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Homemade Modern Chairs

Build your own homemade chairs! These simple to build chairs and sturdy, stylish and comfortable. Featuring simple building steps and common materials, you can build your own chairs for way less than buying. Paint or stain any color. Photo by MA88IE_VAU8HAN

Homemade Modern Chairs

Specifications

Project typeChairs
Roomdining room
StyleModern Style Furniture Plans
DifficultyBeginner Projects
Estimated costUnder $20

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Homemade Modern Chairs dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 1 – 3/4″ plywood or pine project panel 24″ x 16″ (for four chairs, simply buy a 16″ wide strip, 8 feet long. For six chairs, use a 1/2 sheet of plywood)
  • 2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 30 – 2 1/2″ Screws
  • 15 – 2″ Screws
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Filler
  • Paint

Cut List

  • 2 – 2 x2 @ 13″ (Short point, one end cut at 15 degrees off square)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 15″ (Short Point, one end cut at 15 degrees off square)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 17 1/4″ (Front Legs)
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 17 7/8″ (Back legs, both ends cut at 15 degrees off square, parallel to each other)
  • 1 – 2×2 @ 13″ (Front Apron)
  • 1 – 3/4″ Plywood 16″ x 16″
  • 2 – 2×2 @ 20 1/2″ (Back Sides)
  • 1 – 2×2 @ 10″ (Back Bottom)
  • 1 – 3/4″ Plywood @ 16″ x 7 3/4″ (Backrest)

Tools

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

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Sides Lay out the sides and construct as shown above. Use 2 1/2″ screws and glue. You will need to build two of these. Lay the two sides on top of each other to confirm and adjust to match.

Homemade Modern Chairs — step 1
2

Step 2

Front Apron Join the two sides with the front apron. If you want an even sturdier chair (which can equal a chair that lasts longer) add a second support level with the side supports. 2 1/2″ screws and glue.

Homemade Modern Chairs — step 2
3

Step 3

Seat Screw the seat down through the 2×2 aprons into the underside of the seat. Use 2″ screws and glue. Make sure your chair is sitting level at this point.

Homemade Modern Chairs — step 3
4

Step 4

Back Begin constructing the back as shown here. Use 2 1/2″ screws and glue.

Homemade Modern Chairs — step 4
5

Step 5

Homemade Modern Chairs — step 5
6

Step 6

Assembly Attach the backrest to the chair seat as shown above. Use glue and 2 1/2″ screws. The bottom of the chair back should be flush with the side supports.

Homemade Modern Chairs — 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/homemade-modern-chairs