How to Make a Bamboo Chair

13 Jul

DIY Tutorial

In this DIY tutorial we'll show you how to make a bamboo chair with very basic hand tools and without the use of any metal nails or screws.

Inventory of Materials

Tools Needed

Step 1: Drilling Single Holes in the Bamboo Chair Crossbars

Mark the center of each crossbar (B) and drill two holes at 12.5 cm left and right from the center. Each hole should have a diameter of 7 cm with a total of 25 cm between them.

Step 2: Drilling a Single Hole in Each Chair Frame Rail

Drill a single hole in each frame rail (C) at 33 cm from the end of the bamboo pole. The hole should have a diameter of 5 cm.

Step 3: Marking of the B1 Crossbar

Place frame rails (C) of the bamboo chair into the crossbars (B) so they form a closed frame. Draw a line on one of the crossbars (B1) that connects the outside of the frame rails and then mark the center.

Step 4: Drilling a Single Hole in the B1 Crossbar

Drill a single hole in the crossbar (B1) of 5 cm diameter. The hole must be drilled so it touches the previously marked line and not through the line!

Step 5: Making a First Cut in the Center Chair Support

Place the center support (A) in a miter box or workbench and cut the end of the bamboo pole at a 30 degree angle.

Step 6: Making a Second Cut in the Center Chair Support

Place the other end of the center support (A) in the miter box or workbench and make another 30 degree cut at 52 cm from the previous one.

Step 7: Drilling a Double Hole in the Center Chair Support

Drill a hole of 5 cm diameter through both sides of the center support (A). The center of the hole should be 19 cm from the far end of the bamboo pole.

Step 8: Drilling the Bottom Hole in the Center Chair Support

Rotate the center support (A) 90 degrees and drill another hole of 5 cm diameter at a distance of 7.5 cm from the nearest end.

Step 9: Making Bamboo Dowels

Cut bamboo pole (F) lengthwise into at least 8 parts. Each of these portions must be thinned to form dowels of 20 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter at one end and 4 mm at the other end.

Step 10: Assembling the Bamboo Chair

Insert bamboo cane (E) through the side holes of the center support (A). Next, place the side frame rails (C) and finish by mounting the crossbars (B) over the frame rails (C).

Step 11: Drilling Holes for the Bamboo Dowels

Make 6 perforations of approximately 8 mm diameter that cross the junctions between parts (B-C) and (C-E). Drill the perforations towards the junctions and not in the center of the bamboo canes. This will make the joints much stronger.

Step 12: Inserting the Bamboo Dowels

The dowels are struck with a mallet until they come out at the other end of the perforations. Once the dowels are inserted properly the excess is cut off. A drop of wood glue may be used, although not necessary.

Step 13: Drilling Holes in Bamboo Cane (D)

Place bamboo cane (D) and drill perforations for the dowels. The first perforation (1) is made vertically between bamboo cane (D) and crossbar (B). The second perforation is made horizontally between bamboo cane (D) and center support (A).