FAQs

About the Plans

  • You’ll get a digital download containing full-scale drawings of each part, seat and bending templates (where needed), and a step-by-step set of shop notes. The drawings include both metric and imperial measurements. Everything is formatted for A1 paper size and can also be viewed on screen.

  • Some are. The milking stool and the simpler bar stools are good entry points. They introduce the core processes of chair making without too many complex steps. Others, like the spindle back or lounge chair, involve more shaping and steam bending. You don’t need advanced skills, just some experience using hand tools and a willingness to work things out at the bench.

  • Each plan comes with a suggested order of process, practical notes on every step, and guidance on tool use and materials. They’re not written like a kit manual. There’s room to work things out for yourself, but they do include the same kinds of details we use in our own workshop.

  • Yes. Once you understand how the parts relate to each other, it’s straightforward to make small changes. That might be to the height, stance, materials, or shaping. The plans give a solid foundation to build from.

Tools, Materials & Workshop Setup

  • That depends a little on the plan, and how you prefer to work. Most projects can be built using a fairly modest set of tools. At a minimum, you’ll need a drill, a selection of saws, and a couple of hand planes such as a jack plane and a block plane. For shaping tenons, either a simple tenon cutter or a lathe can be used. A bandsaw is useful for rough shaping, and a thicknesser can speed up stock preparation, but many steps can be done by hand if you’re set up for it.

    If the plan includes steam bending, you’ll need to make a simple bending form and use a steamer — something basic and homemade is usually enough. Accurate layout and measuring tools are also important throughout.

    The exact tools vary between plans, and there’s usually more than one way to approach each step, so you can often adapt based on what you already have in your workshop.

  • That really comes down to what you’ve got available. Here in the UK, where these chairs were originally made, ash and oak are usually the go-to. They’re strong and fairly flexible. Elm is great for seats if you’re leaving them flat, since it’s less prone to splitting. If you’re carving a saddle, you’ll probably want something softer. Lime is good for that, but poplar or basswood could work too. You can saddle harder woods like oak or ash, but it just takes a bit more effort.

    Really, it’s just about knowing what each part needs to do, and picking a timber that suits. A strong wood where there’s tension, something more forgiving where you’re shaping. If you’ve got local hardwoods that are strong and workable, they’ll probably do the job just fine.

    And of course, it needs to look the way you want it to as well.

  • Some plans include steam-bent crest rails/arms. The bends are fairly gentle on most, and the plans include templates and advice for the best chance of success.

  • These projects are designed for modest spaces. A standard workbench and a bit of clear floor space is plenty. You don’t need a full workshop or heavy machinery.

Ordering & Downloads

  • Plans are available as digital downloads. After checkout, you’ll receive an email with a link to your files. You can also download them directly from your order confirmation page.

  • All plans are in PDF format, laid out for A1 printing (22 × 34"). Templates are included as either full-scale drawings or scalable outlines you can print and transfer.

  • The easiest option is to take the PDF to a local print shop or reprographics service and ask for it to be printed at full scale on A1 paper. Some people use tiled A4/A3 prints and tape them together, though that’s a bit more fiddly.

  • Because these are digital products, we can’t offer refunds once the files have been downloaded. If you have any issues with your purchase or you’ve chosen the wrong plan by mistake, just get in touch. We’ll always try to sort it out.

Building & Process

  • It depends on the piece and your pace. A simple stool might take a day or two. A chair with saddling, bending and compound angles will take longer, possibly a few weekends. The plans are laid out so you can break the work into manageable sessions.

  • Each plan includes a recommended build sequence. This usually starts with preparing parts, then layout and drilling, shaping, assembly, and finally finish. There’s advice on where to begin and how to keep things aligned as you go.

Using & Selling Finished Chairs

  • Yes, if you’re making chairs on a small scale, feel free to sell them. All we ask is that the design isn’t reproduced commercially or sold as your own design. These plans are meant to support independent makers.

  • If you’re a teacher or running workshops, get in touch. In most cases, we’re happy for the plans to be used for learning and teaching.