice chairs well done.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

Those are great looking chairs. I love the natural finish on them. Thanks for showing your work and keep it up!

-- -- Rob Hix, King George, VA

even outdoor poly will crack due to low flexability. wood moves a lot outdoors and you will need a flexable finish like marine exterior spar varnish that can stand the expansion and contraction. runs about $35 or so a quart, which is all you need. it is kinda soft and a bit shiny but you can buff it out with 0000 synthetic steel wool, such as a 3M pad. they really look first class. i love adirondack chairs and i have a collection of about 100 different pictures and plans. i like beach type chairs in general. i’ve made a few also. great projects. but in all honesty, i like the old faded look just as much. one other note, make sure you seal the bottom of the legs, the end grain, really good. on wet days, water will wick up the legs and before long, you have the old rotted look.

-- david roberts, houston area, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but that has never been a problem for me."

First project and you’re pleased? Those chairs are beautiful! It looks more like a 50th project! Oh, and welcome to LJ’s!

-- Brad, Oregon- Wood, it's what's for dinner.

Great chairs! Welcome to LJ.
I don`t post very often, but I like to log on every day to see and read
about all the projects and just see how much talent there is out there.
Looking foward to seeing more of your projects.

-- ''Carry on my wayward son''

I think you did really well, being your first project.

Beautiful!!

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

There is nothing wrong with this first effort….good job.

-- I will just keep doing it till I get it right.

I agree with Charlie
f* gorgeous

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

Outstanding! Love the details on the edges too. A fantastic first. Keep up the good work. Besides the woods mentioned you can also use white oak outdoors, which I’m told holds up well outdoors (haven’t tried it myself).

-- Mike, American in Norway

Welcome, great first project.

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com

everyone has some artistic abaility and just needs to give it a stretch from time to time.So did it turn out good I would say astoundingly yes well done again keep up the good work.Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Great looking furniture, super first project.

They look like they are under cover. That alone will prolong their life.

-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.

I will look for the magazine when I get home this evening. My son in law loaned it me awhile back..I just have not gotten around to building my own. But they are VERY nice!
I will post the edition here in this section for those interested.

-- Randy, Allen Texas

I have the plans that I can email for my son in law. If you would like to have them, send a private message. I am ralmand on this website.

-- Randy, Allen Texas

As Tony the Tiger would say, They’re GGGGGGGGGGGGGGREAT. Love the color. Nice first project!!!

-- Rick

Nice work for your first project.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Wow! I am totally envious. These are the most beautiful Adirondack chairs I have ever seen. For outdoor projects, some of your best woods are Cedar, Cypress, Redwood and Teak. Marine Spar varnish is an excellent finish for outdoor use as it retains some flexibility. You will need to maintain them each year, but that isn’t such a huge taks. It is the type of finish used on boats for exposed wood so it last longer than other types of finishes.

Amazing work. These are truly beautiful. I love the design.

-- Trent Tidmore, Grapevine, TX

Yeah, I agree, 1st project and your please. They do look great.

-- Janice

Very very nice chairs

-- "Not skilled enough to wipe jam on toast!"