Rocking Chair Plans

This step by step project is about rocking chair plans. I have designed this modern rocking chair so you can build one in just one weekend using materials you can find in any DIY store. You can make adjustments to the plans so it suits your needs. Moreover, I truly recommend you to check out the rest of the plans on my site, for even more building ideas.

There are many designs and plans you could choose from, so you should take a look on more projects before starting the actual project. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a simple but sturdy design, this project might be the solution to your needs. Moreover, you could build all the components from 2×4 lumber, as to save both time and money. Make sure you check all the dimensions before making the cuts, otherwise the components might not fit together easily. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a rocking chair

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 33 1/4” long SEAT FRAME
B – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 17″ long, 2 pieces – 18 1/2″ long SEAT FRAME
B – 5 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 20″ long SEAT
C – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 18 1/2″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
D – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 18 1/2″ long BACKREST
E – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 25″ long, 1 piece – 16 3/4″ long, 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 19 1/2″ long SIDES
F – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 16″ long ARMRESTS
G – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 36″ long ROCKERS
H – 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 20″ long STRETCHER

3 piece of of 1×3 lumber – 6′
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 6′
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 6′
1 1/4″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws, 2 1/2″ screws
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts

Time

1 day

Kids rocking chair plans

Build a wood rocking chair

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the rocking chair. As you can easily notice in the plans, you should make an angle cut to one end of the 1×3 legs. Smooth the edge with sandpaper for a neat result.

Assembling the sides

Build the supports for the sides of the rocking chair to continue the project. Cut both ends of the top support and then lock it to the legs with 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Build the bottom supports from 1×2 lumber and drill pocket holes at both ends. Use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the supports between the wood legs. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps/

Assembling the seat frame

Build the frame for the seat from 1×3 lumber. Cut the components at the right dimensions and align the edges flush. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 18 1/2″ slats and secure them to the side supports with 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Backrest supports

Build the backrest supports from 1×3 lumber. Make a decorative cut to the top of the supports.

Assembling the frame

Fit the backrest supports to the seat frame and lock them into place with 1 1/4″ screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints.

Fitting the seat slats

Attach the 1×4 slats to the seat frame. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place. Fit a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps.

Fitting the backrest slats

Attach the 1×4 slats to the backrest supports of the chair. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the slats into place.

Fitting the legs

Next, you need to attach the sides to the seat frame. Align the edges as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the seat frame into the sides and insert 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the armrests

Fit 1×2 armrests to the sides of the rocking chair. Use glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to lock the armrests into place.

Building the rockers

Build the rockers from 1×6 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the slat and then use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts. Smooth the edges flush.

Attaching the rockers

Fit the rockers to the chair, making sure you align everything. Use glue and 1 1/4″ screws to attach the rockers to the frame of the chair. In addition, install a 1×2 stretcher to enhance the rigidity of the chair.

Rocking chair plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the chair and to protect the wooden components from decay.

Rocking chair plans free

This project was about building a wood rocking chair. If you are looking for a weekend woodworking project, I recommend you to consider building this chair. Even if you are a rookie when it comes to DIY, you will be surprised how easy it is to make this chair with some common household tools and materials.

Rocking chair plans

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