How to Build a Small Chair

Measure 1 1/2 inches from the bottom left corner along the bottom edge of a 30-inch length of 2-by-4-inch lumber and draw a line from that point to the right edge of the board 12 inches from the top. Draw a second line parallel to the first beginning at the bottom left corner -- there should be 1 1/2 inches between the two lines.

Mark the top edge of the same board 1 1/2 inches from the top left corner and draw a line connecting this point with the point where the first line connected with the right edge of the board. Beginning in the upper left corner, draw another line parallel to the last line. There should be 1 1/2 inches between the two lines. You should now have an angled template for your back chair legs.

Cut out the chair leg template with a hack saw, trace the leg onto a second 30-inch length of 2-by-4-inch lumber and cut it out as well. Cut two 19 1/2-inch lengths of 2-by-2-inch wood for the chair back supports and gently sand the cut surfaces of all four pieces of wood with fine-grain sandpaper.

Assemble the chair back by inserting one of the 19 1/2-inch lengths of 2-by-2-inch lumber between the tops of the two chair legs. Apply a dab of wood glue to both ends, align it with the top edges of the chair legs and insert one 2-inch wood screw through each chair leg into the chair back support. Attach the second chair back support using the same method so that the top of the second support is nine inches below the top of the first.

Cut four pieces of 1-by-3-inch wood to size to form the side aprons of your chair seat. Cut two pieces to 17 1/2 inches, one to 18 inches and one to 16 1/2 inches. Cut two 18-inch lengths of 2-by-2-inch wood to serve as the front chair legs.

Set the 18-inch piece of 1-by-3-inch lumber upright on its side and apply a bead of wood glue along the left and right edges. Align one 17 1/2-inch section on each side so the edges are flush, press them together and secure them with two 2-inch wood screws through each 17 1/2-inch section into the side of the 18-inch section.

Align the outside edge of each 18-inch chair leg with the outside edge of the 17 1/2-inch pieces of wood. Apply a dab of wood glue at the joint and insert two 2-inch woods screws at an angle through the 17 1/2-inch section of wood into each of the chair legs.

Mount the remaining 16 1/2-inch section of wood between the two chair legs so the edges are flush and the outside edges align. Apply a dab of glue at the joint and secure it in place with two 2-inch wood screws at each end.

Set the frame of the chair seat upright so the bottom of the legs rest on the ground and slide the opposite end between the two back legs, aligning the outside edge of the frame with the back of the chair legs. The back chair legs should be positioned so that the angled portion leans away from the front legs. Apply a dab of wood glue at each joint and insert two 2-inch wood screws through the corner joint in the side aprons into the back chair legs.

Cut five 19-inch lengths of 1-by-4-inch lumber for the seat boards. Lay the seat boards flat between the front and back of the seat frame, spacing them a 1/2 inch apart. Pre-drill two holes through both ends of each seat board into the side apron below and insert a 2-inch wood screw into each hole.

Cut five 15-inch lengths of 1-by-4-inch lumber as the back boards and set them upright between the chair back supports, spacing them a 1/2 inch apart. The bottom of each back board should be approximately 1/2 inch from the seat boards and the top of the back boards should extend several inches beyond the top of the back chair legs. Pre-drill two holes through each end of the back boards into the chair back supports and insert a 2-inch wood screw into each hole.

Gently sand the surface of the chair where necessary and paint or stain the chair as desired. If you decide to paint the chair, apply a coat of latex primer before applying the first layer of paint. If staining the chair, apply thin coats of stain with a soft brush and wipe away the excess with a clean cloth. Allow the stain to dry, then apply additional coats until you reach the desired color.