Modern Kids Chair
Build your own modern style kids chairs with splayed legs for durability!
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
What you need
- 1 - 1x12 @ 2 feet long
- 1 - 1x3 @ 10 feet long
- 4 - 1x3 @ 13 1/2" (Long point to short point, ends are parallel, 10 degree miter, 5 degree bevel)
- 2 - 1x3 @ 7" (Long point to long point, both ends cut at 10 degree miter)
- 2 - 1x3 @ 12 1/2" (Short point to short point, both ends cut at 5 degree miter)
- 1 - 1x12 @ 14"
- 1 - 1x12 @ 6" (One end cut at 10 degree bevel)
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- jigsaw
- compound miter saw
- sander
Step by step
Step 1
Set your saw at a 10 degree miter and a five degree bevel. Cut one end of a 1x3 board, as close as possible to the end of the board while still getting your angle cut. Slide the board down 13 1/2" (longest point to shortest point) and cut. This is one leg. Slide the board down 13 1/2" and cut, repeating until you have all four legs. Then set your saw to a 10 degree miter and no bevel. Cut the end of the board. Flip the board, measure down the long point to long point side 7" and cut to get your side apron. You will need to flip and cut one more. Now drill two pocket holes on each end of the aprons. Lay legs down - you may have to flip and rotate - with the side apron in between, pocket holes facing upward. The legs are flush to the tops of the apron on the outside edge, but on the inside edge, the legs extend past the apron slightly. Attach with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and glue. Build two leg sets for each chair. Once you have completed this step successfully, the chair will be easy peasy. TIP: You may wish to drill pocket holes along top edge of legs/side aprons for attaching seat in step 3.
Step 2
Set your saw for a 5 degree miter and cut front and back aprons. Drill pocket hols and attach, with the apron never extending above legs, flush on top. TIP: You may wish to drill pocket holes along top edge of front back apron for attaching seat in step 3.
Step 3
Attach seat.
Step 4
Set your saw for a 5 degree bevel and cut seat backs. Then round corners of seat back with jigsaw and drill thumb hole with 1" hole saw or drill bit. Sand all rough edges. Attach seat back to seat with screws and glue.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
