How to Build a Kitchen Chair

This project shows how to build a kitchen chair by using dowel pins to attach legs, rungs, seat and back in a sturdy construction. Cut your own lumber, or have the lumberyard cut for you. Finish and assemble the wood pieces of this moderately difficult project. It can be completed in a few hours. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut all wooden pieces to size with the skill saw, or have the lumberyard do it for you. Use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth rough edges. Finish with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth finish. Wipe dust away with tack cloth

2

Stain all pieces with two or three coats of stain. Dry thoroughly between coats.

3

Drill 1-by-1 inch pilot holes for the dowels in the center of each side of the back and center rungs. Drill dowel holes at the 8-, 18-, 33- and 35-inch marks on the two 36-inch-long back legs. Drill dowel holes at the 8-inch mark on the two 18-inch-long front legs. Drill additional dowel holes in the top of the legs. Drill pilot holes in bottom corners of the seat front and the back insides of the seat back where it will attach to the back legs.

4

Construct the seat by lightly hammering dowels into the rung pieces. Work on one side at a time. Attach the rungs to the legs with dowel pins and a drop of wood glue to strengthen the bond. Tap the pieces together with a hammer. Attach the seat and the top of the chair in the same way.

5

Finish the other side of the chair with dowel pins and wood glue in all joints. Drill a hole in the top of the back legs, and screw in the wooden ball finials. Let it dry over night.