7 DIY Lifeguard Chair Plans You Can Build

Having a lifeguard chair helps in maintaining the safety of your local pools/beaches. For this reason, building a DIY lifeguard chair will always be a worthy investment of both time and effort.

Some people may ask if it’s better to buy one, but a commercial lifeguard chair is deceptively pricey.

That is why we prepare these 7 DIY lifeguard chair plans with varying challenges for you.

1. DIY Lifeguard Chair From My Outdoor Plans

First of all, this plan only consists of 2x4s. So, it is an ideal starting project for woodworking beginners.

After all, you won’t need to struggle with a multitude of differently-sized planks. That is why the time necessary is only one day.

This plan focuses the most on being structurally sound.

The front legs are slightly cut at 75 degrees on both ends, ensuring that they can stabilize easier when you fix them into the frame.

Also, the seat has a middle supporting piece so that the planks put on top of it do not crack down the middle under high pressure.

The supports for the backrest have a specific 15-degree angle cut. With this angle, the backrest has a comfortable slope for the lifeguard to relax fully.

Project details: myoutdoorplans.com

2. DIY Lifeguard Chair From Recycled Lumber

The idea behind this project is to build a strong lifeguard chair out of the cheapest materials possible. For that reason, recycled lumber is the main material and easy to find.

Unlike most lifeguard chair projects, this one starts with the backrest, not the base.

From then, you can figure out the seat’s size and the frame. Doing so leaves you lots of freedom to decide on the space.

This project also makes use of the usual X-shape support system. It consists of 2 supporting pieces crossing each other and nailed together.

As such, it can increase add strength and rigidity to the chair.

Project details: instructables.com

3. Build A Lifeguard Beach Chair

The special thing about this project is that you can customize its height depending on your needs. Depending on your needs, you can build the chair at 72 inches and more.

You need to cut the legs according to the desired length, and the stability of the chair will stay the same.

For this plan, you will build a 36-inch chair. The angle can decide the seat size. With 36-inch legs at 80 degrees mean your seat will be 20 inches in depth and 24 inches in width.

Of course, a tall lifeguard chair needs a ladder for you to climb up, and this project provides a quick and efficient solution.

Simply build one by cutting out 24-inch 2x4s and screw it into the front legs at each halfway point.

Next, you need the seat, which can be built by assembling 5 24-inch 1x4s on top of the base. To ensure that the seat is stable and strong, remember to use 1 1/4″ screws.

Finally, assemble part backrest, sides front and back corners, and armrests of the chair. You are done!

Project details: sportsrec.com

4. DIY Lifeguard Stands Plan By Suzy Homesteader

The first thing you will notice about this project is that it is huge. The whole thing takes up a 4×5 feet area. As such, it provides the sitter with ample space for resting while observing.

Of course, the support pieces must be stronger than normal to support such a huge seat. That is why you will use 2x6s and 2x4s for this project.

After all, the smaller materials lack sufficient structural integrity while the larger ones are too heavy.

Another special aspect of this stand is its ladder, which also serves to stabilize the whole stand.

The high length also means that the chair is most suitable for large-scale swimming pools.

5. DIY Tall Adirondack Chair By April Wilkerson

This plan specifically asks that you use cedar to ensure that the chair can last a while under the harsh outdoor environment.

You will start with the seat by tracing its support template, then the slats, attach them together with waterproof glue and stainless steel screws.

Remember to not leave the slats in an overhanging position, or else they will get in the way later.

Next, you work on the base assembly, which will be built with the help of wooden joints and wood glue.

You do need some screws, but they will be hidden on the inside, granting the chair a streamline and clean appearance.

Finally is the back assembly, which has a special arching back support. This arch lets the back slats hug your back, improving comfort.

6. Bar Height Adirondack Chair Plan

Strictly speaking, this chair is not designed as a lifeguard chair on the beach. However, its performance as one is just too good to seat for swimming pool around the home or outdoor area.

Unlike the above Adirondack chair project, this one starts with the legs. After cutting them out of 1x3s, you will add in a support rectangle setup to keep the legs stable under heavy pressure. This design makes sure that the chair will not topple.

Then, you fit in the seat and its seat slats. Remember to use only 1x2s and pay attention while aligning them.

In the same vein, we need the backrest to be stronger, so the back slats will be made from 1x3s while the supporting pieces are 1x2s.

The whole frame connects together by 1 1/4” and 1/5/8″ screws through drill pilot holes. That is why the frame is much stronger than what you would expect from its appearance.

Project details: howtospecialist.com

7. Bar Height Adirondack Chair By Woodworkers Journal

A good lifeguard chair must let its users get out as quickly as possible. It must also keep its comfort. That is why this project incorporates only the best aspects of Adirondack chairs.

You will build the seat section with the typical Adirondack curvy seat rails. This curve ensures that the sitter feels as comfortable as possible.

Another interesting thing about this project is the fact that every single screw hole is covered by wooden plugs.

Doing so minimizes the risk of the screws going bad from the outside world’s environment and highly aesthetic.

Conclusion

All in all, we hope that each DIY lifeguard chair in the options we have presented can please your preferences.

Every single option will surely be worth the effort and time you spend on them with their unique strengths.

For example, some can be built in just a few hours, while others are towering in both height and weight. Some are made from recycled wood, saving quite a bit for your wallet.

Remember that a good lifeguard chair makes quite a big difference. It provides the lifeguard with a strategic vantage point and some comfort during their long shift.

In turn, they will be able to detect issues at a much faster and more accurate rate.