How to Build a Quaker Chair

Cut the Wood

1). Measure a 2 1/2-inch by 2 1/2-inch piece of oak to 32 1/2 inches with the tape measure and pencil. Cut the oak to this length with a circular saw. Repeat this step to cut three lengths of oak for chair legs. These will also be used for the arms and back rails.
2). Measure and cut a 1-inch by 5 3/4-inch piece of oak to 23 1/2 inches. Repeat this step and cut a second piece of oak. These will be the bottom end rails.
3). Measure and cut a 1-inch by 5 3/4-inch piece of oak to 28 1/2 inches. Repeat this step and cut a second piece of oak. These will be the bottom side rails.
4). Measure and cut a 1-inch by 4 1/2-inch piece of oak to 23 1/2 inches. Repeat this step and cut a second piece of oak. These will be the top end rails.
5). Measure and cut a 1-inch by 4 1/2-inch piece of oak for the top back rail.
6). Measure and cut a 1-inch by 2 1/2-inch piece of oak to 26 1/2-inches. Repeat this step and cut a second piece of oak. These will be used for the cleats.
7). Measure and cut a 1/2-inch by 2-inch piece of oak to 24 inches. Repeat this step and cut a second piece of oak. These will be used for the slats.

1). Mark each of the chair legs with the location of the bottom end rails, the bottom side rails, top side rails and the top back rail. Make the marks 1-inch down from the top of each leg and 8 inches up from the bottom.
2). Drill two 3/4-inch holes at the location for each rail using a power drill. Place a small amount of wood glue into each hole then insert a dowel. Tap the dowels into the holes with the hammer.
3). Mark each rail with the location for a dowel. Drill a 3/4-inch hole into the side of each rail by using the 1/2-inch drill bit. Place wood glue into each hole.
4). Place the rails on the dowels on each leg. Secure each side of the chair with clamps to ensure that the rails are secured to the legs.
5). Sand the edges of the chair smooth with the sandpaper. Apply a stain to the chair with the brush for a finished look. Allow 4o to 6 hours for the stain to dry.
6). Set the slats in place for the seat and secure with nails or screws.