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Harriet Higher Chair

Is your child to old for a high chair, but too short for a standard chair? For the cost of a cheapo plastic booster seat, you can build your child a modern higher chair. This simple sturdy plan is easy to build, features a foot rest and is easy for youngsters to climb up on. This chair is not meant to replace a high chair, and does not offer the security and safety of a high chair.

Harriet Higher Chair

Specifications

Project typeKids Tables and Chairs
RoomKids and Toys
StyleChildren's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans
DifficultyBeginner Projects
Estimated costUnder $20

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Harriet Higher Chair dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 15" long
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 15" long

Cut List

  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 1/4" - one end at 10 degrees off square, shortest point
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 10 1/16" - one end at 10 degrees off square, shortest point
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 21 5/16" - both ends at 10 degrees off square, parallel to each other
  • 2- 2x2 @ 21" (Front Legs)
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 12" (Front Support/Apron)
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 15" (Seat)
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 19" (Back Supports)
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 9" (Back Base)
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 15" (Backrest)

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • compound miter saw
  • sander
  • level
  • countersink drill bit

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Begin by building two of the above pieces. Make sure both match exactly. Use with either 2 1/2" screws countersunk and glue or 2 1/2" pocket hole screws.

Harriet Higher Chair — step 1
2

Step 2

Join the two sides with the front apron/support as shown above. Use the same screws and glue.

Harriet Higher Chair — step 2
3

Step 3

Now the top. This time you will need to use 2" screws so the screws don't poke through the seat. Also screw the side aprons to the seat.

Harriet Higher Chair — step 3
4

Step 4

Now build the back. Go back to the 2 1/2" fasteners. Adjust for square.

Harriet Higher Chair — step 4
5

Step 5

Attach back rest to the back support pieces.

Harriet Higher Chair — step 5
6

Step 6

Finally, adjust the seat rest to fit in the seat back. Measure, use a level at the top, and screw in place. I actually sat my daughter in the chair to get the support just right.

Harriet Higher Chair — step 6
7

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/harriet-higher-chair