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The “Step-by-Step Elegant Chair Woodworking Plan” is a downloadable project from WOOD magazine, designed by master furniture maker Tom McLaughlin. It is for a traditional chair with curved parts—not a generic chair tutorial. WOOD lists the finished chair at 20 inches wide × 20 inches deep × 40 inches high and identifies templates, a tablesaw, a bandsaw, and a mortise or drill press among the project’s resources. The public listing does not show a complete cut list or every build step, so use the plan itself for exact measurements and sequence.
What this chair plan is
The design combines Federal, Chippendale, Early American, and Arts and Crafts influences. WOOD describes its aim as an elegant chair that does not sacrifice comfort. The project appeared in WOOD Issue 204 in May 2011; the publisher’s page was updated January 11, 2024. View the WOOD magazine plan listing.
The published overall dimensions are:
- Width: 20 inches
- Depth: 20 inches
- Height: 40 inches
These are overall dimensions, not a seat-height or component-measurement schedule. Confirm fit and all working dimensions in the downloadable plan before cutting stock.
Tools and information the listing identifies
The publisher calls out templates for curved parts and lists these tools for the project:
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- Included with purchase:
- Four - ¼" MDF templates: Precision cut templates are provided to ensure accurate duplication of curved components
- Ten page full color project booklet: Step-by-step instruction booklet complete with material shopping list, preparation procedures and assembly of components
- Two standard size pencils to assist with accurate component layout
- Customer support contact information
- Tablesaw
- Bandsaw
- Mortise or drill press
The landing page does not expose a complete bill of materials, cut list, measured joinery details, or full construction sequence. It therefore is not enough by itself to reproduce the chair accurately. Consult the plan for the actual part dimensions, joinery layout, and order of operations; do not infer those details from the tool list.
Wood, finish, and plan formats
A separate WoodworkersWorkshop listing reports solid cherry with a clear oil finish as the described material and finish, while allowing the builder to choose another wood. That seller also lists paper and PDF formats. These details come from a secondary listing, not the publisher’s public landing page, so check the current seller description and terms before ordering. See the WoodworkersWorkshop listing.
Rank #2
- This is our product offering of woodworking plans and instructions to build the project shown above.
- We do not sell the actual pre-built product or kit. We sell plans on how to build the item shown.
- Full size drawings with instructions to build.
- WOOD AND HARDWARE NOT INCLUDED.
- Questions? Please email us.
The secondary listing says purchasing the plan does not grant the right to reproduce it or sell the design or finished project; it advises builders who want to sell the project to obtain permission from the designer. Check the seller’s current terms and seek the necessary permission rather than assuming a personal-use plan grants commercial rights.
How to decide whether it suits your shop
Before committing to the build, check whether the complete plan answers the practical questions that the public listing leaves open:
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- Great woodworking paper plan
- "Best of" projects from editors of Woodcraft Magazine
- Get hands on this Christmas! Woodcraft is proud to be America’s leading supplier of high-quality woodworking hand tools, power tools, domestic and exotic wood, shop supplies, project plans and kits, plus so much more! Our family of brands include Highpoint professional-grade fasteners and hardware, and precision-engineered Pinnacle tools. Our products make the perfect holiday gift for anyone that loves woodworking.
- Fit: Compare the listed 20 × 20 × 40-inch overall size with the room and table where the chair will be used. The listing does not state adjustable dimensions.
- Tools: Make sure you can safely produce the curved components and the specified joints with the tools the plan requires. The public page names a tablesaw, bandsaw, and mortise or drill press, but not every tool or setup detail.
- Templates and stock: Confirm what templates, material quantities, and cut measurements are included in the downloadable instructions before buying or milling lumber.
- Seat and finish: Verify the plan’s own seat construction and finishing instructions; the public page does not specify them. Do not assume the woven or upholstered methods used in other chair plans apply here.
Other chair plans are alternatives, not substitutes for this plan’s instructions
Other published chair projects illustrate different approaches, but their construction details should not be transferred to McLaughlin’s design.
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Rank #4
- Completed chair size: 30" W x 32" D x 39-1/2" H
- Completed footrest size: 22-3/8" D x 21" W x 14-3/4" H
- Great paper woodworking plan
- Get hands on this Christmas! Woodcraft is proud to be America’s leading supplier of high-quality woodworking hand tools, power tools, domestic and exotic wood, shop supplies, project plans and kits, plus so much more! Our family of brands include Highpoint professional-grade fasteners and hardware, and precision-engineered Pinnacle tools. Our products make the perfect holiday gift for anyone that loves woodworking.
| Project | Documented approach | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Woodworking dining-chair project by Matthew Teague | Uses full-size templates and slip (loose or floating) tenons to simplify angled joinery; the author notes proportions can be adjusted for different sizes. | A separate design and lesson sequence, not evidence of the joinery or adjustable dimensions in the WOOD plan. See the Fine Woodworking project. |
| Woodcraft chair project by Ken Burton | Uses mortise-and-tenon joinery and a woven seat. Its documented process includes a dry-clamp before glue-up; the seat uses laced Danish cord and L-shaped Danish nails. | A distinct project. Its joinery sequence and woven-seat materials are not stated requirements for the WOOD chair. See the Woodcraft project. |
| Ana White’s Classic Chair | Provides an upholstered seat, shopping and cut lists, metric measurements, step-by-step instructions, and a basic tool list. | A separate plan with its own parts and construction. Its cut list and instructions do not apply to McLaughlin’s chair. See the Classic Chair plan. |
What to confirm before starting
- Open the full plan and verify that its templates and instructions are available in the format you intend to use.
- Review the complete cut list, stock requirements, and joint dimensions before purchasing lumber.
- Check that the specified joinery and curved shaping are within your equipment and skill range; arrange access to any required tool before starting.
- Confirm the plan’s seat, finish, and current usage terms from the plan provider rather than borrowing those details from another chair project.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
