Woodwo k e g a c a r Proj eets for Relaxing, Cooking, Entertaining & Gardening SHADY OAK PRESS MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA Contents Introduction ......., .........................'.....6" , Basic Adirondack Chair ..........., . .... 8 , I Advanced Adirondack Chair ...... 14, I, , , Patio Tab;le & Chairs .......' . .. 22. . " , 1••'• • •• •• • • I j Tiletop BBQ Cent~r""""" " " ........~ ..:30 '" Frame-style Sandbox .................... 40 J. ' I I ' Breeze~ay q oot Bench ....,. .... ,. ........46 , , , :Pi'c. nicI Table & Benches .............. ... 54 ' , . 1" t r , . r.............. ~aytripper Ch!air ...:.j. .".. 62 Dayt~ipper' Table...; . ...... ~ 68 ' <•••••••••••• : ••••• , ' . ,I ,' . ' , ' Porch Gilder ..........•.... ~ ......... ,. ....... 76 Planters...................... ;. ........ , ..... , ..•.. 88 ', Potting Bench ....... '. .........•........... .; . . 96 I Art Deco Hammock Stand.......... 106 , < , Sun Lounger ~.; ...... ;. ... 114­ I ,I • •' ••••• • •••••• •• • • Woven- Wood Deck, Chair..:. ........ 124 Utility Cart ............ , ..................... 13'2 , Basic Carden BenCh ..:.:.~li ,' .. :. ..... :140 I' Formp,/ 'Garden Bench .'.1....... / ... 148 ' • j ' I ' " INDEI JX ...:; ...................... ),. .. 'j'.........158 I Potting Bench (96) Frame-st yle Sandbox (40) - Introduction IMPORTANT NOTICE Wood projects designed for outdoor use tend to be rugged For your safety, caution and and sturdy, utilizing simple joinery techniques and able good judgment should be used to withstand extreme changes in temperature and humidity. when following instructions Building outdoor projects can be a great way to develop and described in this book. Take practice woodworking skills, while at the same time creating into consideration your level of attractive pieces that you and your family will use for years skill and the safety precautions to come. related to the tools and materi­ In Woodworking for the Backyard, you'll find 18 outdoor pro­ als shown. Neither the pub­ jects that cover a diverse range of styles and levels of lisher, Shady Oak Press, nor complexity. Some projects are quite basic, and well within the capability of all woodworkers; others are more refined, meant any of its affiliates can assume for sheltered spaces like porches and breezeways and requiring responsibility for any damage a higher level of woodworking skills for successful completion. to property or persons as a Each project includes a beautiful photograph of the finished result of the misuse of the piece, complete cutting and shopping lists, detailed plan information provided. consult drawings, clear color photographs of key points in the building your local building department process and straightforward step-by-step instructions. Before for information on permits, you dive right into making your first project, we encourage you codes, regulations and laws to review the following two pages, where we've highlighted that may apply to your project. information that will provide a helpful introduction to choosing, joining and finishing wood for outdoor projects. SUITABLE WOODS FOR OUTDOOR PROJECTS Outdoor wood furniture can survive for many years in the elements, but the kind of wood you use will influence the longevity of your project. A number of wood species contain natural oils that make them more resistant to rotting, insect infestation and degradation from ultraviolet sunlight than other woods. Weather-resistant woods we use for projects featured in this book include Western red cedar, white oak and Honduras mahogany. Other excel­ lent wood choices for outdoor projects include red­ wood, teak and cypress, but these varieties are harder to find in many areas of the United States Naturally weather-resistant woods include, from left to right, and can be quite expensive. redwood, cedar, white oak and teak. Wood products like treated lumber and exte­ rior-grade plywood are also good options for out­ Other less weather-durable woods, like red oak door projects, but you'll probably want to reserve and pine, can be used for outdoor projects as well, ( le:3e woods for projects you plan to paint. Treated but these woods must be topcoated thoroughly tUIll _ r is p 'essure-infused with chemicals that with primer and paint or other UV protective m~ :~ --1;:." Ct - and moisture-resistant. Exterior­ sealers. It's a good idea to keep projects made ' 5 made with waterproof glue, so from these woods in an area sheltered from mois­ .:na ing when it comes into contact ture or direct ground contact and store them inside during seasons when they aren't in use. 6 STEP 1: Drill a counterbored pilot hole STEP 2: Drive the screw into the hole until STEP 3: Trim any protruding portion of deep enough into the wood so the coun­ it stops at the bottom of the counterbore. the wood plug flush with the surrounding terbored portion of the hole can accom­ Glue and insert a wood plug cut from the wood using a flush-trimming handsaw. modate both the screw head and a plug_ same wood species or from a piece of dowel. Then sand the plug area smooth. COUNTERBORING & PLUGGING One way to refine the look of outdoor furniture is to conceal screw heads with wood plugs. Wood plugs also keep galvanized screws sealed from moisture, which can otherwise cause them to react with woods like white oak and cedar over time, producing black stains. Counterboring and plugging are used on several projects in this book. To install wood plugs, drill pilot holes for the screws with a counterbore bit. The counterbore portion of the hole needs to be deep enough to fit both the countersunk screw head and the wood plug. Then bore wood plugs with a plug cutter in a drill press and cut them out with a band saw (See this technique on page 156). Glue and insert the plugs and sand smooth. Exterior-grade latex primers and paints have come a long way In Wood preservatives with UV additives (left) are often sold as terms of durability, and they are easier to clean up than oil-based deck finishes and offer a couple years' worth of protection. Spar paints. Use primer with a stain blocker to seal woods like cedar varnish (right) provides an even tougher moisture seal. that are prone to bleed oils through a painted finish. CHOOSING AN OUTDOOR WOOD FINISH It's a good idea to topcoat even weather-resistant woods as a final project step, especially if you want to retain the wood's natural color. Without a UV protective finish, woods like cedar and mahogany will turn a harmless silvery gray color, which may not achieve the look you're after for your project. Apply several coats of a clear or tinted penetrating water-repellent preservative with ultraviolet inhibitors and a mildewcide, or use marine-grade spar varnish, a favorite of boat builders. Plan (Q recoat annually for projects that are kept outside all the time. The other route to take for exterior finishes is to use a premium-quality latex primer followed by multiple coats of exterior latex p, iot. 7 Basic Adirondack Chair N o piece of outdoor furniture conjures up an image of elegance and rugged outdoor comfort quite like the Adirondack chair. There are many variations of this American classic. This design features a straightforward concept and easy-to-work materials for a satisfying project that can be built in a day, yet provide years of enjoyment. 8