DIY Plans to Build the Java Chair

An Easy to Build Chair for the Indoors or Outdoors

I love designing and building chairs, and this chair is probably one of my favorites! Featuring arms, arm slats, and back slats, the Java chair will also have a upholstered cushion for the seat and back. The DIY plans to build the Java chair are super-easy to construct, and the chair can be completed in a weekend.

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 4 – 1×2 at 8′
• 3 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 2×4 at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×4 at 36″ – Back Legs
• 3 – 2×2 at 27″ – Back Frame
• 8 – 1×2 at 27″ – Back Slats
• 2 – 2×2 at 23-1/2″ – Front Legs
• 1 – 2×2 at 27″ – Front Frame
• 3 – 2×2 at 27″ – Sides & Center Support
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 30″ x 30″ – Seat
• 2 – 2×2 at 27-7/8″ – Armrests
• 2 – 1×2 at 27-11/16″ – Arm Slats
• 2 – 1×2 at 27-1/2″ – Arm Slats
• 2 -1×2 at 27-3/8″ – Arm Slats

 

Step One

Cut the pieces to length for the back legs. Draw the legs on the 2×4 pieces and cut out using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. Clamp the pieces together and sand to even them out and make them more identical. This technique is referred to as “gang sanding”.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the back frame and back slats. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the slat pieces. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the framing pieces. Starting with the top frame piece, secure the 2×2 to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Next, install each slat piece (orienting the pocket holes so they face down and working from the top down) securing each piece using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The slats will be spaced 1″ apart.

Secure the second 2×2 piece using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws, then secure the final 2×2 piece using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the front legs and front frame. Drill pocket holes in each end of the frame piece. Secure the frame piece to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the sides and support, drilling pocket holes in each end. Secure the pieces to the front and back frame (as shown) using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the seat, and cut the notches using a jigsaw or bandsaw. Secure the seat to the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. If desired, the seat can be covered with fabric prior to securing it to the frame.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for armrests. Cut a 5° bevel in the back edge of each piece. Drill pocket holes in each end, noting that there will be a left and a right piece. Secure to the front and back legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the arm slats noting that the slats for each side will be a different length. Cut a 5° bevel in one end of each piece. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of each piece, preferably on the bottom of the pieces (so the pocket holes will be hidden and will not have to be filled).

Secure the slats, starting with the uppermost piece, using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws spacing the slats 1″ apart.

Finish as desired. To create the cushions, I have written a tutorial on how to make a basic box cushion. The seat cushion will measure 27″ long x 28-1/2″ wide x 4″ deep, and the back cushion will measure 27″ long x 18″ wide x 3″ deep. The cushions require basic sewing skills and are really easy to construct!

The chairs would be great on a patio, at the dining table, or even as side chairs in a sitting room! Have any questions about the DIY plans to build the Java chair? Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-08-19 08:00:02.