Montessori Kids Chair

If you’re looking for a simple, yet rewarding project plan that’s perfect for your little one, building a Montessori kids chair is a great way to go. This child-sized chair is designed with the Montessori philosophy in mind, encouraging independence by allowing kids to easily get in and out of their own chair—whether it’s for reading, crafting, or enjoying a snack. Plus, making it yourself adds that extra sense of pride, knowing you’ve created something special and practical.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the steps, from cutting the wood to assembling the chair, so you can create a sturdy, functional piece that fits perfectly in any Montessori-inspired space. Not only will your child love having their own chair, but you’ll also love the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. Let’s get started on this fun and easy project!

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. My plans come with a full cut / shopping list and they are PDF Download and Print friendly. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Montessori Kids Chair – Free Plans

Building-a-kids-chair

Materials

A – LEGS – 1×2 lumber 24″ – 2 pieces
B – LEGS – 1×2 lumber 11″ – 2 pieces
C – SEAT FRAME – 1×3 lumber 11″ – 2 pieces
C – SEAT FRAME – 1×3 lumber 11 1/2″ – 1 piece
C – SEAT FRAME – 1×3 lumber 13″ – 1 piece
D – TRIMS – 1×3 lumber 10 1/4″ – 2 pieces
E – BACKREST – 1×3 lumber 13″ – 2 pieces

1×3 lumber 8 ft – 2 pieces
1×2 lumber 8 ft – 1 piece
1 1/4″ screws – 50 pieces
1 5/8″ screws – 10 pieces
glue, stain

Tools

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

Time

One weekend

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Building the frame

Building-the-frame-of-the-chair

First up, let’s get the chair frame assembled. Start by cutting the components from 1×3 lumber. Lay them out on a level surface, making sure your corners are square—this helps everything fit together just right. Drill pilot holes through the front support, and then drive in 1 5/8″ screws to bring the frame together nice and sturdy.

Attaching-the-front-legs

For the front legs, use 1×2 lumber. Attach them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws, but be sure to drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting. Make sure the legs are plumb and your corners are at a perfect right angle before securing everything in place.

Seat-trims

Next, attach the 1×3 trims to the sides of the chair using both 1 1/4″ screws and wood glue. Make sure to align the edges flush, leaving no gaps between the pieces for a clean, snug fit. These trims are important because they’ll help when it’s time to install the back legs.

Attaching-the-back-supports

Now, fit the 1×3 support to the back of the seat frame. Align the edges so they’re flush, and secure it with 1 5/8″ screws. As always, double-check that your corners are square to keep everything lined up perfectly.

Building the backrest

Fitting-the-back-legs

For the back legs, cut 1×2 lumber to 24″ in length. Attach them to the back of the chair using two 1 1/4″ screws at each joint. Before driving in the screws, make sure the corners are square for a clean, precise fit. Add wood glue to the joints to give them extra strength and stability.

Fitting-the-seat-slats

Now it’s time to attach the 1×3 slats to the seat of the kids chair. Start at the front and work your way toward the back. Make sure the edges are flush with the sides and the front, with no gaps between the slats. Drill pilot holes, then secure them with 1 1/4″ screws, as shown in the diagram. Don’t forget to add glue to the joints for extra reinforcement.

Fitting-the-backrest-slats

Next, attach the 1×3 boards to the backrest of the Montessori kids chair. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the boards, then center them on the back legs. Secure the boards in place by inserting 1 1/4″ screws, making sure everything is nice and sturdy.

Finishing touches

Kids-Montessori-chair—dimensions

For the finishing touches, start by giving the chair a thorough sanding to smooth out any rough spots and edges. Once it’s prepped, apply a finish of your choice, whether it’s a stain for a natural wood look or paint to match your child’s space.

Make sure to apply the finish evenly, allowing it to fully dry between coats for the best result. Finally, check that all screws and joints are secure, and your Montessori kids chair is ready for action!

DIY baby chair

And just like that, your Montessori kids chair is complete! You’ve built something that not only fits perfectly into a child-friendly environment but also supports your little one’s independence and growth.

Whether they’re sitting down for a snack, reading their favorite book, or working on a craft, this chair will be their go-to spot. Plus, knowing you built it yourself makes it all the more special.

Montessori chair – free plans

Smart Tip: I can’t wait to see how you make it your own – don’t forget to share your finished projects with me! In addition, take a look over the rest of my shed plans HERE. See the corresponding Montessori table HERE.

Thanks for checking out my Montessori kids chair! Be sure to explore my other projects for more fantastic ideas. Don’t forget to hit the LIKE button and SHARE with your friends using the social media links below.

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