Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

Ian Anderson

Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

Design and photography by Ian Anderson
Published in Spring 2021

This stool, a collage of scrap wood made utilizing modern versions of joinery methods like those used by John Surlis for his Leitrim Stool, is quite easy on the eyes because of its organic form. Tools like the quick bar clamp and the hand block planer are fun to use, making the 1 full day assembly time fly by.

Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Poplar Stool by Ian Anderson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Hard Wood, Various Sizes
*Any popular hardwood can be used, like Poplar, Birch, Beech, Cherry, and Oak. Softer hardwoods like Cherry and Poplar are recommended.
Satin Clear Acrylic Varnish
Quantity required: 1/2 Quart
Tools
Wood Glue
Quick Bar Clamp, Medium/Heavy Duty
Hand Block Planer
Hand Saw
Power Drill
1 1/4in Spade Drill Bit
Sandpaper, 180 Grit
Help Each Other

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)
Help Each Other

Hempcrete Stool

Ian Anderson

Hempcrete DIY Stool by Ian Anderson
Hempcrete Stool

Design and photography by Ian Anderson
Published in Fall 2019

In making this stool, you will be producing an unconventional yet efficient building material with both insulation and thermal mass properties. Made up of hemp hurd, lime, and a binder material, hempcrete (as a single material) is a natural and carbon negative alternative to the abundant layers of insulation, drywall, cladding, etc… that cover the walls of our homes today. In some ways, the simple instructions for this stool are the same as instructions for building a wall of your home with this material. More on hempcrete here. The simple assembly process takes up to 1 hour to complete.

Hempcrete DIY Stool by Ian Anderson
Hempcrete DIY Stool by Ian Anderson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Hemp Hurd (Shiv)
Quantity required: 2.5 Cubic Ft (roughly 17lb, 7.5kg)
Hydrated Lime
 
Quantity required: 20lb (9kg)
Portland Cement
 
Quantity required: 5lb (2.3kg)
All Purpose Flour
 
Quantity required: A small hand full
Tools
Cardboard
Packaging Tape
Mixing Bucket
Protective Plastic or Rubber Gloves
Disposable Cup
Alternative Parts
Metakaolin
*This material is much harder to obtain, but it is a by-product of some glass production, so less ecologically destructive to use than portland cement.
Replaces: Portland Cement
Quantity required: 10lb (4.5kg)
Help Each Other

Sedia 1 Chair

Enzo Mari

Sedia 1 autoprogettazione DIY Chair by Enzo Mari
Sedia 1 Chair

Designed by Enzo Mari
Published in Fall 2019

Originally published in Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione, alongside a full collection of easy to assemble furniture, the Sedia 1 Chair has emerged as the most recognized piece from the collection. It requires the simple manual processes of sawing lengths of softwood and hammering the pieces together with nails. The full assembly process takes up to 2 hours to complete. Each chair costs under 25 USD on average to produce.

Sedia 1 autoprogettazione DIY Chair by Enzo Mari
Sedia 1 autoprogettazione DIY Chair by Enzo Mari
Assembly
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 1in x 8in (20.5mm x 194mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location. 18mm x 194mm wood can also be used though it is not preferred.
 
Quantity required: 2 pieces 20.5in (52cm) long, 3 pieces 19.5in (50cm) long, 2 pieces 18.5in (47cm) long
Smooth Planed Pine Wood, 1in x 2in (20.5mm x 44mm)
*Any popular softwood can also be used, like Redwood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal, and availability may vary by location. 18mm x 44mm wood can also be used though it is not preferred.
 
Quantity required: 2 pieces 24in (61cm) long, 4 pieces 17.5in (44cm) long
Nails, 1-1/2in (40mm) Length
 
Quantity required: 48
Tools
Hand Saw
Ruler or Tape Measure
Square (or flat object with 90 degree angle)
Hammer
Sandpaper, 180 Grit
Help Each Other

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
Help Each Other

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
Help Each Other

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
Help Each Other

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

Extrusion Vase

Aandersson

DIY extrusion vase designed by Aandersson
Extrusion 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 naturally beautiful and functional grooves on the exterior as well as a weight and material saving cavity on the interior. The full assembly process for the 9in (23cm) tall vase takes about 30 minutes to complete. Steps include applying a rubber pad and sealer to the bottom and filling the cavity with some epoxy glue. The parts cost less than 50 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 80mm, 230mm length
Quantity required: 1
Adhesive Backed Rubber Sheet, 6in x 6in (15cm x 15cm)
Quantity required: 1
Clear Epoxy Glue, Devcon Two Ton recommended
Quantity required: 25ml or more
Tools
Sandpaper, 200 Grit
Scissors
Disposable Cup and Mixing Stick
Alternative Parts
Anodized T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 80mm x 80mm, 230mm length
Replaces: Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 80mm x 80mm, 230mm length
Help Each Other

Extrusion Bookends

Aandersson

DIY extrusion bookends designed by Aandersson
Extrusion Bookends

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

The lightweight and very strong framing material used in these bookends is a bit over-qualified to hold up a few books, but the beauty of the material’s form is something worth putting on display. The full assembly process for these two 7.3in x 5in (185mm x 125mm) bookends is easy and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Steps include custom ordering parts, screwing them together, and applying some bumpers on the bottom for grip. The parts cost less than 50 USD on average.

DIY extrusion bookends designed by Aandersson
DIY extrusion bookends designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Index
Parts
Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 25mm X 75mm, 100mm length, with Left End Tap Added
Quantity required: 2
Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 25mm X 75mm, 185mm length, with Access Hole Added
Quantity required: 2
Standard End Fastener, M6
Quantity required: 2
Electrical Tape (needed for black frame only)
Quantity required: 1
Clear Self-adhesive Rubber Bumpers
Quantity required: 8
Tools
Allen Key, M6
Quantity required: 1
Alternative Parts
Anodized T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 25mm X 75mm, 100mm length, with Left End Tap Added
Replaces: Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 25mm X 75mm, 100mm length, with Left End Tap Added
Anodized T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 25mm X 75mm, 185mm length, with Access Hole Added
Replaces: Black T-slotted Aluminum Frame, 25mm X 75mm, 185mm length, with Access Hole Added
Help Each Other