Make Via Hand

Rocking Chair

Overview

A rocking chair is one of the more demanding furniture projects because the entire chair must remain balanced while rocking.

This guide uses a simple design approximately 65 cm wide, 85 cm deep and 110 cm high, with a seat around 45 cm above the floor.

Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Time: 15–25 hours

Materials

  • Hardwood boards
  • Hardwood for rocking runners
  • Wood glue
  • Screws or suitable joinery
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood finish
  • Optional upholstery

Tools

  • Measuring tape
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Saw
  • Jigsaw or bandsaw
  • Chisels
  • Drill
  • Clamps
  • Sander
  • Level

Recommended Dimensions

  • Width: 65 cm
  • Depth: 85 cm
  • Height: 110 cm
  • Seat height: 45 cm
  • Seat depth: 45–50 cm
  • Backrest angle: approximately 10–12° backward
  • Runner width: approximately 5–7 cm

Tips

  • Make both rocking runners identical.
  • Never guess the runner curve.
  • Test the rocking motion before final finishing.
  • Keep the center of gravity low.
  • Round all contact edges carefully.

Safety

Work slowly when cutting curved runners. Support large workpieces securely and wear eye protection.

Steps

Step 1 — Design the Chair

Draw the side profile of the chair.

Mark the seat height at approximately 45 cm and the backrest angle at approximately 10–12° backward.

Draw both runners from the same template.

Tip: Make a full-size paper or cardboard template before cutting expensive hardwood.

Step 2 — Cut the Runners

Transfer the template onto the hardwood.

Cut both runners.

Place them together and clamp them so you can compare their shapes.

Tip: The two runners should be as close to identical as possible. Differences can make the chair rock unevenly.

Step 3 — Build the Seat Frame

Construct the seat frame around approximately 45–50 cm deep.

Keep the frame square.

Dry-fit the components.

Tip: Sit on a temporary chair beside the frame to judge whether the planned seat height and depth feel comfortable.

Step 4 — Install the Legs

Attach the legs between the seat frame and runners.

Keep the structure symmetrical.

Check both sides with the same measurements.

Tip: Measure from the runner to the seat on both sides. Matching measurements are more useful than trying to judge symmetry visually.

Step 5 — Install the Backrest

Build the backrest frame.

Angle it approximately 10–12° backward.

Secure the structure to the rear legs.

Tip: Clamp the backrest temporarily and test the sitting position before permanently fixing it.

Step 6 — Test the Rocking Mechanism

Place the unfinished chair on a flat surface.

Rock it gently.

The movement should be smooth and controlled.

If one side touches the floor earlier than the other, inspect the runners.

Tip: Do not sand a runner randomly. Mark the high point first and remove material gradually.

Step 7 — Sand

Sand the chair from 120 to 220 grit.

Round all edges that can contact the user’s hands, legs or clothing.

Tip: Pay particular attention to the front of the armrests and seat edges.

Step 8 — Finish

Move the chair into a clean, dry and well-ventilated room.

Apply thin coats of finish.

Allow them to cure completely.

Tip: Test the rocking action only after the finish has fully cured. Wet or soft finish can be damaged by repeated movement.

Step 9 — Final Test

Rock the chair gradually.

Check:

  • Smooth movement
  • Equal runner contact
  • No cracking
  • No loose joints
  • Stable stopping position

Tip: If the chair rocks too aggressively or feels unstable, stop using it and correct the runner geometry before putting it into normal use.