How to Build Foldable Wooden Chairs Foldable chairs can help save room by collapsing into a compact frame

that you can store just about anywhere. Constructing these chairs out of wood not only offers a natural look, but also allows flexibility in design. In only a few simple steps, you will never have to worry about running out of comfortable places to sit. Saw one 1-by-3-by-48-inch lumber plank into two boards, at 24 and 22 1/4 inches in length respectively. Divide four 1-by-2-by-96-inch lumber planks into 2 boards at 48 inches, 2 boards at 44 inches, 1 board at 25 1/2 inches, 1 board at 24 inches, 4 boards at 23 3/4 inches, 1 board at 22 1/4 inches, and 2 boards at 15 inches. Lastly, cut one 6-foot long 1/2-inch wood dowel into 1 piece measuring 25 1/2 inches and 2 pieces measuring 22 inches in length. Glue the 1-by-2-by-24-inch board between the two 1-by-2-by-48-inch boards, flush with the top edge. When the glue has set, drill a 1/4-inch hold into the wood and secure the pieces together using 2-inch screws. This forms the back frame. Attach the 1-by-3-by-24-inch board 3/8 of an inch below the 1-by-2 in the same manner, using glue first and screws second. Secure the 1-by-2-by-25 1/2-inch slat 2 inches from the bottom of the frame as assembled so far, gluing it to the back face of the frame rather than between the two side boards. When the glue has set, drill and screw it in place. Drill one 1/4-inch hole exactly 16 inches from the top of the frame and one 16 inches from the bottom of the frame. There should be 16 inches between the two holes. Repeat on the other side. Fix the 1-by-2-by-22 1/4-inch board between the two 1-by-2-by-44-inch boards in the same manner as the back frame. Attach the 1-by-3-by-24 1/2-inch board 3/8 of an inch below the 1-by-2. This will form the seat frame. Glue and screw the first 1-by-2-by-23 3/4-inch slat onto the front face of the seat frame, approximately 8 inches from the bottom, measuring from the top of the board. There should be 6 1/2 inches of space below the first board. Repeat with the remaining boards. The distance from the bottom of the frame to the top of the second board is 10 inches, the distance to the top of the third is 12 inches and the distance to the top of the fourth is 14 inches. Drill a 1/4-inch hole 17 inches from the top of the frame on each side. Align the seat and back frames, laying the seat on top of the back, so that the bottom of the head frame is at the head of the seat frame, while the bottom of the seat frame is at the head of the back frame. The slat on the back frame and the slats on the seat frame should face outward, opposite from one another. Line up the holes at the bottom of the back frame with the holes on the seat frame and secure them with 2-inch long, 1/2-inch wide bolts. Place one washer between the outside end of the bolt and the back frame, one washer between the back and seat frames, and one washer between the seat frame and the opposite end of the bolt. Secure with a nut.

Dip two 2-inch screws in wood glue and use them to screw the 25 1/2-inch dowel into place between the 1-by-2-by-15-inch boards, ensuring that the boards are aligned perfectly. This prop will lock the chair in place. Drill a 1/2-inch hole on each board approximately 1/2 inch from the top. Line up the holes with the holes at the top end of the back frame. Place a washer on the outside, one between the prop and the frame, and one on the inside. Put a 2-inch long bolt through all the holes and secure with a nut. Repeat this on the other side. Cut two fabric squares that measure 54-by-22 3/4 inches. With the outer faces of each side facing inward, stitch the squares together, leaving a gap on one side to turn the fabric outside-out. Pull the fabric through the hole and stitch it up. Use a longer stitch length and stitch the pieces together again on the long sides only. Make sleeves at each end by folding the ends inward and stitching them. Push the fabric through the 3/8-inch gap at the head of each frame and secure it in place using a the two remaining dowels, placed on the opposite side as anchors. Paint or stain to your liking. Youll Need: Measuring tape Saw 1-by-3-by-48-inch lumber 1-by-2-by-96-inch lumber 6-foot long 1/2-inch thick dowel Wood glue Drill 2-inch screws 1/2-inch washers 2-inch long 1/2-inch bolts 1/2-inch nuts Fabric Thread

Needle Paint or stain