How to Build a Side Chair

Saw 1 1/2 inches from the total width of 2-by-8-inch lumber, coming to a total board size of 1 1/2-by-6 inches. Divide this board into four equal pieces measuring 1 1/2-by-1 1/2 inches by 20 1/2 inches long. Cut 2 inches from the length of two of these boards, so that you are left with 2 pieces measuring 1 1/2-by-1 1/2-by-18 inches and two pieces measuring the full 20 1/2 inches in length.

Measure and mark 1/2 inch in length from the bottom of the longer two boards and cut a diagonal cut all the way through the boards, from the 1/2 inch mark to the opposite corner.

Secure the longer boards atop the 18-inch boards with strong wood glue so there are two boards with a slight bend where the 18 and 20 1/2-inch boards meet. Wait for the glue to dry, clamping the pieces together if necessary and saw off and sand any excess wood or glue so that the edges are all flush. These two posts form the back legs and back rest of the chair.

Secure two 14-inch long 1-by-2-inch rails to the front of the back posts, using the same wood glue, so the rails are level with the top of the 18-inch legs. Attach another rail of the same size 4 inches below each top rail and a third one 4 inches from the ground.

Adhere a 1/2-inch thick piece of plywood, 7 1/2 inches wide and 12 inches long, between the two 14-inch long 1-by-2-inch rails to form the backrest.

Glue another 14-inch long rail between the rear posts, at the level of the 18-inch legs, and the fourth rail between the front legs at the same height. Glue two identical 14-inch long 1-by-4-inch rails 6 1/4 inches beneath these front and back rails. Glue the backrest into position approximately 1 1/2 inches from the top of the rear posts.

Attach the front legs to the rest of the chair frame using the wood glue, securing the legs to the first rails attached to the rear legs. Use a simple wooden armless chair as a guide if you wish.

Attach four 1-by-4-inch slats to the top of the chair to form the seat. To do this, glue two outer slats measuring 15 1/2 inches in length and two inner slats measuring 17 inches in length to the top of the chair. For additional support, turn the chair over and apply wood glue to the ends of a 14-inch long 2-by-4-inch board and to one of the 3 1/2-inch faces. Fix it into place in the middle of the seat, stretching across all four boards, from side to side and not front to back. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the chair.