How to Make a Foldable Wooden Chair

Saw one 1-by-3-by-48-inch lumber plank into two boards at 24 and 22 1/4 inches in length respectively. Divide four 1-by-2-by-96-inch lumber planks into two boards at 48 inches, two boards at 44 inches, one board at 25 1/2 inches, one board at 24 inches, four boards at 23 3/4 inches, one board at 22 1/4 inches and two boards at 15 inches. Cut one 6-foot long one-half inch wood dowel into one piece measuring 25 1/2 inches and two pieces measuring 22 inches in length.

Glue the 1-by-2-by-24-inch board between the two 1-by-2-by-48-inch boards flush with the top edge. When the glue sets, drill a one-quarter inch hole into the wood and secure the pieces together using 2-inch screws. This forms the back frame.

Attach the 1-by-3-by-24-inch board three-eighths inch below the 1-by-2 in the same manner, using glue first and then screws after the glue sets.

Secure the 1-by-2-by-25 1/2-inch slat 2 inches from the bottom of the frame as assembled so far, gluing it to the frame’s back rather than between the two side boards. When the glue sets, drill and screw it in place.

Drill one one-quarter inch hole exactly 16 inches from the frame’s top and one 16 inches from the frame’s bottom. There should be 16 inches between the two holes. Repeat this procedure on the other side.

Fix the 1-by-2-by-22 1/4-inch board between the two 1-by-2-by-44-inch boards in the same manner as the back frame. Attach the 1-by-3-by-24 1/2-inch board three-eighths inch below the 1-by-2. This forms the seat frame.

Glue and screw the first 1-by-2-by-23 3/4-inch slat onto the front face of the seat frame, approximately 8 inches from the bottom measuring from the board’s top. There should be 6 1/2 inches of space below the first board. Repeat this procedure with the remaining boards. The distance from the bottom of the frame to the top of the second board is 10 inches, the distance to the top of the third is 12 inches and the distance to the top of the fourth is 14 inches.

Drill a one-quarter inch hole 17 inches from the frame’s top on each side.

Align the seat and back frames, laying the seat on the back’s top, so that the head frame’s bottom is at the seat frame’s head, while the bottom of the seat frame is at the head of the back frame. The slat on the back frame and the slats on the seat frame should face outward, opposite one another.

Line up the holes at the back frame’s bottom with the holes on the seat frame. Secure them with 2-inch long, one-half inch wide bolts. Place one washer between the outside end of the bolt and the back frame, one washer between the back and seat frames, and one washer between the seat frame and the bolt’s opposite end. Secure it with a nut.

Dip two 2-inch screws in wood glue and screw the 25 1/2-inch dowel into place between the 1-by-2-by-15-inch boards, ensuring that the boards are perfectly aligned. This prop locks the chair in place.

Drill a one-half inch hole on each board approximately one-half inch from the top. Line up the holes with the holes at the back frame’s top end. Place a washer on the outside, one between the prop and the frame, and one on the inside. Put a 2-inch long bolt through all the holes and secure with a nut. Repeat this step on the other side.

Cut two fabric squares measuring 54-by-22 3/4 inches each.

With the outer faces of each side facing inward, stitch the squares together, leaving a gap on one side to turn the fabric outside out. Pull the fabric through the hole and stitch it up.

Use a longer stitch length and stitch the pieces together again on the long sides only.

Make sleeves at each end by folding the ends inward and stitching them.

Push the fabric through the three-eighths inch gap at the head of each frame and secure it in place using a the two remaining dowels, placed on the opposite side as anchors.

Paint or stain the chair to your liking.