Build a Mission Style Wood Chair
Mission style chairs are simple pieces suitable for filling various needs. They are known for their craftsmanship and simplistic design and are typically built using oak. Free of decorative details, they are simple yet sturdy and will blend in nicely in any setting. This makes them ideal for dining or office chairs. Mission style furniture is easy to build and is a suitable project for novices. Mission style chairs with a dark stain are suitable replacement chairs for antique dining tables. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Using a saw to cut the oak lumber into 2 pieces that are 1 ½ inches by 1 ½ inches by 18 ½ inches for the front posts, two pieces that are 1 ½ inches by 5 ½ inches by 38 ½ inches for the back posts. Then cut four pieces that are 1 inch by 2 inches by 17 inches for the seat rails, four pieces that are 5/8 inch by 1 ¼ inch by 17 inches for the lower side rails. Cut two pieces that are 5/8 inch by 2 ½ inches by 17 inches for the lower front and back rails, two pieces that are ¾ inch by 2 inches by 17 inches for the back rails, one piece that is 3/8 inch by 3 inches by 13 ½ inches for the center slat and two pieces that are 3/8 inch by 1 ½ inch by 13 ½ inches for the side slats. You need to also cut a 16 inch by 16 inch piece of ½ inch plywood for the seat.
2. Attach the lower front rail to the two front posts. Use a tape measure and measure 7 ¾ inches from the bottom of each post. Mark with a pencil. Place the bottom edge of the lower rail on the mark on the front post. Use a screwdriver to secure the post with a wood screw. Repeat to attach the lower rail to the second post.
3. Attach the side rails to the front and back posts. Measure 4 inches from the bottom of the front post and back post and mark with a pencil. Place the lower side rail on the mark on the front post and secure with a wood screw. Place the lower rail on the mark on the back post and secure with a wood screw. Measure 6 inches from the top of the front post and make a mark. Measure 12 inches from the bottom of the back post and make a mark. Place the ends of the lower side rails on the marks and secure with wood screws. Repeat to attach the lower side rails to the other front and back posts.
4. Attach the lower back rail to the back posts. Measure 7 ¾ inches from the bottom of each back post and mark with a pencil. Place the back rail on each mark and secure with wood screws.
5. Attach the seat rails. Place one seat rail between the two front posts and secure with wood screws. The top of the seat rail should be flush with the front posts. Place one seat rail between a front post and a back post. The front post and the seat rail should be flush. Attach the front post to the seat rail with a wood screw. Use a level to level the seat rail and secure to the back post with a wood screw. Repeat for the other side. Place the top edge of the level flush with the top of a side seat rail. The end of the level should be over the back post. Mark with a pencil and repeat for the other side. Place the back seat rail on the marks and secure with wood screws.
6. Assemble the back rails and slats. Measure 8 ½ inches on both back rails and mark with a pencil. Measure 1 ½ inches on both ends of the 3 inch wide slat and mark with a pencil. Align the mark on the end of the wide slat with the mark on one of the back rails and secure with a wood screw. Repeat for the other end. Measure 2 inches from the outer edge of the wide slat and mark with a pencil. Repeat for the other side and the other back rail. Place the outer edge of the smaller slat on the mark and secure with a wood screw. Attach the other end to the other back rail with a wood screw. Repeat to attach the other slat on the other side of the wide slat.
7. Measure 1 ¾ inches from the top of each back post and mark with a pencil. Slide the assembled back rails and slats between the back posts. Place the top edge of the back rail on the mark and secure with a wood screw. Repeat for the other side. Secure the bottom back rail with a wood screw on each side.
8. Select the desired color stain and apply as directed. Allow to dry and seal with a thin coat of shellac. Allow to dry overnight.
9. Add a seat to the chair. Cover the top of the plywood seat with three layers of polyester quilt batting. Cover the plywood and batting with a thick canvas or leather. Place the seat upside down on a flat surface. Pull the canvas or leather over the plywood and use three evenly spaced tacks to secure it. On the opposite side, pull the canvas or leather as tight as possible. Use a hammer to secure the canvas or leather to the plywood with three tacks. Repeat for the ends. Attach the seat to the chair with ornamental nails or tacks.
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