How to Build a Chair

This step-by-step woodworking project is about how to build a chair. If you want to enhance the look of you patio or just to build a basic chair, you should pay attention to the instructions described in the article. This project features a wooden chair that can be built by any person with basic woodworking skills, using common materials and household tools.

Align the wooden components at both hand before driving in the screws. Don’t forget to pre-drill holes in the components, as to prevent the wood from splitting. Moreover, don’t forget to countersink the head of the screws, before inserting the wooden screws. Last but not least, apply a good wood filler in the holes, let it dry out properly and sand the surface thoroughly with 120-grit sandpaper, before applying the final coats of stain. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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How to Build a Chair

Building a chair

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 23 1/2” long, 1 piece – 33″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 30″ long 2xSIDES
• B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 30” long, 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 30” long FRAME
• C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 30” long, 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 24” long SEAT
• D – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 30” long, 6 pieces – 18″ long BACKREST

• 2 piece of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
• 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 6 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood filler
• wood glue
• stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Building a chair

Building the sides of the chair

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the patio chair. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the legs out of 2×2 lumber and the horizontal component out of 2×6 lumber.

Take accurate measurements and get the job done with a circular saw, making sure you smooth the cut edges. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the support and at the top of the legs. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.

Building the frame of the chair

Continue the wooden chair project by attaching the framing components, in order to create the main frame of the structure. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the components and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the sides of the chair.

Plumb the sides of the chair with a spirit level and add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and check if the corners are square.  

Attaching the cleats

Next, attach the 2×4 cleats to the seat frame of the chair. Drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them to the frame using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the seat slats

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the support slats to the seat frame. Place the slats equally-spaced and drill pilot holes, before securing them into place using 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components, making sure the surface is perfectly horizontal.

Building the backrest

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to build the backrest for the garden chair. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to cut the components at the right size and to lock them together tightly.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the vertical components and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Place the vertical slats equally-spaced. Add glue to enhance the joints and make sure the corners are square.  

Fitting the backrest

After building the backrest for the wooden chair, we recommend you to fit it into place, as described in the diagram. Align the components with attention and to drill pilot holes through the bottom support of the backrest. Afterwards, insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat cleat.

Moreover, drill pilot holes through the 2×2 back support and insert 2″ screws into the backrest. Make sure you leave no gaps between the components and add glue to the joints.

How to build a chair

Fill the head of the screws with a good wood putty and let it dry out properly. Next, sand the wooden surface with 120-grit sandpaper, making sure there is a smooth transition between the patches and the rest of the wood.

Top Tip: Apply several coats of wood stain to protect the wood from rot. Buy cushions and lay them on the chair, to get the job done and to enhance the comfort of the outdoor chair.

This woodworking project is about how to build a chair. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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