How to Build a Straight Back Chair

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(10 Ratings)

But building a chair can be more complicated to make than some other woodworking projects. If you want to build a straight back chair of your own, it will help to have some carpentry experience, especially with joining. Oak, maple or ash are appropriate wood choices for chairs.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

2 back legs, each 1 3/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches by 36 inches
2 front legs, each 1 3/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches by 16 inches
3 back rails, each 2 1/2 inches by 1 inch by 15 inches
3 lower back and side rails, each 2 1/2 inches by 1 inch by 15 inches
1 lower front rail, 2 1/2 inches by 1 inch by 15 inches
1 seat, 17 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 14 inches
4 corner blocks, each 1 inch by 1 1/2 inches by 3 inches
Table saw
Drill
Drill bits
Band saw
Plunge router
Wood screws
Chisel
Mallet
Tape measure
Wood glue
Clamps
Grinder
Sander

Design

Step 1

Create a design for your chair. Consider comfort when designing.
Step 2

Decide on the dimensions. Modify the suggested dimensions in this plan to suit your taste. Design your chairs to fit under desks and tables.
Step 3

Draw and cut out a template for the pieces.

Framing

Step 1

Use the table saw to cut the pieces for the front and back legs, and shape.
Step 2

Cut the three back rails and shape with a band saw to get a curve.
Step 3

Cut the lower rails with the table saw.
Step 4

Mark the locations of the slots into which the 3 back rails will fit. With a hammer and chisel, make one hole 3/4 inch deep at the top and bottom of each slot's position. Connect the pair of holes. This outlines each slot.
Step 5

Cut out the excess, leaving 3 slots in each back leg for the back pieces. Make sure the ends of each back piece will fit in its proper slot, notching the top edge.
Step 6

Use mortise and tenon joint construction to join the legs and bottom slats. This is simply a square peg in a square hole. Use a plunge router to cut the mortise. The tenon should be centered and 1/3 the thickness of the piece of wood.

Assembly

Step 1

Fit the entire chair together first and make sure that it is square. Then take it apart.
Step 2

For the mortise and tenon joints, glue and push together to fit. This will lock the joint in place. Clamp and let dry.
Step 3

Align and join the front legs to the rails. Make sure the pieces fit tightly. Glue and clamp together.
Step 4

Join the back and side rails to the back legs. Glue and clamp together.
Step 5

Put the back rails on the back legs. Glue and clamp.

Finishing

Step 1

Cut corner blocks, drill holes and attach to rails with screws.
Step 2

Use the table saw to cut the seat and shape with the router. A grinder may be used instead to create the scoop section for a comfortable seat.
Step 3

Drill holes for screws into underside of seat.
Step 4

Attach the seat by setting it on top of the legs and gluing. Turn chair over and drill at an angle to the rails and secure with screws.
Step 5

When finished and the glue is dry, sand the chair.
Step 6

Apply a sealer finish or stain according to directions on the label.