6 DIY Child Rocking Chair Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
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Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
Whether you have kids or grandchildren, a rocking chair is an excellent present for children! Commercial rocking chairs can be expensive, depending on the wood and if they are handmade. However, building a rocking chair will save you money, and a gift is always more meaningful when you construct it for a loved one. These 6 DIY chairs are small but will receive big smiles from kids! The designs below feature complex and simple plans, but they all produce rocking chairs that kids will love.
The 6 DIY Child Rocking Chair Plans
1. Nail-less Screwless Child’s Rocking Chair from Instructables.com
This Nail-less, Screwless Child’s Rocking Chair not only requires a small number of materials, but it also includes simple-to-follow instructions, making this the perfect project for woodworking beginners. You’ll love how easy it is to construct, and your kids will love rocking the chair.
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Materials: | Plywood Board |
| Tools: | Saw, Sander, Pencil, Tape Measure, Drill |
- Tip: This rocking chair is safe; even if your kids look like they might fall over, don’t worry, they won’t!
2. Old-Fashioned Rocker from TheWoodcrafter.net
This Old-Fashioned Rocker plan is perfect for all kids, but the instructions supply alterations based on your kid’s age. A handy chart, images of what the final product should look like, and quick instructions are included. Keep in mind this is not a beginner project.
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
| Materials: | Wood, Screws |
| Tools: | Drill, Pencil, Tape Measure, Sander, Saw |
- Tip: This job takes about 85 hours!
3. Colorful Kid’s Rocking Chair from Instructables.com
This Colorful Kid’s Rocking Chair is customizable and transportable. You can conveniently collapse it for travel, shipping, or storage. This simple design is made from five pieces of wood and held together by two tension bolts, making it a perfect, easy project for intermediate woodworkers.
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Materials: | Plywood Sheets, Paint, Clear Lacquer, Scrap Cardboard, Threaded Rod, Treat Cap Nuts, Threaded Hex Nut |
| Tools: | Table Saw, Chop Saw, Router, Roundover Bit, Router Bit, Jigsaw, Printer, Rotary Tool, Metal Cutting Bit, Allen Key |
- Tip: The trailing rocking edge ensures that even vigorous rocking won’t tip this chair over! Make it a little bigger than your child so it can last for years as they grow.
4. Small and Simple Rocking Chair from Myoutdoorplans.com
This Small and Simple Rocking Chair is perfect for kids and easy to build, with a clean-cut design that can match any style; it’s ideal for an indoor setting or on a porch. This chair has a high back, similar to dining chairs, minus the rocking element added at the bottom.
| Skill Level: | |
| Materials: | |
| Tools: |
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials: Lumber, Screws, Brad Nails, Glue, Wood Stain, Paint
Tools: Hammer, Tape Measure, Framing Square, Level, Milter Saw, Drill Machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
- Tip: You can use any lumber to build this chair but keep in mind that if you want it to last, invest in high-quality lumber, like redwood, cedar, or pine.
5. Teddy Bear Rocking Chair from the Bryan Brothers
This Teddy Bear Rocking Chair provides the perfect instructions for building a rocking chair that all kids will enjoy! Not only will they love the adorable design, and rocking motion, but it will also fit toddlers perfectly!
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
| Materials: | Lumber, Wood Glue, Wood Finish |
| Tools: | Scroll Saw, Pencil, Tape Measure, Band Saw, Printer, Sander, Clamps, Drill |
- Tip: The wood recommended for this chair is pine; however, you can use whatever you think will suit the project best.
6. Solid Child’s Rocking Chair from SCWD.us
This Solid Child’s Rocking Chair is easy to make, with a simple, intuitive customizable design. Background on the chair, images, and an easy-to-follow video are all provided. If made correctly, this chair will last several years for your children!
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Materials: | Studs, Wooden Dowels, Wood Glue |
| Tools: | Pencil, Triangle Ruler, Sander, Drill, Saw, Hammer, Clamp |
- Tip: To add more fun to this chair, consider painting it after constructing it!
Conclusion
The earliest rocking chair designs were produced in the late 18th century, but the Shaker design, considered the standard, was developed in New York in the 19th century. Authentic Shaker rocking chairs are pricey, but with the plans we discussed, you can construct one at home for a fraction of the cost. Building a rocking chair for your kids is a rewarding experience, and if you protect the wood with a sealant or paint, it can last for generations.
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Featured Image Credit: ArtTower, Pixabay
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