DIY wooden rocking chair with exact dimensions

DIY Wooden Rocking Chair with Exact Dimensions — Full Build Plans

Finished Dimensions

Component CM Inches
Overall height 95 cm 37.4 in
Overall width 68 cm 26.8 in
Overall depth 92 cm 36.2 in
Seat height (front) 43 cm 16.9 in
Seat width 52 cm 20.5 in
Seat depth 50 cm 19.7 in
Armrest height 63 cm 24.8 in
Recline angle 105–115° 105–115°

Access over 16,000 Woodworking plans 

Style:

  • Traditional hardwood rocking chair
  • Smooth curved rockers
  • Angled backrest
  • Wide armrests
  • Reinforced support frame

Recommended Wood Types

Wood Type Quality
Oak Excellent
Maple Excellent
Ash Excellent
Pine Budget-friendly
Walnut Premium

Materials List

Lumber

  • 38×89mm boards (1.5×3.5 in)
  • 19×89mm boards (3/4×3.5 in)
  • 25×140mm boards (1×5.5 in)

Hardware

  • 65mm wood screws
  • 50mm wood screws
  • Wood glue
  • Dowels (optional)
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood finish

Full Cut List

Rocker Bases

Part Qty CM Inches
Curved rocker runners 2 110 × 6 × 3.8 cm 43.3 × 2.4 × 1.5 in

Rocker Curve

  • Radius: 150 cm (59 in)
  • Rise at ends: 7 cm (2.75 in)

Front Legs

Qty CM Inches
2 43 × 4.5 × 4.5 cm 16.9 × 1.75 × 1.75 in

Rear Legs / Back Supports

Qty CM Inches
2 95 × 4.5 × 4.5 cm 37.4 × 1.75 × 1.75 in

Rear leg angle:

  • Reclined backward at:
    • 15°

Seat Frame Rails

Side Rails

Qty CM Inches
2 50 × 9 × 3.8 cm 19.7 × 3.5 × 1.5 in

Front & Rear Rails

Qty CM Inches
2 43 × 9 × 3.8 cm 16.9 × 3.5 × 1.5 in

Seat Slats

Qty CM Inches
6 52 × 7 × 1.9 cm 20.5 × 2.75 × 0.75 in

Spacing:

  • 8–10mm (0.3–0.4 in)

Backrest Slats

Qty CM Inches
5 60 × 7 × 1.9 cm 23.6 × 2.75 × 0.75 in

Optional:

  • Slight curve for comfort

Armrests

Qty CM Inches
2 60 × 10 × 2.5 cm 23.6 × 3.9 × 1 in

Front edge radius:

  • Rounded for comfort

Lower Stretchers

Qty CM Inches
2 45 × 4.5 × 3.8 cm 17.7 × 1.75 × 1.5 in

Side Support Braces

Qty CM Inches
2 38 × 4.5 × 3.8 cm 15 × 1.75 × 1.5 in

Ends cut:

  • 15°

Chair Side Profile

          BACKREST
             /
            /
           /
          /
         /
        /____ ARMREST
       /     
      /      
 ____/________ SEAT
(              )
 (            )
  (__________)
      ROCKER

Assembly Instructions

1. Build Seat Frame

  • Assemble rectangular seat base.
  • Use glue + screws or mortise-and-tenon joints.
  • Ensure frame is perfectly square.

2. Attach Legs

  • Front legs vertical.
  • Rear legs angled backward at 15°.
  • Check equal stance before fastening.

3. Install Rocker Runners

  • Center legs onto curved runners.
  • Ensure both rockers align evenly.
  • Clamp before screwing.

4. Add Stretchers & Braces

  • Install lower support stretchers.
  • Add angled side braces for rigidity.

5. Install Seat Slats

  • Space evenly.
  • Slightly round edges before installation.

6. Install Backrest

  • Mount back slats to rear supports.
  • Maintain:
    • 105–115° seating angle

7. Attach Armrests

  • Secure to front legs and rear supports.
  • Sand edges smooth.

Recline Geometry

The ergonomic back angle is approximately:

Recommended sweet spot:

  • 110° for relaxed comfort

Rocker Geometry

Recommended rocker radius:

This creates:

  • Smooth rocking motion
  • Stable center balance
  • Reduced tipping risk

Sanding Guide

Step Grit
Initial shaping 80
Surface prep 120
Final finish 220

Round over:

  • Armrests
  • Seat edges
  • Rocker ends

Recommended Finishes

Indoor

  • Danish oil
  • Hardwax oil
  • Satin polyurethane

Outdoor Covered Porch

  • Marine spar varnish
  • Exterior oil finish

Estimated Weight Capacity

Build Quality Capacity
Standard joinery 110 kg / 242 lb
Mortise & tenon 160 kg / 352 lb

Optional Upgrades

  • Contoured seat
  • Cushions
  • Cup holder armrest
  • Engraved backrest
  • Steam-bent curved slats
  • Hidden hardware
  • Matching footstool

Pro Build Tips

  • Cut rocker curves using a template.
  • Match both rockers exactly using flush-trim routing.
  • Pre-drill hardwood to prevent splitting.
  • Clamp all joints overnight before sanding.
  • Slightly chamfer rocker edges for smoother floor contact.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

16,000 Woodworking Plans: Everything You Need to Build Anything

Image
If you've ever stared at a blank workshop wall wondering what to build next, 16,000 woodworking plans is the answer to that problem. Permanently. That's the size of Ted's Woodworking, one of the most comprehensive plan libraries available to hobbyists and serious woodworkers alike.  Whether you're a weekend DIY cutting your first dovetail joint or a seasoned craftsman looking for your next challenge, having 16,000 projects at your fingertips changes how you approach the craft entirely.  👉 Access Over 16,000 Woodworking Plans What 16,000 Plans Actually Looks Like We're talking about plans for furniture, garden structures, storage solutions, toys, cabinets, sheds, workbenches, and more. Every plan comes with step-by-step instructions, cut lists, materials lists, and detailed diagrams so you're never guessing. You pick the project, follow the plan, and build. The variety alone is staggering. Want a rustic farmhouse dining table? It's there. A backy...
Read more

DIY Miter Saw Workstation Setup

Image
DIY Miter Saw Workstation Setup A DIY miter saw workstation setup is a high-efficiency cutting station designed to improve accuracy, speed, and safety when working with long boards and repetitive cuts. With extension tables, stop blocks, a T-track system, dust collection integration, and a mobile base, this workstation turns a basic miter saw into a precision production tool. Access over 16,000 woodworking plans  This setup is ideal for furniture makers, carpenters, and DIY woodworkers who want a clean, organized, and professional cutting station. Main Features of the Workstation Core Components Central miter saw platform Extension tables (left & right) Adjustable stop block system T-track fence system Dust collection setup Mobile base with wheels 1. Extension Tables for Long Cuts Extension wings support long boards during cutting. Features Level with saw bed Smooth sliding surface Strong structural support Benefits Prevents material sagging...
Read more

DIY Garage Workbench with Tool Storage

Image
DIY Garage Workbench with Tool Storage A DIY garage workbench with tool storage is one of the most practical upgrades for any workshop. Combining a durable work surface, organized drawers, open shelving, pegboard tool storage, and caster wheels for mobility, this setup creates a highly efficient workspace for woodworking, repairs, assembly, and general DIY projects. Access over 16,000 woodworking plans  Perfect for DIY builders, mechanics, woodworkers, and hobbyists, this workstation keeps tools organized while providing a strong and reliable bench for everyday workshop tasks. Main Workbench Features Core Components Heavy-duty wooden work surface Storage drawers and cabinets Open lower shelves Pegboard tool organizer Mobile caster wheel base Reinforced structural frame 1. Main Work Surface The tabletop serves as the primary working area for cutting, assembly, and repairs. Recommended Dimensions Width: 150–240cm Depth: 60–80cm Height: 85–95cm ergono...
Read more