This Modern 2 by 4 Chair is an attractive seating solution that offers a tasteful accent to any room. It has an angled seat for comfort and can be used with or without cushions. The seat is suspended by two bolts on each side. The arms were painted with an interior-exterior white paint and the seat was stained with a warm hickory finish. As always, you can choose a finish that best suits your taste. This chair’s impressive silhouette can be easily broken down and stored.
Be sure to watch the video at the bottom for additional details.
Want to make your own?
- (8) 2in X 4in X 96in Lumber
- White interior-exterior paint
- (4) 6in- 1/4- bolts
- (4) 1/4 Nut
- (4) 1/4 Washer
- (4) 1/4 Lock Washer
- (50) 3 in wood screws (legs, seat, back, and side)
- (10) 2.5 in screws (seat support)
- Wood glue https://amzn.to/2ym5BLt
- Miter Saw https://amzn.to/2L7C6zB
- Drill and Driver https://amzn.to/2yoanrW
- Orbital sander https://amzn.to/2yj9cd6
- Bar clamp https://amzn.to/2GtdsWa
- Countersink bit https://amzn.to/2tjU8X1
- Corner Clamp https://amzn.to/2Nr0OvA
Arms
(4) -Top & Bottom = 30 inches
(4) – Front Back = 24 inches
Seat box
(2) Front & Back = 27 inches
(2) Sides = 22 1/8 inches
(5) Middle Support =22 1/8 inches
(2) Inside support (cut a 2 by 4 in half) = 24 inches
Back
(1) Top = 27 inches
(2) Sides = 18 1/8 inches
(5) Middle Support = 24 inches
(2) Side support ( will attach the chair back to the bottom) = 14 1/4 inches
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
PROJECT COST
$60
ESTIMATED TIME
9 hours
STEP 1
Prepping the Side Arm
Start with the 2 by 4 pieces of lumber that are cut to 30 inches for the top & bottom. Then, notch out a section (aka rabbit) at both ends of the 2 by 4 as shown in the photos. The section should be approx. 1/4” deep. This is only done for the top and bottom of the arm, repeat this step 3 more times.
Next, pre-drill two holes on the back side of the notched out section. Do this for both ends.
STEP 2
Assembling the Arms
Locate the lumber for the front and back of the chair arm. Apply wood glue then clamp and screw the 2 by 4 together as shown. 2.5in to 3in exterior rated screws will work just fine. Set the arms to the side and head to the next step.
STEP 3
Constructing the Seat
Then, rip a 2 by 4 in half that will fit in the seat framing. These will be used to support the seat bottom (the middle support). Now, install the ripped 2 by 4 by gluing and screwing them on. At this point do not secure the middle support.
(2) Front & Back = 27 inches
(2) Sides = 22 1/8 inches
(5) Middle Support =22 1/8 inches
STEP 4
Drilling the Pass-Through Bolt
Locate the front of the seat frame built in Step 3. The front should be measured at 27 inches.
Use a scrap piece of 2 by 4 to gauge where the chair arm will sit. Then, draw out a reference line, see photos for example.
Find the center within the reference line and drill a 1/4 inch hole.
Next, drill a 1/4 inch hole in the arm 15 inches from the ground. It’s important to keep the hole as straight as possible. This way the bolts slide through easily and the chair sits level.
STEP 5
Attaching the Seat to the Legs
Insert the bolts and add the nuts, tighten it by hand for now. The bolts will be tightened in a later step. Next, cut a scrap piece of wood at 10in. in length, then place this at the very back of the chair. Now, right where the chair arm and the back cross paths, drill a 1/4in hole in the center through both parts. Do this for both sides, then install the nuts and bolts and tighten them by hand.
There is an additional piece of wood that sits under the armrest. Since the chair is at an angle you will need to transfer that angle to this piece of wood. This piece of wood holds the seat bottom to the back. It’s supported with (4) 3-inch screws.
STEP 6
Adding Top to the Back Rest
I used a biscuit joiner because I didn’t want to see screws here. You can use screws and plug the holes or just leave them visible if you prefer
STEP 7
Installing the Seat Support
Pre-drill the 5 middle supports. One screw on each end should be fine along with wood glue.
Place them in the frame and use scrap wood to space them evenly.
STEP 8
Completing the Chair Back
Now clamp, pre-drill and screw the back together.
STEP 9
Prep Work
Remove the two arms and give it a good sand to clean up the rough surface.
STEP 10
Applying Stain
1. I applied pre-stain conditioner per the instruction.
2. Apply stain with a brush
3. Remove stain with a rag Minwax Gel Stain ” Hickory” http://amzn.to/1OK9gVm
4. Apply protection https://amzn.to/2toIuuf
5. Painted the two Legs with high gloss paint.
STEP 11
Final Touch
After all the finish dried. It’s time to assemble by adding the both arms.
Just inset the 4 bolts, 4 washer, 4 lock washer and 4 nuts.
STEP 12
Finish Product
If you are looking for some inspiration on a budget this chair is a great option. When I made this I needed some seating on my covered patio. I didn’t use treated lumber due to the aesthetics. I find it hard to get the desired result when using pressure treated lumber. If you want to place this out in the elements and have direct contact with the ground, then treated lumber is the way to go.
