If you decide to create pieces of furniture for your child yourself, but do not have much experience, start easy. Make your own highchair.
“Handmade” is always an original work of art. Even using a ready-made master class in your work, you will still be the author of exclusive handmade work.
Furniture made by your own hands will be created “with soul” and love, and will also significantly save the family budget.
Types of stools
The most common types of stools include:
- children's;
- folding;
- stepladders;
- box stool;
- stool for a summer cottage.
To make these models, you will need certain tools. Of course, this will not be the complete set used by professional carpenters, but the minimum number of tools you need to have on hand.
Many of the required devices are available in every home, but some of the working devices should be purchased in specialized stores.
Tools
To make a simple piece of furniture yourself you will need:
- screwdriver;
- set of clamps;
- hammer;
- chisels of various sizes;
- tape measure and other measuring instruments;
- electric jigsaw;
- plane;
- durable table.
It is advisable to have a set of cutters and a grinder.
Tools for work
To work, you need to prepare a basic set of carpentry tools.
Without carpentry tools, making any piece of furniture from wood simply won’t work. Professional furniture makers have workshops fully equipped with special expensive machines. But just to try yourself as a carpenter, of course, you shouldn’t immediately purchase professional equipment, however, you will still have to prepare some tools.
The list of the most popular tools for working with wood is as follows:
Many operations are performed with a manual milling cutter
- It’s great if you have a hand router with a set of cutters that will help you process the edges of boards, timber and plywood, drill holes of different sizes, or carefully select grooves and grooves on any part.
The grinding machine allows you to quickly process parts to perfection
- To get rid of tedious operations, you will need a sanding machine with interchangeable wheels of varying degrees of grain to give the wood surface a smooth finish. This work can be done manually, but it will take much longer.
An electric jigsaw is extremely easy to use
- Electric jigsaw. This tool, of course, can be replaced with a hand hacksaw, but after sawing the boards with it, the edges of the parts will not turn out neat, and you will have to work hard on them using a router. Again, cutting the material by hand will take much longer.
No one can argue with the versatility of a screwdriver
- A screwdriver will be needed not only for screwing in fasteners, but also for drilling holes in parts. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a set of screwdriver bits and drills of different diameters. Instead of a screwdriver, you can use any drill and a set of hand screwdrivers.
A clamp is an essential element of a quality carpentry tool kit.
- Clamps of various sizes. If you want to make a really high-quality and durable thing, then you must have clamps on hand, since when gluing boards into a solid panel or individual parts together, they must be strongly compressed and left in this position for a fairly long time, and besides these no other instrument can do this.
- You always need a hammer and chisels of different sizes. Sometimes you have to resort to using a plane - it can also be manual or electric.
- Measuring and marking equipment is being prepared - a tape measure, a construction square, a wooden ruler 500÷1000 mm, a simple pencil, a thickness planer, etc.
In addition to these tools, to carry out the work conveniently, you will need a fairly large and durable table - a workbench.
Find out how to make a rocking chair with your own hands by studying several available options in a special article on our portal.
Children's stool
A piece of furniture that is light in weight, practical, and convenient for all family members will always have a “job” in the house.
To make a small stool yourself, you should use durable solid wood.
Do you want to build a very lightweight structure? Work with a lime board. All components of the item must be well polished, and sharp corners must be rounded.
A similar thing can be used both for sitting and as a footrest. A small stool can please both children and elderly family members who really like to put their feet on stands.
Types of designs of children's stools
Children's stools can be divided into the following groups according to their design features:
- Traditional one-piece models. Durable, stable, reliable products. But they are only suitable for a certain age and do not adapt to the child’s growth. A stationary stool is inconvenient to take on a trip or for a walk.
- Folding model. It can be given a compact appearance, the product is also easy to unfold. The light weight allows you to take the stool with you everywhere, but when unfolded it is larger in size than the regular version.
- Transformer. Main features: the seat is adjusted to the desired height as the young owner grows. The product can be used as a stepladder.
To choose a good stool for your child, you should consider not only the design and functionality of the item, but also the materials used.
Stool-box
Looking at photographs of hand-made stools on websites, special attention will definitely be drawn to the “combine” - combining a stool with a drawer.
This model is suitable for hiding rarely used items and freeing up additional space in the apartment. At the same time, the sides of the box will significantly strengthen the entire structure.
The fair sex can use the box as a place to store things for needlework, and men can store various tools necessary for the household.
Folding stool
Such an item is very convenient during “forays” out of town. The design is extremely compact, so it can easily fit in the trunk of a car.
In small apartments, in small kitchens, this is a very convenient thing. The stool can be kept unfolded, and, if necessary, folded and removed from the room.
The choice of seat shape for such a model depends on the taste of the craftsman. One nuance should be taken into account - for a round seat, you need different legs than for a square seat. The legs should be made from a wooden board or solid plywood.
The base of the structure consists of frames that fit freely into one another. Fastening is carried out with special screws on both sides, which allows the structure to be folded.
Stool in the interior of a children's room
Of course, a chair is preferable for long sessions, but children's stools will be useful in a child's possession.
- With them it is easier to give free rein to your imagination.
- Have a tea party for all the dolls.
- Provide extra seating for friends.
- If necessary, get your favorite toy or book from a high shelf, but on the condition that parents insure their child at first.
- Next to the crib, this item will serve as an impromptu table.
- On the upper surface you can fold the clothes prepared for the baby.
A stool is considered the simplest design for sitting. It consists of a base and a seat. Backrest and armrests are not provided.
Typically, a children's room is not large in size, so in order to leave enough free space for outdoor games, you should choose compact pieces of furniture. Stools fully possess this property. They do not clutter up the room; after use, they can be put away under the table or in a free corner.
A stool is a piece of furniture that will be in demand at any age. Naturally, as you grow older, its characteristics should change: height, seat size, color, design.
For kids, it is better to choose a simple, reliable design. Bright colors are suitable for decoration. Stylized stools upholstered in fur resemble animals. Paw-shaped legs, a tail or small horns will enhance the effect.
Schoolchildren spend more time at their desks, so care must be taken to maintain proper posture.
Suitable for these purposes:
- balancing stool;
- model with a seat in the form of a saddle;
- an object that creates a dynamic effect, with supports like a rocking chair;
- orthopedic product with emphasis on the knees.
Combined option
A great idea is to combine a stool with a stepladder. There is always a use for such a thing both in the house and in the country. A stepladder is necessary when cleaning, while hanging curtains or pictures.
You can’t do without it when you need to get the right thing from the mezzanine or high shelf of the wardrobe.
The design allows you to remove the steps of the stepladder under the seat so that when assembled it would be an ordinary stool that takes up minimal space.
The stool turns into a stepladder without much effort. To make the steps and seats of such a product, it is necessary to use wooden boards. The stringer and legs can be made of high-quality plywood.
Stool drawing
Having decided on the model of the future product, a sketch drawing is drawn up, according to which all structural elements will be manufactured. When drawing up a drawing, all the necessary dimensions are immediately calculated and marked on the drawing. It is not at all necessary to make a diagram, observing all the canons and rules of drawing science - even just drawing it by hand will be enough. The main thing is that you can visually evaluate what will happen in the end, see all the parameters of the necessary materials and the principle of their connection.
Drawing of a simple stool - work for beginners
In the presented diagram you can see the names of some of the parts that are included in the design of the stool - these are drawers, legs and “crackers”. Let’s talk about them in a little more detail, so that in further descriptions it will be clear what we are talking about. All these parts are necessary to hold the structure together and give it the required strength.
- Drawbars are bars or boards located under the seat of a stool and fasten the legs together with tenon joints, creating a strong support for the seat.
- The leg is an element designed to increase the stability and rigidity of the structure. It is located in the central or lower part of the legs (according to their height) and also fastens them together with tongue-and-groove joints.
- “Rusks” are bars, boards or metal corners installed diagonally on the inner corners of the structure under the seat and secured to the drawers and legs.
When drawing up a drawing, it is important to calculate not only the parameters of all visible parts of the structure, but also the size of the internal connecting elements, such as tenons cut at the edges of the drawers, and the grooves in which they will be installed, selected in the legs of the stool.
Stool for the garden
The best solution for a summer cottage would be to make a portable stool shaped like a bench.
Plywood cannot be used, because... it will delaminate under the influence of precipitation. It is necessary to stock up on massive wooden beams.
The best option would be a board made of larch or oak. When choosing other types of trees, do not forget to generously soak them with a water-repellent composition and paint them.
One of the fundamentally important differences between outdoor products is that it is necessary to leave small gaps between the back and the seat so that melt or rain water does not linger on the surface, but flows to the ground, and all parts of the structure are quickly ventilated.
Preparing for work
Before starting work, you should create a drawing of the stool. When drawing up a sketch of a future structure, you should immediately apply all the necessary parameters.
It is absolutely not necessary to carry out a drawing in strict compliance with all the laws of drawing. It will be enough to draw the diagram by hand. The main thing is that the master himself can understand how and what needs to be done.
You can use the drawing diagrams available on the relevant websites.
For beginners who are getting down to business for the first time, let us explain a few specific terms:
- drawers - wooden scraps that fasten the legs of the structure;
- leg - an element that gives stability to the stool. It is located at the bottom of the legs and holds them together;
- “crackers” - corners made of metal or wood, located in the inner corners of the stool under the seat.
When drawing up sketches, be sure to clearly indicate not only the external dimensions of the stool, but also the parameters of all internal elements.
Manufacturing materials
Materials used for children's furniture must be safe for the baby's health.
The first place in the ranking rightfully goes to the tree. The best species for production: beech, ash, alder, aspen. However, wood is sensitive to moisture, requires special care, has significant weight, but the main disadvantage is that a children's stool made from solid wood is quite expensive.
The second place in popularity belongs to plywood products. The material is safe in an environmental sense, bends well, and has an affordable price. It produces lightweight models of unusual shapes. But when exposed to liquid, the structure can become deformed and delaminate.
Plastic products are very light and come in a wide variety of shapes and shades. They are easy to care for. Mild detergents and plain water are suitable for these purposes; abrasive compounds should be avoided. The disadvantage of the material is its high fragility. If handled carelessly, the stool may crack. Another unpleasant feature of such products is that it is cold to sit on them in winter.
Chipboard is also used in the manufacture of stools. It is important to check for a certificate confirming the absence of harmful fumes. The surface of the board is laminated or covered with veneer, and the edges with a special film. In terms of durability and reliability, this is the weakest option.
In the case of decorating stools, work should be carried out with water- or acrylic-based paints. The accompanying documents must confirm that they do not contain heavy metals.
For seat upholstery, fabric materials and leatherette are usually used.
For kids, it is better to choose upholstery with a water-repellent effect. It’s a good idea to have spare covers made from natural fabrics. They will not only decorate the room, but also make the sitting process more comfortable.
All parts of the frame are thoroughly polished so that the child is not injured by protruding bumps or sharp edges.
Simple design
The first steps in a new carpentry craft need to start with the most basic things.
Numerous instructions posted on the Internet will help DIYers on how to make a wooden stool with their own hands.
To work you will need the following parts:
- 4 well-finished legs;
- plywood or wooden board;
- legs and drawers (4 pieces each);
- self-tapping screws;
- special glue.
Choosing a design and shape
The shape of furniture created by yourself can be absolutely any and depends only on your imagination. However, given that the furniture is intended for a child, it is better to choose a standard square tabletop with rounded corners and a chair with a classic square seat, which is the most comfortable and practical.
How to choose a high chair is described in this article.
Children's folding table without sharp corners.
Structural stability is one of the primary requirements that should be taken into account when choosing a craft model.
An important point is the height of the back of the chair. In order for the child to sit comfortably, leaning against it, it should not be too low, as in the photo below.
Tip: the approximate height of the backrest should be equal to the distance from the floor to the seat of the chair.
There are many materials from which you can make a children's table and chair. Traditional, of course, is wood, but such a set will be quite heavy and more expensive.
Chairs made of wood (solid wood).
Therefore, it would be more rational to use thick plywood. Despite the lighter weight of the table and chair, the structure is stable and is not inferior in strength to solid wood furniture. Therefore, we will take as a basis this kit, which we will make from plywood.
Since furniture, as a rule, is intended for a specific child, its sizes are best selected individually, in accordance with the height and age of the little owner. It’s also better to involve your baby in the decor. Here are some tips on how to beautifully and simply decorate homemade furniture:
1. When decorating such an exclusive piece of furniture for your baby, do not forget to take into account the opinion of the main exploiter and involve him in the creative process.
2. Use your child’s favorite colors, but don’t lose sight of the overall color scheme of the interior of the room in which the furniture will be placed.
3. A good option for furniture decor is images of your favorite cartoon characters on the tabletop or in other parts of the chair. You can use the decoupage technique or paint the surface of the furniture yourself.
4. A simple and quick way to decorate a craft is regular varnishing. This type of furniture processing looks natural and harmonious in almost any interior.
We'll look at other decor ideas and life hacks a little further, but for now let's decide what we'll need in our work.
Assembly of the structure
Step one. When forming a seat from two boards, they should be glued together, tightened with clamps and wait until completely dry.
Step two. The height of the legs is checked. To prevent the stool from “limping,” all legs must be the same length. Markings are outlined for such elements as legs and drawers. Mark where to make the notches for the grooves and tenons.
The recesses for the holes are made using chisels. The “pits” are made in such a way that the parts with spikes fit tightly into the grooves.
Third step. Legs and drawers fasten the legs of the product. The parts with spikes are coated with glue and inserted into the grooves. The resulting structures are tightened with clamps.
In order to give additional strength, after the glue has completely dried, the parts are strengthened with self-tapping screws.
Another additional reinforcement can be screwing “crackers” to the sides and legs.
The final fourth step. A seat is attached. Holes of the required diameter are drilled in the corners. Glue is poured into them and the legs are inserted.
Any glue that comes out of the holes should be removed immediately. After the glue has completely dried, you can say that the first stool made with your own hands is done!
Types of structures
There are several types of children's stools, differing in design.
- Stationary models. This type of furniture has maximum reliability. However, it cannot be taken with you for a walk and cannot be adjusted according to the child’s height.
- Folding stools are more functional. However, the product has significant dimensions. The legs extend quite wide to provide good stability.
- Transformers. Such stools are able to change the height of the seat above the floor level, which allows them to grow with their owner. The model can also serve as a stepladder, which is useful not only in the nursery.
