Rough and Ready Chair

Tord Boontje

Rough And Ready DIY Chair by Tord Boontje
Rough and Ready Chair

Designed by Tord Boontje
Published in Fall 2019

Tord Boontje’s visually striking Rough and Ready Chair utilizes a simple engineering trick, enhancing the strength of the brittle square frame by placing diagonal wooden pieces all around it. Its aesthetics are defined by whatever wood or spare blankets you happen to have on hand. The full assembly process takes up to 2 hours to complete, and the cost of parts really relies on how much you happen to already have. The design is also relatively easy to manipulate in order to make a bench or a stool.

Rough And Ready DIY Chair by Tord Boontje
Rough And Ready DIY Chair by Tord Boontje
Assembly
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 1in x 1in (34mm x 34mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location.
 
Quantity required: 2 pieces 32.5in (830mm) long, 2 pieces 18in (460mm) long, 2 pieces 18.5in (470mm) long, 2 pieces 18in (454mm) long, 2 pieces 21in (538mm) long, 4 pieces 15in (380mm) long, 1 pieces 13.5in (340mm) long, 1 pieces 17.5in (440mm) long, 1 pieces 14in (350mm) long
Plywood, 1/2in (12mm) thickness
 
Quantity required: 1 piece 18in x 15in (450mm x 380mm), 1 piece 10in x 15in (250mm x 380mm)
Flat Head Wood Screws, #6 x 1-1/2in (4 x 35mm)
 
Quantity required: 64
Towel or Blanket
 
Quantity required: 1
Hook and Loop (or Velcro), 1/2in (13mm) wide
Quantity required: 15ft (4.5m)
Tools
Hand Saw
Power Drill
Drill Bits
Ruler or Tape Measure
Screwdriver
Square (or flat object with 90 degree angle)
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Crate Chair

Gerrit Rietveld

Crate Chair DIY by Gerrit Rietveld
Crate Chair

Designed by Gerrit Rietveld
Published in Fall 2019

Rietveld’s Crate Chair (1934) was designed with a particular interest in using recycled materials. Building instructions for most of Rietveld’s designs have since been published in the 1986 book How to Construct Rietveld Furniture. Because this chair was originally produced, and it was not designed specifically as a DIY chair, it does require quite a lot of wood and more time spent with a saw. Assembly time is about 3 hours and the average cost is under 50 USD.

Crate Chair DIY by Gerrit Rietveld
Crate Chair DIY by Gerrit Rietveld
Assembly
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 1in x 6in (20.5mm x 144mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location. 18mm x 144mm wood can also be used, though arm and back rest measurements will need to be adjusted.
 
Quantity required: 3 pieces 19.75in (500mm) long, 6 pieces 15.75in (400mm) long, 4 pieces 24.25in (620mm) long, 1 piece 17in (450mm) long, 1 piece 18.5in (491mm) long
Flat Head Wood Screws, #6 x 1-1/2in (4 x 35mm)
 
Quantity required: 64
Tools
Hand Saw
Power Drill
Drill Bits
Ruler or Tape Measure
Screwdriver
Square (or flat object with 90 degree angle)
Sandpaper, 180 Grit
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Two by Two Chair

Ian Anderson

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

Design and photography by Ian Anderson
Published in Fall 2019

The Two by Two Chair ambitiously utilizes a webbing system to form its seating surfaces. The builder is required to stretch and nail in each strap so that there is no slack when the chair is complete. Its shape is reminiscent of Rietveld chair designs, but it makes some ergonomic concessions learned from more modern chairs, where the back support cradles ones lower back with minimal pressure. The full assembly process takes a little over 3 hours to complete and the parts cost 50 USD on average.

Two by Two DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by Two DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by Two DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Two by Two DIY Chair by Ian Anderson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 2in x 2in (44mm x 44mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location.
 
Quantity required: 2 pieces 29.5in (75cm) long, 4 pieces 18in (46cm) long, 3 pieces 19in (48cm) long, 1 piece 16in (39cm) long
Flat Head Wood Screws, #6 x 2in (4 x 50mm)
 
Quantity required: 32
Polyester Webbing, 1.5in (38mm) Wide
Quantity required: 41ft (12.5m)
Wide Head Wire Nail, 3/4in (roughly 20mm) Length
 
Quantity required: 200
Tools
Hand Saw
Power Drill
Drill Bits
Ruler or Tape Measure
Screwdriver
Hammer
Square (or flat object with 90 degree angle)
Alternative Parts
Polyester Seatbelt Webbing, 2in (51mm) Wide
Quantity required: 36ft (11m)
Replaces: Polyester Webbing, 1.5in (38mm) Wide
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Two by One Chair

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
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
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DIY Chair

Max Lamb

DIY Chair by Max Lamb
DIY Chair

Designed by Max Lamb
Published in Fall 2019

A DIY chair’s instructions are just as significant as the design of the DIY chair itself. The DIY Chair by Max Lamb, designed in 2008, is one of the more modern DIY chairs around, mainly because of the way Max chose to communicate the process of making the chair. The simple step-by-step method that he employed meticulously controls the process of production with detailed notes. The simple but time consuming assembly process takes up to 4 hours to complete. Parts cost under 50 USD on average.

DIY Chair by Max Lamb
DIY Chair by Max Lamb
Assembly
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 1in x 2in (18mm x 34mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location.
 
Quantity required: 30 pieces, 18.5in in length (31 pieces, 47cm in length, if using 18mm x 34mm wood)
Flat Head Wood Screws, #6 x 1-1/2in (4 x 35mm)
 
Quantity required: 124
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

Utility Pendant Light

Aandersson

DIY globe pendant light designed by Aandersson
Utility Pendant Light

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

Designed alongside the One Gallon Floor Lamp and using similar utility-oriented parts, this pendant light replaces the standard pull chain switch and exaggerates the simple task of turning on a light. The full assembly process takes about 2 hours to complete. Steps include drilling a hole in the acrylic ball shade, wiring the lamp, and installing the moving strap switch. The parts cost a little over 100 USD on average.

DIY globe pendant light designed by Aandersson
DIY globe pendant light designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Note: Some parts will need to be replaced for lighting being used outside of USA, Canada and Mexico.
Index
Parts
Nylon Eye-and-Eye Yellow Strap, 3ft (92cm) Length, 1in (2.5cm) Width
Quantity required: 1
Neckless Acrylic Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
Satin Nickel 1/8 ips Slip Canopy Crossbar Set
Quantity required: 1
Vacuum Chrome Canopy with 1/8ips Slip Through Hole
Quantity required: 1
Phenolic Socket Cluster with Pull Chain Switch
Quantity required: 1
Polished Nickel Plated Neckless Ball Holder w/ Insert for 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
White 18/2 SVT Power Cord, 8ft (3m) length
Quantity required: 1
Large Wire Nut with Spring Insert
Quantity required: 2
Straight Female Threaded Coupling, Nickel Plated, 1/2in W X 9/16in H, 1/8IPS
Quantity required: 1
Male Threaded Strain Relief, Polished Nickel, 1/8ips
Quantity required: 1
Pipe with 1/8ips female thread, Nickel Finish, 6in (15cm) length
Quantity required: 1
Threaded Hollow Nipple, 1.25in (3cm) length, 1/8 IPS
Quantity required: 1
Light Bulb for Medium Socket, Small, LED: 2-4 Watts
Quantity required: 2
Tools
Power Drill
Hole Saw, 1.5in (4cm)
Utility Knife
Screwdriver, Flat Head
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Extrusion Large Vase

Aandersson

DIY extrusion vase designed by Aandersson
Extrusion Large Vase

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

Hollow 80mm T-slotted framing is a natural form for a vessel. The extrusion process creates beautiful and functional grooves on the exterior as well as weight and material saving cavities on the interior. The full assembly process for the 9.5in (24cm) tall vase takes less than 1 hour to complete. Steps include applying a rubber pad and sealer to the bottom and filling the cavities with some epoxy glue. The parts cost less than 100 USD on average. While caring for your anodized (non-black) vase, clean and re-fresh water regularly to prevent oxidization.

DIY extrusion vase designed by Aandersson
DIY extrusion vase designed by Aandersson
DIY extrusion vase designed by Aandersson
DIY extrusion vase designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 80mm x 160mm, 240mm length
Quantity required: 1
Adhesive Backed Rubber Sheet, 12in x 12in (30cm x 30cm)
Quantity required: 1
Clear Epoxy Glue, Devcon Two Ton recommended
Quantity required: 3 (75ml or more in total)
Tools
Sandpaper, 200 Grit
Scissors
Disposable Cup and Mixing Stick
Alternative Parts
Anodized T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 80mm x 160mm, 240mm length
Replaces: Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 80mm x 160mm, 240mm length
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Translucent Fruit Bowl

Aandersson

DIY translucent fruit bowl designed by Aandersson
Translucent Fruit Bowl

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

It’s actually really fun to make this bowl. You are up against time because the hot plastic hardens as it cools, and while you can always re-heat and make adjustments, the ultimate form will reflect your quick movements to counteract gravity and the increasing tension in the plastic. The finished translucent bowl is roughly 13in (33cm) in diameter and it can be made larger by simply adding more plastic in step one. Assembly can be completed in about 1 hour and the parts cost less than 50 USD on average.

DIY translucent fruit bowl designed by Aandersson
DIY translucent fruit bowl designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Polydoh Moldable Plastic Pellets with Color Granules, 32oz
Quantity required: 1
Tools
Coated Butcher Paper or Smooth Clean Surface
Medium-sized Pot
Large Pan
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Translucent Pepper + Salt Mill

Aandersson

DIY plastic Pepper Mill designed by Aandersson
Translucent Pepper + Salt Mill

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

The ultimate form of this mill will be organic and somewhat unexpected, but thanks to the qualities of this plastic, it can be re-worked numerous times until you get the result you want. This roughly 8in (20cm) tall translucent salt + pepper mill can be assembled in a little over 1 hour with parts that cost less than 50 USD on average.

DIY plastic Pepper Mill designed by Aandersson
DIY plastic Pepper Mill designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Polydoh Moldable Plastic Pellets with Color Granules, 12oz
Quantity required: 1
CrushGrind Pepper, Salt and Spice Mill Mechanism, 195 mm (7.6 in) length
Quantity required: 1
Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
Tools
Coated Butcher or Baking Paper
Medium-sized Pot
Large Pan
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One Gallon Floor Lamp

Aandersson

DIY floor lamp designed by Aandersson
One Gallon Floor Lamp

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

A tall grey portable canopy weight tank conceals the one gallon of sand that anchors this 6ft (1.8m) high fixture to the ground. The full assembly process takes about 2 hours to complete. Steps include filling the tank with roughly one gallon (3.7 L) of sand or small stones, wiring the lamp, and installing the globe. Only two tools are required for this process and the parts cost 100 USD on average.

DIY floor lamp designed by Aandersson
DIY floor lamp designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Note: Some parts will need to be replaced for lighting being used outside of USA, Canada and Mexico.
Index
Parts
Eurmax Hard Plastic Canopy Feet Weight
Quantity required: 1
Polished Stainless Steel Tube, 5ft (1.5m) length, 1in (26mm) diameter
Quantity required: 1
Sand or Small Stones, roughly 1 gallon (3.7 liter)
Quantity required: 1
Self-adhesive Vinyl Bumpers, 1/2in (2.5cm) width
Quantity required: 6
Phenolic Socket with 1/8IPS Cap, E-26 (E-27 for europe) size
Quantity required: 1
White 18/2 SVT Power Cord w/ Switch, 18ft (5m) length
Quantity required: 1
Neckless Gloss Glass Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
Polished Nickel Plated Neckless Ball Holder w/ Insert for 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
Hex Nut for 1/8-27 IPS
Quantity required: 6
Threaded Hollow Nipple, 6in (15cm) length, 1/8 IPS
Quantity required: 1
Rubber Washer, 1in (2.5cm) diameter, 1/8 IPS Hole
Quantity required: 3
Light Bulb for Medium Socket, LED: 5-6 Watts
Quantity required: 1
Tools
Screwdriver, Flat Head
Cutting Pliers
Alternative Parts
Neckless Acrylic Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Replaces: Neckless Gloss Glass Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in
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