How to build a chair

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a chair. If you want to lean more about building a wooden chair for your home, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. Work with good judgement and don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the related plans, as there are so many projects that you could build for your home.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the chair to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

If you don’t have a rich expertise in woodworking field, you should ask a friend to give you a hand with the project. There are many things that you could go wrong, so make sure you plan everything and invest in quality materials. Select the lumber with attention, making sure the components are perfectly straight and in a very good condition. Use a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

How to make a chair

Building a chair

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long BACK LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 17″ long FRONT LEGS
C – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 16″ long, 2 pieces – 16 1/2″ long FRAME
D – 1 pieces of 3/4 plywood – 19″x19 1/2″ long SEAT
E – 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 16″ long BACKREST

1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
1 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 4 ft
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 2 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 2’x2′
wood glue
stain
1 1/4″ screws

Tools

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

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building a chair

Building the back legs

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the back legs for the chair. Mark the cut lines on the 2×4 slat and get the job done with a circular saw. It is essential to take accurate measurements, otherwise the end result won’t suit your needs. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a cleaner.

Building the front legs

Continue the project by making the front legs. Mark the cut lines on the 2×2 pieces of lumber and get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper in order to get the job done in a professional manner.

Building the frame of the chair

Build the supports for the wooden chair out of 1×3 lumber. Cut the supports at the right size and drill pocket holes at both ends. Align the supports with great care and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the legs. Make sure you leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Attaching the backrest

Cut a piece of 1×8 lumber at 16″ and fit it between the back legs. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and secure it to the legs with galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Building the seat

Cut the seat for the chair out of 3/4″ plywood, making sure you pay attention to the details described in the diagram. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and fit it into place. Drill pocket holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the seat of the chair.

How to build a chair

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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