Notch- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4.8–9.3 hours
- Cost
- $$
About this build
These tall pub chairs look great, whether you have them sitting at a counter or pair them with a pub table (which we’ll show you in another project plan). Plus, the chairs are comfortable thanks to the shaped seat and angled back. Neither of these great features makes the chairs difficult to build.
Tools
Essential
- Drill / Driver
- Jigsaw
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
Optional / nice to have
- Bar / Pipe Clamps
- Combination Square
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Board, 2x2 72" | 1 board |
| Board, 2x2 96" | 2 board |
| Board, 1x4 72" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x4 48" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x8 48" | 1 board |
| Board, 1x2 48" | 1 board |
| Board, 1/2" x 3" 36" | 1 board |
| 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws | 32 each |
| 2 1/2" coarse-thread pocket hole screws | 16 each |
| 2 1/2" flathead wood screws | 6 each |
| 2" flathead wood screws | 8 each |
| Wood glue | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Leg | 4 | 1" × 1" × 31" |
| Foot Rail | 4 | 1" × 1" × 15" |
| Back Support | 2 | 1" × 1" × 16" |
| Seat Front/Back Rail | 2 | 3/4" × 3" × 15" |
| Seat Left Side Rail | 1 | 3/4" × 3" × 15" |
| Filler Block | 2 | 1/2" × 2" × 3" |
| Wide Seat Slat | 2 | 3/4" × 7" × 20" |
| Narrow Seat Slat | 2 | 3/4" × 1" × 20" |
| Back Slat | 2 | 3/4" × 3" × 20" |
| Seat Right Side Rail | 1 | 3/4" × 3" × 15" |
What to buy
Buy 8 boards at 8 ft.
1" × 1"
3 boards
3/4" × 7"
1 board
3/4" × 3"
2 boards
3/4" × 1"
1 board
1/2" × 2"
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Instructions
1Review the Materials List
Before you start building your Pub Chairs, take a look at the parts list, the supplies, and the cutting diagram. All are shown for building one chair. You’ll need to multiply everything by the number of chairs you want to build. Once you have all of your quantities, you can get your materials.
2Make the Foot Rails
Cut four Foot Rails to size from a 2 x 2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 1 1/2" material, drill pocket holes in these pieces where shown.
3Cut the Legs to Size
Cut four Legs to size from a 2 x 2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.
4Make the Seat Rails
- Cut two Seat Front/Back Rails and two Seat Side Rails to size from a 1 x 4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Using a jigsaw, cut the “V” shape on the two Seat Side Rails, as shown.
- Then sand the cut edges smooth. With your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Front/Back Rails, as shown.
- Then drill pocket holes in the Side Rails. Note that there’s a difference in pocket hole spacing on the Left Seat Side Rail and the Right Seat Side Rail. The pocket holes closest to the back end in each Side Rail are offset slightly forward. That’s so they pocket holes will clear the Filler Blocks that get added during assembly.
5Start Base Assembly
- Begin assembling the chair base by creating front and back assemblies that each consist of two Legs, one Foot Rail, and a Seat Front/Back Rail.
- Position the Foot Rail between the Legs, as shown, and then attach it using 2 1/2" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
- Then position the Seat Front/Back Rail and attach it to the Legs using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
- Repeat the process for the other assembly.
6Complete the Base
- Now you can bring these two assemblies together to complete the base.
- Attach the final two Foot Rails using 2 1/2" course-thread pocket hole screws.
- Then position the Seat Side Rails, and attach them to the Legs using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
7Add a Pair of Filler Blocks
- Cut two Filler Blocks from 1/2" x 3 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.
- Then attach the Filler Blocks to the Base with glue where shown.
- Clamp the Filler Blocks in place until the glue dries.
8Create the Chair Back
Cut two Back Slats to length from a 1 x4 board, and then cut two Back Supports to length from a 2 x 2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Drill pilot holes through the Back Supports where shown, and then attach the Back Supports to the Seat Slats with glue and 2" flathead wood screws, as shown.
9Add the Back to the Base
Lay the Base on 1 1/2" spacers, add some glue to the spacer blocks and place the assembled back in position as shown. Drill pilot holes and secure the back to the frame with six 2 1/2" flathead wood screws.
10Make the Seat Slats
Cut two Wide Seat Slats from a 1 x 8 board, and then cut two Narrow Seat Slats from a 1 x 2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. On one Narrow Slat and one Wide Slat, cut out the notches with a jigsaw, as shown. These will fit around the Back Supports.
11Attach the Seat Slats
- Now you can attach the Seat Slats.
- First, attach the Narrow Seat Slats so that they fit flush with the outside face of the Legs.
- Then attach them to the Seat Front/Back Rails using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
- Now position the Wide Slats so there are equal gaps (about 1/4") between all the slats, and screw the Wide Slats in place.
12Sand and Finish
Once your chairs are assembled, you can give everything a final sanding. Then apply the stain or finish of your choice.
Tags
- Kitchen
- Intermediate
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