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9 Simple DIY Viking Chair Plans You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Learning how to build a Viking chair is one of the world’s simplest and oldest. Because it is so old, the Viking chair has gone by many names throughout history, including Viking chair, one-board chair. African chair, bog chair, and Celtic chair.
There are not just numerous names for the chair, but also numerous different ways to make it, and personal touches you can put on it.
Check out the 9 free DIY plans below for different spins on this classic chair!
The 9 Simple DIY Viking Chair Plans
1. One Board Minimalist Chair from Instructables.com
The One Board Minimalist Chair only requires one board to make! Because of this, and the basic tools necessary to make this chair, this is a great plan for woodworking beginners. This comfortable and durable chair will take close to no time to make but will last you decades.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials: Wood
Tools: Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Square, Straight Line Tool, Drill with a Large Drill Bit, Tape Measure, Pencil
This Sturdy Viking Chair plan not only involves instructions but also detailed pictures that walk you through each step of construction. The author advises using wood glue to enhance the structure’s rigidity!
The Pallet Viking Chair is a sturdier, slicker Viking chair design. This one involves placing three layers of pallet boards on top of each other. There is even an optional design tutorial at the end that tells you how to use the Lichtenberg Figure technique.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials: At least 8 Pallets, PVA glue
Tools: Handsaw, Hammer, Jigsaw, Sandpaper
Tip: You don’t need them, but the project will go a lot quicker if you also have a belt sander, chisels, clamps, and a nail gun.
Jeff’s DIY Projects Viking Chair is a cheap and easy plan for making your very own Viking chair. He notes that this chair is really incredible for stargazing, with an angled plank that supports your neck and is surprisingly comfortable. There is a hand tool and power tool method included in the instructions, along with a video, pictures, and detailed instructions.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials: One Pine Board
Tools: Hand Saw, Mortise Chisel, Hatchet, Brace and a Large Auger Bit, Rubber Mallet & Hammer, Lawnmower Blade, Tape Measure, Saw Horse
Tip: For the power tool method you need a jig saw and a drill.
5. Nerd Throne Viking Chair from Instructables.com
The Nerd Throne Viking Chair pays homage to the ancient Viking chair design but also offers some tips for useful features that you can add to it. This chair is customizable, and the tutorial offers some interesting facts about the history of the Viking chair!
Skill Level: Advanced
Materials: 6 Pieces of Heavy Plywood, Protective Rubber
Tools: Zip Screws, Sand Paper or a Belt Sander, Saw, Router, Pencil, Woodburning Material, Staple Gun, Circle Saw
Tip: Easily transport this chair by making a paracord loop with a wooden toggle and slide.
6. Man Cave Pallet Viking Chair from 1001pallets.com
Looking for a Viking Chair for Your Man Cave? Then this is the design to follow! This versatile chair plan has numerous design options and step-by-step photos.
The Stargazer is unique because of the 2 separate boards of pine that were used to make it. This chair also has a crown carved into the head of its back panel, and a burnt and weathered look that makes the chair look ancient and battle-worn. A video, pictures, and in-depth instructions are provided. Learn how to build a viking chair like this one today!
This Simple Stargazer Chair is easy to assemble and gives the option for personalized Celtic carvings. The plan is also flexible in what kind of wood you can use- salvaged or new. Check out his other video for the chair’s exact dimensions.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials: Two Pieces of Wood
Tools: Jig Saw, Circle Saw, Drill, Sandpaper or a Belt Sander, Pencil, Measuring Tool
Tip: Try finishing the chair with 2-3 coats of linseed oil. This will preserve and protect the chair.
9. The World’s Simplest Chair from Woodworkingformeremortals.com
Learning how to build a Viking chair is the World’s Simplest Chair! This plan contains a quick, helpful video instruction for how to make a viking chair that is great to take camping.
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials: 2 Wooden Boards, Wood Glue
Tools: Circle Saw, Tape Measure, Pencil, Drill, Band Saw, Sander
Tip: Apply any colors of paint at the end to make this chair more fun! He used playful light blue and yellow colors.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
