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Four Dollar Stackable Children’s Chairs

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Submitted by Ana White on Sun, 11/07/2010 - 19:43
Difficulty
Beginner
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Stackable economical lightweight children's chairs.

Now that I've designed quite a few adult chairs (for example, this squared chair, plans here), thought I would take some time to work on a childrens design.  Specifically, one that met these requirements:

1.  Under $5 a chair

2. Stackable

3.  Super easy to build

4. Lightweight enough for my 18 month old niece to carry

5. But still sturdy enough for me to sit on.

And after a couple of prototypes and some redesigning in the garage, I think we've found our winner.

And yes, they do stack.  Not sure exactly at what point the chairs would tip forward, but at least four high would work.

And because we went with a slatted seat, this chair would also work well outdoors if finished appropriately.

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 1x3s, 8′ long (Furring strips were used for my chair, about $1.50 each)
1 – 1×2, 8′ long (furring strips again, $1 a stick)
1 1/4″ screws
2″ screws OR 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws for pocket holes
wood glue
finishing supplies

Cut List

3 – 1×3 @ 11″ (Front and Side Aprons)
2 – 1×3 @ 11 3/4″ (Side Supports)
2 – 1×2 @ 13 1/4″ (Front Legs)
8 – 1×3 @ 12 1/2″ (Seat Slats and Back Slats)
2 – 1×2 @ 26″ (Back Legs)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Side Supports

Predrill holes and screw the side supports to the front aprons. I built mine with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws, but you could also use 2″ screws. Use glue.

Step 2

Front Legs

Now just screw the legs to the front apron and supports. Use 1 1/4″ screws to screw into the side supports.

Step 3

Side Aprons

Now simply add the side aprons with glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Step 4

Back Apron

Back apron is the same length as the seat slats. Just attach the back apron with 2″ screws and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Back Slats

Predrill and attach the back slats to the back legs. I spaced mine 1 1/2″ apart. For a different look, you can cut an arch shape out or use three 1x2s for back slats.

Step 7

Seat Slats

Predrill two holes in both ends of each seat slat. Then screw the seat slats to the chair frame, with 1/8″ gap (evenly spaced between all seat slats) between seat slats. Use glue.

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Project Type
Chairs
Kids Tables and Chairs
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

michelle (not verified)

Sun, 11/07/2010 - 20:10

ABSOLUTELY!!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I am so making these for my niece......they are amazing.

elizabeth (not verified)

Sun, 11/07/2010 - 20:33

I love these, and you cant beat the price !!! Thankyou for taking the time to create and post these plans it gives us not so handy moms the confidance to make something for our children and homes

Niki (not verified)

Sun, 11/07/2010 - 20:34

LOVE this! I was going to go today to get a newspaper to get a 40% off coupon to go to michaels and buy a chair to go with the table I built for my toddler last week. Now I can build a chair at a fraction of the cost!

momma2three (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 02:06

Thanks so much! I bought a huge 3 seater lego table for my son at a garage sale and have not been wanting to spend $15 a chair for it. I know ikea had plastic chairs for $8, but it's two hours from my house and I didn't like the colors (and I'm not a fan of plastic furniture). So glad that he can finally have chairs for his table at an affordable price! Thanks!

Christine (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 02:10

great plans. I was just thinking about a homemade lego table for my son for Christmas and these chairs would be great! Any plans for a table to go with them?