2x4 Outdoor Chair

Attach an arm rest across two legs with the 2-3/4" screws, two per joint. Build two identical frames — clamp them together and compare before moving on.

Screw the middle support between the legs of each arm frame per the diagram. This rail is what the seat frame lands on, so its height sets your seat height — check it against the cushion stack you're planning.

Add the second middle support directly underneath the first — two screws per end, plus two driven down from the top edge of the upper board into it. The doubled rail turns a shelf into a beam.

Assemble the seat frame rectangle with 2-3/4" screws, two per end. Square it by matching diagonals.

Fasten the seat frame between the two arm assemblies with four screws per side — spread as far apart as the joint allows, top/bottom and end to end, and drive them at slightly different angles. Wide spacing resists the pry; opposing angles resist the pull. This joint carries the sitter, so give it all four screws.

Pocket holes shine here if you have the jig. If not, use the plan's hand technique: start each screw nearly perpendicular about 1" from the board end, and once the threads bite, tip the driver to 45° and finish into the meeting board. Two screws per end, lower support first so the drill still fits in the opening.

Lay out the slats with even spacing and screw down, two screws per end. Sand, touch up the finish on cut ends, drop the cushions in, and go test the recline with something cold.