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We revive a western red cedar chaise lounge for just $43 for paint and $10 for other materials, like sandpaper and screws — much less than the cost of buying a stylish new chair.
Step 1: Remove the Slats
Step 2: Dismantle the Wheels
Step 3: Sand the Components
Step 4: Undercoat and Paint
Step 5: Re-Screw the Slats
Step 6: Complete the Chair
Step 7: Add a Final Coat
Step 8: Finish the Job
Written by Frank Gardner
For a thorough restoration to our lounger, it was necessary to remove all the slats, which were pried off with a claw hammer. The flathead copper nails were removed from the slats and the adjustable arms of the back were unbolted from the frame.
For easier sanding, remove the wood wheels by tapping out the tapered locking pin on one side of each axle. Remove the drinks tray from its runners and unclip the aluminum support prop for the back.
Sand every component of the sunlounger, starting with 80-grit sandpaper and working through to 220-grit. Round the edges slightly, fill the holes with putty and fill any splits in the wood with two-part epoxy filler before sanding.
Brush a white, acrylic sealer was onto all components, the brush on a coat of weatherproof gloss acrylic. Make sure to paint out-of-the-way places, too, to ensure weatherproofing.
Reposition slats, then glue and fix them with #8 x 2-in. stainless steel square-drive decking screws. On the back, fix the top and bottom slats, then check for square.
Use exterior glue for the rebated section of the arm, then bolt it in place through pre-existing holes. Next, reposition the drinks tray, relocate the wheels on the axles, and tap the pins into place.
Once the chair is back together, lightly sand all the upper surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper before giving it a final coat of paint and left to dry.
Measure the length of the base frame and back rest and buy a cushion to match.