Seat Yourself: 11 Ways to DIY Your Own Chair

Chairs for the tiniest people in your life can get surprisingly expensive—and they’re not always exceptionally well made. This DIY kids’ chair, however, which costs a little less than $5 to build, is as sturdy as they come, making it the perfect choice for the prudent parent. Once you’ve built it, enlist the help of your little ones to paint the chair in a playful color.

Got a garage full of mismatched scrap wood? This is the project you’ve been saving it for. The simple lines of this DIY armchair are ideal for showing off a rustic collection of different woods in diverse stains. The resourceful builder made the seat of this chair from old maple flooring, though you can use whatever wood you have on hand. 

A rustic DIY farm table deserves a set of comfy handmade chairs—like these upholstered Parsons dining chairs. The chairs cost about $40 each to DIY, and less if you already have the perfect upholstery fabric on hand. A staple gun and upholstery needle secure the cushion to the wood frame. Pro tip: Before you put these chairs to use, spray them with a couple of coats of Scotchgard to boost their stain resistance.

Related: 10 Easy Ways to Build Your Own TV Stand

Need a no-frills chair for the deck or patio? Look no further than this little number, a minimalist chair inspired by the work of naturalist Aldo Leopold. Crafted with comfort and durability in mind, the chair can last for years with absolutely no upkeep, even when stored outside and exposed to the elements. What’s more, for those with rustic sensibilities, the chair’s look will only improve with a bit of sun, wind, and rain.

Who knew that an old metal sign and wooden stakes could combine to create such a surprisingly comfortable chair? This DIYer’s clever recycling makes for a great conversation piece or a unique gift for the friend who has everything. The trick to getting this chair right is in the bending of the metal, but with a little patience, some tin snips, and a rubber mallet, you should do just fine.

Related: 9 Ways to DIY a Dresser on a Dime

If your vision of the perfect summer involves sitting on the front porch with some cold lemonade and a good book, you’re going to want to add a fun hanging lounge chair into the equation. With just some oak dowels, a canvas drop cloth, a sturdy rope, and a support hook, you can construct this stylish swinging chair in no time. Now all you’ll need is a good breeze and a free afternoon.

The beautiful (but pricey) Belvedere outdoor lounger at Restoration Hardware inspired this DIY design. The chair’s angled slat back and wide armrests make it the ideal spot for luxuriating in summer’s warm rays. Reap even more savings on your custom creation by sewing your own cushions to complete this casual and cozy patio furniture project.

Related: 10 Doable Designs for DIY Outdoor Furniture

Lightweight, colorful, and modern, this simple chair is a breeze to build but looks designer-made. A small backrest, angled legs, and sturdy construction make this DIY Harriet chair perfect for the kids’ playroom or homework station. Paint the chair in a bright shade to give a dull room a much-needed pop of color.

This stick chair is ideal for sitting pretty while you enjoy the view from your front porch. Best of all, it conveniently folds up when you need it out of the way. The design may look complicated, but the frame is nothing more than a series of “sticks,” or 2×4’s, cut to different heights. Those boards are then drilled and screwed together to create a seat and back. Once you’ve built the chair, give it a coat of milk paint to complete the vintage Southern look.

Related: DIY Ideas to Steal from 5 Easy Porch Makeovers

Though it was intended to be used on a porch, this DIY patio chair would add a healthy dash of style to any living room. The square frames support an angled seat for a modern yet rustic vibe. The use of a biscuit joiner instead of screws for the top of the chair gives the design a clean, seamless look.