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Do-it-yourself rocking chair made of chipboard. Making a rocking chair

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A personal backyard is the best place to rest and work. To have a good rest in nature, mankind has come up with many types of different devices, for example, a swing or a hammock. The best comfortable piece of furniture can be considered an armchair. But one addition can be made to its design that will make it more convenient. This pattern helps to relax all the muscles in the body, and the slow and monotonous swing is conducive to second thoughts.

The design of the rocking chair has gained immense popularity in the world. That is why, since its invention, there has appeared many rocking chair options... Masters say that making a chair with your own hands is quite simple.

What are the rocking chairs for summer cottages

To make a universal model of a rocking chair for a summer residence, a willow vine will be needed. The unique and simple design will look great against the background of a variety of greenery and go well with the decor of a gazebo or a country house. The main disadvantage of such a durable and lightweight piece of furniture is the fear of a large amount of moisture.

Rattan is a very flexible vine. which grows in Asian countries. This plant is also used to weave unique and beautiful rocking chairs. Their beauty is not inferior to willow products, but the strength is much worse. Metal fasteners are not used in the manufacture of rattan furniture. It is customary to make connections only with high-quality knitting and wood glue.

When it comes to the durability and durability of a rocking chair, the best example is models made from metal parts. A unique lace armchair can decorate absolutely any suburban area. Rocking chairs should be used not only as furniture for a country house. The main advantage of a product for office work is considered to be its solidity and representativeness. Now there are models of rocking chairs from famous designers, which are made in various modern styles.

Many modern designs of these pieces of furniture have a special uniqueness... Together with conventional rocking chairs, they can guarantee their owner great comfort and independence from conventional energy sources. A similar piece of furniture, which is equipped with small solar panels, makes it possible to spend your free time with benefit and comfort.

How to make a rocking chair with your own hands

The design of the armchair has a lot in common with the sofa. When a lot of pillows are laid on such a piece of furniture or a blanket is thrown, it is impossible to find anything better for relaxing in a country house. Next, the process of assembling a rocking chair from plywood with your own hands will be described in detail.

DIY rocking chair tools

Making a unique rocking chair is quite simple. Having purchased good materials and having the right tools, you can assemble this piece of furniture yourself in a small amount of time. To assemble a rocking chair you will need the following tools:

A good organization of the assembly process assumes that absolutely all the necessary tools will be located near the workplace.

Diy rocking chair: drawings

Every Responsible Job Must Begin with the execution of a detailed drawing, which is needed in order not to be mistaken in the required amount of building materials. And also a high-quality drawing can be easily found on the net. On a special metric grid with a step of no more than 10 centimeters, there is a template for the side parts of the rocking chair. The best option would be to transfer the drawing to a large sheet of paper and make a template, with which it will be convenient to transfer the contour of the product to plywood.

In this work, you can admit small inaccuracies. But all sidewalls must be the same. There should be no protruding corners on the lower rolling side of the rocking chair.

Manufacturing of blanks for a rocking chair made of wood

To make special side panels and sidewalls, plywood of the highest class with a thickness of at least 3 centimeters will be needed. The side elements should be cut out with an electric jigsaw according to the manufactured pattern. Three drawers should be 810 by 125 millimeters in size.

Further, it is worth cutting blanks from wooden bars, which in the future will form the surface of the back and seat of the unique chair. For this purpose, a wooden bar with dimensions of 50 by 25 millimeters is well suited. From it you need to cut 36 blanks of 1250 millimeters. Before buying the material you need for work, you should find out what the standard length of a wooden beam is in the nearest hardware store.

The total length of the bar, which is needed for the manufacture of a product, is quite simply calculated on a calculator. It is necessary to observe the multiplicity so that when cutting the workpieces, a small amount of the remaining material remains. In this case, the best solution would be to reduce the size of the rocking chair. For example, if the standard length of a wooden beam is 2.5 meters, then one workpiece will be 1240 millimeters, because it is necessary to subtract the thickness of the cut and further processing.

With fastening materials, everything is much easier. To make a wooden rocking chair, you will need:

  • 14 special confirmations measuring 5 by 125 millimeters;
  • 150 self-tapping screws for wood in the size of 4 by 50 millimeters.

Thus, preparatory stage can be considered finished. However, a lot of work still needs to be done to make a unique rocking chair. Additionally, you may need the following materials:

  • high-quality drying oil;
  • wood varnish;
  • liquid putty;
  • antiseptic against a wide variety of pests.

Processing details of the future rocking chair

Next, you can start sanding the fabricated elements of the chair and removing small chamfers from them. When the grinder has a lot of power and has experience with it, then such a process does not take much time. Considering the fact that furniture will often be outdoors, it is worth pay great attention to the ends of the parts to protect them from moisture that will constantly affect them.

All the ends of the blanks must be well saturated with hot drying oil, and the longitudinal fibers of the tree on them must be flattened a little with a hammer. Thus, moisture will not do much damage to the rocking chair. This procedure must be carried out several times for the ends of the product.

Assembling a homemade chair

This type of country furniture does not have specific standards and assembly rules. Special holes for the drawers should be marked so that it is convenient to assemble the rocking chair. The main elements of a comfortable chair are:

  • headboard;
  • outer arc;
  • sidewalls;
  • foot.

Special drawers are attached to the sidewalls with Euro screws. To do this work, you need to make high-quality markings on the sidewalls, and then combine the two sidewalls. Further, in their planes it is worth drilling a through hole using a wood drill with a diameter of 8 millimeters. To make holes in the end of the drawers, you need to use a wood drill with a diameter of 6 millimeters. Now you need to pull off the frame of the product using confirmations.

Next, you need to make holes in the wooden blocks that will form the back and seat of the rocking chair. The blank should be 35 pieces. It is necessary to make 4 through holes in each bar. As a result, it should get 140 identical holes... To simplify this work, it is worth using a special jig. This is the name of a device for marking a large number of identical products.

It's pretty easy to make. A small piece of wood is taken, but not less than 300 millimeters long. It is necessary to drill through holes in it for the template, the diameter of which must correspond to the size of the construction pencil for marking. From the end and side of such a device, you need to nail small pieces of plywood, which will act as a limiter. This will prevent you from making mistakes when marking holes.

Such a jig can be used to mark through holes, but it is absolutely impossible to drill through it, since the drill will break the template holes and the workpieces will have to be re-marked. However, you can use a 4 x 35 mm wood drill with a countersink. In this case, you can make a through hole in the marked part of the size you need.

There must be a gap between the wooden blocks at least 17 millimeters... To avoid distortions, mark on the sidewalls of the product the distance corresponding to 6 bars together with the required intervals, and additionally check the coincidence of the templates in size. When they completely match, then you can continue to assemble the rocking chair. If the dimensions do not match, it is worth making an adjustment to the blanks. The modern self-tapping screw for wood fixes the eurofaner well. However, if we take into account the fact that the fastening frequency is very high, then it is necessary to use a wood drill with a diameter of 3 millimeters.

Rocking chair finishing

It is necessary to carefully fill in the holes from the self-tapping screws. Next, you need to treat the product with a special antiseptic and cover it with waterproof varnish several times. This work should be done very carefully and carefully. After thoroughly drying the rocking chair, you can start using it.

How to make a metal rocking chair yourself: drawings

The metal is pretty difficult to handle material... When there is no experience in forging or specific equipment for the production of bent products, then only simple rocking chairs will be available for self-assembly. However, their design can be quite interesting. First, the product frame is assembled from a metal corner or profile.

Further, all workpieces must be treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Hammer paints are now very popular. The decor of the finish depends on the preferences of the master. For example, the seat can be made of wooden planks or covered with soft cloth. To decorate a rocking chair, it is worth making small cushions for the back and seat, and on top cover everything with a large removable cover... Sometimes a metal frame is braided with a large amount of willow vines. For this work, theoretical skills on weaving from a vine will be required, which are worth learning from numerous videos on the net.

- a fairly popular piece of furniture found in living rooms, gardens, on terraces. They are made from different materials, have all kinds of designs and differ in designs.

Despite the huge range of materials, models made of natural wood are considered the most popular. They are elegant and noble, safe and durable.

When choosing materials of manufacture, preference should be given conifers... They are also often made from larch and alder. The advantages of these types of wood include low weight and low density. Thanks to this, the products can easily be moved from one place to another, and the low density of the wood does not create problems during the manufacturing process.

Important: from conifers, products of a light gray shade are obtained. They fill the premises with a pleasant aroma and have a beneficial effect on the well-being of users.

The advantages of coniferous wood include:

  • Ease and flexibility in processing... Such chairs can be given any shape.
  • Light weight... What makes the products lightweight and easy to use.
  • Elasticity and viscosity... This allows you to create original models of different shapes.

Attention: conifers swell at high humidity. Therefore, furniture items must be treated with antiseptic compounds.

To the benefits larch should be attributed:

  • high density;
  • resistance to deformation;
  • resistance to temperature extremes and high humidity;
  • attractive appearance.

You can also make a rocking chair from oak, ash or beech... Such furniture will amaze with its aesthetic qualities, durability and elite appearance.

Dimensional drawing

To make a practical and easy-to-use rocking chair, you need to think over its design, dimensions, materials of manufacture, type of construction. Next, a drawing is drawn with the designation of all dimensions. For the manufacture of a chair, it is recommended to take an ordinary chair as a basis.... Since it has a simple design, where all the elements are located at right angles.

reference: for a rocking chair, it is recommended to make a square seat with dimensions of 50-60 cm. Its thickness can vary within 1 - 1.5 cm. For the rear legs, it is better to use a bar with a section of 4.5 by 4.5 cm. Their height should be in within 105 - 110 cm.But the height of the front legs will be 55-60 cm.

Tools

For the manufacture of furniture, you will need the following tools:

  • jigsaw;
  • plane;
  • grinder;
  • milling cutter;
  • laser level;
  • screwdrivers;
  • tape measure and pencil;
  • clamp.

How to make a wooden rocking chair?

The manufacturing of the rocking chair begins with the preparation of all parts. They are cut according to the drawing. After the production of all the necessary parts, we proceed to their assembly. Parts can be connected in two ways:

  • thorn to thorn;
  • with glue.

It does not matter which option for fastening the parts you chose, but all work is carried out using clamps and gaskets... The gasket is placed between the rocker and the clamp. After that, the clamp is tightened, and the product is set aside for a day until the adhesive has completely solidified.

As for the installation of runners, different options are also used here.

Simple option

Method number one is simple and consists of the following steps:


With timber runners

The second option is more time consuming. A timber bar is used here as runners. The works are as follows:


Advice: in order for the rocking chair to have a long service life, the wood for the runners must be taken of high quality.

After making a rocking chair out of wood, it must be check for balance... The comfort of using the furniture item will depend on this:

  • if, when standing up, the product leans forward strongly, it is necessary to install transverse strips on the runners behind the back;
  • if the product tilts backwards, then the counterweight is installed on the front of the product.

Finishing

When the product is completely ready, it needs to be given an aesthetic and noble appearance.

To do this, the chair will need to be carefully polish, cover with stain and varnish in several layers... This will not only increase the attractiveness of the product, but also extend its service life.

After all, many people use a rocking chair in the open air in the warm season. And this contributes to the deterioration of wood under the influence of negative factors.

To prevent the tree from succumbing to various diseases, it must be treat with antifungal agents.

Photo

Selfless work will bring excellent results:

Useful video

How to make runners can be seen in the following video:

Then it's time to assemble the entire chair:

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that making a rocking chair out of wood with your own hands is not as difficult and difficult as it might seem at first. Subject to the technology, procurement of all the necessary materials and tools, you can make a piece of furniture of any design and design.

Such an armchair will not only become comfortable and cozy for leisure activities, but will also please with an interesting design solution and high technical characteristics. And the rhythmic swaying in the product will strengthen the nervous system, help to relax after a hard day at work and relieve tension from the back muscles.

In contact with

Most people associate a rocking chair with home comfort, rest, relaxation. Sitting in it, it is pleasant to have a cup of coffee, read a book or dream by the fireplace, covered with a blanket, on a long winter evening. Measured swaying calms, relaxes, gives peace. It is not for nothing that everyone loves to swing so much, even on ordinary chairs, often breaking them. But it is not always possible to purchase rocking chairs - they are not cheap. In this case, you can make a thing with your own hands.

Types of rocking chairs

There are a great many varieties of rocking chairs. They differ in design, field of application, material of manufacture and upholstery, design.

Variety of construction

Rocking chairs by type of structure can be divided into the following types.

  1. On simple radius runners - skis, rocker arms, arcs. Such chairs were the first to appear and are still used today. They are easy to manufacture, but they have a disadvantage - the risk of overturning with strong rocking. In this regard, they are made with a low fit for a greater excess of the center of the generating circle over the center of gravity. There are also varieties with a closing horizontal arc. This model requires the construction of individual drawings, taking into account the height and weight of the person for whom it is intended.
  2. On skids of variable curvature. They have no risk of overturning. Due to their length, when leaning back, they prevent the chair from falling, and when leaning forward, they simply push the person out of the seat. When making this model, it is better to use a ready-made drawing, since the process of building it is rather complicated.
  3. On elliptical runners. They swing very softly. They are often equipped with rear bumpers, front footrests or springs. At home, it will not work to make a model on springs, for this you need special types of wood or a rubberized metal strip.
  4. Glider is a sliding rocking chair. Unlike previous designs, its base remains motionless. It swings due to the installed pendulum mechanism. This piece of furniture is a difficult option for a novice craftsman.
  5. Vanka-vstanka - a garden tumbler chair. Does not lose stability in any position. This is due to the fact that the seat is both runners. If you lean back strongly, the chair will move to an almost horizontal position, but will not turn over, and with a little effort, it will return to its original position. It is quite difficult to build a drawing of such a chair, but you can use a ready-made one.

Rocking chair options depending on the structure - photo gallery

The classic rocking chair has the main drawback - the risk of overturning when rocking strongly Elliptical arcs provide smooth swing On skids of variable curvature, the risk of overturning is excluded The glider chair will not leave scuff marks on the floor in your home The rocking chair vanka-stand does not lose stability in any position, but from the side it resembles a recumbent person

Glider is the perfect chair for young mothers - video

Variety of materials

The following materials can be used in the manufacture of rocking chairs.

  1. Wood. Conifers, oak and larch are suitable for this. The master will need experience in woodworking, knowledge of how to connect parts.
  2. Plywood. The best option for a novice craftsman would be plywood. Working with it will require a minimum of skills and tools, all parts can be cut out with jigsaws.
  3. Vine and rattan. It is better not to start work without skills in working with these materials. You will need skills in the correct harvesting, drying and processing of vines, as well as skills in weaving. In addition, it is worth considering that the rattan palm does not grow in Russia, its homeland is Indonesia and the Philippines.
  4. Metal. Products made from it are durable, strong, but heavy. To work with this material, you need special skills in welding or forging, as well as pipe bending equipment if the chair will be made of pipes. As a rule, the frame is made of metal, and the seat is made of wood. Such a chair in an apartment can damage the floor, and it looks more appropriate in the country or in a country house.
  5. Profile pipes. Suitable for making elliptical arcs. This material, like any metal, also requires welding skills.
  6. Plastic pipes. Lightweight, durable, easy to work with. You only need fittings and a blowtorch. Moreover, the cost of such a product is low.

Types of materials for making rocking chairs - gallery

Plywood is suitable for making an armchair by a novice craftsman The rattan palm tree grows in our country, its homeland is Indonesia and the Philippines Metalworking requires welding or forging skills Polypropylene pipes are lightweight, durable, easy to work with Conifers, oak and larch are the most popular materials for making rocking chairs You will need special skills to craft vines

Application options

Depending on the place of use, rocking chairs are subdivided into items for home or outdoor use. If you plan to use the product outdoors (country house, garden area), keep in mind that the material will be affected by the sun's rays, precipitation, and air temperature.

Metal is not afraid of moisture changes. It only needs to be treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Due to its heavy weight, this chair is best placed on a stone base. It will push through loose earth or a wooden podium. The best option for outdoors is a metal product with a wooden seat or removable cushions.

Wooden chairs must be treated with a waterproof coating. This must be done especially carefully if the product is made of plywood. Hot drying oil is applied to the ends of the parts even before assembly, and then they are slightly flattened with a hammer so that moisture does not penetrate inside. After this procedure, the elements are covered with waterproof varnish twice.

Wooden rocking chairs should not be kept outdoors at all times. Otherwise, the product may lose its original appearance.

The most successful outdoor option is plastic chairs. They do not rot, are not afraid of the sun and wind, and do not require a protective coating. Such products are durable and lightweight, they can be moved to any place if necessary.

You should not use armchairs with soft upholstery on the street; it is better to cover them with a blanket or put removable pillows. The upholstery will get wet in the rain and deteriorate.

"Street" armchairs - gallery

An armchair made of plywood and wooden planks is the easiest option for a novice master A plywood chair with a roof will save you from sunburn The rocking sofa can accommodate several people at once Plastic pipes are quite an inexpensive material; even a beginner can make a rocking chair from it

How to make a rocking chair with your own hands

Hand-made things have a completely different energy than purchased ones. When making them, you can make any of your wishes come true. It is not difficult to perform a rocking chair, even a beginner can cope with this task. You need to be patient and follow the step-by-step instructions exactly.

Types of hand-made armchairs from various materials - gallery

An armchair of absolutely any shape can be cut out of plywood The presence of the footrest creates a more relaxing effect A chair covered with threads will surprise your guests A wooden armchair with soft upholstery will help you relax after a hard day An armchair made of natural materials is suitable for an eco-style interior Such an original rocking chair will become a decoration of your fancy home. Pipes can serve as the basis of the future chair A wrought-iron rocking chair will look organic on your summer cottage Knitted elements in home furnishings create a home atmosphere A pipe and a tree can always be found on the farm. A rocking chair can be easily made from this material.

We turn the most ordinary chair into a rocking chair

The easiest way to get a rocking chair quickly and inexpensively is to make it from an old but sturdy chair or chair. You only need to make a couple of runners. The center of gravity must be shifted downward to stabilize the structure and prevent overturning. To do this, the legs need to be filed under the arcs, on which a chair or chair will be attached in the future.

How to make runners from solid wood - video

Instructions for making a vanka-vstanka

For making this chair yourself, it is better to use plywood. A drawing can be built by making the calculations with your own hands, or you can use a ready-made scheme.

Cooking tools and materials

Before starting work, you need to prepare materials and tools. You may need:

  • electric jigsaw with saws for wood;
  • disc grinder with a set of attachments of various grain sizes;
  • screwdriver or drill;
  • a hammer;
  • brush;
  • plywood sheet 20-30 mm thick;
  • bar 50x25 mm for cladding;
  • 3 connecting bars 30x50 mm;
  • self-tapping screws or confirmants;
  • joiner's glue;
  • antiseptic for wood;
  • primer or drying oil;
  • dye;
  • roulette;
  • pencil;
  • graph paper.

Now you have everything you need. Before proceeding to the next step, treat the plywood sheet with an antiseptic. While you are working on the drawing, it will dry out.

Draw a diagram

The design of the vanka-vstanka does not require taking into account the individual parameters of future users. If you wish, you can amend the finished scheme. For example, if necessary, such a chair can be made for two. Thus, we will assume that you have the drawing.

We transfer it to graph paper, and then to thick paper in the full size of the parts. Cut out the patterns and draw the sidewalls. They will be made from plywood, fasteners - from bars, sheathing - from slats.

Both sidewalls must be exactly the same, there must be no bulges or irregularities on the swinging surface, the line must be smooth!

We make parts

With an electric jigsaw, he cuts out the sidewalls from plywood, and connecting drawers from bars. The best connection of the parts of the chair is a spike. If it is provided by the drawing, we make spikes and cuts under them in the sidewalls. We cut the facing strip from the strips. To keep as little scrap as possible, when choosing a rail, observe the multiplicity of their sizes to the finished bar. If there is a balance, keep them, they will be useful to you when the product needs to be repaired.

We sand all the details, grind, and then remove the chamfers. We process the ends very carefully. We slightly break their fibers with a hammer so that moisture does not penetrate into them. All elements must be primed and painted, the ends - twice.

Assembling the chair

We connect the sidewalls with drawer bars. If you have a spike connection, then we insert the spikes into the cuts under them, after having coated it with wood glue. If not, then we outline the joints on the sidewalls, make holes with an 8 mm drill, and at the ends of the bars - 5 mm. We tighten with the help of confirms - Euro screws.

Now all that remains is to attach the cladding strips. In order for them to lie flat, they must first be marked. Each board should have 4 marks, that is, 2 on each side. To facilitate the work, you can make a template from the trim strip by drilling 2 holes in it, then the work will go much faster.

To prevent the strips from cracking when fastening, drill holes along the marks with a thin drill and screw them to the sidewall with self-tapping screws. The distance between the slats should be 15 mm.

Cover the product with primer and paint. The rocking chair is ready, you can enjoy it.

Video on making a rocking chair from plywood

Making a rocking sofa

Using the basics of making a vanka-vstanka chair, you can make a rocking sofa. In this case, you need three sidewalls.

This lightweight and comfortable chair is suitable for both home and summer cottages. The seat and backrest can be braided with leather strips, colored cord, or just stretch a durable fabric.

Photo of the manufacture of a chair on radius arcs

First make a drawing Prepare all the details of the future chair, outline the attachment points of the elements Assemble the chair according to the presented diagram

Making a chair out of wood

Wood is a more complex material than plywood. There are several options for blueprints for wooden rocking chairs.

The product can be without armrests and have a back that follows the curves of the back.

If you do not have sufficient woodworking skills, you can make a chair, the elements of which are straight lines. The only exception will be arcs.

The procedure for making such a chair is the same as for a plywood model.

  1. We make a drawing and a pattern.
  2. We cut out the material. A board of 3000x200x40 mm will go on the runners, 3000x100x20 mm for the rest of the parts.
  3. We sand and grind.
  4. We treat with a primer and paint all the elements.
  5. We outline the joints of the parts, drill holes for the bolts.
  6. We make the assembly.
  7. We put a soft pillow and swing.

How to make a rocking chair made of wood for a child - video

We use a pendulum mechanism in the manufacture of a glider

To make such a chair, you need to have good blueprints. Although, there are craftsmen who build them on their own, removing the dimensions from the factory products. The pendulum mechanism is assembled on ball bearings. This applies to both metal and wood structures. The seat should not be attached to the base, but suspended from it. This allows the chair to swing horizontally.

How to make a metal pendulum chair - video

Making a wicker chair from a vine

Wickerwork is very popular. If you know how to weave from a vine, you can make such a chair at home. However, the process of making it is quite long and requires patience and effort.

It should be noted that the wicker chair should be comfortable and durable. Its flexibility is achieved due to the vine, which is also an environmentally friendly material.

We use plastic pipes to simulate the noise of the sea - video

We make a chair out of metal "under a wicker"

If you know how to forge products, then it will not be difficult for you to make a rocking chair out of metal. It can also be made by welding from a profile pipe, better than an elliptical section. The seat, backrest and armrest braiding can be made from ropes, belts or strips of fabric.

A simple metal chair for a summer cottage - video

If one person managed to create some thing, then another will certainly be able to repeat it. All you need is desire and strict adherence to instructions. And it's not so important what your chair will be made of. If the soul is invested in the work, the result will bring joy.

Only comfortable and well-made furniture can provide a person with the maximum comfort that is lacking in modern life. Often overlooked is such a simple and long-known invention to mankind as a rocking chair, which allows you to take a break from everyday worries and achieve complete relaxation.

For a not quite familiar piece of furniture, there is always a corner in the room where it will look very comfortable and natural. You can get a rocking chair without unnecessary costs, since when you make it yourself, you can use very inexpensive wood samples.

Features and purpose

The rocking chair was invented at least three centuries ago, which was enough to experiment with the product in the process of improvement. During this time, many different designs have been invented.

A feature of the product is the oval-shaped support elements. By swinging on them, it is possible to strengthen the vestibular apparatus, as well as "release" the muscles and achieve complete relaxation. Due to these remarkable properties, rocking chairs are often presented to elderly people and new mothers.

Advantages and disadvantages

The indisputable advantages of an unusual type of furniture include:

  • comfort of rest in a rocking chair;
  • creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in the room;
  • compactness of the device that does not take up much space;
  • versatility of use, allowing you to use it not only at home, but also outdoors (in the garden, on the summer veranda).

Making a rocking chair from wood with your own hands does not present any particular difficulties, which can also be considered an advantage. The relative disadvantages of the products include the high sales value of branded models.

Views

In everyday practice, the following product options are very popular:

  • rocking chair of the glider type;
  • rocking chair for giving;
  • chair for nursing mothers;
  • rocking chairs with a recliner.

Each model deserves to be part of the interior.

Glider

The rocking chair modification is an improved model, the prototype of which was invented back in the 20th century. It is based on wooden runners, on which the pendulum swing mechanism is rigidly fixed. At the same time, the chair moves continuously forward and backward, which is accompanied by an additional rocking effect. The process can be stopped using a special lever, by means of which the movement is completely blocked (locked).

For nursing mothers

The devices are equipped with an oscillating mechanism, which is optimal for the care of babies. The design provides for an anatomical back that follows the contours of the body, as well as a mechanism for changing the angle of inclination, which completely relieves tension from the spinal muscle.

In addition to traditional armchairs, models equipped with a rounded cushion are known. They are mounted on a wooden frame and provide comfort and comfort for mothers. Products can be equipped not only with runners, but also with special spring mechanisms.

With recliner

The devices provide maximum comfort to its user. Their name comes from the English recline, which means "laid back." The mechanism built into the chair allows it to be transformed into a comfortable chaise longue at the touch of a button. With its help, it is possible to ensure complete relaxation of the body in its various positions (lying, reclining and sitting).

Frame material

If you want to assemble a rocking chair with your own hands, first of all, you should decide on the material from which the frame is supposed to be made.

When choosing it, the following options are possible:

  • solid wood of pine or tropical wenge;
  • exotic rattan or willow vine;
  • solid beech or oak;
  • bamboo.

Products made from solid oak or beech are distinguished by their increased strength and special wood structure. Designers of modern furniture samples prefer them, since it is possible to assemble comfortable elite models from carved blanks.

Additional Information... Bamboo chairs have a specific light color and a pronounced structure, due to which, during their manufacture, it is possible to preserve the original properties of the material.

Products made from willow vines and rattan are in great demand, which is explained by the flexibility of these somewhat similar tree species (their ability to take an arbitrary shape). At the same time, they are not able to withstand significant loads and are only suitable for the manufacture of armchairs for people of average build.

Seat and backrest

Different models of rockers differ in shape and structure of their main components, represented by a seat and a back. By their structure, the elements are divided into the following types:

  • rigid (they are based on materials that allow the use of orthopedic strips);
  • soft, equipped with small mattresses (if desired, they can be easily unfastened or untied);
  • models made in the form of soft covers, thrown over a rigid frame.

They can be made according to the well-known principle of upholstered furniture, in which all elements are completely non-removable.

Manufacturing options

The easiest way is to make a rocking chair with your own hands from plywood, and to increase the strength of the structure, it is advisable to choose its three-layer modification.

Work on the manufacture of a product should begin with the development of a sketch, which can be guided in the process of its assembly. Sometimes it is enough to draw a diagram of a rocking chair made of plywood, in accordance with which templates are then cut out with a jigsaw. To ensure the assembly process, the following tools and consumables must be prepared:

  • electric jigsaw;
  • grinder;
  • electric drill;
  • sandpaper;
  • templates for individual frame elements;
  • set of hardware.

For the protective treatment of the surfaces of the workpieces, special impregnations and water-repellent varnishes are required.

The procedure for making a plywood product looks like this:

  1. According to the template, a complete set of S-shaped blanks and lintels is cut using a jigsaw.
  2. Their sharp edges are smoothed with sandpaper.
  3. With the help of the hardware included in the kit, they are articulated into a prefabricated structure.

Another manufacturing option involves the use of woven cane blanks, pre-cut to size. To give them the desired bent shape, you can use a thick and durable fishing line, through which the joints are securely connected in the contact areas. Products from bent blanks are convenient in that no special tool is required to assemble them (only a sharply sharpened knife is enough).

There is another option, involving the manufacture of rocking chairs (dies made of wood or chipboard). The chair is assembled from two boomerang-shaped sides 15 mm thick and a whole set of transverse guides (14 pieces).

Before assembly, it is necessary to prepare a drawing of a rocking chair made of wood with your own hands, on which the contours of the side of the chair are indicated. Then, according to the template of a rocking chair, the required number of blanks, about 60 cm long and 6 cm thick, are cut out of wood with their own hands.All that remains is to clean them with sandpaper.

Note! Small blocks 5 cm long are prepared as fastening supports.

Supports cut to size are glued to the sidewalls, and then additionally fixed on self-tapping screws. The resulting blanks with the help of hardware are attached to the guides already cut out on the stencil. The result should be a product that is the frame of the future rocking chair.

To give the chair a more prestigious look, the sidewalls are treated with two layers of stain, and all existing ends are covered with varnish or glossy paint.

Care rules

Caring for rocking chairs of various modifications comes down to the following mandatory procedures:

  • when using the product with soft covers, it is necessary to remove dust or dirt from them in a timely manner, using a household vacuum cleaner or damp rags;
  • if it is heavily soiled with the same rag soaked in soap and water, try to remove the stains, and then let the wet places dry completely;
  • armchairs made of willow are not recommended to be left in open sunlight (it is advisable to choose shaded and protected from precipitation places for their placement).

Important! When caring for rocking chairs, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners that can spoil the appearance of the furniture.

It is recommended to wash removable covers made of various fabrics (suede) in soapy water, after which they should be thoroughly rinsed and dried in the open air. Expensive leather upholstery, in addition to regular wiping with a damp cloth, it is advisable to cover at least once a year with a layer of glycerin or stearic ointment.

The rocking chair is rightfully one of the most popular pieces of furniture. It is gaining even more popularity with a country house. These can be different models made from different materials. But more preference is given to wooden products. You can buy ready-made, or you can make it yourself. How to make a rocking chair with your own hands and what materials to give preference to, read further in the article.

Advantages and disadvantages of wooden structures

Wood is the most common material for making furniture. The wooden rocking chair is no exception, thanks to its many benefits:

  • An environmentally friendly material that emits a pleasant forest scent.
  • Considerable strength.
  • Long period of operation.
  • The ability to implement design solutions.
  • Ease of processing, including manual processing.
  • A wide selection of woods of any brand, anywhere.
  • Large color spectrum of the material.

The finished rocking chair fits well into any architectural ensemble of the building. It can be installed at any time in a convenient place: in a clearing, by the pool, by the fireplace, near the barbecue, etc. Swinging in a chair relaxes, creates comfort for the body and benefits the body. This is a comfortable and safe swing for children.

Photo: rocking chair in interior design

Along with numerous advantages, there are a number of disadvantages, the main of which is the significant cost of any rocking chair. In addition, the structure is characterized by the loss of its qualities and characteristics if it is affected by rain, fog, and other precipitation. Long-term exposure of the rocking chair under the influence of the sun will also be undesirable.

Material and its characteristics

For the manufacture of rocking chairs from solid wood, conifers are preferably selected. It can be pine, spruce, alder or larch. These rocks are characterized by low mass and low density. Self-made structures with a significant mass will be inconvenient to move. The high density of the material will create difficulties in work.

Conifers have a light gray structure. Easy to process. A significant disadvantage of such wood is that it increases in size as the moisture level rises. Despite this, conifers are a budget option, widespread in the trade network and have a low cost.

The chair can be made from more expensive types of wood. It can be oak, ash or beech. These types of wood have almost no pores, resulting in a high level of strength. Ready-made structures are reliable and durable, but they have a high cost. Wood species are light or light yellow in color.

For the manufacture of a chair that sways, high-quality wooden blanks of the first grade are used. The moisture content of these blanks at the beginning of work should not exceed 10%. If this figure is higher, then it is not recommended to use wood. It is better to let it dry, as the structure, made of damp wood, will subsequently dry out and undergo deformation. The consequence will be its nondescript appearance or complete destruction.

Blueprints

To make a wooden swinging structure, it is necessary to draw up a drawing of the chair. It is better to do it on graph paper, drawing all the structural elements with dimensions. To make a simple rocking chair with your own hands from wood, it is recommended to take an ordinary chair as a basis.

Drawing of a rocking chair made of wood

The simplicity of the design lies in the fact that all elements are attached at right angles and there is no need to cut additional parts. The whole structure is based on the size of the seat and the height of the legs. Connecting elements will be cut to fit these dimensions. The next stage in the manufacture of a rocking chair, according to the drawing and the required dimensions, we cut the wood parts.

The square seat with a side length of 53-56 cm can be made of plywood or a solid piece of wood. The thickness of the seat should be 1.0-1.5 cm. For the back and front legs, a bar with a section of 4.5x4.5 cm is used. The rear legs are cut with a height of 105-110 cm, the front ones - 55-60 cm. length, height and thickness 57x4x1.5 cm, respectively.

This design and dimensions are not dogmatic. Based on preference, the shape and size of the parts may vary.

Another drawing example

Tool

Making a chair requires a tool. To complete the work you will need:

  • fine-toothed hacksaw for wood or electric jigsaw for cutting workpieces;
  • a simple or electric plane for processing structural parts;
  • sander or belt machine for grinding parts;
  • hand-held milling machine for grooving and processing connecting rails;
  • right angle or plumb line;
  • screwdriver;
  • a hammer;
  • tape measure and pencil;
  • clamp or rubber band;
  • brush or putty knife to fill in the mounting holes.

Given that the structural elements will not be fastened with nails, a hammer will be needed to fit the parts together.

Connecting parts

To attach the seat and legs to each other, you can use two options:

  1. fastening in a thorn;
  2. connection with glue.

When fastened in a thorn, markings are applied to the wooden elements of the rocking chair. According to it, grooves are cut in the legs, 2.0x1.5 cm in size, 2 cm deep. The shape of the connecting rails is prepared for the grooves. Before fastening the parts, the groove and the ends of the rails are processed with construction glue.

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In the second version, the attachment points are processed with glue and connected to each other. For reliability, epoxy glue is often used. The joints are reinforced with self-tapping screws. The seat is mounted on transverse slats and is also fixed with self-tapping screws.

In both versions, a clamp and gaskets are used for the final fastening of all elements of the rocker made of wood. The gasket material is installed between the clamp and the rocker. After installation, the clamp is tightened and the rocking chair is left for 24 hours to completely harden the glue. In the absence of a clamp, the screed is carried out using a rigid rubber band.

Installation of runners

The manufacture and installation of runners can be done in two ways.

The first way

Differs in simplicity and speed of implementation. It is as follows:

  • For the manufacture of runners, a sheet of plywood with a thickness of 1.5 cm is used.
  • Two workpieces of the same curvature, about 1 m long, are cut out of the plywood pattern.
  • In the legs of the chair, slots are made, 1.5 cm wide, for the thickness of the plywood runners. The depth of the slots can be 7-10 cm.
  • The runners are sanded along the edge and fitted into the slots. During installation, it is necessary to achieve the most uniform level of their installation.
  • At the landing sites of the runners, a through hole is made with a diameter of 2 cm.
  • The hole is treated with glue and a wooden spike is inserted into it.

Second way

More time consuming. A block of wood is used as a ski. To equip a rocking chair with skis, you must:

  1. Cut grooves in a wooden block with a section of 4.5x4.5 cm and a length of about 1 meter.
  2. Process the ends of the chair legs to fit into the grooves of the runners.
  3. Place the runner blocks in boiling or hot water until the wood becomes pliable.
  4. Using a tool, bend the skis to a certain radius and leave in this state until completely dry.
  5. Install the dried runners on the legs, having previously processed the grooves with glue.

In order for the runners to serve for a long time, it is necessary to use wood with high wear resistance.

Balance check

A rocking chair made of wood can be uncomfortable when getting in or out. This occurs as a result of the difference in weight of the structural elements that are located in its front and rear parts. To avoid discomfort, balance the swinging structure.

With a significant inclination of the structure forward, transverse strips can be mounted on the runners behind the backrest. If necessary, the weight on the slats can be increased by installing decorative elements.

Balanced rocking chair

When tilting backwards, the same counterweight must be fitted at the front of the rocker. This could be an extra leg shelf. If this weight is not enough, then you can equip a niche under the shelf for additional counterweight.

Treatment

The finished structure will be used in different locations at different temperatures. Operation in winter and summer, under the sun and in the cold, indoors and outdoors, can lead to rapid aging of the tree and various diseases. Processing of the material will save from this.

Before assembling the structure, the tree can be stained. Due to its concentration, the rocking chair can take on any shade.

The armchair is varnished in 3 layers

To prevent diseases, the tree must be covered with a special antifungal liquid, as well as an agent against wood insects and pests.

To protect the wood from getting wet, it is recommended to treat it with a special water-repellent liquid.

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Finally, the entire structure must be covered with two layers of varnish.

Conclusion

The presented version of manufacturing a rocking chair is the simplest and fastest. If you follow the rules and technology of work, you can make a chair of any complexity and design.

The finished armchair will serve not only as a piece of furniture, but also as a separate design element that will always attract everyone's attention.