DIY rocking chair - types, necessary materials and photos of the best projects

You won’t be able to make a rocking chair yourself without drawings and some experience. This is due to the fact that the product is quite complex structurally, and it must withstand the load of a person sitting in it. But this is not a reason not to try to acquire such interesting furniture for your home, which not only looks impressive, but also helps you relax well.

How to make a metal rocking chair yourself: drawings

Metal is a rather difficult material to process.
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 frame of the product is assembled from a metal corner or profile. Next, all workpieces must be treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Hammer paints are very popular now. The finishing decor depends on the preferences of the master. For example, the seat can be made of wooden planks or covered with soft fabric. To decorate a rocking chair, you should make small pillows for the back and seat, and cover everything on top with a large removable cover. Sometimes the metal frame is braided with a large amount of willow vine. For this work, you will need theoretical skills in wicker weaving, which are worth learning from numerous videos on the Internet.

Drawing with dimensions for children and adults

Rocking chairs are intended for both children and adults. For children, models are made from various materials, but most often natural wood or plywood is used. The principle of their manufacture is practically no different from adult models. The only differences are the dimensions of the product and the absence of sharp corners. When painting products, non-toxic paints are used, the backs are decorated with ornaments in the form of flowers or hearts.

As for the size of child seats, it all depends on the age and weight of the kids. For the little ones, various manufacturers offer universal products measuring 75 by 70 by 66 cm, capable of supporting weight up to 12 kg . Making such a piece of furniture with your own hands will be problematic. Most often, people make such furniture for older children; their sizes are selected based on the height of the children.

As for the standard sizes for adult furniture, they are:

• width – 70 cm;
• height – 1.5 m;
• depth – 45 cm;
• the length of the runners is 2.2 m.

Some general information

Whatever one may say, it is a rocking chair, especially one standing in the garden or near a lit fireplace, that many associate with comfort, a pleasant evening in a narrow family circle, peace and quiet. In such an environment you can have a great rest and relaxation by reading your favorite book or watching a good movie. The rhythmic rocking movements of the rocking chair will help you get ready for sleep and simply feel peace, which is so rare in modern life, filled with bustle and heavy thought processes.

Rocking movements increase concentration

It is still unknown exactly how and where the very first rocking chair came from. Usually many people associate it with old England, fireplaces and rugs. At the moment, there are two main versions of the history of the origin of this chair. According to one of them, the first rocking chair was invented by the Viennese furniture maker, experimenter and innovator, as well as a fan of bent wood, Michael Thoneta in the mid-19th century. However, there is one more fact that casts doubt on this version. Thus, at the end of the 18th century, the word “rocking chair” was added to the English dictionary, and since the 1800s, such chairs began to be produced by many English furniture manufacturers. But the fame and peak of popularity of rocking chairs came precisely in the 19th century. They were used mainly by rich and aristocratic people, as well as those involved in literary and artistic arts.

Plywood rocking chair

According to the second version, the rocking chair was invented by Benjamin Franklin. In terms of time, this was also the 19th century. But there are those who refute this version, believing that Franklin was just the one who became the first owner of the rocking chair.

In a word, we can say that the beginning of the history of the chair is the 18th-19th centuries. The sources are silent about the rest. And, nevertheless, rocking chairs still remain popular and in demand, and are primarily intended to create a special ambiance and comfortable environment in a certain place.

The rocking chair has its own story. Which plywood to use for a rocking chair?

Advantages and disadvantages for the child

A rocking chair is a comfortable piece of furniture designed for daily use. When rocking in a chair, people relieve muscle tension and fatigue disappears.

Most consumers like to sit in a chair in front of the fireplace while reading books, doing handicrafts, or just talking with family and friends. Some people use this type of furniture to watch their favorite TV shows or relax in the fresh air.

The main advantages of a rocking chair include:

• the presence of streamlined structures that relieve tension from the spine;
• the rocking mechanism improves muscle tone, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, and improves the condition of the musculoskeletal system;
• a wide selection of models that harmoniously fit into different stylistic directions.

As for the disadvantages, it is worth adding to them:

• the quality of the products sold is not always high;
• high cost.

But if you make furniture yourself, you can save your own savings and make a truly durable and reliable piece of furniture.

Tip: a rocking chair is an original and beautiful piece of furniture. It can be placed in any room, in the garden or on the terrace.

Pair of accessories

As with any furniture, the right accessories can also help make your rocking chair feel cozier. First, a blanket is placed over the back of the chair. When it's cold, you can wrap yourself in a blanket to keep warm.

It is worth choosing a blanket made from a soft fabric such as fleece, cashmere or chenille. A blanket is selected that matches the chair and its pillows. But if you want to make the room more visually interesting, then it is better to take a contrasting color.

Another accessory that can make a rocking chair more cozy is a rug. A plush rug made from a natural fiber such as cotton or wool is placed under the chair to keep the floor warm and soft underfoot while the person rocks in the chair. Just place the mat so that it does not interfere with the movement of the chair.

How to make a rocking chair with your own hands: the most affordable options

The main part of the rocking chair design is two runners (skis) that have an arched shape, due to which, in fact, the chair can rock. These runners can be short or long. In chairs with long runners, the depth and amplitude of the swing is quite large; a person goes from a sitting position to a reclining position. Rocking chairs with short runners provide a calm and sedate rocking motion, which is why they are especially popular with older people.

Short runners, and you sway smoothly and calmly, away from all worries

To make a simple rocking chair, you don't even need a detailed drawing of a rocking chair. It is enough to take a ready-made, for example an old, chair (1) with wooden legs. Let's make two supports (2), for this we make two elements from bars that will have the same curved base. We also saw out the cheeks (3), which we later use as the bottom for the chair legs.

Diagram of a simple rocking chair

For each leg of the original chair, we cut out two limiting bars (4) - a total of eight. We nail the appropriate stops at the required distance for each support for all legs. We screw in three (6) furniture bolts from the outside of both supports - this will give the chair stability and ensure safe swinging. Prepare a closing plate (7) for each limit bar. Having inserted the legs of the chair into the prepared grooves with limiters, we cover the limiters with closing plates and fix them using a hammer drill. For convenience, you can add a footrest (8) to the front.

Drawing diagram of a rocking chair

Similarly, you can upgrade a chair with metal legs by making special metal mounting loops

Sample of a rocking chair made from a regular chair and homemade runners

Plywood rocking chair

For plastic modeling, plywood is the most favorable material. Using a jigsaw, you can get a design that will greatly simplify the process, because structurally it combines the two most important (and most difficult to manufacture) elements of a rocking chair - the runners and the sides. In addition, the absence of joints significantly increases the strength of the structure.

For production we will need:

• jigsaw
• screwdriver
• plywood – sheet at least 15 mm thick
• oak (pine) slats with a cross-section of 10x50 mm - about 20-35 pieces, the length depends on the manufacturing option - a single or double chair. For a single seat, the length of the rail is 1200 mm.
• timber (pine, preferably oak) – 30x50 mm, 3 pieces, equal in length to the slats
• self-tapping screws

We draw a pattern on graph paper, transfer the design to plywood and cut out the side panel with a jigsaw.

After this, we sand all the parts and remove small chamfers.

If the rocking chair is intended for a summer residence, the ends will require special attention - they require maximum protection from dampness. Therefore, the ends of all parts are impregnated with hot drying oil, after which the wood fibers are slightly flattened with a hammer - this way the moisture will be absorbed much less

Before the general assembly begins, the finishing and varnishing procedure for the ends must be carried out twice.

We mark holes for connecting bars (tsars) at the foot, middle part and headboard. To achieve maximum accuracy, after preliminary marking, the sidewalls are aligned and a hole is drilled. The drawers are secured with Euroscrews and additionally secured with wood glue. After this, we evenly fasten the slats onto the already assembled frame with self-tapping screws. After completing the assembly, you need to fill the holes above the screws, sand all the parts again with fine sandpaper, treat them with an antiseptic, cover them with stain (if you like dark tones of wood) and cover the resulting chair with waterproof varnish.

If it is possible to use an angle grinder and a welding machine, you can assemble a metal frame. To do this you will need a steel corner (20x20x3 mm) and a steel strip (thickness 4 mm, width 40 mm). After assembly, the frame is painted, after which holes for self-tapping screws are drilled along the entire length of the seat and backrest, which will be used to fasten the wooden facing strips.

Selecting a drawing or drawing it

Before you start work, you need to obtain an accurate drawing that will show the dimensions. If you couldn’t find it on the Internet, you can draw it yourself. True, without experience in furniture production or making accurate drawings with projections, you should not do this.

Limit yourself to what you can find on the Internet. This is due to the fact that the production of a chair requires knowledge of the anatomy of the human body, so that in the future the design will be comfortable and safe for sitting and swinging.

When the drawing has been selected, you need to enlarge it and transfer it to graph paper or thick cardboard. This will make it easier to cut out or complete individual elements.

When the stage is completed, you can proceed directly to cutting out the elements and assembling the complete structure.

How to restore an old chair

Old, dilapidated and broken products will get a new design if you plan all the steps to improve them. The first step is to remove the wooden elements of the armrests and legs. They are cleaned of varnish, if necessary, their integrity is restored with glue and varnished again. The old upholstery is carefully removed. In most cases, the filler is replaced, and a new one is attached with a furniture stapler. New parts are cut out from the old upholstery and attached in a similar way. The chair is then restored with updated elements of the armrests and legs. You should not throw away chairs on which some miniature part has broken or the upholstery has simply worn out - their repair will be quick and relatively simple. At the same time, chairs from the mid and second half of the 20th century with narrow, old-fashioned armrests are most often repaired. There are many such Soviet-made products left in apartments and houses.

What is needed for making

• Wood (Any species you like)
• Band-saw
• Plane
• Planer (if available)
• Fraser
• Ball cutters
• Hand saw
• Chisel
• File
• Tape measure and pencil
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Dowels 10 mm
• Drill 10 mm
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Screws 40 mm

Types of chairs

Today you can find a huge number of models of wooden rocking chairs of various shapes, sizes, breeds, styles and purposes.

Rocking chairs are:

1. Homemade. These chairs are needed for rest, relaxation and stress relief after a busy day at work. The frame of the structure is most often covered with soft fabric or covered with a beautiful cover. Such furniture can become a real piece of art and can decorate any interior.
2. Office. Allows you to take a break during work to stretch and relax your muscles a little. Office rocking chair models often have elegant leather upholstery and can be equipped with wheels for movement.
3. Dachas. They are placed on the veranda of a country plot or inside a country house. Garden versions of rocking chairs look especially harmonious near a fireplace or stove. These structures also serve for relaxation and relaxation.

To make a rocking chair for your dacha with your own hands from plywood, you will need drawings and instructions from experienced craftsmen, as in the video below.

Depending on the type of chair design, there are:

• With radius runners. Swinging occurs smoothly and softly. For such an assembly, only a low landing is suitable, otherwise the rocking chair may tip over. If you need to increase the height, bump stops are simply installed on the runners.
• With runners of variable curvature. In such a chair, accidental tipping is excluded. The design is suitable for people of different body types.
• With a cradle. Designed especially for children. The chair is equipped with runners of variable curvature, is completely safe, swings gently and without jerking.
• Nirvana rocking chair on ellipses. It has elliptical runners, making the swing soothing, smooth and almost blissful. Strongly swinging is not recommended to avoid falling.
• Nirvana on springs. These chairs are characterized by soft rocking and safety. However, it is quite difficult to make them yourself; this will require wood species such as dogwood, teak or boxwood. Sometimes a rubberized strip of spring steel is used, which will eliminate scratches and dents on the floor.
• On runners with smooth breaks. This is a “3 in 1” rocking chair, it is multifunctional and can change position: from a regular chair to turn into a small lounger. The disadvantage of such structures is their large size, so they are unlikely to be suitable for small city apartments.
• Children's horse chair. This is the most comfortable and safe design for a small child with the right size of arms and backrest angle.
• Tumbler. In this product, the runners are also a seat. It can be placed both in the country house and in the apartment.
• Glider. This is a modern model of a rocking chair with a pendulum mechanism.

How does rocking happen?

Many people assemble rocking chairs according to ready-made drawings, but the products may not always fit the size of a specific person. Therefore, before starting production, you should understand the kinematics of this product:

• If a person stands upright, the center of gravity (CG) of the body is between the lower back and the sacrum inside the spinal column. If a person is in a sitting position, the CG shifts slightly forward and down. In rocking products, the overall CG is always shifted back and down to its original position. In this case, there is a slight error in the projection of the main center of gravity in relation to the supporting surface (floor, soil, etc.), which can be corrected at the end during balancing.
• The stability of the structure is most affected by the displacement of the overall CG relative to the vertical central axis (CO). If the CO coincides with the COG, this is a state of free balance, which is impossible to achieve in a rocking chair. If the center of gravity is greater than the center of gravity, there is a high probability of tipping backwards. It is necessary that the central center is 450 mm or more higher than the central central point (recommended excess is 600-700 mm).

In other words, the overall center of gravity of the rocking chair should be shifted from the seat to an angle intermediate between the back and the seat. The supporting legs are two arched strips, thanks to which smooth swinging is possible. The amplitude depends on the length of the runners.

Transformation of an ordinary chair

An ordinary chair can be easily converted into a rocking chair. The first step is to purchase or make runners and take the appropriate measurements to cut the chair legs to the desired height.

Then holes are drilled in the runners where the legs will be attached, and the legs are attached to the runners using wood glue.

Process of creation

When creating such a chair from plywood with your own hands, you need to choose the right dimensions. For the average person, the most comfortable height will be approximately 90 cm, if the chair is without a headrest. If with a headrest, then it should be about 115 cm. Sheets for such work should be even and smooth.

It is recommended to make the seat in such a rocking chair 50 cm in width and length, then you can sit comfortably in it. The backrest should be tilted approximately 15°. It is advisable to place the armrests slightly away from the seat, approximately 12-15 cm.

Preparation of plywood

To make a rocking chair, it is recommended to use FC plywood sheets. It is environmentally friendly and safe for human health. And also easy to process. Sheets with a thickness of 4, 10 or 15 mm will be required. You can also take thinner plywood, from which you can cut several parts of the same shape and glue them together. To do this, the surface is sanded with sandpaper, then the dust is carefully removed from it. The glue is carefully applied with a brush along the fibers. The glued parts are installed under the press. Thin sheets are cut with a knife, thicker ones with a jigsaw.

In order for a rocking chair made of plywood to serve for a long time, it is recommended to treat the material with drying oil, paint or varnish; you can also use fiberglass for this. You should choose a varnish without epoxy and polyester additives.

The plywood can be bent to give the piece the desired shape. To do this, it must be moistened, after which it can be bent as required and left in this position. After a few hours it will dry and take the desired shape.

Transferring a drawing

The prepared patterns are laid out on sheets and outlined with a pencil. At the same time, you should definitely save space to avoid waste of material.

Sawing

After marking, sawing is carried out to produce chair elements according to the drawing. Sawing is performed along the grain to prevent delamination. If a side cut is required, then notches are applied to the plywood using a bench knife. If you don’t have an electric jigsaw, you can use a special file for figure cutting. It is suitable for cutting curved parts with curves, large and small radii.

You should not cut straight along the drawn line, but step back from it outward by about 1 mm, so that you can then carefully clean the edges without violating the specified dimensions of the part. Otherwise, gaps may appear at the joints. After finishing cutting, the edges of the parts need to be sanded. To do this, use a file, a grinder, or a drill with a grinding attachment.

At specially marked places, holes are drilled for fastening the frame and all parts. The drill must enter exactly vertically, without tilting. At the end of this procedure, the entire surface of the sawn part is sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. Then varnish is applied.

Assembly

When all elements of the rocking chair are completely ready, assembly can be carried out. To connect, you need to use more than just wood glue. The mechanical load on the rocking chair is high, so additional fastening with screws and nails will be required.

All protruding parts are covered with glue and inserted into the grooves. They should be firmly embedded in them. Excess glue is removed from the surface immediately; do not allow it to dry out. After this, for the glue to harden, you need to leave the finished rocking chair for a day.

Making a rocking chair from plywood yourself is an opportunity to show your creativity and get a beautiful and useful piece of furniture. Such work will not require large material costs, and the creation process itself will bring considerable pleasure. The main thing is effort, accuracy and attentiveness, and everything will work out!

Possible materials and benefits of plywood

You need to choose the material for a rocking chair based on the operating conditions. So, in a garden, where it will be affected by light, wind, and precipitation, the material should be used as resistant to all these types of influence as possible or have a special treatment. For a rocking chair installed indoors, the requirements are much less, and simpler material can be used.

Rocking chair for the garden made of plywood. Blueprints

In general, the following material options are used for rocking chairs:

• wood and its derivatives , usually treated with special compounds;
• metal treated with anti-corrosion compounds (by the way, this is a very heavy option, and it is recommended to place such a chair in the garden on a solid base, and not on the lawn);
• plastic (it is not durable, but it is not afraid of water. It can fade in the sun);
• willow vine (allows you to create beautiful wicker chairs).

On a note! In the garden, it is best to use plastic or well-processed metal, and you can also use wood species that are resistant to various influences. There should be no soft upholstery. But indoors you can install a rocking chair with a soft finish made of any material.

Do-it-yourself rocking chair made of plywood
If we talk about creating a rocking chair with your own hands, then the easiest way for the first time is to try to make a product from plywood. Plywood is a material that has several layers, based on wood veneer. It is glued together using a special glue and allows you to create fairly durable canvases.

Plywood is easy to work with, it does not have a high price, and you can purchase it at almost any hardware store. It is easy to saw, glue together, and to give a beautiful and finished appearance, plywood can be painted, stained, varnished and other substances. You can also burn a beautiful pattern on it and use other decoration options.

Homemade rocking chair made of plywood

Advice! To create a rocking chair, you should use thick (from 15 mm) high quality plywood. This is what will allow you to achieve the required level of strength of the product. It is also worth taking environmentally friendly plywood if the chair will be installed indoors - some varieties contain adhesives containing formaldehyde, and they will not be suitable.

Tips for choosing a rocking chair

To choose a rocking chair that is ideal for you, be guided by the following points:

• Consider the height and weight of the future owner. A rattan product will not support people weighing more than 120 kg, but wicker or metal will do. And for a tall person, an appropriate backrest is required.
• When choosing upholstery material, think about the layout of the model. For the street, wicker or forged models are best. Also, a rocking chair in the interior should not be an alien element.
• Monitor product quality. Find out the country of manufacture. Rattan products are made in Indonesia, Malaysia and Latin America.
• If you choose a wicker chair, check the number of joints. Due to improper transportation, there are products with small tears. Over time, such holes stretch due to pitching, and the chair breaks.
• The cheapest ones are wooden models without soft elements. But that doesn't mean you have to live on a bare tree. Immediately purchase soft mattresses with ties. They can be easily removed and washed if necessary.
• The degree of pitching depends on the structure of the chair. Sit down and try out the chair to see if it is comfortable for you. The neck and legs should not become numb.
• Determine whether the window sills are conveniently located relative to your hands.
• The back and seat should follow the curves of the body, and not be flat boards.

Possible difficulties and problems

Do not forget to properly test and check the manufactured structure before you begin finishing. The problem may be insufficient swing amplitude. It indicates that the balance is disturbed.

To eliminate this difficulty, you will have to slightly weight the back of the rocker. This can be done by adding an additional crossbar between the runners. For greater effect, use a heavier material.

Advantages and disadvantages of hanging models

A hanging chair, like any piece of furniture, has its pros and cons. The undoubted advantages of a product made independently include originality and uniqueness. This copy is absolutely exclusive, as there are no others like it. Its second advantage can be called comfort. A comfortable soft seat that sways steadily in space promotes relaxation and tranquility.

The downside of the design is the difficulty of carrying it. Dismantling takes a lot of time, and after a massive hook the ceiling will be damaged. The chair on the stand is also too massive and heavy to be constantly moved.

Assembly steps

Modern furniture manufacturers are ready to offer a huge range of models of various shapes, colors, styles and materials. However, if you have the time and desire to independently assemble a home rocking chair, you need to safely purchase all the necessary materials and get to work.

The simplest model

Tools and materials:

1. Screwdriver or drill.
2. Tape measure for measurements.
3. Self-tapping screws.
4. Special wood glue.
5. Electric jigsaw.
6. Thick cardboard for patterns.
7. Sandpaper for sanding.
8. Sheet of plywood.

A simple model of a rocking chair

Step-by-step instruction:

• Apply markings to a sheet of plywood using a pattern.
• Using a jigsaw, cut out two parts.
• Sand the resulting elements well.
• Then you need to cut 14 transverse strips from plywood (length - 59 cm, width - 6 cm).
• After which 14 support strips are cut (length - 5 cm, width - 6 cm). The entire surface is well sanded.
• The transverse strips are glued to the two side parts. Support strips are glued to the inside of the structure and secured with self-tapping screws.
• The rocking chair on two sides in the shape of a boomerang with cross bars is ready! The product can be varnished or painted, and beautiful upholstery can be sewn onto the back.

How to make a rocking chair with your own hands is shown in the video master class with detailed step-by-step instructions.

Rocking chair with curved skis

For assembly you will need:

1. Tape measure for measurements.
2. A simple pencil.
3. Graph paper.
4. Screwdriver.
5. Electric jigsaw for working with wood.
6. Sander.
7. Metal confirmants.
8. Wood board for cutting skis 300/20/4 centimeters.
9. Board for frame 300/10/2 cm.

Country chair with curved skis

Step-by-step assembly instructions:

• According to the drawing, templates for curved skis are cut out and transferred to a wooden board.
• All parts are carefully cut out according to the markings: 2 armrests, 2 front and rear legs, 2 fixing strips for the seat, the shape of the back and seat, ski elements, front connecting strip.
• All cut out structural elements must be sanded well, and then holes for confirmants must be drilled.
• Next comes the final assembly of all the parts, and the chair is ready! Now you can think about decorating it in the form of a soft cover and decorative pillows.

Balancing Recommendations

In most cases, additional balancing of the product will be required so that the chair does not cause inconvenience when rocking, sitting down and standing up.

How to balance a swing structure:

• If the chair falls forward, you can make the back heavier by attaching cross bars to the rear runners.
• To increase the weight, weighting decor can be mounted on either side of the part.
• If the product tilts backwards, a counterweight should be created in the front part of the rocker. A foot bar or niche is suitable for this.

A rocking chair will always remain a desirable piece of furniture, because it is so pleasant to sit in it and forget about all the problems. It is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money on a purchase; you can make such a product yourself. And ready-made instructions and drawings will help with this.

About materials

Rocking chairs are made primarily of wood. Metal, for all its manufacturability, low waste and greater durability in the open air, is too heavy. The influence of the chair on the overall CG turns out to be significant, the moment of inertia of the system is large and, as a result, the rocking is too sharp. Or you have to set an extremely small initial elevation of the CO above the CO, risking that the rocking chair will tip over under someone. However, we will return to metal rockers when considering individual samples.

Using plywood to make a rocking chair

Plywood is a completely different matter, especially for novice woodworkers. Firstly, when making the parts of the rocking chair with 3-layer glued ones, you can only use a jigsaw to make accurate and durable tenon-groove joints, on the left in the figure, if you follow the following. rules:

• Plywood for the middle layer is taken twice as thick as for the outer layers. For example, if you need a total thickness of 20 mm, then glue 5-10-5 mm.
• The parts are assembled from blanks using 2-component waterproof glue. If it is on PVA, be sure to reinforce it with small nails.
• The connections are assembled with gluing (wedging in this case is unacceptable) and reinforced with diagonal pairs of self-tapping screws on both sides.
• The supporting surfaces are protected with linings made of thin (6-10 mm) strips of hard, durable wood or dense sheet rubber 4-5 mm thick. Plywood under a concentrated load cracks very well at the end.

Secondly, plywood makes it possible to use non-standard technical solutions, for example. as on the right in Fig. Such a rocking bowl can be made from plywood, again using only a jigsaw. Comfort is high, stability is absolute, and can serve as a hanging hammock chair or swing chair. The thickness of the lamella boards is from 12 mm; connecting half-washers on poles – from 24 mm.

How to install overlays

Wear-resistant wooden pads are installed on the rocking chair runners. way:

1. Turn the chair over with the runners up;
2. We warm the blank plank thoroughly with a construction hairdryer;
3. We place the workpiece on the runner and wrap it tightly along the entire length with cotton braid. Don't get burned, the wood is very hot!
4. We also grab the second workpiece onto another runner;
5. Once the strips have completely cooled, remove the braid bands and glue the pads with PVA on wood or with 2-component glue;
6. We attach the ends of the planks with small nails until the overlays fit snugly along the entire length. Place washers or pieces of plywood under the nail heads;
7. Once the glue has completely dried (2-3 days), remove the temporary fasteners. We drill blind holes for screws and secure the ends completely;
8. We fill the holes with the fastener heads with putty made from sawdust of the same tree, thickly mixed with PVA.

Features of models made of plastic pipes

A rocking chair made of plastic pipes is an excellent way to “use” leftover material after making a drinking or irrigation water supply. To create a frame, you will need scissors for PVC pipes and a special soldering iron (welder).

For the side surfaces you will need a pipe with a diameter of 32 or 25 mm, for jumpers - 20 mm. Tees are purchased based on the number of connection points. It is better to plan to purchase with a reserve in order to practice soldering on individual parts. The price of tees starts from 5 rubles, so a supply of 4–5 parts will not cost much.

A template is prepared in advance, according to which pipe sections are cut, providing a margin of 3–4 cm for each part: when soldering, the tube is inserted into the tee by 1.5–2 cm.

If you work carefully, the runners can be given a rounded shape without heating. If this cannot be done, then clean sand is poured inside the tube, heated in the oven to 90–100⁰C. To prevent the sand filler from spilling out, a plug is welded to one side. It will remain on the part even after the work is completed to prevent moisture from getting inside. The same plugs are welded to all open ends of the pipes.

Once the frame is assembled, a foam rubber mattress covered with raincoat fabric is attached to it if the chair will be used outdoors. For fastening, strips of fabric (ties) sewn to the mattress are used.

Welder for plastic pipes

Side element diagram

Scraps of reinforcement are inserted inside the pipes

We weld the fastening points with a welding machine

Rocking chair made of plastic pipes

Nuances of choosing plywood

Plywood sheets are selected based on the specifics of the project. In this case, you can adhere to the following recommendations:

• For large and visible (external) parts, elite grades of plywood that do not have visible flaws are suitable. Quality will guarantee that chips and cracks will not appear during cutting.
• If you are going to laminate or paint the chair, the luxury material can be replaced with 1st grade plywood. There are a small number of pin-shaped, fused and/or falling knots on its surface; edge defects and closed cracks are possible.

A creative approach to the design of a rocking chair Source kayabaparts.ru

Varieties

Despite the variety of types of rocking chairs, they all share a number of advantages:

• positive effect on the musculoskeletal and nervous system;
• providing a relaxing effect;
• Possibility of use both indoors and outdoors for people of any age category;
• safety and reliability in operation.

The purpose of such chairs is very different - without meaning and with meaning. For example, this will be a significant help in rocking the baby and at the same time rest for the mother herself.

Mothers with babies will especially appreciate rocking chairs

It is a mistaken belief that rocking chairs are bulky and take up a lot of free space. In fact, modern models are quite compact and convenient. Such chairs are universal, but there are still some aspects of separation, which depend on the place of use - garden or home. For outdoor use, it is recommended to select furniture with removable seats that can be removed when it rains. For them, they choose a stronger and weather-resistant material from which the chair is made.

On skids

Inertial type design with a base in the form of two rounded runners and a weight limit of 100 kg. The model is simple due to the absence of unnecessary parts. Designed for use on hard surfaces.

The design has no unnecessary parts and is simple to implement

Pendulum

They have a fixed base with a possible pendulum mechanism on hinges for swinging. Due to this, uniform and silent swing occurs while maintaining inertia for a long time. Suitable for all floors.

The peculiarity of the mechanism is that it gives inertia, and the chair can swing for quite a long time

Spring

They consist of a stationary base on a massive spring and a seat directly. Permissible load - within 150 kg. Most often made from rattan.

These chairs are made mainly from rattan.

Hanging

A chair attached with ropes or chains to a vertical support. Essentially, these are the same swings.

Well, isn't it a pleasure to swing in such a chair?

Design features

According to their design, rocking chairs are divided into:

• Gliders (with a pendulum mechanism).
  These models have a fixed base, and the furniture swings due to a pendulum mechanism. Unlike classic products, they are distinguished by: silent operation and stability. They are often used by young mothers for feeding and rocking babies .
• Hanging. Such designs are most often used in city apartments. They are made from different materials: rattan, wicker, metal, wood. Products are hung from the ceiling, tree poles. There are also models with independent supports. They create a feeling of weightlessness and lightness in any room.

As for the varieties, rocking chairs with pendulum mechanisms are made:

• On skids.
  Such products are the most common and are most often installed in classic interiors. They are equipped with radius skids, are distinguished by their simple design and simple assembly technique. But you won’t be able to swing too much on the chair. Because it can simply turn over.
• With variable curvature. The features of the model include safety in operation. Such a piece of furniture is unable to roll over, which allows it to be used as a children's chair .
• On elliptical runners. Such products provide soft rocking. To reduce the likelihood of capsizing, they are equipped with bump stops.

How to do it at home?

Making a rocking chair with your own hands will still be possible for those people who have basic carpentry or welding skills, depending on the chosen master class.

On skids

The easiest way to make a homemade chair on runners is from an ordinary old armchair or chair. In fact, all that remains is to add the runners themselves, securely fasten them to the legs and, possibly, sew a cover. In addition to the chair itself on legs, you will need runners, a screwdriver, screws, a drill and sandpaper. To give the rocking chair an aesthetic appearance, paint and a brush will be useful. The runners themselves are cut out independently into shape using a pattern, or they are ordered from a craftsman.

It is important that the gap between the legs is 20-30 centimeters less than the length of the runners. At those points where the chair is fixed on the legs, holes are drilled, after which the runners are “fitted on.” If the result is positive, the latter can be sanded with sandpaper and painted in several layers.

The finished “skis” are put on the legs and fixed with screws in the already prepared holes

If the result is positive, the latter can be sanded with sandpaper and painted in several layers. The finished “skis” are put on the legs and fixed with screws in the already prepared holes.

Pendulum

An excellent pendulum rocking chair is made on the basis of bearings. Compact and durable design creates even swing and is ideal for outdoor use. For manufacturing, it is necessary to prepare two steel strips with dimensions of 40 by 4 millimeters and 60 by 6 millimeters, as well as profile pipes with dimensions of 20 by 20 millimeters and with a wall thickness of two millimeters. The movement of the rocking chair can be ensured by 8 bearings, the outer diameter of which is 32 millimeters, and the internal diameter is 12 millimeters, as well as 8 bearing cages. They are created by hand on a lathe, or cut from a tube. Finally, you can’t do without a pair of garage hinges and bolts with nuts size M12.

In order to minimize welding, profile pipes can simply be bent using a homemade jig. To avoid making mistakes, it is better to first apply markings every 100 millimeters. The entire frame of the rocking chair is made from a profile pipe, that is, the support part, two sidewalls, the seat and the back. As a rule, for a standard size of outdoor furniture it takes about 20 meters. From the strip and profile, parts are created that regulate how much the back of the chair tilts, in the amount of 2 pieces.

A steel strip measuring 6 by 60 millimeters is cut into two equal parts. From it, as well as bearings and bolts with nuts, pendulums are created in the amount of 4 pieces.

On springs

It is not recommended to make a spring rocking chair with your own hands, since this mechanism is very complicated to implement. The design has a powerful and motionless base, above which there is a large spring. It is she who is responsible for rocking the soft seat mounted on top. It is much easier to make a hanging rocking chair, which will decorate both the summer cottage and the children's room.

The easiest way to make a homemade swing is from a hoop with a diameter of 90 centimeters, a piece of thick fabric with dimensions of 3 by 1.5 meters, non-woven fabric, 4 metal buckles, 8 slings and a metal ring, from which the chair itself will be suspended.

The hoop is either created independently or formed from a metal-plastic tube or bendable wood. First of all, a pair of equal squares with sides of 1.5 meters are formed from 3 meters of fabric. Each of them is folded 4 times, after which a circle with a radius of 65 centimeters is cut out of the workpiece. The blanks are marked with an internal contour and holes for slings.

At the next stage, both blanks are ground together, leaving a hole for the frame. The remaining free allowance is cut with teeth, after which the finished cover is turned inside out and ironed again. The hoop itself is covered with the selected filler, cut into strips with a width of 6 to 8 centimeters. The frame is inserted into the case, both parts are connected to each other. The cover is filled with strips of padding polyester sewn to the fabric with a hidden seam. The sling is cut into 4 two-meter pieces, the edges of which are melted on both sides. The slings are pulled through the patterns and stitched several times. Buckles on the free ends allow you to adjust the height and inclination of the rocking chair. All slings are assembled and fixed on a metal ring.

How to make a hammock chair from a metal hoop is described below.

Choose the right place

Even with the right color, cushions and accessories, a rocking chair won't be as cozy as it can be if placed in the right place. If the house has a fireplace, then place the chair directly in front of the fireplace. This way you can feel the warmth and, most importantly, comfort from the fire while relaxing or reading on a rocking chair.

You can also place a chair in front of a window with a stunning view to enjoy the scenery. A small alcove with plenty of peace and quiet, and a nearby reading light is another good spot for a rocking chair.

A small table that allows you to place coffee, tea or cocoa without leaving your chair will complement the cozy atmosphere.

Types of chairs for self-production

Conventionally, the options can be divided into:

• hard;
• semi-soft;
• soft;
• rocking chairs.

First, individual elements are created. Then they are processed and holes are made, paint and varnish materials are applied to them. In some cases, a completely finished product is improved. As for certain types of chairs, a feature of hard chairs is the lack of upholstery. Usually these are just chairs with armrests. Semi-soft options are a chair with upholstery and filling inside. Soft upholstery is usually present on the seat, armrests, and backrest. The fabric consumption will be small. The first two models of chairs are more suitable for the garden. A soft type of chairs - completely upholstered in elastic material, an excellent option for the interior of a home. A rocking chair is suitable for the garden, veranda and the house itself. This can be furniture made of various materials or wickerwork. Different types of chairs are made from pallets, boards with beams, bars, and wicker. Sometimes they use metal, and the algorithm of work will not be much different from master classes with wooden models.

Add pillows

For a rocking chair to be cozy, it must be comfortable. A wooden seat and back can become a serious test if a person spends a lot of time in the chair.

To make the rocking chair more comfortable, it usually has soft cushions on the seat and back. Rocking chair pads are available in a variety of colors and patterns, so it's easy to find an option that matches the color of the chair.

You can purchase separate cushions for the seat and back, or one long cushion that covers both areas. It is better to choose pillows covered with microfiber material. Not only are they very soft and comfortable, but they are also easy to clean.

If you can’t find the right option that you like and suits the price, then why not make your own pillow using foam rubber and washable fabric. The armrests can also be padded for greater comfort.