Today I’m going to show you how to make a nice wooden child’s chair. I found the pattern for this on the internet at Creekside Woodshop: Lauren’s Chair
Thanks to Ron, who made this chair initially for his granddaughter, the full pattern with measurements and instructions are there. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of free woodworking patterns around the web that friendly woodworkers have been so generous to share with us.
I did make a few small changes, by lengthening the legs and lengthening and putting a bit different shape on the back slats, but it’s basically the same. Mine is 17″ in width and 14″ from front to back. The seat height is 7 1/2″ and the back height is 24″. I think it would fit a child from about age 2 – 6 years old. I made the chair out of pine and used screws.
* tip* Before screwing, I always drill a hole through the upper piece of wood and use clamps to hold both pieces together. This way the lower piece pulls into the upper one tightly and the wood doesn’t split.
You start by adding the side seat brace to the legs.
Attach the upper back brace to the back of the arms. Screw the middle and two outer back slats to the lower back brace before attaching to the chair. (Sorry, I forgot to take a photo of that step)
It really is hard to tell the size of the chairs by these photos, but remember the seat is only 7 1/2″ off the floor. They really are adorable. I’ve also made one in white and one in yellow (that one has the original shorter legs). Of course you could decorate the chair with painted on flowers or something the child likes such as a cartoon character or animal or even the child’s name to personalize it.
Please let me know if you make a chair …
Very cute project! This is such a great blog to encourage ladies to work with wood and power tools. I am really enjoying reading it and will definitely let you know if I ever make anything (or have my hubby make it!) You're a talented lady!
Hi Julie! You've got it, girl! Cookies coming your way! 😉 It's so nice to meet you! Welcome to blogging! I ALWAYS wish I had the skills to make something from wood – I love handmade furniture and built-ins. I'm a new follower and I'll be back! I admire your talent and creativity and hope to learn a thing or two!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Roeshel
You gals CAN do this. I was 40, no maybe 41 when I went back to school and learned woodworking. The most important thing is safety, which I hope to blog about soon. Once you are comfortable with the tools, there is no end to what you can do!
Thanks Julie (I'm about that age – so it's perfect for learning, right? haha) I thought about your chair today. Guess what my husband wants for Christmas? And adirondak chair! Of course…in a much bigger size. 😉
Enjoy the weekend!
Roeshel
That's so fun that you know how to work with wood. I keep dreaming about taking a wood working class. I haven't done anything with wood since I was in high school.
These are too cool! I'm in the middle of a project right now, but I think when I'm done, I will still have time to make a chair before Christmas.
Hey!! I'm gonna make that in a couple months when I have more time!!! Found you randomly reading another blogger's site :p