How to Build a Workbench Chair

When you need a workbench chair to match your height and build, creating your own is the easiest way to get exactly what you want. Build it with common material found at the local lumberyard or retail outlet to keep the cost at a minimum. Add a heavy-duty swivel mechanism that does not "free spin" to help reach different items without moving the chair or standing up. Create a simple wood design with a cushion of your choice to place on top of the chair.

Measuring tape
2-by-4-by-36 inch lumber, 4 pieces
Electric miter saw
1-by-4-by-16 1/2 inch lumber, 4 pieces
1-by-4-by-18 inch lumber, 4 pieces
Variable speed drill
Philips head screw tip
1 1/2 inch wood screws, small box
20-by-20-by-3/4 inch plywood, 2 pieces
3/16 inch drill bit
10 1/4 inch heavy-duty swivel
10 1/4-by-10 1/4-by-3/4 inch plywood, 2 pieces
5/8 inch wood screws, 8 screws
1 1/4 inch wood screws, small box

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height of the workbench to determine the desired height of the chair. For example, the seat height of a chair for an office desk is around 20 inches to enable comfortable working conditions. This is 10 inches less than the height of the desktop.
- 2
  Subtract 4 inches from the desired height of the seat to allow for the seat plates and the swivel plates. Cut four legs from the 2-by-4-by-36 inch lumber to this length with an electric miter saw.
- 3
  Place the 1-by-4-by-16 1/2 inch lumber between the 1-by-4-by-18 inch lumber to create two 18 inch square frames. Secure them with the 1 1/2 inch wood screws.
- 4
  Stand the legs in the corners of one of the 18 inch frames. Secure the frame to the legs with 1 1/2 inch wood screws. Secure the remaining frame 6 inches from the opposite end of the legs in the same manner.
- 5
  Center the leg assembly on one of the 20-by-20-by-3/4 inch plywood pieces. There should be 1 inch between the leg assembly and the edge of the plywood. Trace its pattern onto the plywood.
- 6
  Drill 3/16 inch pilot holes between the lines on the plywood in the corners and every 4 inches. Secure the plywood to the frame with 1 1/2 inch wood screws.
- 7
  Install the 10 1/4 inch swivel to the two pieces of 10 1/4 inch square plywood with 5/8 inch wood screws. Center this assembly on the 20 inch square plywood attached to the frames and secure it from underneath with 1 1/4 inch wood screws.
- 8
  Lay the remaining 20 inch square plywood on top of the swivel assembly and line up the four sides with the 20 inch plywood below it. Secure this it with the 1 1/4 inch wood screws. Sand the edges of the top piece of plywood to knock the sharp edges off.

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