If your backyard or garden needs more seating but you don’t want to spend a lot, why not build your own outdoor chair? These easy and affordable DIY chair ideas are perfect for adding personality and function to your outdoor space.
Whether you’re relaxing in the shade or gathering with friends, a handmade chair can make your yard feel more welcoming. I found a handful of clever and creative chair designs on Pinterest, using everything from logs and pallets to old doors and tires.
Each one brings its own character and charm, and the best part is, you can use materials you probably already have lying around. Get inspired to build something cozy, useful, and full of personality for your garden or patio!
#1 Christow Cushion Hammock Swing Chair
This cozy hammock swing chair is the perfect way to slow down and soak up your garden. The striped fabric feels relaxed and beachy, while the gentle sway makes it ideal for napping, reading, or sipping iced tea in the afternoon sun.
You only need a sturdy overhead beam, some strong rope or hooks, and a wooden dowel to hang the chair securely. Add a cushion or soft blanket to make it even more inviting.
It takes up very little space, so it’s a great fit even for small patios or balconies. Once it’s up, you’ll wonder how you ever relaxed without it.
#2 Chair Swing with Chains
Add a cheerful pop of color to your porch or garden with this vibrant chair swing. The bold green frame and sunny yellow pillow instantly lift the mood, creating a fun and welcoming place to sit.
To build this, use reclaimed wood or a sturdy old chair base, then attach it to heavy-duty chains for safe swinging. Make sure to secure the chains to a solid beam or porch ceiling with proper anchors.
A quick coat of weather-resistant paint will keep it looking fresh through the seasons. It’s a charming way to bring playful comfort to any outdoor nook.
#3 Handmade Concrete Chair
This handmade concrete stool is simple, sturdy, and full of quiet charm. The smooth cylindrical shape gives it a modern edge, while the pressed leaf imprint adds a natural touch that softens the look.
To make your own, use a large bucket or concrete form as a mold and pour in mixed concrete, embedding a real leaf on the surface for texture.
Let it cure for a few days, then peel away the mold and seal it if you want a smoother finish. It works beautifully as a seat or side table in the garden. This piece brings a grounded, artistic vibe to any outdoor space.
#4 Log Garden Chair
These rustic log chairs bring a natural woodland charm to your garden nook. They’re carved from thick tree trunks with a simple backrest cut into the wood, blending right in with the surroundings.
To make one, you’ll need a sturdy log and a chainsaw to carefully carve out the seat and back. Sand down any rough edges for comfort and safety.
Place them in a shaded spot for a peaceful sit-down, or tuck them near a flower bed to create a cozy reading corner. They’re strong, weatherproof, and full of character.
#5 Old Tire Chairs
These bright and quirky chairs made from old tires are sure to be conversation starters in your garden. With a bit of cutting and creativity, the tires are stacked and shaped into a comfy seat, complete with curved armrests and a woven back.
You can spray-paint them any color to match your garden vibe. I love the cheerful blue shown here. To make your own, gather a few clean tires, cut them to shape with a utility knife, and attach the pieces using strong bolts or screws.
Add a foam cushion if you want a little extra comfort. It’s a fun way to reuse what you already have while creating something truly unique.
#6 Cinder Block Chair
This playful garden chair doubles as a planter, turning simple cinder blocks into something charming and functional.
With plants tucked into nearly every crevice, it feels like the flowers are gently growing right out of the seat. A soft cushion in the center adds comfort and a splash of color.
To build one, just stack the cinder blocks securely in a chair shape and fill the openings with soil and your favorite flowers. Be sure to place it on level ground for stability. It’s the perfect mix of structure and softness for your outdoor space.
#7 Rock Chair
This stunning stone chair brings a touch of magic to any shaded garden corner. It looks like something out of a woodland fairytale, nestled into the greenery with vines gently draping over the arms.
Built from stacked stones and topped with smooth, flat pieces for the seat and back, it’s both sculptural and surprisingly comfy.
To recreate it, choose stones with flat surfaces and stack them securely, leaving space for sitting. Tuck in a few trailing plants around the edges to soften the look. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to sit with a book and lose track of time.
#8 Bamboo Chair
Simple, lightweight, and full of tropical charm, this bamboo chair adds a natural touch to any outdoor space. Its clean lines and woven joints show off the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.
You can use it as a seat or even a side table in a cozy garden corner. To build one like this, cut and sand bamboo poles to size, then lash them together with twine or use wood glue for extra support.
Seal the bamboo with outdoor varnish to help it last through the seasons. It’s a lovely way to bring an earthy, relaxed vibe to your backyard.
#9 DIY Pallet Bonfire Chair
This low-slung pallet chair is perfect for lazy afternoons by the fire or under the stars. It has a relaxed angle that invites you to lean back and unwind.
The best part? You only need one wooden pallet and a few basic tools to build it. Disassemble the pallet, cut the slats to size, and screw them into a simple frame.
Sand everything smooth to avoid splinters, then stain or paint it to suit your garden style. This project is quick, affordable, and totally satisfying to make.
#10 DIY Pipe Chair
This DIY pipe chair brings a sleek, industrial edge to your patio or backyard setup. The sturdy metal pipe frame pairs surprisingly well with smooth wooden planks, creating a modern seat that’s both strong and stylish.
To make your own, grab some black steel pipes, a few wood boards, and a handful of fittings from your local hardware store.
Cut the wood to size, sand the edges, and screw everything together. Add a comfy cushion for a soft touch, and you’re ready to relax. It’s a great weekend project if you love clean lines and functional design.
#11 A Recycle Chair Made Out Of Old Metal Chair Frame And Leaky Garden Hose
Here’s a clever way to give an old metal chair frame a vibrant new life using something as ordinary as a leaky garden hose. The bright blue hose is woven tightly across the frame to create a comfortable and surprisingly stylish seat and backrest.
You just need to cut the hose into lengths, weave them in a crisscross pattern, and secure the ends with zip ties or screws. It’s sturdy, weatherproof, and full of personality.
Plus, it’s a fun way to keep waste out of the landfill while adding a splash of color to your garden nook.
#12 Old Door Chair
This creative chair idea turns a salvaged door into a rustic garden bench with loads of charm. By standing the door upright as the backrest and attaching side panels and a wooden seat, you get a functional and stylish place to sit or display plants.
You can sand and paint the door to match your garden’s color palette or leave it weathered for a vintage feel. Secure the frame with corner brackets or sturdy screws to keep everything in place.
#13 Barrel Chair
This cozy DIY chair is made from a reclaimed wooden barrel and gives your outdoor space a bold rustic vibe. Its rounded shape hugs your back, while the rich wood grain adds warmth and charm.
To make one, cut the barrel in half and add a wooden seat and backing to fit snugly inside the curve. You can keep the natural patina or sand and stain it for a polished finish.
Add armrests for extra comfort and secure everything with screws and brackets. It’s a unique piece that turns heads and invites you to sit and stay awhile.