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Four Dollar Stackable Children’s Chairs

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Build your own kids chairs using pine furring strips - Stackable economical lightweight children's chairs. Can be used indoors or outdoors.

This is a free woodworking plan using beginner techniques with step by step diagrams, shopping and cut lists, and lots of reader submitted photos.

Reader submitted photo

 

Related Plans - Free Table Plans

This chair matches the free table plans here.

diy kids play table

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Four Dollar Stackable Children’s Chairs

Dimensions
diy kids chairs
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.

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?

Kristy (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 04:52

I LOVE these!!! I'm adding them to my ever-growing list of Ana White design projects! My 2-year old is definitely getting these for Christmas. Thank you! :)

duane bergstrom (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 05:23

I'm not sure that only using screws to hold the back to the seat is good enough. Eventually the seat will give and someone will get hurt.Pretty looking though.

Michelle (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 09:00

Dang, I've still got to get my modern bookshelf sanded & painted, and the modern desk built & painted (pieces are all cut out) before I make these for my kids...I better get a move-on!!!

Amanda H. (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 13:51

I think these will be my first build. I have a bunch of other plans that I would like to try, but I think these would be a good jumping off point. Plus I can knock out some Christmas presents while I'm at it! Yay!

lindsey (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 15:09

love these, can't wait to sell our house so that we have room for me to build these.

Ashley (not verified)

Mon, 11/08/2010 - 16:24

So cute! Is there a plan for a doll chair like that? Also, I thought I saw a plan for a doll bed for the American Girl dolls. Can you tell me where that is?

kate @ www.bro… (not verified)

Sun, 11/28/2010 - 09:37

Ana, I'm going to try to build these for my son's birthday. One question... do you predrill with the countersink bits for every step or just when your instructions say predrill? This will be my first hand at countersinking and my first real project of yours (I did the pallet shelf but that seemed to easy to count;). I want to get it right.

Jonel (not verified)

Thu, 12/02/2010 - 07:45

Anytime you are going to use a screw you want to countersink the hole first. This allows the screws to go below surface and not stick out above the surface.

Theresa (not verified)

Thu, 12/09/2010 - 19:17

I started this tonight. Cutting went fast. This was the first time using the kreg. I am very disappointed, it was hard to keep clamped and the drill bit kept comming out of the drill. Hoping to make several for Christmas gifts but this is starting to look more like firewood. : ( Anyone else have problems with the kreg? I am using the small one.

Lynne1 (not verified)

Mon, 12/13/2010 - 07:42

This is the project that inspired me. I am using this as my basis for an article on my eco blog. www.greenertoday.blog.ca . You are doing more than you know for women. On top of inspiring them to take on projects themselves, you are also giving them an affordable, healthier alternative to cheap plastic sets that off gas in our homes and are bad for our children and families. Finishing items yourself allows you to select low VOC paint. You are a green inspiration too, and you may not even realize. Saving money, saving the planet. I like what you are doing here Ana.

kimber (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 20:11

You rock. Thanks so much for all you do.

I'm making these for my daughters for Christmas (these and the table).

I LOVE it!!!

Ellen Farrow (not verified)

Wed, 12/15/2010 - 20:47

I just built this chair, and it was not quite as easy as the table! getting things clamped to be square while getting the back legs on wasnt quite as simple as i had hoped ;) but they are sturdy, and they will look pretty nice once i fill all the holes and paint! I was able to get all the pieces while my daughter napped :)- that's how quickly it went.

Nicky (not verified)

Thu, 12/30/2010 - 07:29

I was wondering what sort of age-range these would be for. I have a 2½ year old and a 7½ year old. I've been looking for the perfect wooden table and chair set for them for what seems like forever now. These looks super cute and easy, but would they be suitable of an older child as well as a toddler?

Becky (not verified)

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 07:40

One of my daughter's broke her $17 chair similar to this over a year ago. She has been asking for a new one ever since, but we just never found one cheap enough that was the size we needed. I found your plans last night and bought the wood today. Exactly $4 at Home Depot if you don't count the jigsaw I threw in, lol. I was tired of using the circular saw and being intimidated by it.

Robin (not verified)

Sun, 02/20/2011 - 10:25

So, wondering how big these need to be to fit under the LoN Kid's elementary table plans? Thanks so much for any help!

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 03/24/2011 - 14:40

Just built this chair, my first building project ever! I'm 21 weeks pregnant and have a 3 year old boy. I've been reading your site for a while now and my son peered over my shoulder, then asked me sweetly to make this chair in blue for him. All I have left is to sand and paint the chair, but it already looks wonderful.

Thanks so much for sharing your story and inspiring others to build! I have a few tears in my eyes (although, the pregnancy hormones may have a little to do with that) and am so proud that I made a chair for my son. My grandpa loved woodworking and he would be so proud of me if he were alive today. After this one's painted, I'll be working on a pink one for the little baby girl that will make her appearance around August.

tracysmith

Thu, 03/24/2011 - 17:49

It does feel so great to build something with your own two hands, doesn't it.  I've often felt the same way about our building adventures (the tears - and I don't even have the pregnancy to blame it on :-) )  I had grandparents and uncles that were really into woodworking and it does bring a little something extra to the piece when you can think back on the nostalgia - sort of like filling those shoes that you loved so much.  

Congrats on the new baby, the new build and many more builds to come! Keep up the good work and don't forget to share those pictures!!!  Hugs!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 05/27/2011 - 17:38

I think for anyone going to build these chairs or anything out of 1x2 and 1x3 material they should buy the higher grade lumber than the cheap stuff. You can see from the photos that the wood is likely to warp or be warped by the time you get them together. Using kiln dried lumber will mitigate this to a significant degree and the chairs will still be both affordable and hand made by you.

BTW, the Kreg jig is great. I can't wait to use it on more of my projects around the home

Paul H. (not verified)

Mon, 11/14/2011 - 13:42

I am making a set of four of these doll sized for some 18" AG dolls.

The over all dimensions are going to be 14 3/4" H (back), 8" H (seat) X 8 1/2" W X 7" D.

The main change for this is using 1 x 4 for the slats on the top of the seat (with no gap). The back slats and apron will still be out of the 1 x 3. The number of "Seat Slats and Back Slats" drops from 8 to 3. The 1 x 4 is new to the cut list for the seat.

Cut List:
3 - 1×3 @ 7" (Front and Side Aprons)
2 - 1×3 @ 7 3/4" (Side Supports)
2 - 1×2 @ 7 1/4" (Front Legs)
3 - 1×3 @ 8 1/2" (Back Slats and Back Apron)
2 - 1×4 @ 8 1/2" (Seat Slats) - NEW
2 - 1×2 @ 14" (Back Legs)

Paul H. (not verified)

Tue, 11/22/2011 - 10:28

I finished assembling the four chairs for 18" dolls last night but made them smaller than my original post stated. The over all dimensions are now 12" H (back), 5 1/2" H (seat) X 6" W X 6 1/2" D

Cut List:
2 - 1×2 @ 4 1/4" (Side Aprons)
2 - 1×2 @ 5" (Side Supports)
3 - 1×2 @ 4 1/2" (Front Legs and Front Apron)
7 - 1×2 @ 6" (4 Seat Slats, 2 Back Slats and Back Apron)
2 - 1×2 @ 12" (Back Legs)

I also made a doll sized version of the table. Once Christmas is over, I will post them on the brag boards. I don't want any picture evidence around before the big reveal...

Lexi Williams

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 18:18

I am new here and I love it! I have made a picnic table from this site so far and this will be my next project! I am double teaming these chairs with my grandpa. I will be building and he will be painting. =]

Carrie Stratton (not verified)

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 09:09

I was wondering where to do the pocket holes on the aprons in order to avoid hitting the pocket holes on the supports. There is no guide for this and it seems like they would hit one another. I am a beginner so I may be looking at it wrong. Any advice would be great!! Thanks:)

Kassi (not verified)

Mon, 12/17/2012 - 06:55

I'm confused about where your placement of screws and pre drilled holes go? And also, when you predrill holes are you always using the kreg jig because we are and some of our screws are splitting the wood. I'm confused about what the seat slats are screwed into. Please help! Only 8 days til Christmas!

shawnnidey

Wed, 07/20/2016 - 19:40

These plans are built around 3/4" furring strips.

The ones I found at home depot were closer to 5/8" which will throw off the back apron. And the width of the 1x2 will throw off the side apron

joseph.davidow

Mon, 07/25/2016 - 10:41

I planned this on paper first and the dimensions of the frame don't match up. I am left with 1/4" for the side and the back apron is also too short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!