DIY rocking chair

Each of us has at least once seen a hero in a movie sitting comfortably in a rocking chair. Admit that you have repeatedly wanted to be in his place, and in the same way indulge in reflection and relaxation in a comfortable chair, swaying rhythmically to the beat of the music. Such a piece of furniture is not cheap, and there are always more important things. Well, now you can make your dream come true and make your own “dream”.

What types of rocking chairs are there?

Such a piece of furniture is not only a decoration for the home, it is quite functional, comfortable, and can be placed in any room. Everything will depend on the purpose of the product. By making a rocking chair yourself, you select it to suit your interior and the size of the room.

IMPORTANT! Before you begin preparing for the manufacture of a product, you should find out about its types, decide on your wishes, and only then collect the tools and prepare the necessary materials.

There are several types of such products:

1. Traditional or classic model. This type of product will fit perfectly into a classic or modern interior. The runners have a small radius, therefore the swing amplitude will also be insignificant. If you sway too much, you may fall.To make such a model, you need to have an understanding of furniture production technology.
2. Design on arches with bumpers. This is a high-rise product; the runners are made with ends curved in the other direction. This design prevents the rocking chair from tipping over. According to all reviews, this model is a little harsh due to the presence of bump stops.
3. Rocking chair with oval or elliptical runners. This model provides calm rocking without jerking, however, even in this chair you can tip over, so it is equipped with bump stops. This option is indispensable for the garden.
4. Universal model 3 in 1. The model is both a chair, a couch, and a rocking chair. The runners change their position when the body tilts backward. This is a rather complex design, and sometimes takes up quite a lot of space.

The easiest chair to make is the classic version. The rest are suitable for those who have experience in furniture production. Having examined each model, you can begin to select the appropriate material.

What material to choose for a rocking chair

Traditionally, wood is used for such a design, but nowadays many people also use metal, but do not forget that wood is an excellent material for making furniture, it is soft, pliable, and can take any shape. But let’s look at other materials that can be used to make a rocking chair:

1. Metal. A metal structure has its advantages, as it is stable, due to its wear resistance, it is installed in summer cottages, in gardens, and has significant weight, so it is recommended to make the chair from a different material, and take an ellipse as the basis.
2. Profiled pipe.This type of material has gained popularity due to its lightness. It is not difficult to assemble a structure from a corrugated pipe; it does not require special fastenings and is easy to paint. However, with regular use it quickly becomes unusable.
3. Polypropylene pipes. Unlike the previous material, polypropylene pipes are durable. Making furniture from it is quite easy, and you will only need the simplest tools.
4. Plastic bottles. Quite an unusual solution, but quite original. It found its recognition after the boom in waste recycling began. If you are going to make a structure out of bottles, make sure there are enough of them.
5. Plywood. This, of course, is not wood, but the material is quite popular. The production of plywood furniture is gaining momentum, and home craftsmen are no exception. Cutting out the parts is quite easy; after assembly, it is recommended to varnish them for greater durability.
6. Tree. A completely natural and hypoallergenic material, the advantages of which are difficult to overestimate. A rocking chair made of wood will be very durable and will last for many years.

This is not the entire list of materials; the rocking chair can also be made from rattan and willow wicker, and individual parts can be made from natural or eco-leather.

DIY rocking chair: drawings and manufacturing process

It is better to choose the simplest model, but if you have experience in making furniture, you can try to make something more original. In any case, the rocking chair should be in harmony with the overall interior of the home. When the model is chosen, you need to stock up on the necessary tools:

• templates for the frame;
• electric jigsaw;
• sandpaper;
• screwdriver;
• fasteners;
• drill;
• paints and varnishes.

Making a simple version from wood

For a trained craftsman with experience, the designs below are unlikely to be of interest, but for those who want to make a comfortable chair without much effort, this option is the most suitable. Let's look at the simplest ways to make wood at home.

An option is when you have a ready-made chair or a wooden chair. The main thing is to prepare the arcs. If you cannot cut them yourself, or you do not have any tools, then you can order runners from a specialist. Their length should be 30 cm greater than the width of the legs. You definitely need to “try on” the arches by placing the chair on them. Drill holes in the legs and fasten them to the arches. Now you can paint the product. Below is a drawing of the simplest wooden rocking chair.

Metal rocking chair

Metal construction requires a certain skill, so we will consider a lightweight version that you can make yourself. The material used will be profile pipes and elliptical-type connections. The seat and backrest itself are made of cables.

Another good option for a swinging chair or chaise lounge can be seen below, it is made of a 20 mm metal rod, this design is quite heavy in the final version, but much stronger. To make it, the craftsman will need welding experience. Rods can be welded stronger than pipes. To make runners from such material, you need to make an effort, since the rods are quite thick and require physical strength to bend. In this case, it is better to use a lever.

IMPORTANT! In a metal rocking chair, you need to think about the center of gravity so that the entire structure does not tilt back.

Do-it-yourself tumbler chair for the garden

Such a design in the garden brings particular charm and convenience. The tumbler chair is convenient because it tilts back without losing stability. You can find yourself lying on your back and straightening your legs to return the structure to its original position. The most difficult thing in manufacturing is the runners; they need to be drawn according to a certain grid, so that later the entire structure turns out to be stable.

Whatever model you choose, it can be adapted for both an apartment and a country house. The main thing is to have the desire and the necessary set of tools. The material will lend itself to any craftsman who wants to add zest to his interior with a rocking chair.