Two by One Chair

Ian Anderson

Two by One DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by One DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by One Chair

Design and photography by Ian Anderson
Published in Fall 2019

Featured in the essay Make This Chair., the Two by One Chair design was used as a pretext to pursue a discussion on DIY and the modern condition. It requires a minimal amount of materials by utilizing the triangle to both enhance the structure of the chair and define its aesthetic (much in the same way Enzo Mari and Tord Boontje did with their DIY designs). The full assembly process takes about 2 hours to complete and the parts cost less than 20 USD on average.

Two by One DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by One DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by One DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by One DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Assembly

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1     Using a square tool and tape measure, measure and mark these lengths of wood: 2 pieces 34.5in (88cm) long, 6 pieces 27.5in (70cm) long, 2 pieces 15.75in (40cm), 2 pieces 17.75in (45cm), 10 pieces 20in (50cm) long.
1     Using a square tool and tape measure, measure and mark these lengths of wood: 2 pieces 34.5in (88cm) long, 6 pieces 27.5in (70cm) long, 2 pieces 15.75in (40cm), 2 pieces 17.75in (45cm), 10 pieces 20in (50cm) long.
2     Elevate the wood above the table and make cuts according to your measurements with the hand saw. Sand any rough edges of the wood after. If you would like your chair painted or finished, do this after step 2 and before step 3.
2     Elevate the wood above the table and make cuts according to your measurements with the hand saw. Sand any rough edges of the wood after. If you would like your chair painted or finished, do this after step 2 and before step 3.
3     Arrange two 27.5in (70cm) long pieces vertically, and one 17.75in (45cm) piece horizontally, as photographed.
3     Arrange two 27.5in (70cm) long pieces vertically, and one 17.75in (45cm) piece horizontally, as photographed.
4     On the left side, align the horizontal piece 10in (25.5cm) from the top of the vertical piece. Using a spare length of wood, make sure the horizontal piece extends a full width of wood beyond the vertical piece. Use a square tool to confirm 90 degree angle.
4     On the left side, align the horizontal piece 10in (25.5cm) from the top of the vertical piece. Using a spare length of wood, make sure the horizontal piece extends a full width of wood beyond the vertical piece. Use a square tool to confirm 90 degree angle.
5     Hold both pieces steady and drill two vertical holes, evenly spaced. Then countersink the holes (do this by drilling very shallow holes, the width of the screw head, in the first holes).
5     Hold both pieces steady and drill two vertical holes, evenly spaced. Then countersink the holes (do this by drilling very shallow holes, the width of the screw head, in the first holes).
6     Screw the two pieces of wood together with two screws. The screw head should be flush with the wood.
6     Screw the two pieces of wood together with two screws. The screw head should be flush with the wood.
7     On the right side, align the horizontal piece 10in (25.5cm) from the top of the vertical piece. The horizontal piece should extend 2.75in (7cm) beyond the vertical piece. Use a square tool to confirm 90 degree angle.
7     On the right side, align the horizontal piece 10in (25.5cm) from the top of the vertical piece. The horizontal piece should extend 2.75in (7cm) beyond the vertical piece. Use a square tool to confirm 90 degree angle.
8     Drill holes and screw the two pieces together, as outlined in step 5 and 6.
8     Drill holes and screw the two pieces together, as outlined in step 5 and 6.
9     Align a 15.75in (40cm) length piece of wood so so that it is resting on the top of the vertical pieces and is flush with the left piece.
9     Align a 15.75in (40cm) length piece of wood so so that it is resting on the top of the vertical pieces and is flush with the left piece.
10     Hold the wood in place, vertically drill one hole, countersink and add one screw to attach the left vertical piece to the 15.75in (40cm) piece.
10     Hold the wood in place, vertically drill one hole, countersink and add one screw to attach the left vertical piece to the 15.75in (40cm) piece.
11     Repeat step 10, but this time securing the right vertical piece to the 15.75in (40cm) piece. Make sure both form a 90 degree angle.
11     Repeat step 10, but this time securing the right vertical piece to the 15.75in (40cm) piece. Make sure both form a 90 degree angle.
12     Place one 27.5in (70cm) piece to the right of the left vertical piece. Place one 34.5in (88cm) piece to the right of the right vertical piece, as photographed.
12     Place one 27.5in (70cm) piece to the right of the left vertical piece. Place one 34.5in (88cm) piece to the right of the right vertical piece, as photographed.
13     Use the width of a spare piece of wood as a spacer, and pinch the two vertical pieces together on the bottom, making sure the ends of the angled pieces are flush with the ends of the straight pieces.
13     Use the width of a spare piece of wood as a spacer, and pinch the two vertical pieces together on the bottom, making sure the ends of the angled pieces are flush with the ends of the straight pieces.
14     Hold the wood in place, drill holes and add two screws to secure the new 27.5in (70cm) piece.
14     Hold the wood in place, drill holes and add two screws to secure the new 27.5in (70cm) piece.
15     Repeat steps 13 and 14 to secure the new 34.5in (88cm) piece.
15     Repeat steps 13 and 14 to secure the new 34.5in (88cm) piece.
16     On the angled side of where the set of vertical pieces come together, drill two holes, countersink, and add screws. Screw heads should be flush.
16     On the angled side of where the set of vertical pieces come together, drill two holes, countersink, and add screws. Screw heads should be flush.
17     Repeat step 16 on the second set of vertical pieces. Make sure the two pieces are pinched together firmly.
17     Repeat step 16 on the second set of vertical pieces. Make sure the two pieces are pinched together firmly.
18     Repeat step 10, but this time securing the angled vertical piece to the 15.75in (40cm) piece.
18     Repeat step 10, but this time securing the angled vertical piece to the 15.75in (40cm) piece.
19     Repeat steps 3 through 18, but this time making a mirror image of what you made.
19     Repeat steps 3 through 18, but this time making a mirror image of what you made.
20     Place one 20in (50cm) piece between each vertical triangle. Make sure each piece is flush with the outside of the frame.
20     Place one 20in (50cm) piece between each vertical triangle. Make sure each piece is flush with the outside of the frame.
21     Drill vertical holes, countersink, and add two screws to the 20in (50cm) piece, securing it to the 17.75in (45cm) piece. Repeat in 3 other locations to secure the frame.
21     Drill vertical holes, countersink, and add two screws to the 20in (50cm) piece, securing it to the 17.75in (45cm) piece. Repeat in 3 other locations to secure the frame.
22     Drill holes, countersink, and add two screws to the vertical 27.5in (70cm) piece, securing it to the 20in (50cm) piece. Repeat in 3 other locations to secure the frame.
22     Drill holes, countersink, and add two screws to the vertical 27.5in (70cm) piece, securing it to the 20in (50cm) piece. Repeat in 3 other locations to secure the frame.
23     Arrange three 20in (50cm) pieces. They should be touching the vertical 27.5in (70cm) pieces, as pictured.
23     Arrange three 20in (50cm) pieces. They should be touching the vertical 27.5in (70cm) pieces, as pictured.
24     Drill one hole, countersink, and add one screw to secure the 20in (50cm) piece to the 17.75in (45cm) piece. Repeat on both sides until all 20in (50cm) pieces are secure.
24     Drill one hole, countersink, and add one screw to secure the 20in (50cm) piece to the 17.75in (45cm) piece. Repeat on both sides until all 20in (50cm) pieces are secure.
25     Place three 20in (50cm) pieces, evenly spaced in the remaining section of the frame. Attach to the frame, as done in step 24.
25     Place three 20in (50cm) pieces, evenly spaced in the remaining section of the frame. Attach to the frame, as done in step 24.
26     Drill holes, countersink, and add 2 screws to secure the 15.75in (40cm) piece to the 34.5in (88cm) piece. Repeat on the other side of the frame.
26     Drill holes, countersink, and add 2 screws to secure the 15.75in (40cm) piece to the 34.5in (88cm) piece. Repeat on the other side of the frame.
27     Align one 20in (50cm) piece to the ends of the 34.5in (88cm) pieces, as pictured.
27     Align one 20in (50cm) piece to the ends of the 34.5in (88cm) pieces, as pictured.
28     Drill holes, countersink, and add 2 screws to secure the 20in (50cm) piece to the 34.5in (88cm) piece. Be careful the screw and/or holes are not too deep. Repeat on the other side of the frame.
28     Drill holes, countersink, and add 2 screws to secure the 20in (50cm) piece to the 34.5in (88cm) piece. Be careful the screw and/or holes are not too deep. Repeat on the other side of the frame.
29     Arrange a 20in (50cm) piece about 3/4in (2cm) below the one from step 27, and repeat the process in step 28.
29     Arrange a 20in (50cm) piece about 3/4in (2cm) below the one from step 27, and repeat the process in step 28.
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 1in x 2in (20mm x 34mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location. 18mm x 34mm or 19mm x 38mm wood cuts will also work.
 
Quantity required: 2 pieces 34.5in (88cm) long, 6 pieces 27.5in (70cm) long, 2 pieces 15.75in (40cm) long, 2 pieces 17.75in (45cm) long, 10 pieces 20in (50cm) long
Flat Head Wood Screws, #6 x 1-1/2in (4 x 35mm)
 
Quantity required: 70
Tools
Hand Saw
Power Drill
Drill Bits
Ruler or Tape Measure
Screwdriver
Square (or flat object with 90 degree angle)
Sandpaper, 180 Grit
Help Each Other

4 thoughts on “Two by One Chair”

  1. Love the Two by One chair. Do you keep the screws exposed? What about deeper countersinks and then tap in wood caps? Might that lose some integrity of the connection?

    PS. I did an Enzo Mari type bench for instructables.com , furniture contest. Pretty good, given my lack of skills. M.

    Reply

    1. You can definitely use the method you described to cover up the screws – I don’t think it would affect the strength of the connections. An alternative is to use wood pegs and glue to join the pieces together (like in the new chairs on the website). We would love to see the Enzo-like bench – if you would like to share, please send photos to [email protected]

      Reply

  2. Hello! I love your 2×1 chair and this website as a whole. A quick question: do you have recommendations of optimum 2×1 length to avoid waste? For example… to make one chair, is it better to buy 8 pieces of 2x1x8ft or 6 pieces of 2x1x12ft… or what do you recommend?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Sergio, Good question – I haven’t done that calculation, unfortunately, but feel free to share here if you’ve figured it out by now. I hope your chair turned out how you wanted!

      Reply

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