Roman Chair Plans

Click here for detailed Roman chair plans.

In making this roman chair, the materials can be ordered from the mill with much of the hard work completed.

• 4 posts, 1-7/8 by 1-7/8 by 30 in.
• 2 top rails, 7/8 by 2-3/4 by 20 in.
• 2 bottom rails, 7/8 by 2-1/4 by 20 in.
• 2 rails, 7/8 by 4 by 16 in.
• 2 side rails, 7/8 by 4 by 28 in.
• 1 stretcher, 7/8 by 3 by 30 in.

Details of Chair Construction

Begin by squaring one end of each post. Measure the length 28 in. and, placing all of them side by side, square a line across the four, saw, then plane these ends square. The top and bottom side rails are treated in a similar manner, their length being 19-1/8 in. each. These pieces extend right through the posts projecting 5/8 in. beyond the surface. The mortises in the posts must be cut smoothly and of exact size. Wood pins fasten these rails and posts together.

The other rails have tenons 1/2 by 3 in. shouldered on the two edges and one side. The mortise in the post is placed central. On the ends of the chair the shouldered side is turned in (see photograph), while on the front and back they are turned out. Miter the ends of these tenons. These tenons are to be glued and clamped—the ends of the chair being put together first. When this is dry the sides are clamped. The stretcher should have its ends shouldered on the two edges so as to make a 2-1/2-in. tenon. Allow the tenons to extend 1-1/8 in. beyond the cross rail and cut mortises in these tenons for the keys.

All projecting tenons, as well as the tops and bottoms of the posts, should be chamfered about 1/8 in. For the seat, screw cleats to the insides of the rails and place a platform of thin boards so that its top surface is 1/2 in. below the top of the rails.

A cushion can be made, as shown in the photograph, by lacing with leather thongs two pieces of Spanish leather cut to proper length and width. When nearly laced fill with any of the common upholsterer's fillings.

To finish, stain your new Roman chair.