DIY chair overview and specifications:
Building your own DIY wooden chair is a fantastic way to add a touch of personal flair to your home, office, or outdoor space. Not only is the process of constructing a chair a fun and satisfying experience, but it also allows you to customize the chair to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable reading chair, a stylish outdoor seating option, or a sturdy work chair, a DIY wooden chair is the perfect solution.
The chair platform of this particular design has a natural incline and a backrest that allows a person to sit back comfortably, providing support for your back and promoting good posture. The overall design is sleek, simple, and elegant looking, making it a great addition to any space. The chair’s design is inspired by the DIY wooden table, which can be found in the photos provided. The table plans can be found here.
One of the best things about this DIY woodworking plan is that it is perfect for any beginner to woodworking. These DIY chair plans do not include any fancy joint or advanced woodworking techniques, making it easy for anyone to complete. With only three pieces of 8-foot lumber and a cost of less than $30 per chair, this DIY project is not only a budget-friendly option, but it is also a great way to put your woodworking skills to the test.
When building your own wooden chair, you have the freedom to choose the type of wood you want to use. You can opt for a more traditional look with a hardwood like oak or maple, or you can choose a softer wood like pine for a more rustic feel. You can also choose to paint or stain the chair to match your existing décor. The possibilities are endless!
Not only does building your own chair save you money, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. Imagine sitting back in your own handcrafted chair and enjoying a good book or a cup of tea. The feeling of satisfaction and pride in a job well done is truly priceless. So why not give it a try and build your own DIY wooden chair today? You’ll be glad you did!
Time to build
About 1 hours per chair
Total cost of build
About $30 per chair
Skill level required
Beginner
Download the PDF plans
DIY chair PDF plans
What is included in the PDF download?
Easy to read step by step instructions
Material list
Tools needed
3D illustrations
Recommended tools/materials
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Impact driver with bit for screws
- Sander
- wood countersink drill bit
- 30-40 1/2 inch screws
- Wood glue
- sand paper
Shopping list and cut list
Available with purchase of the DIY plan. Thank you for your support and for making this website possible.
Step 1 (DIY chair leg cut list)
First, cut the 2×2 lumber to the correct size to make the legs of the DIY chair.
Take a 17-7/16 inch 2×2 lumber piece and cut off one of the ends at 4-degrees as shown below (in brown).
Make an identical piece to have a total of two front legs.
Next, take a 28-1/4 inch 2×2 lumber piece and cut one end at 75-degrees and 14-degrees as shown below (in green)
Make an identical piece to have a total of two back legs.
Step 2 (DIY chair seating frame assembly)
Next, begin building the seating frame of the DIY chair.
Take the two “brown” front legs and take one 21 inch 1×4 lumber pieces and attach it to the legs using 1.5 inch screws glue. Predrill the wood to prevent the wood from splitting. (orientation of the “brown” legs is indicated by the blue outline in the second diagram).
Step 3 (DIY chair seating frame assembly continued)
next, continue adding to the seating frame.
Take one 18-13/16 inch 1×4 lumber piece and cut one end at 7-degrees as shown below (in pink).
Cut an identical piece for a total of two “pink” components.
Next, incorporate the “pink” 1x4s into the DIY chair seating frame as shown below. Attach these 1x4s using glue, predrilling, and 1.5 inch screws.
Add a 16-1/2 inch 1×4 lumber piece and join it to the “pink” components as shown below using 1.5 inch screws, glue, and predrilling.
Step 4 (Adding back legs to DIY chair)
Next, add the back legs of the chair.
Take the two “green” 2×2 lumber pieces and attach them to the chair frame at the height indicated in the diagram. Use glue, predrill, and 1.5 inch screws to secure them in place
Step 5 (Adding the seating platform a backrest to DIY chair)
Next, add the seating platform and the back rest of the DIY chair.
Take one 22 inch 1×10 lumber piece and cut 1 inch x 2 inch notches on two ends of the board as shown below.
Add the 22 inch board along with another 22 inch 1×10 inch board without notches to make the seating platform. Attach the board with glue, predrilling, and glue.
Next, add the back rest of the chair.
Take one more 22 inch 1×10 lumber piece and attach it to the back of the chair as shown below. Use glue, 1.5 inch screws, and predrilling once the piece is centered.
Step 6 (DIY chair finishing touches)
Next, prepare the chair for staining or painting.
Step 1: Sanding
Before staining or painting your DIY chair, it is important to sand the surface to ensure that it is smooth and even. This will also help the paint or stain to adhere properly. Use a medium grit sandpaper (around 120-150) to lightly sand the surface of the mudroom. Pay special attention to any rough or uneven areas, and sand until the surface is smooth.
Step 2: Cleaning
After sanding, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface of the chair to remove any dust or debris. This can be done using a dry cloth or a vacuum.
Step 3: Filling Holes
If you have any screw holes or other imperfections in the wood, it is important to fill them before staining or painting. You can use wood filler, putty, or even a mixture of sawdust and glue to fill the holes. Simply apply the filler to the hole, smooth it out with a putty knife or scraper, and allow it to dry completely. Once the filler is dry, sand it smooth with a fine grit sandpaper (around 220).
Step 4: Priming
If you are painting your chairs, it is important to prime the surface before applying the paint. This will help the paint to adhere better and give you a more even finish. You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the primer. If you are using a brush or roller, be sure to use long, even strokes and avoid overloading the brush or roller with too much primer. If you are using a sprayer, make sure to hold it a consistent distance from the surface and overlap your passes to ensure even coverage.
Step 5: Staining or Painting
Once the primer is dry, you can begin staining or painting your chairs. If you are staining, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times. If you are painting, use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint in the same manner as the primer. Be sure to work in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
