Make Via Hand

Wooden Chair

Wooden Chair

Overview

A wooden chair is a more demanding furniture project because it must remain stable while supporting a person’s weight.

This guide uses a simple dining-chair design approximately 45 cm wide, 50 cm deep and 85 cm high, with a seat height of approximately 45 cm.

Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Time: 8-12 hours
Estimated Cost: $60-$120

Materials

  • Wooden boards
  • Four legs
  • Wood for seat
  • Wood for front, rear and side supports
  • Wood screws or suitable furniture joinery
  • Wood glue
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood finish or paint
  • Optional seat cushion

Tools

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Clamps
  • Level
  • Sander

Recommended Dimensions

  • Overall width: 45 cm
  • Overall depth: 50 cm
  • Overall height: 85 cm
  • Seat height: 45 cm
  • Seat depth: approximately 40 cm
  • Seat thickness: 20-25 mm
  • Leg angle: approximately 90° for a simple beginner design
  • Backrest angle: approximately 10-12° backward

Tips

  • Make all four legs exactly the same length.
  • Test-fit the entire frame before gluing.
  • Use strong joints rather than relying only on screws.
  • Round exposed edges for comfort.
  • Never skip the final stability test.
  • Reinforce the joints because the chair will experience repeated movement and load.

Safety

  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Secure wood before cutting.
  • Use clamps during assembly.
  • Do not sit on the chair until the glue has completely cured.
  • Test the chair gradually before normal use.

Steps

Step 1 — Prepare the Legs

Cut four legs to approximately 43 cm, then account for the seat and frame construction to reach a final seat height of approximately 45 cm.

Make all four legs exactly equal.

Sand their surfaces and ends.

Tip: Clamp all four legs together and compare their lengths. If one is different, correct it before assembly.

Step 2 — Build the Seat Frame

Cut the front, rear and side supports.

For a 45 × 40 cm seat frame, keep the corners at 90°.

Dry-fit the pieces without glue.

Measure both diagonals to confirm the frame is square.

Tip: Do not attach the seat yet. The frame should be completely stable before the seat is installed.

Step 3 — Attach the Legs

Position each leg at a corner of the frame.

Keep them approximately 90° to the seat frame.

Apply glue and secure the joints using appropriate screws or joinery.

Check every leg with the square.

Tip: Tighten the joints gradually and check alignment after each screw.

Step 4 — Add Lower Supports

Install side and front/rear supports between the legs.

These supports prevent the legs from spreading and significantly increase stability.

Keep the supports level and at similar heights.

Tip: Add a rear support slightly lower than the seat frame if you want additional structural strength without interfering with the seat.

Step 5 — Build the Backrest

Prepare two rear uprights and connect them with horizontal backrest rails.

For a more comfortable design, angle the backrest approximately 10-12° backward.

Check the angle on both sides so the backrest remains symmetrical.

Tip: Use a temporary clamp to hold the backrest before drilling. This makes it easier to adjust the angle.

Step 6 — Install the Seat

Cut the seat to approximately 45 × 40 cm.

Round the front corners slightly and sand all edges.

Place the seat onto the frame and secure it with screws from underneath where possible.

Tip: Attaching the seat from underneath gives the finished chair a cleaner appearance and avoids exposed screw heads on the sitting surface.

Step 7 — Sand the Chair

Sand all surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper.

Finish with 220-grit.

Round sharp edges, especially around the front of the seat and backrest.

Remove all dust.

Tip: Sit beside the chair and run your hand over the edges. Any area that feels sharp should be sanded further.

Step 8 — Apply Finish

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

Apply paint, oil or varnish in thin coats.

Allow each coat to dry completely.

Tip: Keep the chair away from sanding or cutting operations while the finish is drying. Floating sawdust can ruin the surface.

Step 9 — Test Stability

Place the chair on a flat floor.

Check that all four legs touch the ground.

Apply light pressure to:

  • The front of the seat
  • The back of the seat
  • Both sides
  • The backrest

Listen for movement or cracking.

Tip: Do not immediately put your full body weight on a newly assembled chair. Increase the load gradually.

Final Check

  • Seat approximately 45 cm high.
  • Chair remains level.
  • All four legs contact the floor.
  • Backrest is symmetrical.
  • Backrest angle approximately 10-12°.
  • No joints move under light pressure.
  • Finish is completely dry.