Free DIY Furniture Plans // How to Build a Rocking Chair

thedesignconfidential.com/2015/04/free-diy-furniture-plans-how-to-build-a-rocking-chair/

By Rayan April 13, 2015

Nothing says spring like a rocking chair on the porch. I kind of have a thing with chairs that
rock… or bounce. I guess I never grew out of that stage from my years as a baby? Who
knows, but there is definitely something so soothing about sitting in a rocking chair, listening
to the evening sounds. It is even better in the morning, but somehow school routines and
young children seem to keep this from happening during the week. A gal can dream
though…

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As with all of our plans, you are building at your own risk and you should have a firm
understanding of building in general before you attempt many of our plans (some are
easy as pie and perfect for beginners). With that, go forth, have fun, take lots of
pictures and share them in a showcase on the site or on social media with the hashtag
#builtTDCtuff and we will share our faves! Be sure to tag @thedesignconfidential
on Instagram / FB and @thedesconf on Twitter / Pinterest. If you are a blogger and you
post about your build, don’t forget to include a link to your post on your showcase
here. Don’t forget… for all of our newer plans, clicking on the images will let them
expand to enormous sizes with much greater clarity. The older plans may need
updating so please let us know if you need one fixed!

$50-$100

Tape Measure
Saw – Jig Saw, Circular, Table, or Miter Saw
Drill
Square
Sander
Kreg Jig – if you build frequently, invest in this one.
Nail Gun

2 – 1×2 at 8’
3 – 1×3 at 8’
2 – 1×4 at 8’
1 – 1×6 at 8’ (or use 3/4” plywood, ripped down to 5-1/2” wide)

1-1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws

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1-1/4″ Wood Screws
20 – 1/4” 2” long bolts and 1/4″ nuts
1/4″ Spade Bit
Pocket Hole Plugs – Paint Grade, Pine, Oak – optional
Clamps
Safety Gear
Wood Filler
Wood Glue
Sanding Supplies
Paste Wax
Finishing Supplies

1 – 1×2 at 16” – Backrest Top Frame

2 – 1×2 at 18-1/2” – Backrest Side Frames
2 – 1×3 at 2-1/2” – Armrest Supports
2 – 1×3 at 21” – Backrest Sides
5 – 1×4 at 19” – Backrest Slats
2 – 1×3 at 23” – Seat Sides
2 – 1×2 at 17-1/2” – Seat Front and Seat Back
5 – 1×4 at 19” – Seat Slats
2 – 1×3 at 22” – Armrests
2 – 1×3 at 12-1/4” – Side Frame Tops
4 – 1×3 at 24-1/2” – Side Frame Sides
2 – 1×2 at 19-1/2” – Side Frame Bottoms
2 – 1×6 at 35” – Rockers

Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If
you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up
to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are
new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under
the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started,
tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing
school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use
glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to
assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or
Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all
safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your
build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for
the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you
move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

/ Click on Images to Enlarge

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Cut the pieces for the Backrest Top Frame and Backrest Side Frames. With the Kreg jig set
for 3/4” material, drill pocket holes in each end of the Backrest Top Frame. Assemble as
shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws.

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Cut the pieces for the Armrest Supports, Backrest Sides, and Backrest Slats.

Cut the Armrest Supports as shown.

Chamfer the top back corner of the Backrest Sides at a 45-degree angle, if desired. You can
also “round out” the bottoms of the Backrest Sides as shown. Attach the Backrest Sides to
the Backrest Side Frame pieces as shown with glue and 1-1/4” wood screws. Attach the
Armrest Supports to the Backrest Sides as shown with glue and 1-1/4” wood screws.

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Attach the Backrest Slats to the Backrest Top Frame and Backrest Sides as shown with glue
and 1-1/4” wood screws.

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Cut the pieces for the Seat Sides, Seat Front, and Seat Back. Chamfer the bottom front
corner of the Seat Sides at a 45-degree angle, if desired.

With the Kreg jig set for 3/4” material, drill pocket holes in each end of the Seat Front and
Seat Back. Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws.

Cut the pieces for the Seat Slats. Attach the Seat Slats to the Seat Front, Seat Sides, and
Seat Back as shown with glue and 1-1/4” wood screws.

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Cut the pieces for the Armrests, Side Frame Tops, Side Frame Sides, and Side Frame
Bottoms. You can “round out” the outer corners of the Side Frame Sides as noted to allow for
better chair movement. With the Kreg jig set for 3/4” material, drill pocket holes in each end
of the Side Frame Tops and Side Frame Bottoms. Next, drill pocket holes in the top end of
the Side Frame Sides. Assemble as shown with glue and 1-1/4” pocket screws. Repeat this
step for the other side.

Cut the pieces for the Rockers. Draw out the shape as shown and cut out with your jigsaw.
Make sure you draw a gentle curve. For this project, we used a radius of 62-1/2” for the
Rocker curves. If desired, “round out” the end corners of the Rockers with your jigsaw or
sander.

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Clamp the Rockers to the Side Frame Sides as shown. Using a 1/4” spade bit, drill holes
through both of the clamped pieces. Attach the Rockers to the Side Frames Sides as shown
with glue and 1/4” bolts and nuts. Once assembled, you can see what part of the Side Frame
Sides extend past the Rockers. Use your jigsaw or sander to remove this excess wood.
Repeat this process with the other side.

Lay one of the Side Frame assemblies on the ground or table, with the pocket holes facing
up. Lay the Seat assembly on the Side Frame assembly as shown and secure with clamps.
Using a 1/4” spade bit, drill holes through both of the clamped pieces. Attach the Side Frame
Sides to the Seat Side as shown with glue and 1/4” bolts and nuts. Repeat this process with
the second Side Frame assembly.

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Set the Rocking Chair upright. Using clamps, position the Backrest assembly to the Side
Frame assemblies as shown. The bottom corner of the Armrest should be flush with the back
edge of the Backrest Side and should be set directly on the Armrest Support. Use your 1/4”
spade bit to drill through both the clamped pieces where noted. Attach the Side Frame Sides
to the Backrest Side as shown with glue and 1/4” bolts and nuts. Repeat this process with
the other side.

Just sit back, relax, and rock your worries away!

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and
Tricks visit my Finishing School

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