Build a Stick Chair
Over five days, students will construct their own stick chair. We’ll start with a solid plank to shape and sculpt the seat, then shave the legs and undercarriage.
Not scheduled right now. Last taught 2026.
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The workshop
Over five days, students will construct their own stick chair. We’ll start with a solid plank to shape and sculpt the seat, then shave the legs and undercarriage. We’ll fashion the sticks, arms and combs before assembling our chairs. We’ll use a dry hardwood for this course, most likely ash or red oak, and will be building from our workbench and at the shave horse. Whether you are making your first chair or your 100th, you will be challenged and find success in this class.
The main photo is representative of the chair style students will build. Three gallery photos suggest options for students wanting variation in the main chair style. Students will be able to adapt their combs (the top of the chair) if desired.
Skills and techniques
- Carving and shaping the chair seat
- Planing the legs into octagons or into rounds
- Spokeshave work to shape the arms and comb
- Understanding rake and splay, then drilling the leg angles
- We’ll shape every part, then assemble our chairs
- Students will gain a thorough understanding of chair construction, of common chairmaking practices, and employ a series of hand tools to make their chairs.
Before you come
Details for students
Where
One of the farm's studios, confirmed at check-in. See the campus
Staying on the farm
Housing, meals, the daily schedule, and places to stay nearby are on Prepare for your workshop.
Your instructor
Questions about this workshop, housing, or meals? Email registrar@sanbornmills.org or call (603) 435-7314. Please read the workshop policies before you register.