Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting plans for a few different chairs. The final plan in this “series” is a really cool project that I am building for myself and this way, it gives me time to finish it – providing the weather cooperates!
Anyway, this chair (and the others) will be perfect at the dining table, desk, or just as a side chair. If constructed out of treated wood or cedar, or even painted with exterior paint, it would be perfect for the front porch!
Dining Chair #1
When I construct chairs like this, I like to purchase 2x4s and 1x6s then rip them down on the table saw. It is much more economical, for me anyway, and I don’t have to hunt for 2x2s that are straight!
Materials:
- 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
- 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4″ brad nails
- Edge banding for seat, if desired
Lumber:
- 1 – 2×4 at 6′
- 1 – 1×6 at 6′
- Scrap of 3/4″ plywood for the seat
Cut List:
- 2 – 2×2 at 17-1/2″ – Upper Back Legs
- 2 – 2×2 at 18-1/2″ – Lower Back Legs
- 2 – 2×2 at 17-3/4″ – Front Legs
- 4 – 1×3 at 15″ – Front & Back Aprons, Back Slats
- 1 – 1×4 at 15″ – Upper Back Slat
- 2 – 1×3 at 14″ – Stretchers
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18″ x 18″ – Seat
Click on the drawings to enlarge them!
1. Cut the pieces for the legs. Cut a 5 degree bevel in the bottom of each upper piece. The angle allows the back to “recline” so to speak! Drill pocket holes in the top edge only of the lower leg pieces then attach the top using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.
2. Cut the pieces for the back apron and the back slats. For the upper slat, draw the arc as shown and cut out using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. For the lower slats, draw the curves as shown on one piece and cut out. Clamp this board to the second board and trace the curves, then cut out. Keeping the boards clamped together, sand both at the same time. (I am incredibly OCD about this and tend to get frustrated if the pieces don’t match!) Drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front faces of the slats will be flush with the front faces of the legs.
Drill pocket holes in each end of the back apron. Secure the piece as shown, the outer face will be flush with the back face of the lower legs.
3. Cut the pieces for the front frame. Drill pocket holes in each end of the apron. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The front faces of the apron will be flush with the front faces of the legs.
4. Cut the pieces for the stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.
5. Cut the piece for the seat. Cut the notches for the legs as shown and apply edge banding if desired. Secure the seat to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.
Finish as desired.
Got a project you’ve completed using my plans? Share photos with me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com or designsbystudioc {at} gmail {dot} com. I would love to feature your work on DbSC!
Until next time,
Happy Creating!
